As a passionate gamer, I’ve discovered that nothing beats the excitement of playing split-screen games with friends and family on the PS5. While online gaming dominates today’s landscape, there’s something special about sharing the same couch and screen with your gaming buddies.
I’ve spent countless hours exploring the PS5’s library of split-screen titles, and I’m thrilled to share that local multiplayer gaming isn’t dead. From high-octane racing games to cooperative adventures, the PS5 offers diverse options for players who want to enjoy gaming together in the same room. Plus, with the console’s enhanced graphics and processing power, split-screen gaming has never looked better.
- PS5 offers a diverse range of split-screen games across various genres, including racing, sports, fighting, and family-friendly titles
- Popular split-screen games like “”It Takes Two”” and “”Overcooked! All You Can Eat”” support up to 4 players locally with enhanced 4K graphics and 60fps performance
- Most PS5 split-screen games feature improved loading times, dynamic weather effects, and haptic feedback support through the DualSense controller
- Setting up split-screen mode is straightforward, requiring controller pairing and accessing multiplayer options through the game menu or Options button
- For optimal split-screen gaming, it’s recommended to use a 55″” or larger display with Game Mode enabled and 4K resolution settings
Split Screen Games for PS5
I’ve carefully curated a selection of top split-screen games for PS5 that deliver exceptional local multiplayer experiences:
It Takes Two
- Innovative cooperative platforming mechanics
- Story-driven adventure focused on relationship dynamics
- Varied gameplay elements including racing minigames combat segments
- Requires two players to complete
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Classic split-screen multiplayer in both campaign zombie modes
- Up to 4-player local multiplayer support
- Customizable loadouts classes for each player
- 120fps performance on compatible displays
Dirt 5
- 4-player split-screen racing across diverse terrain
- Dynamic weather system affects gameplay
- 12 unique location types with multiple tracks
- Career mode playable in split-screen
Overcooked! All You Can Eat
- Combines both Overcooked games with DLC
- Up to 4-player cooperative cooking chaos
- 200+ levels with cross-platform play
- Enhanced 4K visuals 60fps performance
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
- 3D platforming with up to 4 players
- Dedicated cooperative levels challenges
- Seamless drop-in/drop-out functionality
- Unique team-based puzzle mechanics
- Traditional 2-player split-screen matches
- MyCareer mode with shared screen play
- Real-time stat tracking for local players
- Updated rosters historical teams
Each game maximizes the PS5’s capabilities with enhanced graphics faster loading times superior frame rates. These titles demonstrate the platform’s commitment to preserving delivering high-quality local multiplayer experiences.
Action and Adventure Co-op Games
Action-adventure co-op games on PS5 deliver immersive storytelling combined with engaging gameplay mechanics designed specifically for two players. These titles emphasize teamwork coordination while maintaining individual player agency.
It Takes Two
It Takes Two transforms players into Cody and May, a married couple turned into dolls by their daughter’s magical wish. The game features 25 unique mechanics across diverse environments, from piloting a pair of underpants through air ducts to controlling complementary gadgets in boss battles. Each level introduces fresh gameplay elements, requiring synchronized timing for puzzle-solving tasks like operating giant switches or coordinating platform jumps.
A Way Out
A Way Out follows two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, working together to escape prison and seek revenge. The game mandates constant communication through split-screen mechanics for tasks such as:
- Coordinating prison guard distractions
- Solving environmental puzzles using synchronized actions
- Backing each other up during intense chase sequences
- Operating vehicles while the partner provides cover fire
- Managing simultaneous quick-time events during key story moments
Game Features
| It Takes Two |
A Way Out
|—|
Play Time
| 12-14 hours |
6-8 hours
Split Screen Type
| Dynamic split |
Fixed split
Player Count
| 2 players only |
2 players only
Online Co-op
| Yes |
Yes
Local Co-op
| Yes |
Yes
Friend Pass
| Yes |
Sports and Racing Split Screen Games
Split-screen gaming delivers exceptional competitive experiences in sports and racing genres on PS5. These titles combine realistic graphics with responsive controls for intense local multiplayer matches.
NBA 2K23
NBA 2K23 features robust split-screen gameplay for 2-4 players in multiple game modes. The game includes head-to-head matchups in Play Now mode 2v2 street basketball in Blacktop mode. Players experience true-to-life basketball mechanics with signature moves specialized animations for each NBA athlete. The PS5 version runs at 60 FPS in split-screen mode with enhanced crowd reactions haptic feedback support.
Dirt 5
Dirt 5 transforms living rooms into racing arenas with 4-player split-screen support across all race types. The game features 70+ unique routes across 10 global locations from Norway’s frozen lakes to Brazil’s favelas. Each track incorporates dynamic weather systems real-time surface deformation that affects vehicle handling. The split-screen mode maintains smooth 60 FPS performance with detailed car models ray-traced reflections on PS5.
| Feature | NBA 2K23 | Dirt 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Players | 4 | 4 |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Game Modes | Play Now, Blacktop | Career, Time Trial, Sprint Races |
| Locations | NBA Arenas, Street Courts | 10 Global Locations |
| Weather Effects | Indoor Only | Dynamic Weather System |
Family-Friendly Multiplayer Games
Family-friendly split-screen games on PS5 create memorable bonding experiences through engaging cooperative gameplay mechanics. These titles blend accessibility with challenging content suitable for players of all ages.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure transforms living room gaming with 4-player local co-op platforming across colorful 3D worlds. The game features:
- Adaptive difficulty scaling based on player count
- Specialized team-based levels requiring coordination
- DualSense haptic feedback enhancing textile sensations
- 60 FPS performance at 4K resolution
- Cross-generation play compatibility with PS4
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Players | 4 |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS |
| Total Levels | 50+ |
| Special Levels | 10 co-op only stages |
- 200+ levels from both original games plus DLC
- Cross-platform multiplayer options
- Assist mode for younger players
- 4K resolution at 60 FPS
- Reduced loading times under 5 seconds
| Game Content | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Levels | 200+ |
| Playable Chefs | 80+ |
| Game Modes | 3 |
| Loading Time | <5 seconds |
| Max Players | 4 |
Competitive Fighting Games
The PS5’s high-performance capabilities elevate split-screen fighting games to new levels of intensity. I’ve discovered that the responsive controls coupled with enhanced graphics create an unmatched local multiplayer combat experience.
Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 delivers visceral split-screen combat at 4K resolution with 60 FPS performance on PS5. The game features 37 playable characters including DLC fighters like Rambo, RoboCop & Spawn. Local versus mode supports frame-by-frame practice options enhanced by the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback for precise combo execution. The Krypt mode adds 600+ collectible items to unlock through split-screen exploration.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K Dynamic |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS |
| Players | 2 Players Split-screen |
| Roster Size | 37 Characters |
| Game Modes | 8 Local Multiplayer Modes |
Guilty Gear Strive
Guilty Gear Strive revolutionizes split-screen fighting with its anime-inspired visuals running at 4K/60 FPS on PS5. The roster includes 15 base characters plus 4 DLC fighters with unique combat mechanics. Local versus mode incorporates rollback netcode technology reducing input lag to 2-3 frames. The training mode supports split-screen practice with frame data display & combo counters integrated into the UI.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K Native |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS |
| Players | 2 Players Split-screen |
| Roster Size | 19 Characters |
| Input Lag | 2-3 Frames |
Setting Up Split Screen Mode on PS5
Accessing Split Screen Options
I access split screen mode on PS5 games through three primary methods. The first involves pressing the Options button on the DualSense controller during gameplay. The second requires selecting multiplayer options from the main menu. The third uses in-game pause menus to activate local multiplayer settings.
Controller Configuration
The PS5 supports up to 4 DualSense controllers for split screen gaming. Here’s how to connect additional controllers:
- Press the PS button + Create button simultaneously on the new controller
- Wait for the light bar to flash blue
- Select the new controller from the PS5 menu
- Assign player numbers through the Quick Menu
Display Settings Optimization
The optimal display settings for split screen gaming on PS5 include:
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS |
| HDR | Enabled |
| Game Mode | On |
| Screen Size | 55″” or larger |
Common Split Screen Layouts
PS5 games utilize three primary split screen configurations:
- Horizontal Split: Divides the screen into top bottom sections
- Vertical Split: Creates left right screen divisions
- Quarter Split: Segments the display into four equal parts for 4-player modes
- Close background applications
- Install games on the internal SSD
- Enable Game Mode on the TV
- Update game software regularly
- Maintain proper console ventilation
Split-screen gaming on the PS5 offers an incredible way to enjoy gaming with friends and family right in your living room. I’ve explored numerous titles that showcase the console’s impressive capabilities while delivering unforgettable multiplayer experiences.
Whether you’re looking for cooperative adventures competitive races or family-friendly fun there’s definitely a split-screen game that’ll match your preferences. The PS5’s powerful hardware ensures these shared gaming moments look and play better than ever.
I’m confident that these games will help you create lasting memories and strengthen bonds through gaming. So grab a controller invite your favorite gaming partner and dive into the exciting world of PS5 split-screen gaming.
