How to Play Fortnite Split Screen on Xbox and Playstation

If you’re one of the many Fortnite fans out there, you may be wondering how to play Fortnite split screen with a friend in couch co-op form. You’ll be happy to hear that yes, this option is available, but only under certain circumstances.

First, you’ll need to be playing on the same console together since this is a Local Multiplayer feature. Second, it only works with Fortnite Duos or Squads Battle Royale. Lastly, it only works for two players if you’re looking to co-op. You can have others join online, though.

Now that you have the basics, let’s get into the specifics of playing with a friend in person. When we’re done, you’ll know how to play Fortnite split screen on PS4, PS5, and Xbox.

How to Play Fortnite Split Screen on Xbox

Before you start, ensure you have a solid internet connection and that both controllers have previously been used with the Xbox (or pair them now). After you turn on your Xbox and sign in, follow these steps to play in split screen mode on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S:

1. Start a Duos or Squad Fortnite game
2. Go to the game’s lobby
3. Press A on the second controller
4. Choose a second account to sign in to, or select Add new to if it’s not listed
5. Player 2’s character should appear in the lobby
6. Press Y when you’re ready to start
7. Once the game begins, it should default to split-screen, with the first player on the top half of the screen and the second player on the bottom

Now that you know how to play Fortnite split screen, here’s some tips to remember: 

• Player 1 has control over the screen automatically. If you want to change that ability to the second player, hold A on their controller
• You’ll see a white border on the screen when player 2 has taken over control
• Do this process again with player 1’s controller if you wish to give them control again

How to Play Fortnite Split Screen on PlayStation

Split screen works similarly on PlayStation. If the second user has already played Fortnite on their account in the past, it just takes a few steps to start split screen Fortnite. Here’s how it works on PS5 and PS4: 

1. Plug in the second controller and ensure it’s synced by pressing the PlayStation button
2. Unplug the controller and press the PlayStation button again
3. Select a PlayStation Network account
4. Press and hold triangle on the controller to start Fortnite in split screen mode

Tips to remember: 

• Player 1 has control over the screen automatically. If you want to change that ability to the second player, hold X on their controller
• You’ll see a white border on the screen when player 2 has taken over control
• Do this process again with player 1’s controller if you wish to give them control again

Can you play Fortnite using split screen mode on Nintendo Switch?

Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, hasn’t yet given player’s the ability to do a Fortnite Switch split screen. In fact, it’s not available for PC or mobile either. The only consoles you can couch co-op with are the Xbox and PlayStation versions, and it must be on a single console. It also doesn’t work with Limited Time or Creative Modes, Ranked Mode, Solos, or Save the World. Only Squads or Duos work with co-op. 

Important Tips

Is your Fortnite split screen not working? Are you having problems getting everything set up? Here are some tips for troubleshooting and other handy things to know when learning how to play Fortnite split screen:  

• If split screen Fortnite isn’t working, check your internet connection. Unstable connection will keep this ability from functioning. Also, try waiting a bit for an update. Not long ago this feature was temporarily unavailable due to bugs. Epic had to roll out an update to re-enable them
• Playing couch co-op with a friend means you can’t share inventory with each other
• You can add friends and cross play as a way to get more players to join, but the split screen only works with two players. You won’t be able to use the same console with more than that
• If a player leaves the match or disconnects, your split screen will stop
• Lobby and sub-menus aren’t split screen. Only the matches are
• Language settings must be the same for both players
• The screen will only be divided horizontally, not vertically
• A mouse and keyboard won’t work for split screen on your console. You must use an actual controller 

Conclusion

Now you know how to split screen PS5, PS4, and Xbox consoles. Luckily the steps are very simple and can be done within seconds. That said, it’s disappointing that other platforms don’t have these same options. Hopefully if enough people complain, Epic Games will pay attention and make some changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fortnite split screen support voice chat for both players?

Yes, both players can use voice chat while playing split screen, but each player will need their own headset connected to their respective controller for clear communication.

Can I adjust the split screen layout to be vertical instead of horizontal?

No, Fortnite split screen only works with a horizontal split. There’s no option to change it to a vertical layout.

Can I play Fortnite split screen with different Epic Games accounts?

Each player must log into a separate profile, but linking to an Epic Games account is not necessary. Guest accounts won’t work.

Will Fortnite split screen work if one player owns a skin or battle pass and the other doesn’t?

Yes, each player’s cosmetics, battle pass progression, and skins are tied to their own account, so they appear as they normally would. But you can’t share V-Bucks or purchased items between accounts.