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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. 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 PS4, PS5, and Xbox versions. 

How to Play Fortnite Split Screen on Xbox

Here are the steps on how to split screen on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S:

  1. Be sure you have a good internet connection
  2. Turn on your Xbox console and sign in
  3. Start a Duos or Squad Fortnite game
  4. Go to the game’s lobby
  5. Open the sign-in user menu by turning on the second controller
  6. Choose a user account for the second player to log into
  7. Hold the A button to log the second player’s account into Fortnite
  8. Player 2’s character should appear in the lobby
  9. Press Y when ready to start
  10. 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

Here are your steps on how to play Fortnite split screen PS5 & PS4: 

  1. Be sure you have a good internet connection
  2. Turn on your PlayStation console and sign in
  3. Start a Duos or Squad Fortnite game
  4. Go to the game’s lobby
  5. Open the sign-in user menu by turning on the second controller
  6. Choose a user account for the second player to log into
  7. Hold the X button to log the second player’s account into Fortnite
  8. Player 2’s character should appear in the lobby
  9. Press the triangle button when ready to start
  10. 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

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 characters

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 Modes, Creative, 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 your split screen isn’t working, try checking 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. 

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. 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 PS4, PS5, and Xbox versions.