Split-screen multiplayer might not be as popular as its online counterpart, but it’s very handy if you’re part of a big family or want to play games with your kids without the need for two separate consoles. It’s also a good way to avoid playing with random strangers online if that is a point of concern. We’re going to run through a variety of split-screen games that are available on Xbox One, ranging from kid-friendly open-world adventures like Minecraft to space-faring adult odysseys like Halo: The Master Chief Collection. There’s something for every member of the family on this list, so we hope it helps you build out your local co-op collection. In this brilliant action platformer, you’ll play as a married couple on the verge of breaking up who are turned into toys and must reconcile their differences while exploring an oversized version of their own home. The game demands a lot of cooperation and communication from its players as you traverse its levels, with one handing Cody a nail and May a hammer that they can use in tandem to solve puzzles. It Takes Two is also littered with competitive mini games so you can get one over on your partner when the time comes. Word of warning though, its roughly 11-hour story can be quite heavy at times, just like any good Pixar movie. It’s been called gamified couples therapy for a reason… ESRB: T (Teen) | Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA This globe-trotting tale forces an unlikely pair together, resulting in some superb set pieces and heartbreaking decisions to make as a couch-dwelling duo. The gameplay is constantly changing to hold your attention, and the graphics and score really elevate the experience into something cinematic. If you like playing games where your choices are felt in the narrative and you have a good friend or family member at hand, picking up A Way Out is a no brainer. It should go without saying that you’re going to want to keep this interactive movie away from young kids, though. It can be quite violent and lewd at times, with one scene depicting torture and others featuring nudity. ESRB: M (Mature) | Developer: Hazelight Studios | Publisher: EA If that premise doesn’t excite you already, the cars have turbo boosters and can fly through the air, controlled by careful player inputs, which raises the skill ceiling while also making the game inherently chaotic. This means that even if you’re playing against someone with plenty of hours in the bag, there’s always the potential for the underdog to upset an experienced player. There are few better fast-paced competitive games on the market, and the split-screen functionality is seamless. It’s also so easy to drop in and drop out, with matches taking roughly 5 minutes each. ESRB: E (Everyone) | Developer: Psyonix | Publisher: Psyonix Whether you want to go on a survival-focused adventure with your kids or build some serious architecture in Creative Mode, this blocky world is your oyster. With countless crossover DLC packs and busy online servers to dig into, Minecraft is endlessly replayable and a lot of fun for all ages and experience levels. ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) | Developer: Mojang | Publisher: Microsoft This visually upgraded remaster collection includes Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Reach, and Halo 4, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. The historic campaigns that power these great games are all playable in split-screen, local co-op and deliver adrenaline-pumping action that will keep you busy for hours on end. ESRB: M (Mature) | Developer: 343 Industries | Publisher: Xbox Game Studios If you want to show your kids what it was like “way back when,” Cuphead would be a superb trial by fire. Just make sure your chosen partner is OK with dying a lot, as Cuphead’s brutal difficulty can be off-putting for gaming newcomers. Luckily, split-screen co-op makes the game a lot easier. Two players control Cuphead and Mugman as they embark on a dangerous adventure to settle their debts with the devil. The story is charming and easy to engage with, which has made Cuphead accessible to all ages. ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10+) | Developer: Studio MDHR | Publisher: Studio MDHR With a few taps, you can hop into a game and start wearing down the competition in chase of that elusive Victory Royale. With 100 players in every game, there are always opportunities for dynamic, adrenaline-pumping shootouts. Fortnite is well-balanced as a tactical shooter, with plenty of opportunities for underdogs to use their skills in collecting, sneaking, and crafting to outwit enemies. If you’re looking for something reliable that you can play every day, then Fortnite is also a great option given the game’s constant updates and moreish gameplay loop. ESRB: T (Teen) | Developer: Epic Games | Publisher: Epic Games This means carefully setting traps and obstacles to block your co-op partners from the goal, but you also have to make it just easy enough so that you can do it yourself. Threading this line is a crash course in good game design as well as a recipe for competitive co-op chaos. Get ready for shouting matches and belly laughs if you start playing this game on Xbox with up to four of your friends. The asset selection in between rounds is randomized and includes bombs so that players can destroy devilish trap combinations to find a cheeky route to the exit. With multiple maps to play on and loads of obstacles to tinker with, every round is unique in Ultimate Chicken Horse, providing serious replay value. ESRB: E (Everyone) | Developer: Clever Endeavor Games | Publisher: Vibe Avenue The story clocks in at roughly 60 hours so it would be quite the task to complete Divinity: Original Sin 2 in co-op, but at least you’re getting tons of bang for your buck. However, if you and your co-op partner are ready to commit to this sprawling adventure, there are very few gaming experiences as rewarding as this. ESRB: M17+ (Mature 17+) | Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment Andrew Hayward is a Chicago-based writer who has been covering technology and video games since 2006. His areas of expertise include smartphones, wearable gadgets, smart home devices, video games, and esports.
What to Look For in a Split-Screen Xbox One Game
Co-op Creativity
Split-screen Xbox One games can either be cooperative or competitive. If you want a more laidback experience, or you’re playing with a child, check out creative split-screen titles like Minecraft and the many LEGO games that are available for Xbox One.
Genre Variety
Split-screen games on Xbox One aren’t just limited to first-person shooters. Check out exciting sports and racing titles, cooperative platformers, and innovative indie games for a taste of variety.
Split-Screen Online Multiplayer
Some games that include split-screen put a sharp divide between local and online multiplayer. If you want to take your game online, without giving up your local split-screen, look for games that support this feature. Some even allow guests to play online without their own Xbox Live Gold subscription.
From there you’ll need a controller for each player, and usually, it’s a case of turning on the controller and navigating the menus to find the couch co-op option. You will typically be prompted to jump in within a lobby screen, but it varies per game. Once everyone is present and the screen is split, you will be ready to embark on your next gaming adventure.
