Are you and a friend ready to team up and take on the hordes of the undead in Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies on your Xbox? It's a fantastic way to experience the chaos and fun together from the comfort of your couch. However, there's a crucial thing you need to know first, and we'll get right to it.
Let's dive into the steps, but before we do, let me ask you this: Who's going to be the better zombie slayer? Will you be the one reviving your teammate, or will they be the hero saving you from a zombie hoard? Get ready to find out!
Step 1: The Harsh Reality Check - Is it Even Possible?
Let's start with the most important piece of information, and it's a bit of a letdown. As of the game's launch and subsequent updates, Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies does NOT officially support split-screen co-op.
That's right. While you can play split-screen in the multiplayer modes, the Zombies mode does not offer this feature. When you try to add a second controller and enter the Zombies lobby, you will receive a message stating that split-screen is not allowed in that mode, and the second player will be removed from your party.
This is a major point of frustration for many players who love the classic couch co-op experience that has been a staple of Call of Duty Zombies for years. It's a bummer, but it's the reality of the game's design.
So, what can you do? Don't lose hope entirely! While you can't play it in the traditional split-screen fashion, you can still play the multiplayer mode in split-screen. If you and your friend are just looking to play some Call of Duty together, you still have options.
Step 2: How to Play Split-Screen Multiplayer on Xbox
Even though Zombies is a no-go for split-screen, the multiplayer mode is fully supported. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set it up.
2.1: The Setup
Make sure you have two controllers. This is a no-brainer, but it's the first step! Ensure both controllers are fully charged or have fresh batteries.
Log in to your primary Xbox account. Launch Call of Duty: Vanguard and sign in with the account that owns the game and has an active Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription (required for online play).
Navigate to the Multiplayer Menu. From the main game menu, select 'Multiplayer'.
2.2: Connecting the Second Player
Turn on the second controller. Once you are in the multiplayer menu, turn on the second controller.
Sign in with a separate account. The Xbox will prompt you to sign in with an account for the second controller. This can be a guest account or a separate Xbox profile.
Important Note: For online play, both accounts need to have an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription. If you are just playing local multiplayer against bots, this is not required.
Press the "Join" button. On the top right of the screen, you will see a prompt, typically an "A" button icon, that says "Press A to add split-screen player" (or similar). Press this button on the second controller.
Confirm the connection. The game will now connect the second player to your lobby, and you will see a "2 out of 20" or similar indicator in the corner, confirming that both players are in the lobby.
2.3: Adjusting Settings for Optimal Experience
Once you're both in the lobby, you can tweak some settings for a better experience.
Field of View (FOV): Many players recommend increasing the FOV for a split-screen experience. Go to Settings -> Graphics and look for the Field of View slider. Increasing it will allow you to see more on your screen, which is especially helpful when your view is halved.
Audio: If you're both using headsets, you can each manage your own audio settings. If you're playing on speakers, be mindful of the game's audio mix.
Step 3: What if I really want to play Zombies with a friend?
If the lack of split-screen Zombies is a dealbreaker, there are a few things to consider.
Online Co-Op: The Zombies mode in Vanguard does support online co-op. This means if you and your friend each have a console and a copy of the game, you can team up and play together over the internet. It's not the same as being on the same couch, but it's a way to play the mode together.
Previous Call of Duty Titles: Many older Call of Duty games, such as Black Ops Cold War and even older ones, do have split-screen support for Zombies. If you're a big fan of the co-op experience, you might consider playing one of those titles instead.
10 FAQs about Call of Duty: Vanguard Split-Screen
How to check if my Xbox can play split-screen? Your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S can all play Call of Duty: Vanguard split-screen multiplayer. The only requirement is having two controllers and the game installed.
How to fix split-screen not working in Vanguard? If split-screen isn't working for multiplayer, ensure both controllers are connected and signed into a valid Xbox account. For online play, both accounts need an active Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Core/Ultimate subscription.
How to play Vanguard Zombies with a friend on one console? Unfortunately, you cannot play Vanguard Zombies with a friend on one console using split-screen. The game does not support this feature for the Zombies mode.
How to adjust the split-screen view to be bigger? In the graphics settings, you can increase the Field of View (FOV) to see more of the environment, which can help make the smaller split-screen view feel less restrictive.
How to play local multiplayer against bots in Vanguard? In the Multiplayer menu, you can set up a local game and fill it with bots to play against. This doesn't require an online subscription.
How to know if a game supports split-screen? You can check the game's store page on the Xbox store or the back of the physical game box. It will usually list "Shared/split screen" or "Local co-op" under its capabilities.
How to play split-screen online in Vanguard? Simply follow the steps for connecting a second controller, and ensure both accounts have an active Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Core/Ultimate subscription.
How to get rid of the "split-screen not supported" error in Zombies? You cannot get rid of this error in Vanguard Zombies, as it's a core limitation of the game. It is a feature that was not included by the developers.
How to improve performance in split-screen multiplayer? Performance can sometimes drop in split-screen. Try closing other applications on your Xbox, restarting the game, or ensuring your console's software is up to date.
How to play other Call of Duty games with split-screen Zombies? Many older titles, like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Black Ops 3, are known for having excellent split-screen Zombies support. You can look into those games for the classic co-op experience.