Ready to take on the undead with a friend by your side? There's nothing quite like the thrill of a good co-op zombie game, where you and a partner can strategize, fight off hordes, and see how long you can survive. If you've been wondering how to jump into the action of Call of Duty: Vanguard's Zombies mode with a buddy on the same couch, you've come to the right place. However, there's a crucial piece of information you need to know before we begin.
The Unfortunate Truth: A Reality Check
Let's get this out of the way right at the start. Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies does NOT support local split-screen co-op.
That's right. As confirmed by the developers and countless players, the Zombies mode in Vanguard is online multiplayer only. While the game's standard multiplayer modes do offer split-screen, the Zombies experience does not. You will receive an in-game message stating that the area does not allow split-screen when you try to add a second player. This was a significant change from previous Call of Duty titles, and a disappointment for many fans of couch co-op.
So, while we can't provide a step-by-step guide on how to play local split-screen Zombies, we can provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to set up and play online multiplayer and a breakdown of why this feature is missing.
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| How To Play Cod Vanguard Zombies Split Screen |
Understanding the Absence of Split-Screen Zombies
So, why would Activision and Sledgehammer Games remove such a beloved feature? The most likely reason is technical limitations. The new engine and the scope of the Vanguard Zombies maps, with their massive hordes and complex objectives, likely placed too much strain on consoles to render two separate screens at a playable frame rate.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
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Imagine this: Your console has to render all the zombies, particle effects, and map details twice at the same time, all while maintaining a smooth online connection. It’s a huge technical ask. This is especially true for older consoles like the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, which would struggle to keep up.
While this might be a letdown, it's a trade-off for a more stable and graphically impressive single-player and online experience.
How to Play Call of Duty: Vanguard Multiplayer Split-Screen (The Good News!)
While Zombies is off the table, you can still enjoy some intense couch co-op action in the multiplayer modes. Here is the step-by-step guide for that.
Step 1: Get Your Gear Ready!
First things first, gather your equipment. You'll need:
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Your console (PlayStation or Xbox).
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Call of Duty: Vanguard installed and fully updated.
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Two controllers (or more, if the mode supports it).
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Two separate accounts on your console. Both accounts need a subscription to the respective online service (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold).
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A stable internet connection.
Now, let's get into the game.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Step 2: Launch the Game and Connect Controllers
Turn on your console and launch Call of Duty: Vanguard. Once you are in the main menu, make sure your first controller is signed in to your primary account.
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Next, turn on the second controller. You will be prompted to sign in with a different account. This is a crucial step! If you don't have a second account, you'll need to create one.
Step 3: Join the Multiplayer Lobby
Once both controllers are active and signed into their respective accounts, the second player should be able to press a button (usually the 'A' button on Xbox or the 'X' button on PlayStation) to join the party. A prompt should appear on the screen to "Add a Player."
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Pro-Tip: Make sure both accounts are linked to an Activision account for a seamless experience and to track progress.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Step 4: Select Your Game Mode
After the second player has joined the lobby, you'll see both of you in the party. Now, you can choose from the various multiplayer game modes available. The screen will be divided horizontally, with each player getting a dedicated view.
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Sub-heading: Adjusting Your Settings for Optimal Play Once you are in the lobby, it is highly recommended to adjust your settings before you jump into a match. A key setting to change is the Field of View (FOV). By default, the FOV on consoles is around 80. Increasing this to a higher value, like 100 or 120, will allow you to see more of the screen and give you a better view of the action.
Unfortunately, there is no option to change the split-screen orientation from horizontal to vertical. You're stuck with the horizontal split.
Step 5: Get Ready to Dominate!
With both players in the lobby and your settings optimized, you're ready to start a match. The game will now launch in split-screen mode, and you can team up to take on other players. Enjoy the classic Call of Duty multiplayer experience with a friend right by your side!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
How to play CoD Vanguard Zombies in split-screen? Unfortunately, you can't. Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies mode does not support local split-screen co-op on any platform.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
How to play local co-op in CoD Vanguard? You can play local co-op in the multiplayer modes by connecting a second controller, signing in with a second account, and joining the lobby from the multiplayer menu.
How to fix split-screen not working in Vanguard? If you're having trouble with multiplayer split-screen, ensure both accounts are signed in and have the necessary online subscriptions (PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold). Sometimes, restarting the game or console can also resolve minor glitches.
How to play split-screen online in Vanguard? To play online split-screen, both accounts need to be signed in with a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription and linked to an Activision account.
How to change the split-screen orientation in Vanguard? You cannot change the split-screen orientation. It is always a horizontal split.
How to increase the screen size in split-screen? You can't increase the size of your individual screen, but you can increase your Field of View (FOV) in the graphics settings to see more of the game world.
How to play split-screen on PC for CoD Vanguard? PC versions of Call of Duty: Vanguard do not support split-screen. This is a feature exclusive to the console versions.
How to play split-screen without a second Activision account? While you can sometimes play with a guest account, it's highly recommended to have a separate, linked Activision account for the second player to ensure proper progress tracking and access to all features.
How to tell if a game has split-screen? Always check the game's official website, store page, or reliable gaming news sources like Co-Optimus for information on local co-op and split-screen features before purchasing.
How to play Zombies with a friend in Vanguard? To play Zombies with a friend, you must play online. Invite your friend to your party from the Zombies menu, and then start a match together.
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