This is a great question, and it's a topic that many players have been curious about since the release of Call of Duty: Vanguard. Let's dive in and get you and your friends ready to take on the undead together.
A Definitive Guide: How to Play Vanguard Zombies Split Screen
Hey there, zombie slayer! Are you ready to team up with a friend or family member on the same couch and face off against the hordes of the undead? The classic couch co-op experience is a cornerstone of the Call of Duty Zombies mode, and it's a fantastic way to share the thrill of survival. But does it work in Vanguard? Let's find out, and I'll walk you through everything you need to know.
How To Play Vanguard Zombies Split Screen |
Step 1: The First, Most Important Question
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of controller hookups and menu navigation, we need to address the elephant in the room: Can you even play Vanguard Zombies in split-screen?
Unfortunately, the answer is a bit disappointing for many players. At the time of this post, Call of Duty: Vanguard's Zombies mode does NOT support split-screen gameplay.
You might be thinking, "What?! But all the other CoD games do!" And you'd be right to feel that way. This is a significant change from previous Call of Duty titles, where split-screen Zombies was a staple of the experience. The developers at Treyarch and Sledgehammer Games have confirmed this lack of support, and players have consistently reported that trying to add a second player in the Zombies menu results in a message stating that the mode does not allow split-screen.
So, what does this mean for your couch co-op plans? It means that while you can play the multiplayer modes in split-screen, the Zombies experience in Vanguard is designed for online co-op with players on separate consoles or PCs.
Hold on, don't leave just yet! While it's a bummer, we can still set up split-screen for other modes, and I'll show you how to do that. Plus, I'll answer some key questions about this limitation and what it means for your gameplay.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.![]()
Step 2: Setting up Split-Screen for Multiplayer
Even if Zombies is off the table for local co-op, you and a friend can still jump into the action and dominate the battlefield in Call of Duty: Vanguard's Multiplayer. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you set up:
Sub-heading: Requirements to Get Started
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A second controller: This is a must. Make sure your second controller is charged and ready to go.
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A second account: The second player needs to be signed into a separate account on your console. This can be a dedicated PSN or Xbox Live account or even a temporary guest account.
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Online accounts (for online play): If you want to play split-screen online with other players, both accounts will need to have an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription.
Sub-heading: The Easy Setup Process
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Launch the game and sign in: The first player should launch Call of Duty: Vanguard and sign in to their account.
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Navigate to the Multiplayer menu: From the main menu, select the "Multiplayer" option.
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Connect the second controller: Turn on the second controller and sign in with the second player's account.
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A wild prompt appears! On the right side of the screen, you should see a prompt that says "Press A/X to add a player." Simply press the corresponding button on the second controller.
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You're in! The second player will now be added to your party, and the screen will split horizontally. You can now select a game mode and join a match together.
Keep in mind that the field of view can feel a bit narrow in split-screen. You can adjust this in the settings menu before starting a match to give yourself a wider perspective.
Step 3: What to Do if You Want to Play Zombies Together
Since local split-screen is not an option for Vanguard Zombies, your best bet for playing with a friend is to use the game's online co-op functionality.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.![]()
Sub-heading: Setting up an Online Zombie Session
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Launch the game: Both you and your friend need to have your own copy of Call of Duty: Vanguard on your respective consoles or PCs.
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Ensure you have a stable internet connection: A good connection is crucial for a smooth online gaming experience.
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Friend each other: Make sure you are friends on the Activision network. You can do this by adding each other in the game's social menu.
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Create a party: One of you should create a party and invite the other to join.
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Select Zombies mode: Once your party is together, select the Zombies mode. You can then choose your desired map and start a match together.
This allows you to enjoy the full Zombies experience, from fighting off waves of the undead to completing objectives and unlocking new areas, just like you would in a local split-screen session.
10 FAQs about Vanguard Zombies Split-Screen
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard Zombies with a friend?
You can play Vanguard Zombies with a friend by creating a party and inviting them to join you online. Split-screen is not supported for this mode.
How to enable split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
You can enable split-screen for multiplayer by turning on a second controller and pressing A/X when you are in the multiplayer menu. A second player will be added to your party.
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.![]()
How to play local co-op in Vanguard?
Local co-op is available in the Multiplayer mode of Vanguard. You can play against bots or other players online by setting up a split-screen session.
How to play Zombies on Vanguard without an internet connection?
Vanguard's Zombies mode requires an internet connection to play, as it is a live-service, online-only experience.
How to play offline Zombies in Vanguard?
There is no offline mode for Vanguard Zombies. You must be connected to the internet to play this mode.
How to add a second player in Vanguard?
To add a second player, simply turn on a second controller and press the corresponding button (A on Xbox, X on PlayStation) when you are in the Multiplayer menu.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.![]()
How to make the screen bigger in Vanguard split-screen?
You can increase your field of view (FOV) in the graphics settings to see more of the screen and make it feel less cramped in split-screen.
How to change split-screen from horizontal to vertical in Vanguard?
Call of Duty: Vanguard only supports horizontal split-screen. There is no option to change it to vertical split-screen.
How to play Vanguard Zombies with more than two players?
Vanguard Zombies supports up to four players in an online co-op session.
How to know if split-screen is available for a game mode in Vanguard?
If a game mode supports split-screen, you will see a prompt on the screen to "add a player" when you connect a second controller.