Are you ready to team up and conquer the battlefield with a friend in Call of Duty: Vanguard? Good! Because Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a fantastic split-screen experience, primarily for its Multiplayer mode. While the thrilling campaign is a solo journey, and Zombies mode sadly doesn't support split-screen, the multiplayer action is where you and a buddy can truly shine together.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to get you and your teammate into the heart of the action, whether you're playing locally on the same console or looking to join forces online.
Getting Started: Preparing for Two-Player Action
Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of setting up split-screen, let's make sure you have everything you need.
Step 1: Gather Your Gear
First things first, let's ensure you have all the necessary equipment to embark on your CoD Vanguard adventure with a friend.
- Your Console: Whether it's a PlayStation (PS4 or PS5) or an Xbox (Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S), make sure it's connected and ready to go.
- Two Controllers: This might seem obvious, but you'll need two separate controllers for two players. Make sure both are charged or have fresh batteries!
- Call of Duty: Vanguard Game: Of course, you'll need the game itself. Ensure it's fully installed and updated to the latest version. Updates often include critical fixes and performance improvements, especially for split-screen functionality.
- Separate User Accounts (for each player): This is crucial. Each player will need their own user profile on the console.
- For PlayStation: Each player needs a PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
- For Xbox: Each player needs an Xbox account.
- Online Subscriptions (for online split-screen): If you plan to play online multiplayer in split-screen, both accounts will need an active online subscription (e.g., PlayStation Plus for PlayStation, or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate for Xbox).
Setting Up Split-Screen for Multiplayer
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps carefully to enable split-screen and get your duo ready for battle.
Step 2: Launch Call of Duty: Vanguard
Start the game from your console's dashboard. Let it load up completely until you reach the main menu.
Step 3: Navigate to the Multiplayer Menu
Once you're in the main menu, use your primary controller (the one logged in as Player 1) to navigate to the Multiplayer section. This is the only mode that currently supports split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard.
- Note: You'll notice that the Campaign mode is single-player only, and unfortunately, Zombies mode in Vanguard does not support split-screen.
Step 4: Connecting the Second Controller and Logging In
This is where your second player joins the fray!
Step 4.1: Activating the Second Controller
- Turn on your second controller.
- On PlayStation, press the PS button.
- On Xbox, press the Xbox button.
Step 4.2: Assigning the Controller to a User Profile
- Your console will prompt you to assign the second controller to a user profile. It's essential that this is a separate user profile from Player 1.
- Select the existing user account for Player 2, or if they don't have one, create a new local user account for them on your console.
- Important for Offline Play: If playing locally offline, a "guest" account might be an option on PlayStation, but Xbox consoles generally require a linked Xbox account even for offline play.
Step 4.3: Joining the Game
Once the second controller is assigned to a profile and the game recognizes it, a prompt should appear on the screen, typically in the bottom corner.
-
On PlayStation, Player 2 should press the X button to join the lobby.
-
On Xbox, Player 2 should press the A button to join the lobby.
-
You should now see "Player 2" appear in the lobby, usually in the top right or left corner of the screen, indicating that both players are successfully connected.
Step 5: Choosing Your Game Mode and Starting the Match
Now that both players are in the lobby, it's time to choose how you want to play!
Step 5.1: Selecting a Multiplayer Game Mode
As Player 1, you can now browse through the available Multiplayer game modes. Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a variety of modes suitable for split-screen, including:
-
Team Deathmatch
-
Domination
-
Kill Confirmed
-
Hardpoint
-
Patrol
-
Champion Hill (can be played in duos)
-
Free-for-All (where you'll be on opposing sides if you join the same match)
-
Discuss with your co-op partner which mode you'd like to play!
Step 5.2: Initiating the Match
Once you've selected your desired game mode, Player 1 can initiate the match search or start a private match. Both players will then be loaded into the game together, with the screen splitting vertically or horizontally to accommodate both perspectives.
- Enjoy the split-screen action!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:
- Second Player Can't Join:
- Ensure the second controller is properly connected and assigned to a different user profile on the console.
- Restart the game and try again.
- Check if both accounts have the necessary online subscriptions for online play.
- Lag or Performance Issues:
- Split-screen modes require more processing power from your console. If you're experiencing significant lag, try:
- Closing any other applications running in the background.
- Ensuring your console has good ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Lowering in-game graphics settings if available (though this is less common for console split-screen).
- Ensure your game is fully updated.
- Split-screen modes require more processing power from your console. If you're experiencing significant lag, try:
- "Area does not allow split-screen" message:
- This message typically appears if you try to initiate split-screen in modes that don't support it, such as the Campaign or Zombies. Remember, split-screen is primarily for Multiplayer in Vanguard.
- No Second Player Prompt:
- Sometimes the prompt to add a second player can be a bit finicky. Try pressing the corresponding button (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox) for Player 2 directly while in the Multiplayer menu, even if a prompt isn't visibly displayed.
Related FAQ Questions
How to add two players on Call of Duty Vanguard locally?
Quick Answer: Connect a second controller, assign it to a different user profile on your console, and then from the Multiplayer menu, have the second player press X (PlayStation) or A (Xbox) to join the lobby.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen online?
Quick Answer: Both players need to be signed in with online-enabled accounts (PSN with PS Plus, Xbox account with Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Ultimate). Follow the same steps for local play, and once both are in the Multiplayer lobby, Player 1 can search for an online match.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard Zombies in split-screen?
Quick Answer: Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Vanguard's Zombies mode does not support split-screen co-op.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard Campaign in split-screen?
Quick Answer: The Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign is a single-player experience only and does not support split-screen or co-op play.
How to switch between horizontal and vertical split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Quick Answer: Call of Duty: Vanguard's split-screen layout is fixed (usually top and bottom, or vertical depending on the game mode and console) and typically cannot be changed by the player.
How to fix split-screen lag in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Quick Answer: Ensure your console is well-ventilated, close other applications, and verify your game is fully updated. Split-screen naturally uses more resources, so some performance dip is normal.
How to add a guest player for split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Quick Answer: On PlayStation, you might be able to create a temporary "guest" profile. On Xbox, you generally need a separate Xbox account for the second player, even for offline local play.
How to ensure both players have their own progression in Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen?
Quick Answer: To save individual progression (levels, unlocks, etc.), each player must be signed into their own dedicated online-linked user account on the console. Guest accounts typically do not save progress.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard with bots in split-screen?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can set up a private match in Multiplayer and add AI bots to fill out the teams while playing in split-screen with a friend.
How to find compatible Call of Duty games with 4-player split-screen?
Quick Answer: While Vanguard only supports 2-player split-screen, older Call of Duty titles like Black Ops 3 often offered 4-player split-screen in various modes. You'd need to check individual game specifications.
