Do you want to team up with a friend and dominate the battlefield in Call of Duty: Vanguard, all from the comfort of your couch? Excellent choice! Split-screen multiplayer is a fantastic way to enjoy the game with a buddy, adding a whole new layer of fun and competitive spirit. While it's not available for every mode or platform, getting it set up for local multiplayer is generally quite straightforward. Let's dive in and get you and your squadmate ready for action!
How to Do Split Screen on Call of Duty: Vanguard (Console Guide)
Call of Duty: Vanguard offers split-screen functionality primarily on consoles (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S). Unfortunately, PC players are out of luck when it comes to official split-screen support directly within the game. For console users, here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to setting up your split-screen session:
How To Do Split Screen On Call Of Duty Vanguard |
Step 1: Prepare Your Console and Controllers
Before you even launch the game, there are a few crucial things to ensure are in place. This foundational step will make the rest of the process much smoother.
Ensure You Have Two Controllers: This might seem obvious, but you'll need two compatible controllers for your console. Make sure both are charged or have fresh batteries, and are fully functional.
Log in with Your Primary Account: Start by logging into your main console account (e.g., your PlayStation Network account or Xbox Live account) and launching Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Verify Internet Connection: While split-screen is local, Vanguard often requires an internet connection to access multiplayer features, even for local play. Ensure your console is connected to the internet.
Active Online Service Subscription (for Online Multiplayer): If you plan to play split-screen online against other players, both accounts will need an active online service subscription (PlayStation Plus for PlayStation, Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate for Xbox). If you're just playing against bots or in a private match locally, this isn't strictly necessary for the second player to have their own subscription, but they will still need a linked account.
Step 2: Navigate to the Multiplayer Menu
Once you've launched Call of Duty: Vanguard and are in the main menu:
Select "Multiplayer": Use your primary controller to navigate and select the "Multiplayer" option from the main game menu. This is where the magic happens for split-screen.
Do not attempt to go into the Campaign mode for split-screen, as it does not support co-op.
Be aware: While Zombies mode generally supports co-op, Vanguard's Zombies mode does NOT support split-screen local co-op. This is a common point of confusion, so remember to stick to the standard Multiplayer for split-screen fun.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Step 3: Connect the Second Controller and Add the Second Player
This is the core of enabling split-screen. Pay close attention to the prompts on your screen.
Turn On the Second Controller: With your primary account already in the Multiplayer lobby, turn on your second controller.
Sign In with a Second Account: Your console will likely prompt the second controller to sign in. You'll need to sign in with a separate console account (e.g., a different PlayStation profile or Xbox profile). This can be a guest account, but it's generally better to have a dedicated profile for the second player, as it can save their progress and customisations.
Important Note: For the second player to join, their console account often needs to be linked to an Activision account. If they don't have one, they might be prompted to create or link one.
Look for the "Add Player" Prompt: Once the second controller is active and signed in, you should see a prompt on the screen (usually in the top right or bottom left corner) indicating that a second player can join. This prompt typically says something like "Press [Button] to Join" (e.g., Press X on PlayStation or Press A on Xbox).
Press the Designated Button: Using the second controller, press the button indicated in the prompt.
Second Player Joins: After pressing the button, the second player's character should appear on screen, and their profile name will be visible, indicating they have successfully joined the lobby. You'll often see something like "2/XX Players" in the corner, confirming two players are ready.
Step 4: Adjust Settings (Optional but Recommended)
Before jumping into a match, it's a good idea to tweak some settings for an optimal split-screen experience.
Field of View (FOV): This is critically important for split-screen. By default, the FOV might be quite narrow, making the individual split screens feel cramped.
Navigate to the Graphics settings within the game.
Increase the Field of View (FOV) significantly. Many players recommend increasing it to around 100-120. This will expand the visible area on both players' screens, making it much easier to see opponents and the environment. Note that changing the FOV for one player will typically apply to both players in split-screen.
Controller Settings: Both players can adjust their individual controller settings (sensitivity, button layout, etc.) if desired. Do this before starting a match, as some settings cannot be changed mid-game.
Audio Settings: You might want to adjust audio settings, especially if you're using separate headsets or playing with sound through speakers.
Step 5: Select a Game Mode and Start Playing!
Now that you're all set up, it's time to get into the action!
Choose Your Game Mode: From the Multiplayer lobby, both players can now participate in selecting a game mode. Call of Duty: Vanguard's split-screen supports a wide variety of multiplayer modes.
Start the Match: Once a game mode is selected and both players are ready, the party leader (Player 1) can initiate the match.
Enjoy the Split-Screen Action: The screen will then split, typically horizontally, providing each player with their own view of the game.
Congratulations! You're now ready to battle it out in Call of Duty: Vanguard with a friend right beside you.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
10 Related FAQ Questions About Call of Duty: Vanguard Split Screen
Here are some common questions and quick answers regarding split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard:
How to play split-screen with bots in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
You can play split-screen against bots by creating a Private Match in the Multiplayer menu. After setting up split-screen, select "Private Match" and then you can add AI (bots) to fill out the teams.
How to change split-screen orientation (vertical/horizontal) in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Vanguard only supports horizontal split-screen. There is no in-game option to switch to a vertical split.
How to fix split-screen lag or performance issues in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Ensure your console's software is up to date and that Vanguard itself is fully patched. Lowering graphical settings (if available on your console) and ensuring good ventilation for your console can sometimes help with performance, though split-screen inherently requires more processing power. Increasing your Field of View (FOV) can also make the experience feel smoother by giving you more visual information.
How to play Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies in split-screen?
You cannot play Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies in split-screen. While Zombies typically supports co-op, Vanguard's iteration of the mode does not include local split-screen functionality.
How to play Call of Duty: Vanguard Campaign in split-screen?
The Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign does not support split-screen or co-op play. It is a single-player experience.
How to connect a second controller for split-screen if the prompt doesn't appear?
Ensure the second controller is properly charged or plugged in, and then try turning it off and on again. Also, make sure you've signed into a different console account (not the same as Player 1) for the second controller. Sometimes restarting the game application can also resolve this.
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
How to ensure both players have their own progression and unlocks in split-screen?
Each player should sign in with their own unique console profile that is linked to a separate Activision account. This way, their progress, weapon unlocks, and customisations will be saved independently.
How to adjust Field of View (FOV) for split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
After setting up split-screen and before starting a match, go to the game's settings menu (usually accessible from the lobby). Navigate to the "Graphics" or "Display" section and locate the "Field of View" (FOV) slider. Increase it to your preference, typically between 100 and 120 for split-screen.
How to play split-screen online with friends in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Once split-screen is set up in your local lobby, the party leader can initiate an online match. Both players will then join the online matchmaking pool as a party. Remember that both accounts will need an active online service subscription (PS Plus/Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate) to play online.
How to switch players during split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Once a split-screen match has started, you cannot "switch" players or swap controllers. Each player is assigned to their respective half of the screen. To change players, you would need to exit the match and re-set up the split-screen session with the desired controllers/accounts.