Have you ever found yourself with a friend by your side, eager to jump into the action-packed world of Call of Duty: Vanguard, only to realize you're stuck looking at a single screen? Frustrating, isn't it? Well, fear not, because this comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to set up split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard, so you and your buddy can dominate the battlefield together, side-by-side!
Playing split-screen offers a fantastic way to enjoy the game with a friend or family member in the same room. It's a throwback to the classic days of console gaming, and Vanguard delivers on this front, albeit with a few important distinctions. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Gather Your Arsenal (and Your Buddy!)
Before you even touch your console, make sure you have everything you need. This might sound obvious, but missing a crucial component can halt your gaming session before it even begins!
 |
| How To Play Split Screen On Call Of Duty Vanguard |
What You'll Need:
- Call of Duty: Vanguard Game: Obviously! Make sure your game is fully installed and updated to the latest version.
- Compatible Console: Split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Unfortunately, PC players are out of luck for split-screen functionality.
- Two Controllers: This is non-negotiable! Each player needs their own controller.
- ***Two Player Profiles (or a Guest Account)***:
- Player 1: You'll be using your main profile, which should already be signed in to your console and connected to your Activision account.
- Player 2: Your friend can either sign in with their own profile on your console (if they have one), or you can easily create a guest account for them. If they have their own Activision account, linking it to their console profile (even a guest one) will allow them to retain their progress.
- ***Internet Connection (Recommended for Online Multiplayer)***: While you can play local split-screen offline against bots, an internet connection is required for online multiplayer split-screen. For online play, both players will typically need to be signed in with accounts that have the necessary online service subscriptions (e.g., PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate).
Step 2: Boot Up and Navigate to Multiplayer
With your equipment ready, it's time to get the game going.
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Sub-heading: Launching the Game
- Turn on your console and launch Call of Duty: Vanguard.
- Once the game loads, you'll likely be presented with the main menu.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Right Mode
- From the main menu, navigate to the Multiplayer section. It's crucial to select Multiplayer, as the Campaign is single-player only, and Zombies mode sadly does not support split-screen in Vanguard.
- Once you're in the Multiplayer lobby as Player 1, you'll be ready for your friend to join.
Step 3: Bringing in Player 2: The Split-Screen Activation
This is where the magic happens! Getting the second player into the game is usually quite straightforward.
Sub-heading: Connecting the Second Controller
- Turn on the second controller. Make sure it's properly synced with your console.
- Once the second controller is recognized by the console, a prompt should appear on the screen (typically in the top right corner) indicating that a second player can join. On PlayStation, this is usually the "X" button, and on Xbox, it's the "A" button.
Sub-heading: Signing In Player 2
- The second player should press the indicated button on their controller.
- You will then be prompted to sign in with a profile.
- If your friend has their own profile on your console, they can select it.
- If not, you can usually select the option to "Add Guest" or "Sign in as Guest." This creates a temporary profile for the current gaming session.
- Important Note: For online multiplayer, if your friend is using a guest account, they might need to be linked to your primary Activision account or have their own Activision account linked for online functionality. For local play against bots, a guest account is perfectly fine.
Sub-heading: Confirmation of Split-Screen
- Once Player 2 is signed in, you should see both players' names/icons visible in the Multiplayer lobby, often indicating "2 out of 20" or similar, signifying that two local players are now active. The screen will still be a single full screen at this point, but it's set up for split-screen once you start a match.
Step 4: Setting Up Your Match for Dual Domination
Now that both players are in the lobby, it's time to choose your game mode and adjust settings for the best split-screen experience.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Game Mode
- From the Multiplayer lobby, Player 1 can now select a game mode.
- Local Play (vs. Bots): If you want to play purely offline or practice, you can set up a private match against AI bots. This is often found under "Private Match" or "Custom Games" options. This allows you to choose maps, modes, and even bot difficulty.
- Online Multiplayer: You can also join public online matches with your friend in split-screen. Simply select a regular multiplayer playlist (e.g., Team Deathmatch, Domination, etc.). The game will then matchmake you with other players online.
Sub-heading: Adjusting Settings for Optimal Split-Screen
While in-game settings often apply to both players, it's worth checking a few things for a better split-screen experience:
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
- Field of View (FOV): This is a game-changer for split-screen! A higher FOV allows you to see more of the game world on your portion of the screen, which can feel less constricting.
- Go to Settings -> Graphics.
- Look for the Field of View slider and increase it (e.g., to 100-120). Both players' FOV will usually be affected by this change.
- Audio Settings: You might want to adjust individual headset or speaker volumes to ensure both players can hear clearly.
- Controller Sensitivity: Each player can set their own controller sensitivity within the in-game settings. It's often a good idea to adjust this before jumping into intense action.
Sub-heading: Starting the Match
- Once you've selected your mode and are happy with your settings, start the match!
- The game will now transition into the game world, and your screen will split, typically horizontally, to accommodate both players.
Step 5: Enjoy the Chaos!
You're all set! Now you and your friend can experience the fast-paced, explosive action of Call of Duty: Vanguard together. Coordinate strategies, call out enemies, and rack up those killstreaks as a team!
Sub-heading: Understanding Split-Screen Display
- Horizontal Split: Call of Duty: Vanguard typically uses a horizontal split-screen, meaning one player's view is on the top half of the screen, and the other's is on the bottom. Unfortunately, there's generally no option to change this to a vertical split.
- Performance Considerations: Running split-screen requires more processing power from your console. While Vanguard generally handles it well, you might notice a slight dip in frame rate compared to playing solo, especially on older console generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Call of Duty: Vanguard Split-Screen
Here are 10 common questions you might have about playing Call of Duty: Vanguard in split-screen:
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen with more than two players?
Call of Duty: Vanguard split-screen is limited to two players on a single console. You cannot play with three or four players on one screen.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
 |
How to fix split-screen not working in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Ensure both controllers are connected, both players are signed in (either to a profile or as a guest), and you are trying to play a supported mode (Multiplayer). Restarting the game or console can often resolve minor glitches. Also, make sure your game is fully updated.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard Zombies in split-screen?
Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies mode does not support split-screen. This was a significant point of feedback from the community, and while some past CoD titles eventually added it, it was never implemented for Vanguard's Zombies.
How to make the split-screen bigger in Call of Duty Vanguard?
While you can't literally make one player's portion of the screen "bigger," increasing your Field of View (FOV) in the graphics settings (usually to 100-120) will give both players a wider perspective, making their individual screens feel less restrictive.
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen offline?
Yes, you can play split-screen offline by setting up a private match against bots in the Multiplayer mode. You don't need an internet connection for this.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen online?
Simply set up split-screen in the Multiplayer lobby, and then select any online multiplayer playlist. Both players will need to be signed into accounts with active online service subscriptions (e.g., PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Core/Ultimate) to play online.
How to adjust settings for each player in Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen?
Most gameplay-specific settings like controller sensitivity, button layouts, and individual audio preferences can be adjusted separately for each player once they are signed in. Graphics settings like FOV usually apply globally.
How to switch from horizontal to vertical split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Call of Duty: Vanguard split-screen is fixed as horizontal, with one player at the top and one at the bottom. There is no in-game option to change it to a vertical split.
How to get a second Activision account for split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
If your friend doesn't have an Activision account, they can create one for free on the Call of Duty website. They can then link this Activision account to their console profile (even a guest profile) to track progress. However, for basic local split-screen, an Activision account for the second player might not be strictly necessary if just playing offline against bots.
How to tell which player is which on split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
The game clearly demarcates each player's screen. Player 1 is usually the top screen, and Player 2 is the bottom. Your in-game HUDs will also reflect your chosen operator and loadout, helping distinguish between players.
 |
