Are you and a friend ready to take on the undead hordes in Call of Duty: Vanguard? The thrill of fighting zombies side-by-side on the same couch is a classic gaming experience, and we're here to help you get it set up. This guide will walk you through the process of playing split-screen zombies in Vanguard offline, giving you a chance to team up and face the zombie apocalypse without needing an internet connection.
Before we dive in, let's address a crucial point. As of now, Call of Duty: Vanguard does not officially support split-screen for its Zombies mode. This has been a source of frustration for many players since the game's release. While you can play multiplayer split-screen, the Zombies mode is designed for online co-op. However, there are some workarounds and things you should know about playing offline. Let's explore the options and get you ready for some zombie-slaying action.
Step 1: Check Your Console and Game Version
First things first, let's make sure you have the right setup. Are you playing on a PlayStation or an Xbox? The steps can vary slightly between platforms. You'll need two controllers and two separate accounts on your console.
Sub-heading: Why your console matters
PlayStation 4/5: You can use a guest account, but a linked PlayStation Network profile is generally needed for the game to function properly, even offline.
Xbox One/Series X|S: You'll need a separate Xbox profile for the second player. Unlike PlayStation, guest accounts are not a standard feature for this purpose.
Important Note: The game requires a mandatory update to be installed from the disc before you can play any mode, even offline. You will need an internet connection for this initial step.
Step 2: Disconnect from the Internet
This is the key to playing offline. You must completely disconnect your console from the internet. This prevents the game from trying to connect to online services and allows you to access local play options.
Sub-heading: How to go offline
On PlayStation:
Go to your console's settings.
Navigate to "Network."
Uncheck the box that says "Connect to the Internet."
You should now see a message confirming you are offline.
On Xbox:
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
Go to "Settings."
Select "Network settings."
Choose "Go offline."
Make sure you are completely disconnected. A wired connection can be physically unplugged for a definitive disconnect.
Step 3: Launch Call of Duty: Vanguard
With your console now offline, launch the game. You will likely see a notice that you are offline and some online features are unavailable. This is what you want.
Sub-heading: Navigating the main menu
The game will load into the main menu. You might see a limited set of options compared to when you are online.
You should be able to select the "Zombies" mode.
Step 4: Attempting to Add a Second Player (The Unofficial Method)
As mentioned, there is no official split-screen support for Vanguard Zombies. However, there is a known workaround that some players have reported success with. This is not guaranteed to work, but it's worth a try.
Sub-heading: The controller connection trick
Once you are in the Zombies menu, turn on your second controller.
Log in with the second player's console account (either a guest account on PlayStation or a separate profile on Xbox).
The game might display a prompt in the top-right corner to press a button (like 'X' or 'A') to join for split-screen.
If this prompt appears, press the button and the second player should join your lobby.
Note: Many players report that attempting this will simply remove the second player from the lobby or display a message that split-screen is not supported in this mode. This is the intended behavior of the game.
Step 5: Exploring Offline Multiplayer as an Alternative
Since Zombies split-screen is not officially supported, the next best thing for offline local play is the multiplayer mode against bots. This allows you and a friend to play side-by-side in split-screen, fighting AI opponents.
Sub-heading: Setting up a local match
From the main menu, select "Multiplayer."
Choose "Local Play."
Turn on the second controller and sign in with the second player's account.
You should see a prompt to add the second player.
Once both players are in the lobby, you can set up a custom game with bots.
You have full control over the map, game mode, number of bots, and more.
This is a guaranteed way to play split-screen offline in Call of Duty: Vanguard. While it's not Zombies, it can still provide a fun co-op experience with a friend. All weapons and attachments are unlocked for offline play, so you can experiment with different loadouts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to play Vanguard Zombies split-screen? As of now, Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies does not officially support split-screen play. The mode is designed for online co-op.
How to play Vanguard multiplayer split-screen offline? Go to the Multiplayer menu, select "Local Play," and connect a second controller. The game will prompt you to add a second player. You can then set up a custom match against bots.
How to get a second player to join my offline Vanguard game? From the main menu or a local play lobby, turn on the second controller and log in with a separate profile. A prompt should appear in the top-right corner of the screen to add the second player.
How to fix Vanguard Zombies split-screen not working? Unfortunately, this is not a bug but a feature limitation. As the developers have stated, split-screen is not supported in the Zombies mode. There is no fix to enable it.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard offline on PlayStation? To play offline, disconnect your console from the internet via the network settings. You can then access the campaign and local multiplayer modes. You must have the mandatory game update installed first.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard offline on Xbox? Go to your console's network settings and select "Go offline." You can then play the campaign and local multiplayer against bots. An initial mandatory update is required.
How to play Vanguard without an internet connection? After the initial mandatory update is installed, you can disconnect your console from the internet to play the single-player campaign and local multiplayer modes.
How to play Vanguard Zombies with a friend? You can play Vanguard Zombies with friends through online co-op. This requires both players to have an internet connection and the necessary online subscription (e.g., PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live Gold).
How to play Vanguard on PS4 split-screen? In the Multiplayer menu, choose Local Play. Connect a second controller, sign in with another account, and a prompt will appear to join. This works for multiplayer but not for Zombies.
How to play Vanguard split-screen on PS5? The process is the same as on PS4. Go to Local Play in the Multiplayer menu and connect a second controller to join. This is only available for multiplayer matches against bots.
