Have you ever found yourself craving some intense Call of Duty: Vanguard action, but wished you could share the chaos with a friend right there on the couch? Good news, soldier! Call of Duty: Vanguard does offer local split-screen multiplayer, allowing you and a buddy to team up or go head-to-head on the same screen. While it's not available for every mode, getting set up for some classic couch co-op is simpler than you might think.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dive into two-player mayhem in Call of Duty: Vanguard, covering console specifics, troubleshooting, and answering your burning questions.
How to Play Two Players on Call of Duty: Vanguard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's get you and your buddy into the action! Follow these steps closely to set up your split-screen experience.
Step 1: Gather Your Arsenal (and Your Buddy!)
Before you even touch your console, let's make sure you have the essentials. This is where the magic begins!
- Your Console: Call of Duty: Vanguard is available on PlayStation (PS4, PS5) and Xbox (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S). Make sure your game is fully installed and updated to the latest version.
- Two Controllers: This might seem obvious, but you'll need two working controllers for your chosen console. Ensure they are fully charged or have fresh batteries.
- Two Accounts (Highly Recommended): While some games allow "guest" accounts, for the best and most consistent experience in Vanguard, it's highly recommended that both players have their own console accounts (PlayStation Network or Xbox Live accounts). This allows for proper progression tracking, personalized settings, and avoids potential glitches.
- Pro Tip: If your friend doesn't have an account on your console, take a moment to quickly create one for them before you start the game. It's usually a straightforward process.
- An Internet Connection (for online split-screen): If you plan on playing online multiplayer together, you'll need a stable internet connection and an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription for both accounts. For local private matches against bots, an internet connection isn't strictly necessary, but it's good to have for game updates.
Step 2: Boot Up Vanguard and Navigate to Multiplayer
With your gear ready, let's fire up the game.
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Launch Call of Duty: Vanguard: Turn on your console and start the Call of Duty: Vanguard application.
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Navigate to the Main Menu: Once the game loads, you'll be presented with the main menu.
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Select "Multiplayer": Using your primary controller, navigate and select the "Multiplayer" option. This is where the split-screen action is primarily supported.
- Important Note: Call of Duty: Vanguard's campaign and Zombies modes do not support split-screen. You'll only be able to enjoy two-player local play in the Multiplayer modes. This is a common point of confusion, so keep it in mind!
Step 3: Bringing in Player Two: The Split-Screen Activation
Now for the crucial step of inviting your second player.
- Turn On the Second Controller: With the game in the Multiplayer lobby, turn on your second controller.
- Sign In the Second Player:
- On PlayStation: Press the PlayStation button on the second controller. You'll be prompted to select a user. Choose an existing account or create a new one if you haven't already. Once signed in, you should see a prompt on the top-right or bottom-right of your screen (often "Press X to join" or a similar message). Press the indicated button on the second controller.
- On Xbox: Press the Xbox button on the second controller. Sign in with an existing Xbox account or create a new one. Similar to PlayStation, a prompt will appear on your screen (usually "Press A to join" or an icon for player two). Press the indicated button on the second controller.
- Confirm Player Two's Entry: You should now see a second player icon or name appear in the lobby, usually in the top right corner of the screen, indicating that two players are in the party. Congratulations! You've successfully activated split-screen.
Step 4: Choosing Your Battleground: Game Modes and Settings
Now that both players are in the lobby, it's time to pick your poison!
- Select a Game Mode: As the primary player (Player 1), you'll now be able to select from 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
- Free-for-All
- Patrol
- Champion Hill (Duos or Trios)
- Local Private Matches: For a more controlled experience, you can create a private match. This is excellent for practicing, playing against bots, or just having a casual match without the pressure of online competition.
- To set up a private match, look for the "Private Match" or "Custom Game" option within the Multiplayer menu. Here, you can configure map, mode, bot count, and other game settings.
- Adjust Settings (Optional, but Recommended): Before jumping into a match, it's a good idea to check some settings that can enhance your split-screen experience.
- Graphics: While you can't change the split-screen orientation (Vanguard typically uses horizontal split-screen), you can sometimes adjust the Field of View (FOV) in graphics settings. Increasing FOV can give both players a wider view of the action, which is especially helpful on a split screen.
- Controls: Each player can adjust their individual controller settings, sensitivity, and button layouts. Make sure both players are comfortable with their configurations.
- Start Searching for a Game: Once you've selected your desired mode and adjusted settings, the primary player can initiate the search for a match (if playing online) or start the private match.
Step 5: Dominating Together!
You're in! The screen will now split, and you and your friend will each have your own view of the battlefield.
- Communication is Key: Even though you're side-by-side, good communication can make all the difference. Call out enemy positions, coordinate attacks, and celebrate your victories!
- Enjoy the Action: Dive into the fast-paced combat of Call of Duty: Vanguard and enjoy the shared experience.
Potential Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips
While playing split-screen is generally smooth, you might encounter a few minor hiccups.
- Online Connectivity Issues: Sometimes, connecting both players to online services can be finicky. If you get an error, try:
- Restarting the game.
- Ensuring both accounts have active online subscriptions (PS Plus/Game Pass Core).
- Checking your internet connection.
- Performance Drops: Split-screen mode can be more demanding on your console's hardware, potentially leading to slight frame rate drops, especially on older generation consoles (PS4/Xbox One) or in very intense moments. This is generally expected and often not game-breaking.
- Visual Glitches: Rarely, you might encounter minor visual glitches like T-posing characters in MVP screens or strange lighting effects. These are usually temporary and don't significantly impact gameplay.
- Zombies Mode Not Supporting Split-Screen: This is a recurring question. As a definitive answer, Call of Duty: Vanguard's Zombies mode does not support split-screen. If you try to activate it, you'll likely receive a message informing you it's not supported or the game might even crash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about playing two players on Call of Duty: Vanguard, with quick answers:
How to play split-screen on Call of Duty Vanguard on Xbox?
To play split-screen on Xbox, ensure your second controller is on, sign in a second Xbox account (or create one), and then press the 'A' button when prompted in the Multiplayer lobby.
How to set up two players in Call of Duty Vanguard on PlayStation?
On PlayStation, turn on the second controller, sign in a second PlayStation Network account, and then press the 'X' button when the "Press X to join" prompt appears in the Multiplayer menu.
How to play local multiplayer on Call of Duty Vanguard?
Go to the Multiplayer menu, turn on your second controller, sign in the second player, and then select "Private Match" or a standard multiplayer mode to play locally or against bots.
How to play online split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
After both players are signed in and present in the Multiplayer lobby, simply select an online game mode, and the game will search for a match with both players. Both accounts need an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription.
How to play Zombies split-screen in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Unfortunately, you cannot play Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Vanguard in split-screen. This feature is not supported.
How to fix split-screen not working in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Ensure both controllers are properly connected and signed into separate console accounts. Try restarting the game and your console. Also, ensure you are in the "Multiplayer" section, as Campaign and Zombies don't support split-screen.
How to change split-screen orientation in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Call of Duty: Vanguard's split-screen typically uses a horizontal orientation, and there is no in-game option to change it to a vertical split.
How to add bots in a private match in Call of Duty Vanguard for two players?
In a private match, once both players are in the lobby, the host can navigate to the game settings for that match and usually find an option to "Add Bots" or "Fill with Bots" to populate the remaining slots.
How to use different loadouts for each player in Call of Duty Vanguard split-screen?
Each player will have their own profile and access to their custom loadouts. Player 1 can select their loadout, and Player 2 can select theirs independently from the in-game loadout menu during a match or in the pre-game lobby.
How to improve split-screen performance in Call of Duty Vanguard?
While major improvements aren't always possible, ensuring your console has adequate ventilation, closing other background applications, and (if applicable) having the game installed on an SSD can sometimes offer minor performance benefits. Lowering the FOV slightly if it's causing issues can also help, although it's generally recommended to increase it for better visibility.