Minecraft: How to Play Split-Screen (PlayStation, Xbox, Switch...)

Minecraft, one of the most successful games of all time, can now be played in split-screen mode with friends. This option wasn't available when the game first launched, but given how much it has grown, it wouldn't make sense not to have it nowadays. Even so, plenty of players probably have questions about how to enjoy local co-op in Minecraft.

Don't worry, because you've come to the right place. In this section of our complete guide, we'll walk you through the steps required to set up split-screen mode in Minecraft so you can play on any console.

Requirements for playing in split-screen mode

Before explaining how to play Minecraft with friends in split-screen mode, there are a few requirements you need to know about.

Supported editions

First of all, Minecraft's split-screen option is only officially and natively supported by the console versions. These include:

• Minecraft Bedrock Edition: available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One (as well as on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility).
• Minecraft Legacy Edition: available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U.

Unfortunately, the PC version of Minecraft doesn't officially support split-screen mode, so you won't be able to play this way on a computer. Your only alternative is to try using various mods, but setting them up can be a hassle and isn't recommended.

720p resolution

It's also worth noting that split-screen mode on consoles is only available if you're playing Minecraft on a TV with a resolution of at least 720p. To do this, you'll need to set your console's video output to match your TV's resolution. This is very easy and can usually be done by going to Settings > System > Console Settings > Display.

Minecraft supports split-screen play on consoles both locally (offline) and online, with up to four players at the same time. Here's how to set it up:

How to play local split-screen

To play Minecraft in local split-screen mode on your console—that is, without an internet connection—follow these steps:

• Open Minecraft and select Play. Now create a new world or load an existing one.
• On the next screen, uncheck the online/multiplayer game option. Set the difficulty, then load the world.
• Once you've entered the world, connect the second player's controller to the console.
• The game should now detect the second controller and tell you which button to press to add the second player (for example, "Options" on PlayStation or "Menu" on Xbox).
• Select the second player's user account to sign in.
• The second player should then immediately join the Minecraft world, and the screen will be divided.
• You can connect up to two additional controllers and two more accounts to play with four players in split-screen mode at the same time.

How to play split-screen online

The steps in this section will allow you to play Minecraft in online split-screen mode, letting you share your games with other players using the online features. This option is only available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles and can be enabled as follows:

• First, turn on your console and open your main profile to launch Minecraft.
• From the main menu, select Play and either load an existing world or create a new one.
• On the next screen, make sure to check the online game option. Set the difficulty, then load the world.
• A sign-in window will then appear on the screen. At this point, guest players using the console can join the game with their respective controllers if they wish.

Keep in mind that, to use the online features, all users must be subscribed to the relevant PlayStation or Xbox online service. Guest accounts can only join while the world is loading, whereas accounts subscribed to an online service can join at any time after connecting to the game.