⏱ 7 min read  ·  ✅ Updated Jul 2026
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Split screen gaming is one of the purest forms of couch multiplayer, and the PS5 keeps that tradition alive with a surprisingly deep library of local co-op and versus experiences. Whether you want to team up against zombies, race friends across chaotic tracks, or wage strategic war side by side, the best split screen PS5 games deliver hours of shared fun without needing a second console or online subscription. This guide rounds up eight standout titles that make the most of your living room setup.

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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best split screen ps5 games (2026) is the It Takes Two — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.

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Quick Comparison of the Best Split Screen PS5 Games

Game Platform Genre Why It’s Great Rating
It Takes Two PS5, PS4 Co-op Adventure Two-player campaign built entirely around cooperation 9.6/10
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War PS5, PS4 FPS Full split-screen Zombies and multiplayer support 8.5/10
Borderlands 3 PS5, PS4 Looter Shooter Four-player local co-op with vertical or horizontal split 8.8/10
Rocket League PS5, PS4 Sports/Action Free-to-play car soccer with instant local matches 8.9/10
Overcooked! All You Can Eat PS5 Party/Co-op Chaotic kitchen teamwork remastered at 60fps 8.7/10
Minecraft Dungeons PS5, PS4 Action RPG Drop-in dungeon crawling for up to four players 8.0/10
Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 Fighting Precise local versus brawling with deep rosters 8.6/10
Divinity: Original Sin 2 PS5, PS4 RPG Deep tactical co-op with independent player choices 9.4/10

Below we break down each of these titles in detail so you can decide which of the best split screen PS5 games fits your group. From competitive fighters to relaxed co-op adventures, there is something here for every kind of player. Getting comfortable seating and a solid screen setup helps too, so keep an eye on the buying guides linked throughout.

Top Picks Among the Best Split Screen PS5 Games

It Takes Two: The Definitive Split Screen PS5 Co-op

It Takes Two is arguably the finest reason to own two controllers on your PS5. Designed from the ground up as a mandatory two-player experience, it constantly reinvents its gameplay, throwing platforming, puzzles, shooting, and vehicle sequences at you in an endless stream of creativity. The permanent split screen keeps both players fully engaged, and the story of a bickering couple turned into dolls is charming enough to pull in non-gamers. If you only buy one co-op game, make it this one. A comfortable pair of controllers makes those marathon sessions easier, so check out our PS5 controller buying guide before you dive in.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War for Split Screen Firefights

Among shooters, Black Ops Cold War remains one of the most reliable split screen PS5 games for local action. It supports two-player split screen across multiplayer modes and the beloved Zombies experience, letting you and a friend fend off endless undead hordes from the same sofa. The fast pace and satisfying gunplay hold up well, and the round-based Zombies mode is perfect for late-night runs. To hear every footstep and reload, a solid headset helps enormously, and our gaming headset buying guide covers the best options for the PS5.

Borderlands 3: Four-Player Chaos

Borderlands 3 brings its trademark billions-of-guns looter shooter formula to local play with up to four-player split screen, a rarity on modern consoles. You can choose vertical or horizontal splits, and the drop-in, drop-out design means friends can join whenever they wander into the room. The cel-shaded art style keeps things readable even with a crowded screen, making it one of the best split screen PS5 games for larger groups. A bigger display genuinely improves four-player sessions, so browse our gaming monitor buying guide to find a panel with the size and refresh rate you need.

Rocket League: Instant Local Fun

Rocket League turns rocket-powered cars into soccer players, and its pick-up-and-play nature makes it ideal for split screen. Being free-to-play, there is no barrier to entry, and matches only last a few minutes, so it is easy to hand the controller around a group. The physics-driven gameplay creates endless highlight-reel moments, and split screen supports both local versus and cooperative online play. Low input lag matters here, and pairing the game with a fast display from our high refresh rate monitor buying guide makes those aerial shots feel razor sharp.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat: Kitchen Mayhem

Few games test friendships quite like Overcooked. This remastered collection bundles both games plus all the DLC, running at a buttery 60fps on PS5. You and up to three friends scramble to chop, cook, and serve dishes in increasingly absurd kitchens, from moving trucks to earthquake-stricken restaurants. Communication is everything, making it one of the most rewarding party-focused split screen PS5 games available. Comfortable seating pays dividends during these tense sessions, so take a look at our gaming chair buying guide for setups that keep everyone relaxed.

Minecraft Dungeons: Accessible Dungeon Crawling

Minecraft Dungeons strips the building out of Minecraft and replaces it with an approachable Diablo-style action RPG. Up to four players can crawl through procedurally varied dungeons in local split screen, hunting loot and battling the Arch-Illager’s forces. Its low difficulty floor makes it welcoming for kids and newcomers, while enchantments and secret levels give veterans reasons to keep grinding. As one of the friendliest split screen PS5 games, it is a superb family pick.

Mortal Kombat 1: Local Versus Brawling

For head-to-head competition, Mortal Kombat 1 delivers gorgeous, brutal fighting that shines in local play. Two players can go toe to toe on the same screen with the series’ famously deep combo system, cinematic fatalities, and a stacked roster of returning fighters. Fighting games are best enjoyed in person, where you can read reactions and trash talk in real time, making this a standout among competitive split screen PS5 games. Responsive controllers are essential for tight inputs, so revisit our PS5 controller buying guide if your pads are getting worn out.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 for Deep Co-op RPG Fans

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a masterclass in cooperative role-playing, and its split screen implementation on PS5 is remarkable. Two players can explore the sprawling world of Rivellon together, each making independent dialogue choices that can even put you at odds with one another. The turn-based combat rewards clever use of the environment and elemental interactions, giving strategic groups dozens of hours of engagement. It is easily one of the most substantial split screen PS5 games in terms of sheer content and replayability.

How to Get the Most Out of Split Screen PS5 Games

To enjoy these split screen PS5 games at their best, a few extras go a long way. A large, high-quality TV or monitor keeps each half of the screen readable, which matters most in four-player titles like Borderlands 3. Fast, low-latency displays help competitive games such as Rocket League and Mortal Kombat 1 feel responsive. Reliable controllers ensure inputs register precisely during heated matches, and comfortable seating prevents fatigue during long co-op campaigns. Investing in the right gear transforms a good couch session into a great one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all PS5 games support split screen?

No, split screen is a specific feature that developers must choose to implement, and many modern games skip it in favor of online multiplayer. The titles in this guide all offer genuine local split screen support, so you can play together on a single console without needing an internet connection or extra hardware.

What is the best split screen PS5 game for families?

Minecraft Dungeons and Overcooked! All You Can Eat are excellent family choices because they are easy to learn, non-violent or cartoonish, and support up to four players locally. Both encourage teamwork rather than intense competition, making them accessible for younger players while still being fun for adults who join in.

Do I need PlayStation Plus for split screen on PS5?

You do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription for local split screen play, since everything runs on your single console offline. A subscription is only required if you want to take these games online for internet multiplayer, but the couch co-op and versus modes described here work completely free of any subscription.

Can two players share one screen on a small TV?

Yes, but a larger display dramatically improves the experience because each player only sees half or a quarter of the screen. On small TVs, text and distant objects can become hard to read, especially in four-player games. If you play split screen often, upgrading to a bigger, higher-resolution screen is one of the best investments you can make.

Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the It Takes Two.

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