18 Best Split-Screen Games You Must Play in 2026

There’s something unbeatable about sharing the best split-screen games in the same room, laughing, competing, solving puzzles, or working through chaos side by side. In true split-screen games, each player gets their own section of the display, so both can move, explore, or compete from their own perspective.

If you’re into high-speed races, emotional co-op journeys, tactical adventures, or competitive matches, these split-screen games deliver a level of fun and connection that online multiplayer can’t quite match.

After reviewing titles across different genres and platforms, I’ve picked the best split-screen games that make local multiplayer worth setting up in 2026. The list focuses on games with actual split-screen support, with player limits and supported platforms varying by title.

Our Top Picks for Split-Screen Games

I’ve played countless multiplayer games, and these three stand out in 2026 for offering the most rewarding split-screen plays. Each title delivers memorable co-op mechanics, solid replay value, and gameplay that’s built for side-by-side fun.

Here’s a quick overview of our top picks for split-screen play games:

1. 1
   Minecraft 2011

   Sandbox

   Minecraft stands among the best split-screen games for long-term sandbox play, letting up to four console players build, explore, and survive together in one shared world.
   Buy now
2. 2
   Terraria 2011

   Sandbox, action-adventure, survival

   Console split-screen lets friends explore dangerous caves, gather resources, and battle powerful bosses together, making Terraria one of the best split-screen games.
   Buy now
3. 3
   Human: Fall Flat 2016

   Puzzle

   Two-player local split-screen turns physics puzzles into hilarious cooperative challenges, with unpredictable movement and creative solutions earning Human: Fall Flat a spot among the best split-screen games.
   Buy now

These three are great starting points, but there’s plenty more to explore. Here’s the full list of the best split-screen games, with options for different playstyles and group sizes.

18 Best Split-Screen Games

Here are eighteen titles that genuinely deliver the shared-screen experience. These are the games I’ve personally tested, replayed, and would recommend to anyone who values in-person co-op games or competitive fun.

How many of these have you played? If you’re looking for the best split-screen games, this list brings together the strongest options in 2026.

1. Minecraft [Endless Creative Sandbox]

Minecraft is one of the easiest split-screen games to keep coming back to because its sandbox gives everyone something useful to do. Native split-screen is strictly a console feature, so PC players do not get built-in support. On PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, up to four players can share the same world while gathering resources, exploring caves, building shelters, or trying to survive the night.

There is no campaign forcing everyone toward the same objective. One player can work on a base while another searches for diamonds or heads off to map a new area. That freedom suits cooperative play because everyone can contribute to the same world at their own pace. Survival adds more pressure through resource management and combat, while Creative mode works well when the group wants to focus on building.

The block-based visuals also stay readable when the display is divided between several players, although four-player sessions can feel cramped on a smaller screen. I think Minecraft works best when you start a shared world and keep returning to it, since each session adds more progress to something the group already cares about.

My Verdict: Minecraft is a strong pick for players who want split-screen co-op with almost unlimited replay value. One casual session can easily lead to weeks of building, exploring, and expanding the same shared world.

2. Terraria [Best for 2D Sandbox Survival]

Terraria takes the sandbox freedom of Minecraft and packs it into a 2D world filled with underground secrets, dangerous enemies, and massive boss battles. Console split-screen supports up to four players on PlayStation and Xbox, while Nintendo Switch supports two locally. PC players can team up online, but native split-screen isn’t available on that platform.

What makes Terraria so addictive is how exploration gradually turns into a much bigger challenge. You start by chopping trees, digging for ore, and building a shelter before nightfall. Soon, you’re crafting better weapons, exploring dangerous biomes, and preparing to fight enormous bosses. Every major victory opens up new possibilities, and defeating the Wall of Flesh introduces Hardmode, with stronger enemies and powerful new equipment to discover.

I think the best part of playing Terraria together is how naturally everyone can contribute. One player might construct a boss arena while another searches for rare materials or upgrades their equipment. The biggest drawback is how crowded the screen can become during intense fights, particularly with four players. Still, there’s always another boss to challenge or an unexplored area worth investigating.

My Verdict: Terraria is one of the best split-screen games for players who love exploration but also want challenging combat and meaningful character progression. Its massive worlds and satisfying boss battles can keep a group busy for dozens of hours.

3. Human: Fall Flat [Best for Low-Stakes Physics Puzzling]

The first time I booted up Human: Fall Flat, it took about ten minutes of watching my partner faceplant off a rope before either of us solved anything. In local split-screen, each player controls their own wobbly Human, moving through grabbing, climbing, and momentum. There’s no fail state and no timer, so a bad fall just means tumbling back to try again. That freedom turns castles, mines, and floating islands into puzzles built for trial and error.

The physics engine does the heavy lifting. Every rope swing, ladder climb, and shoved boulder reacts unpredictably, so puzzles rarely played out the same way twice in my sessions. No Brakes Games leaned into player-driven improvisation over scripted solutions, and that openness is what kept us laughing more than stuck.

Levels swap environments constantly. One stage drops into a crumbling mansion, the next crosses an icy mountain pass, and the minimalist art style keeps focus on the physics over fine detail. Split screen supports two players locally, and online co-op stretches to eight for bigger groups. I ended up sinking a few extra hours into Steam Workshop levels once the core set ran out, and there are hundreds of community-built puzzles to dig through.

My Verdict: Human: Fall Flat stands out among split-screen puzzle games because its clumsy controls turn small obstacles into shared experiments. Even failed attempts are fun when both players try different solutions.

4. LEGO: Marvel Super Heroes [Superpowered Blockbuster Action]

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes is a perfect choice for split-screen fans looking for a casual, fun experience filled with superhero action.

The game allows two players to team up on the same screen, tackling a variety of missions and puzzles in a vibrant, blocky world full of Marvel characters. It balances combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving in a way that keeps the gameplay engaging without overwhelming new players, which makes it one of the best LEGO games out there.

The visual style is charming, with colorful LEGO models of fan-favorite heroes and villains, all delivered with humorous cutscenes and witty dialogue. The split screen is dynamic, zooming in and out as players move apart or come together, making sure the action remains clear and accessible.

Reviews on platforms like Reddit highlight the game’s appeal to families and friends who want lighthearted co-op fun. The large roster of characters means you can switch and experiment, adding to replay value.

If you want lighthearted superhero co-op with familiar characters and easygoing puzzles, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes fits the bill.

My Verdict: LEGO Marvel Super Heroes combines exciting superhero action with classic LEGO humor. It’s a family-friendly game that allows you to jump into the Marvel universe and work together to save the day.

5. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands [Best for Fantasy Loot-Shooter Co-op]

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands takes the explosive gunplay of Borderlands and throws it into a fantasy world filled with magic, monsters, and ridiculous humor. Local split-screen supports up to four players on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, while PS4 and Xbox One are limited to two. PC players can team up online, but the Steam version doesn’t support native split-screen.

Instead of traditional soldiers, you create a Fatemaker who can wield powerful firearms, cast spells, and mix abilities from different character classes. The campaign takes you across a tabletop-inspired fantasy world where Tiny Tina acts as your unpredictable dungeon master. The multiclass system gives everyone room to experiment with different combat styles, making it fun to build a party where each player contributes something different during tougher encounters.

One feature I particularly like is the choice between Cooperation and Coopetition modes. In Cooperation, everyone receives their own loot drops, so nobody has to fight over a powerful weapon. Coopetition brings back the classic shared-loot system, where the quickest player gets the prize. The biggest drawback is how crowded the interface can feel in four-player split-screen, particularly when managing equipment or reading item descriptions.

My Verdict: Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is an excellent pick for players who want a fantasy-themed split-screen shooter with rewarding character customization. Its chaotic battles and flexible co-op systems make exploring the Wonderlands with friends a blast.

6. Borderlands 3 [Best for Loot-Fueled Split-Screen Shooting]

Borderlands 3 is one of the best split-screen shooters for players who love collecting ridiculous weapons and fighting through waves of enemies together. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S support up to four players in local split-screen, while PS4 and Xbox One allow two. PC doesn’t have native split-screen, and the Nintendo Switch version requires separate systems for multiplayer.

You choose between four Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities and skill trees. Moze can summon a heavily armed mech, while FL4K fights alongside loyal animal companions. The shooting feels satisfying thanks to an enormous variety of weapons, including guns that sprout legs and chase enemies. Experimenting with different character builds makes cooperative combat even more entertaining, since players can combine their abilities during challenging boss encounters.

I particularly like how Borderlands 3 handles loot when playing with friends. The Cooperation setting gives everyone separate loot drops, so you don’t have to argue over who gets the best weapon. You can also switch to Coopetition for traditional shared loot. The biggest downside is the crowded interface during split-screen sessions, particularly when four players are comparing weapons or managing their inventories.

My Verdict: Borderlands 3 is a great choice for players who want explosive split-screen action with plenty of loot and character progression. The varied Vault Hunters and extensive campaign give friends plenty of reasons to return for another session.

7. The Escapists 2 [Tactical Prison Break]

When I reviewed The Escapists 2, what caught my attention was how open-ended it feels. You take on the role of a prisoner planning an escape across multiple prisons, each with its own challenges and layout. The pixel-art style gives the game a nostalgic charm, while the gameplay is surprisingly deep.

The split-screen mode supports local co-op, so you can team up with a friend and coordinate your plans in real time. This adds a lot of fun and strategy as you both work together to gather supplies, avoid guards, and figure out creative escape routes.

Players on Reddit often mention how the variety of prisons keeps the gameplay fresh and interesting. It’s a sandbox that encourages trial and error, rewarding players who are patient and inventive.

As a split-screen strategy game, The Escapists 2 rewards teams that plan their escapes carefully instead of rushing past guards.

My Verdict: The Escapists 2 allows players to devise clever escape plans and face multiple challenges. If you enjoy working together to escape tight spots in a sandbox environment, this game is a solid choice.

8. Halo: Infinite [Split-Screen Arena Shooter]

Halo Infinite supports local split-screen only in multiplayer, not in the campaign. On Xbox One, two players can share the screen, while Xbox Series X/S supports up to four for local multiplayer matches. You still get the fast arena-style combat the series is known for, with weapon pickups, map control, and quick respawns keeping couch sessions moving.

Weapon pickups and map control decide most matches, which keeps split-screen sessions competitive even between mismatched skill levels. I set this up with a sibling over the holidays, and the four-player couch matches held up better than expected. Rounds moved fast enough that nobody had time to get bored waiting for a respawn.

Maps rotate constantly across modes like Slayer and Big Team Battle, so split-screen sessions rarely feel repetitive even after a few hours in. Cross-play lets Xbox players queue against PC opponents while still sharing one console locally.

My Verdict: Halo Infinite’s multiplayer holds up as one of the best split-screen shooters on this list. Anyone with a Series X or S already hooked up to the TV has no reason to skip it.

9. It Takes Two [Emotional Co-op Game]

In my experience, It Takes Two is the gold standard for the best co-op games in split-screen. It doesn’t just support two players, it depends on both. The entire game is built around cooperation, with mechanics that constantly shift between levels, making each section feel fresh and engaging.

You play as Cody and May, a couple navigating both a magical world and their strained relationship. The way the gameplay mirrors the story is what sets this one apart. One moment you’re using magnets to solve puzzles, the next you’re flying squirrels through a tree or navigating a snow globe. Every sequence is designed so both players must contribute in different ways. You’re never doing the same thing twice.

Visually, the game is charming and colorful, with environments that feel alive and varied. The split screen is fixed, meaning both players are always on screen, but the design makes it feel natural, not restrictive. The dialogue can be cheesy in parts, but the heartfelt moments land well, especially if you’re playing with someone close. If you want to play more games like It Takes Two, then find the 22 best in our detailed guide.

My Verdict: It Takes Two redefines co-op gameplay with its brilliant mechanics that require constant collaboration. It’s a must-play for friends or couples who want an emotionally engaging and fun gaming experience.

10. Split Fiction [Genre-Hopping Co-op Adventure]

Split Fiction picked up where It Takes Two left off, and Hazelight built an entire game around two authors trading genres mid-story. Mio writes science fiction, Zoe writes fantasy, and both get pulled into a machine meant to steal their ideas. I have played many games like Split Fiction, but this game stands out for many reasons. Every level swaps between the two settings, and the toolkit resets each time, so a system rarely carries over more than a level or two.

New mechanics show up almost every chapter. One world hands over a hoverboard and gravity-shifting platforms, and another throws in a genuinely strange dance battle against a monkey. My co-op partner and I never settled into a routine, since each world asked for different coordination between us. The pacing keeps split screen essential to nearly every puzzle.

Split Fiction requires two players whether you play locally or online. For local split-screen, both players can play from the same copy on one system, while Friend’s Pass is designed for online co-op and lets a second player join remotely for free when one player owns the full game. The split-screen layout keeps both views readable even when Mio and Zoe are tackling completely different mechanics.

My Verdict: Split Fiction is one of the most inventive two-player split-screen adventures, with fantasy and sci-fi chapters that keep changing how partners cooperate.

11. A Way Out [Cinematic Prison Escape]

From the first scene, A Way Out builds everything around two-player collaboration. If you are looking for one of the best split-screen games on Xbox, then this is definitely the hit. You play as Leo and Vincent, two inmates working together to escape prison and survive beyond it. The experience never hands control to just one person. One player might be in a dialogue while the other explores or causes a distraction. This creates a unique pace that keeps both players constantly involved.

I’ve played a lot of co-op games, but this one stands out for how deeply it integrates storytelling into every moment. Choices you make together affect what happens next, and sometimes that tension spills over into real-life disagreements about what to do. The story moves fast, the settings are grounded, and the emotional stakes keep climbing.

The fixed split screen adapts based on what each player is doing, giving scenes a cinematic feel without taking away interactivity. Visually, it uses a realistic style that feels consistent with the mood of the game, even if the graphics aren’t top-tier today.

If you’re looking for a tightly focused, story-first game that demands cooperation and trust, this one belongs in your library.

My Verdict: A Way Out pushes co-op to its limits, perfect for players who enjoy making critical decisions together and experiencing a deeply immersive story.

12. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection [Chaotic Loot-Fueled Adventure]

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection bundles Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel into a single package, perfect for fans of the best Borderlands games. As a pair of split-screen looter shooters, these games let console players develop their Vault Hunters while working through both campaigns together.

The games feature a comic book-inspired art style that’s instantly recognizable, filled with over-the-top humor and quirky characters. Split screen works smoothly, giving each player control over their character’s actions in expansive open-world environments. The loot system keeps you experimenting with new weapons and gear combinations throughout both campaigns.

Players on Reddit often highlight the great chemistry between characters and the fun of strategizing with friends. The variety in missions and gameplay styles keeps the experience fresh, whether you’re sneaking, shooting, or boss-fighting.

For those who want deep cooperative gameplay with humor and huge replay value, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is a solid pick.

My Verdict: Borderlands: The Handsome Collection gives friends two substantial campaigns to complete together. Its varied Vault Hunters and weapon combinations provide plenty of reasons to return for another co-op session.

13. Baldur’s Gate 3 [Best for Deep Split-Screen RPG Co-op]

Baldur’s Gate 3 gives two local players access to the full campaign, so you can explore Faerûn, fight enemies, make dialogue choices, and build separate characters while sharing the same adventure. Each player gets their own view when moving apart, while the display can merge when both characters are close together.

The turn-based combat works especially well in split-screen because nobody has to fight for control of the action. Each player manages their own character during encounters, while exploration gives you room to wander off, start conversations, or stumble into trouble separately. Decisions can also affect quests and companions, which gives a co-op playthrough plenty to argue about.

I think the biggest appeal is how complete the experience feels. This is not a separate local mode or a trimmed-down side campaign. You can work through the same huge RPG together, with enough classes, quests, and choices to support a very long shared playthrough.

My Verdict: Among split-screen RPGs, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives two players the freedom to explore and make choices independently. Its turn-based combat also gives both partners time to coordinate.

14. Gears 5 [Three-Player Campaign Warfare]

Few shooters commit to split-screen campaign play as seriously as Gears 5. Up to three players can work through the campaign together locally, with each person getting their own section of the display. The cover-based gunplay keeps everyone involved because positioning and enemy pressure often force the group to coordinate before pushing forward. The feature is available on Xbox consoles and PC.

Kait Diaz leads a campaign built around heavy firefights and larger areas that give the squad room to explore. Combat still carries the weight the series is known for, with close-range executions and aggressive enemies keeping encounters tense. Having another player covering a flank or reviving you during a bad push gives split-screen real value beyond simply sharing the campaign.

What stands out to me is how substantial the local experience feels. You are getting a full story campaign here, so there is plenty to work through together across multiple sessions. PC players should note that an Xbox profile is required even when playing through Steam.

My Verdict: Gears 5 is a strong choice for fans of couch co-op shooters, with three-player campaign support and cover-based fights that reward coordination.

15. Goat Simulator 3 [Open-World Split-Screen Mayhem]

Goat Simulator 3 gives split-screen players an open sandbox where causing trouble is basically the objective. You can explore San Angora together, complete quests, mess with NPCs, or compete in multiplayer mini-games. PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S support up to four local players, while PS4 and Xbox One cap local split-screen at two.

The game gives everyone plenty of ways to create their own chaos. Goats can headbutt objects, lick almost anything, equip ridiculous gear, and use vehicles to move around the map. There are quests and collectibles to chase, but the sandbox works just as well when the group ignores them and experiments with whatever looks entertaining nearby. The Nintendo Switch version supports two players on one system, and split-screen is also present on Switch 2.

I like this one as a change of pace because it asks very little from the group before the fun starts. There is no complicated co-op strategy to learn first, and everyone can wander around their own part of the map while still sharing the same session.

My Verdict: Goat Simulator 3 stands out among open-world split-screen games for groups that prefer messing around to following missions. Everyone can explore independently and still share the resulting chaos.

16. Outward: Definitive Edition [Split-Screen Survival RPG]

Outward: Definitive Edition gives two players a full survival RPG to work through in split-screen. You explore Aurai together, fight creatures, enter dungeons, and manage basic needs such as food, sleep, and protection from harsh environments. Local co-op covers the same adventure as solo play, so both players stay involved in exploration and combat rather than jumping into a smaller multiplayer mode.

Preparation matters as much as fighting. Gear weight, healing supplies, weather protection, and the route you take can all affect whether an expedition goes smoothly. Combat is deliberately slower than a typical action RPG, so rushing into a group of enemies can end badly. Having a second player helps with fights, but both of you still need to manage your own equipment and resources.

What I like here is the amount of freedom you get as a pair. You can spend one session clearing a dungeon and the next traveling toward a new city or gathering materials for better gear. The game asks for patience, but that slower pace gives split-screen partners plenty to plan together.

My Verdict: Outward: Definitive Edition is a strong pick for fans of split-screen survival RPGs who enjoy preparing for difficult expeditions. Two players can explore Aurai together while managing their own resources.

17. Stardew Valley [Relaxed Farming Split-Screen]

Stardew Valley works especially well for split-screen because both players can contribute to the same farm while focusing on different jobs. One person can water crops while the other heads into the mines, fishes, gathers materials, or visits town. The game supports local split-screen on PC and consoles, with up to four players on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2. The original Switch version supports two.

There is plenty to coordinate once the farm grows. Money can be shared or kept separate, and every extra player gets their own cabin. Seasons change which crops and activities matter, while festivals, relationships, crafting, and Community Center goals give the group something to work toward beyond earning more gold. I like how easy it is for everyone to settle into a role without needing constant coordination.

The slower pace also gives this entry a different feel from most of the action-heavy games on the list. You can spend an evening reorganizing the farm, exploring Skull Cavern, or simply finishing a few daily tasks together. That makes it a strong pick when you want split-screen sessions that can keep going for dozens of hours.

My Verdict: Stardew Valley is a great choice among split-screen farming games for its relaxed pace and steady progression. A shared farm lets everyone choose their own tasks while contributing to the same goals.

18. Forza Motorsport 7 [Best for Racing Fans and Competitive Drivers]

Forza Motorsport 7 offers realistic driving and head-to-head competition. With more than 700 cars and over 30 tracks, it gives fans of split-screen racing games plenty of vehicles and circuits to master. Adjustable driving assists also help newcomers compete with experienced racers.

The gameplay is highly detailed, which gives you full control over car customization, racing strategy, and real-time reactions to track changes. No matter if you’re navigating sharp corners or managing tire wear, every decision counts. The controls are tight and responsive, creating a sense of real-life driving in every race.

Visually, Forza Motorsport 7 is stunning. The detailed car models and weather effects are impressive, which brings every race to life. Changing light and reflections give each circuit a different look as conditions shift.

My Verdict: Forza Motorsport 7 brings realistic racing with stunning graphics and deep mechanics. It’s perfect for racing enthusiasts who want a split-screen experience that feels both thrilling and authentic.

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Best Split-Screen Games: Quick Comparison

The best split screen games vary quite a bit in player count, platform support, and the type of co-op they offer. This table gives you the main differences at a glance before choosing what fits your group.

My Overall Verdict on the Best Split-Screen Games

The updated list covers very different kinds of local multiplayer, so the right pick depends on what you want to do together.

For a longer-term game, Minecraft and Baldur’s Gate 3 give you plenty to come back to. If you want a more focused campaign built specifically around two players, It Takes Two and Split Fiction are easier recommendations. The rest of these best split-screen games fill in the gaps with shooters, racing, survival, and lighter sandbox play.

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