Minecraft is a game that is enjoyed more when you play it with friends, but if you share a console between two people, it becomes hard to play multiplayer.
There is a simple solution; there is an option that makes the screen split into two parts.
That way, two players can play the game on the same console and the same TV. The benefits of this model are great as now you wouldn’t have to wait for the other player’s turn to be over before you start playing.
The guide below will give you a brief yet straightforward overview of turning on the split-screen mode on devices that allow split-screen mode. But before that, you have to take care of some requirements.
How to play split screen on Minecraft Console
How to Split-Screen Minecraft Locally
Local split-screen refers to playing on a single console, not being mistaken with LAN (local area network) play, where several devices get used. Up to four players can join on any given device. The instructions to play Minecraft in split-screen mode vary slightly for each game console, but the instructions below will cover them all.
Here’s how to set up a ‘local’ split-screen in Minecraft:
Connect the console to the TV with an HDMI or component cable, then launch Minecraft.
Select Create New if you want to start fresh, or load a previous world from the game list.
In the Multiplayer settings, slide Multiplayer Game to the off position.
Set the difficulty and other game options to your liking.
Choose Create or Play to launch the game.
Use a different controller to activate the second player on the console, then select the correct button(s) to add them to Minecraft. For example, the PS4 uses the PS button to activate a user and the Options button (pressed twice) to add the second player to Minecraft.
Select the account for the other player (if not done already). XBOX 360 and PS3 use the Minecraft Legacy Console Edition, so you first press Start on the second controller to get in the game, then it will prompt the user to log into the console.
How to Play Split-Screen in Minecraft?
You will need to play the game on the console, as mentioned earlier. But before you can play local multiplayer, make sure you fulfill the criteria below.
Make sure you have at least 720p resolution on the console and TV you plug it in. For example, PSVita does not support split-screen as it is only qHD (a quarter resolution of HD). And the WiiU is only 480p; hence you cannot play the game in the desired setting.
You will also need to connect to the TV using an HDMI cable or similar since you will need the complete resolution supported by the console.
You should not play in the Beta version of Minecraft as well. If you are in Beta mode, disable it in-game and restart it.
You will also need an active subscription to the console’s service such as PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live Gold, or Nintendo Switch Online.
Once you have fulfilled the above requirements, follow the steps below to activate the split-screen in Minecraft.
Launch the game and select either create a new world or load your saved world.
Go to Multiplayer settings and turn it off.
Once you have the desired settings for the game, such as its difficulty and the preferences, start the world.
Once the game begins, turn on the controller for player two and press Start. You will need to press Start again for the second player to join.
If you have an account for them, select it. If not, your friend can play as a guest. For instance, on PS3, if you hit cancel when the game prompts you to select the user, it will log the other player in as a guest.
Using these steps, you can have up to four players in total while playing in split-screen mode.
To change the split-screen mode to vertical or horizontal, you can scroll to video settings until you find the Split screen option. You can then select either vertical or horizontal display for the game.
How to Play Split-Screen in Minecraft on PS4, Xbox, Switch, and PC
To play split-screen on any gaming console, you will need a second controller for that second set of hands to play with. Also, your game must run on a monitor or screen that is in 720p resolution or higher.
FAQ
Can you play Minecraft with 2 controllers?
Go to Multiplayer settings and turn it off. Once you have the desired settings for the game, such as its difficulty and the preferences, start the world. Once the game begins, turn on the controller for player two and press Start.You will need to press Start again for the second player to join.
