One of the best additions to Fortnite is the ability to play the game in split-screen mode. This feature offers two players to enjoy the Battle Royale game on the same screen without having a second console. Of course, there are some limitations for using it. But, for the most part, it is a great way to allow your friends or family experience one of the most popular free games on the market. Here is how to do split-screen in your Fortnite game.
Overview – Doing Split-Screen on Fortnite
Currently, Split-screen is only available on Xbox and PlayStation 4. So, the players of Nintendo Switch, PC and mobile do not have the option yet. Need to note that the split-screen support in Fortnite is in the early stages of testing. After the kinks of the feature are worked out it is possible that split-screen will eventually make its way to PC and Nintendo Switch at least. No matter how big your mobile screens get, we cannot imagine split-screen mode working too well on Mobile (iOS or Android).
When you are both sitting next to each other, please log into the game and connect a second controller. After you have that settled, just queue up for a duos or squad game since the feature currently does not work in solo matches. After doing that, you are going to see a prompt on screen asking you to hold down a button on your controller (A on Xbox or X on PS4) and the second player must appear on the screen.
You are able to use your own Epic account to unlock your purchased cosmetics and complete any challenges which need to get done. Once in, you will be able to visit your Item Shop and menus individually of each other. In game, you are going to see black boxes on both sides of the screen which are unfortunately unavoidable. Sadly, you only just have to get used to all that wasted space in front of you.
Utilizing split-screen in a co-op game will help you immensely in combat. If you want to know where your ally is or who they are shooting at, you have to turn your head slightly to the side. Actually, cooperating with your squad is harder over headset communication compared to sharing a couch. Also, the Split-screen mode allows you to add some fist bumps or pats on the back for when the Victory Royale rains down on you.
How to start split-screen mode?
While Fortnite is available on almost every system, the split-screen mode is currently limited to PS4 and Xbox One. Based on the research, the feature was added in 2019. Epic Games hopes to roll out the feature to PC and Nintendo Switch users in a future update. We are pretty deep into 2021, and we still have no word on when that update will happen. Until now, the mode is limited to playing Fortnite on Xbox and Sony consoles.
It is an easy process to get a friend to join in on the fun. Just follow the same steps for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Before you start split-screen mode on Fortnite, you have to make sure that you have a second account and controller available for your buddy to use. After that, you are able to follow these easy steps below to get split-screen mode.
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- Firstly, navigate to the Main Menu.
- Then, ensure the second controller is connected to your console and is turned on.
- After connecting, the second player must be invited to choose their account.
- After signing in, the second player will appear in the Fortnite lobby now.
Finally, now you will be able to hop into the games together and then fight toward a Victory Royale. Please remember that there are some important restrictions to note.
Not all game modes are compatible
In fact, Solo Mode is not available when playing split-screen. This will lead to an unfair advantage, because two people on the same couch can coordinate their attacks together and effectively work as a team against all the other single players. So, we are able to conclude that Solo Mode is not compatible for split-screen mode. Also, you will be unable to play in Creative mode or Team Rumble. Instead, you are going to be stuck with Squads or Duos. Those are the only two modes which work when two players are using the same console. There is no statement from Epic Games on whether this will change in the next season.
Apparently, there are some points worth mentioning:
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- If one player disconnects, the session is going to end.
- Lobby and menu screens are not shared. The split-screen mode will only take effect during a match.
- The players will not share an inventory.
- The two players have to choose the same language settings. For your information, multi-language support is not offered by Fortnite’s split-screen mode.
Tips for playing in split-screen mode
Although it is fun to jump into a bit of couch co-op, the downsides cannot be overlooked. The biggest issue is that your screen size will be cut in half. This makes teamwork and communication paramount, as you will rely heavily on your teammate to let you know what they are seeing. By default, the game cut the screen horizontally with no option to change it. Most players will not mind with the horizontal orientation. But, for those who like running co-op vertically are going to be completely out of luck. So long as you consider these drawbacks, this split-screen mode will be a lot of fun and is a great method to introduce your friends to the Fortnite.
Now, Fortnite is available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and mobile. For now, the split-screen mode is available for PS4 and Xbox One. Will you use the Fortnite split-screen option, or are your squad buddies on the other side of the country? Tell us in the section comment below.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
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