In the world of Diablo 4, players are eager to team up and tackle the dark forces of Sanctuary together. But the burning question remains: Does Diablo 4 offer split-screen co-op? The good news for console gamers is a resounding yes! Whether you’re on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S, you can dive into couch co-op action with a friend. However, PC players will have to sit this one out, as split-screen is exclusive to consoles. Get ready to strategize and slay side by side, as we explore how to set up this thrilling multiplayer experience!
Important note – the second player also needs to have his own Battle.net account and has to log in to play. This way, all progress made during local coop will be saved and this way you can mix cooperation and single-player games and still make general progress.
When playing in local coop, the action takes place on a single screen, but each player has his own interface. Same applies to the equipment window – each player has his own and makes changes to it separately.
Beta – problems getting the second player to join
During the beta phase of Diablo 4, many players have encountered issues when trying to get a second player to join in split-screen mode. To successfully add a second player, both players must have their accounts linked to Blizzard’s Battle.net and must log in with their respective console accounts. Players often report delays or failures in the connection process, particularly if there are server issues or if the game is experiencing high traffic. Additionally, ensuring that both controllers are properly connected and recognized by the console is crucial. If problems persist, players may need to restart the game or check their account settings to ensure everything is configured correctly for a smooth co-op experience.
How does split-screen co-op work on different consoles
In Diablo 4, split-screen co-op is available exclusively on consoles, specifically the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Here’s how it works across these platforms:
Setting Up Split-Screen Co-Op
- Launch the Game: Start Diablo 4 and wait for the character selection screen to load.
- Connect the Second Controller: Turn on the second player’s controller. A notification will confirm the connection.
- Account Login: The second player must log in with their PlayStation or Xbox account, which needs to be linked to a Blizzard Battle.net account.
- Character Selection: After logging in, the second player can choose an existing character or create a new one.
Gameplay Experience
- Player Limit: Unlike its predecessor, Diablo 3, which allowed up to four players locally, Diablo 4 limits couch co-op to two players. This design choice aims to streamline gameplay and reduce interface clutter, allowing both players to access independent menus and merchants simultaneously4.
- Shared Screen Mechanics: Players share the same screen, similar to previous Diablo titles. If one player stops moving, the game will pull them along with the other player, ensuring they stay together during exploration2.
Limitations
- PC Exclusion: Split-screen co-op is not available on PC; it is strictly a console feature. Players on PC can still use controllers but will not have access to local multiplayer options.
This setup allows friends to embark on their dark adventures together from the comfort of their couches, enhancing the cooperative experience in the rich world of Sanctuary.
Which console offers the best split-screen co-op experience for Diablo 4
When it comes to the best split-screen co-op experience for Diablo 4, both the PlayStation and Xbox consoles offer similar features, but there are subtle differences that may influence your choice.
Console Comparison for Split-Screen Co-Op
| Feature | PlayStation (PS4/PS5) | Xbox (Xbox One/Series X|S) |
|———————————-|———————————————|——————————————|
| Player Limit | Up to 2 players | Up to 2 players |
| Account Requirement | Both accounts must be linked to Battle.net | Both accounts must be linked to Battle.net|
| Screen Sharing Mechanics | Shared screen; one player drags the other if inactive | Shared screen; one player drags the other if inactive |
| Ease of Setup | Quick setup with controller connection | Quick setup with controller connection |
| Performance | Generally stable performance on PS5 | Generally stable performance on Series X |
| Exclusive Features | None specific to split-screen | None specific to split-screen |
Key Insights
- Gameplay Experience: Both consoles provide a smooth split-screen experience, allowing players to share the same screen while maintaining independent inventories and menus. This design enhances cooperation without cluttering the interface, a change from previous titles like Diablo 3, which allowed more players but resulted in a more chaotic display.
- Performance: The PS5 is noted for its faster load times and graphical capabilities, which might enhance the overall gaming experience compared to older consoles. However, the Xbox Series X also delivers excellent performance, making both platforms viable options for split-screen play1.
- Setup Process: The setup process is straightforward on both platforms; simply connect a second controller and log in with a linked account. This ease of access makes it simple for friends to jump into co-op gameplay quickly3.
In conclusion, whether you choose PlayStation or Xbox for your split-screen co-op in Diablo 4 largely depends on personal preference and existing hardware. Both options provide a solid gaming experience with minor differences in performance and user interface.
