Call of Duty Modern Warfare Split Screen Explained
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) supports split-screen co-op and multiplayer, but only on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. You can play two-player local split-screen in Multiplayer and Special Ops, but not in Warzone or the campaign. This article explains exactly how to set it up, what modes work, common problems, and how it compares to other Call of Duty titles.
Which Modern Warfare Games Have Split-Screen?
There are three games with “Modern Warfare� in the title, and they differ significantly:
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – No split-screen at all. Only online multiplayer.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – Split-screen in multiplayer and Special Ops, but only on consoles.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) – Split-screen in multiplayer and Survival mode, again console-only.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – The focus of this article. Supports 2-player split-screen in Multiplayer and Special Ops on consoles.
If you’re asking about the 2019 reboot (often called “Modern Warfare 2019� or “MW19�), the answer is yes, with limitations. The 2022 sequel, Modern Warfare II, also has split-screen, but this guide covers the 2019 version unless stated otherwise.
How to Enable Split-Screen in Modern Warfare (2019)
Setting up split-screen is straightforward, but the game requires both players to have separate accounts or a guest account. Here are the exact steps:
- From the main menu, connect a second controller to your console and turn it on.
- Press the menu button (Options on PlayStation, Menu on Xbox) on the second controller.
- Choose a profile: either sign in with an existing account or select “Guest� (you can use a guest even if the primary account is online).
- Once the second player is signed in, go to the Multiplayer or Special Ops tile.
- Select “Local� or “Split-Screen� from the playlist options. The game will automatically split the screen vertically or horizontally.
- Both players can now select their loadouts and join a match together.
Important: The second player must have access to the same content. If you’re playing a DLC map or a weapon blueprint that the second account hasn’t unlocked, it may not appear. Guest accounts typically share the primary account’s unlocks, but they cannot save progress.
Which Modes Work in Split-Screen?
Not every mode supports local co-op. Here’s the breakdown for Modern Warfare (2019):
- Multiplayer (Core and Hardcore) – Yes, works in most playlists like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Kill Confirmed. You can play online with two local players against other online players.
- Special Ops (Spec Ops) – Yes, supports 2-player split-screen for co-op missions. This includes the classic missions and the survival mode (on PlayStation).
- Campaign – No, the story mode is single-player only.
- Warzone – No, the battle royale mode does not support split-screen at all, even after the game became free-to-play in 2020.
- Private Matches – Yes, you can set up a private match with bots and play split-screen.
If you try to select Warzone with a second controller, the game will simply not allow it. This is a common disappointment for players who hoped to play battle royale together on one console.
Common Split-Screen Problems and Fixes
Split-screen in Modern Warfare has known issues, but most have workarounds:
- Second player can’t join – Make sure the second controller is fully synced to the console (not just turned on via Bluetooth). Go to the console’s accessories menu and re-sync if needed.
- Screen is too small or blurry – The game renders a single frame divided in half, so each player’s view is lower resolution. This is normal, but you can adjust the screen safe area in the game’s display settings.
- FPS drops – Split-screen is more demanding on the GPU. On base PS4 and Xbox One, expect 30-45 fps instead of 60. Closing background apps and using a wired connection may help.
- Second player’s loadout is locked – If the second account is new, it won’t have custom classes unlocked. Use a guest account to inherit the primary account’s progression, or play a few matches to level up.
- Party chat issues – In online split-screen, only the primary player can use voice chat in the game lobby. The second player can still talk in a console party.
If the game freezes or crashes during split-screen, try restarting the console and clearing the cache. Persistent issues might be due to a corrupted game install – reinstall the game or check for updates.
How Split-Screen Compares to Other Call of Duty Games
Split-screen has been a staple of Call of Duty for years, but support has fluctuated:
- Black Ops series – Generally has strong split-screen support, including Zombies mode (which is a big draw). Black Ops 4 even allowed 2-player split-screen in Blackout battle royale, which Modern Warfare’s Warzone lacks.
- Modern Warfare (2019) – Supports 2-player split-screen in Multiplayer and Spec Ops, but not in Warzone. This is a step down from Black Ops 4’s Blackout.
- Modern Warfare II (2022) – Also has split-screen in Multiplayer and Special Ops, but again not in Warzone 2.0. The implementation is similar to 2019’s.
- Vanguard and Cold War – Both have split-screen in multiplayer and zombies (Cold War), but not in the respective battle royale modes.
In general, if you want split-screen battle royale, you’ll need to play Black Ops 4. For standard multiplayer, Modern Warfare 2019 works fine.
Performance and Visual Quality in Split-Screen
Split-screen halves the available rendering power for each player. On base consoles (PS4 and Xbox One), the game dynamically lowers resolution to maintain a playable frame rate. On PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, the experience is better but still not as sharp as single-player.
Here are a few tips to improve performance:
- Play on a TV with a high refresh rate (120Hz) if your console supports it – the game will run smoother.
- Set the game to “Performance� mode in the display settings if available (on next-gen consoles).
- Use a wired internet connection to reduce latency, as split-screen already uses extra bandwidth.
- Close any background apps or downloads on the console.
Expect the screen to be divided vertically (side-by-side) by default. You can change to horizontal (top/bottom) in the game’s settings under “Display� > “Split Screen Orientation.�
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play split-screen on PC?
No. The PC version of Modern Warfare (2019) does not support split-screen at all. This is true for all Call of Duty games on PC – local multiplayer is a console-only feature. If you want to play with a friend on PC, you’ll need to buy two copies or use online co-op via separate machines.
Does split-screen work in Warzone?
No. Warzone, the free-to-play battle royale mode, does not support split-screen on any platform. This is a deliberate design choice by the developers, likely due to performance and anti-cheat concerns. You can only play Warzone solo or with other online players.
Can you play split-screen online with a friend?
Yes, in Multiplayer and Special Ops. The primary player hosts the session, and the second player joins locally. You can then matchmake into online lobbies with other players. However, the second player cannot be in a separate online party – they are tied to the primary player’s session.
Why is the second player’s screen so dark or small?
This is a common rendering issue. The game sometimes applies the primary player’s brightness settings to the split view, but the second player’s screen may appear darker due to the reduced resolution. Adjust the in-game brightness slider while in split-screen to find a balance. Also, check your TV’s picture mode – some TVs have a “game mode� that reduces input lag and improves clarity.
Can you use split-screen in Special Ops with two players on one console?
Yes, Special Ops supports 2-player split-screen. This includes the classic missions and the Survival mode (on PlayStation). The second player can join from the menu, and you can play co-op against AI enemies. This is a great way to play together without competing against online players.
Does split-screen work with a guest account?
Yes, you can use a guest account for the second player. The guest will have access to the primary player’s unlocked weapons and cosmetics, but their progress (like level or challenges) will not be saved. If you want the second player to have their own progression, you’ll need a separate account with an online subscription (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold) if you plan to play online.
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