Can You Use Split Screen in Overwatch for Couch Co-op Play?

Craving Couch Co-op Overwatch? Let’s Sort Out This Split-Screen Situation.

So, you want to team up with a friend for some Overwatch fun? Let’s cut to the chase. The big question is: can you play split-screen in Overwatch? Prepare for a letdown.

1. Split-Screen and Overwatch: The Cold, Hard Truth
   • Overwatch 2? Nope, No Split-Screen Here. Let’s get straight to it. Overwatch 2 doesn’t allow split-screen multiplayer. You and your friend cannot share a screen. That’s a firm no from Blizzard. Seriously, forget split-screen in Overwatch 2.
   • Overwatch 1? A Ghost of Split-Screen Past (Because It Never Existed). Thought Overwatch 1 had it? Wrong. There was no split-screen there either. Blizzard decided against local co-op for both versions. As a result, split-screen has always been absent from Overwatch.
2. Okay, No Split-Screen. What Multiplayer Fun Can I Have in Overwatch 2? So, couch co-op is gone. But don’t toss your controller just yet! Overwatch 2 has plenty of ways to play with friends (just not on the same screen). Let’s check out the multiplayer fun Overwatch 2 offers:
   • Team Up for 5v5 Mayhem.Overwatch 2 focuses on team battles. Two teams of five face off. These battles are tactical and intense. Teams compete in a Best of Five format, switching through various game modes and maps. This is where Overwatch 2 excels.
   • Experimental Co-op Mode: A Glimmer of Hope? Story-driven co-op modes were cut. However, an experimental co-op mode remains. Think of it as a small look into potential co-op adventures. It’s not the complete story experience, but it offers something for co-op fans.
   • Cross-Play: Friendship Knows No Platform. Good news for players! Overwatch 2 supports cross-play. Whether on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, you can team up. Platform walls? No more! Enjoy gaming with friends on different consoles.
   • Duo Queue: Always Got Your Wingman (or Wingwoman). You’re never alone in Overwatch 2. You can always team up with at least one other player. Coordinate and conquer in every match. With the new 5v5 format, your duo feels even worthier.
3. Split-Screen Alternatives? Other Games Stepping Up. Missing that local multiplayer vibe? While Overwatch lacks it, other games embrace split-screen. Check out these titles for your couch co-op fix:
   • Sea of Thieves: Online Adventures with Your Crew. Sea of Thieves lacks split-screen, too. But it’s made for online play with pals. Gather your crew and explore exciting seafaring adventures together. It’s a different kind of co-op experience, even if not split-screen.
   • Fortnite: Building and Battling, Side-by-Side (in Some Modes).Fortnite accommodates split-screen players, at least on PlayStation and Xbox. You can join Duos and Squads modes for split-screen fun. Build, battle, and share the screen with your friend.
   • Rocket League: Car Soccer Chaos, Locally.Rocket League is another great option for local gaming. Grab two controllers with full Xbox accounts. Then prepare for some split-screen soccer action. Get ready for goals and funny moments.
   • LEGO Fortnite: Brick-Building Bonanza, Together. Want something friendly for the family? LEGO Fortnite on PlayStation and Xbox supports split-screen. Explore, build, and survive the LEGO world together in a charming cooperative setting.
   • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: Split-Screen Returns! For classic local shooter fun, watch for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The split-screen feature is back, allowing you and a friend to relive classic co-op action.
   • Party Animals: Fuzzy Physics-Based Fun with Friends.Party Animals represents pure, chaotic fun. It supports split-screen multiplayer for up to four local players. Expect wobbly animal antics and hilarious brawls.
4. Dual Screen Gaming: The PC Player’s “Split-Screen” Hack for Overwatch 2. Official split-screen isn’t available for Overwatch. However, if you play on PC, you can use dual monitors to enhance your gaming experience. It’s not split-screen as you imagine it, but it expands your gameplay horizon.
   • Double the Screens, Double the Fun? (Maybe). Yes, you can enjoy Overwatch on dual screens with PC. This expands your desktop area.
   • Setting Up Your Dual Monitor Dream. Ready for dual screens? Here’s a quick guide:
     • Connect the Monitors: Use HDMI or DisplayPort cables. Plug the monitors into your computer.
     • Configure Display Settings: Right-click your desktop and adjust “Display settings” to recognize both screens.
     • “Extend These Displays”: Select “Extend these displays” to spread your desktop across both monitors.
     • Resolution and Scaling: Adjust the resolution and scaling to your liking.
     • Primary Monitor: Choose your main gaming monitor for the Overwatch fun.
   • Game Settings: Windowed Fullscreen is Your Ally. Check “Windowed Fullscreen” or “Borderless Window” modes in Overwatch’s graphics settings. These options make it easy to access your second monitor without minimizing the game. Enjoy having both options.
   • Switching Screens Like a Pro: Keyboard Shortcuts to the Rescue. Use these shortcuts to switch between monitors smoothly:
     • Shift + Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow: Move the active window to the next monitor.
     • Alt + Tab: Cycle through open windows, including Overwatch and anything on your second screen.
   • Banishing Game Minimization: Keep Overwatch in the Spotlight. Do you dislike when your game minimizes while using the second screen? Use “Windowed fullscreen” or “borderless windowed” modes to keep it active. Or try tools like DisplayFusion to avoid window deactivation and keep your game front and center. It allows cursor freedom and easy access to your second monitor.

While Overwatch lacks the traditional split-screen play, there are still many ways to enjoy multiplayer fun and even expand your gaming setup. One day, Blizzard might surprise us with split-screen support. But for now, we adapt, we overcome, and we keep on gaming – with or without shared screens.

And hey, Overwatch 2 has over 100 million players! That’s many gamers enjoying the game, even if not side-by-side on the couch. Happy gaming!