Descenders: Unlocking Split-Screen Mode for Two-Player Gameplay

Couch Co-op Chaos or Solo Shredding? Decoding Descenders Split-Screen Mode

You want to shred tracks with a friend in Descenders? The burning question is: Is split-screen possible in this biking game? Grab that extra controller. We’re exploring Descenders and its multiplayer, with focus on split-screen features.

Yes, Virginia, Descenders Does Split-Screen (And Here’s How to Unleash It)

Here’s the scoop: Descenders lets you and a friend enjoy split-screen! No TV fights unless you’re racing downhill. How do you set up this split-screen? It’s simpler than it seems. Here’s how:

1. Gear Up: Get a keyboard and a controller, or if you have two controllers, use both.
2. Controller Configuration: If you have one controller, go to the ‘Options’ menu. Locate ‘Gameplay’ and check ‘Use First Gamepad for Player 2’. Embrace the chaos.
3. Summon Player 2: Pause the game and find the option for adding another player in the pause menu. Choose ‘Split-Screen’. Boom! Split-screen is ready.

Easy, right? Now you and your friend can argue over who gets the top half (spoiler: it doesn’t matter, you’ll both crash anyway).

Beyond the Couch: Descenders Online Multiplayer Mayhem

Split-screen offers great couch co-op, but Descenders also has online multiplayer. Want to show skills to more than just your housemate? Descenders lets you do that! From launch, Descenders included multiplayer. Picture racing down a mountain with other riders ghosting beside you. That’s the essence of Descenders online. You can host lobbies and play with friends even miles apart. People still enjoy it! Player stats show Descenders attracts a strong group of riders monthly. In February 2025, the average was 223.1 players, proving longevity. Finding someone to ride with online should be easy. Xbox Riders Take Note: The Game Pass Gauntlet If you’re diving into Descenders multiplayer and own an Xbox, there’s a minor obstacle. You’ll need either Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core to join in on the fun. Think of it as the entry fee for online shred fun. Just a heads-up so you know why you can’t join your friend’s lobby.

Split-Screen: A Tale of Two Gaming Worlds – The “Haves” and “Have-Nots”

Descenders joins the ranks of games appreciating split-screen joys. This feature is becoming rare in modern gaming, so we should recognize it. Let’s compare with other games and their split-screen options: Split-Screen Heroes: Games That Get It

• Dungeon Defenders 2: Tower defense with split-screen? Yes! Up to 2 players locally.
• Wreckfest: Destruction derby is better with a friend. Split-screen is supported!
• Ride 2: Motorcycle racing on one screen. Split-screen is a go.
• Minecraft: Build and explore together on consoles via split-screen for four players.
• Goat Simulator 3: Chaotic fun with split-screen for double mayhem.
• Far Cry 6: Explore Yara and cause revolution with a friend in split-screen.
• Black Ops 6 (and Call of Duty titles): Often limited to two-player split-screen, classic series feature.
• Paw Patrol Game: Even pups get in on the split-screen co-op fun.
• Army of Two: A classic shooter thrives on split-screen co-op.

Split-Screen Villains: Games That Left Us Hanging However, not every game embraces split-screen love. Here are notable titles excluding local multiplayer:

• Riders Republic: Ubisoft’s extreme sports choose online multiplayer only.
• Grounded: Backyard survival is strictly solo or online.
• Fall Guys: Battle Royale fun is online only.
• Sea of Thieves: Pirates adventure focuses on online play.

The split-screen divide exists. Thankfully, Descenders shines as a fantastic local multiplayer experience.

Split-Screen 101: The Basics for the Uninitiated

For those new to split-screen, let’s clarify: Split-screen = Local Multiplayer on One Screen. It’s that easy. Split-screen is a term for enjoying multiplayer games on the same TV, couch, and pizza box. It’s gaming at its most social form. Console Split-Screen Setup: A Quick Guide Setting up split-screen on consoles is typically straightforward. Here’s a rundown for Xbox and PlayStation: Xbox How-To:

1. Multiple Accounts: Ensure two Xbox accounts (Gamertags) exist on your console with paired controllers.
2. Second Player Join: In-game, have the second player press the “View” button on their controller.
3. Account Selection: They’ll pick their Gamertag or a guest account if available.
4. Joined! You’ll see a message confirming Player 2 has entered the game. Split-screen bliss awaits!

PlayStation How-To:

1. User Profiles: Have multiple profiles on your PS4 or PS5, or let guests play.
2. Add Player: Usually press a button on the second controller to add another player.
3. Sign In (or Guest): The second player will either sign in or select the guest option if allowed.
4. Split-Screen Engaged! Get ready for PlayStation cooperation!

The steps might vary between games, but this is generally it.

When Split-Screen Isn’t an Option: Hello, Online Co-op!

If a game lacks split-screen, no worries! Many games provide online co-op modes so you can team up with friends from afar. Some titles offer features like “Friend’s Pass” (like in “It Takes Two”). This lets you invite a friend to play online, even without owning the game. What great friendship goals!

PlayStation Power: Backward Compatibility and Beyond

Talking consoles quickly leads us to PlayStation compatibility news: PS5 Plays PS4 Games: A Match Made in Heaven Good news! PS5 works with over 99% of PS4 games! Whether discs or downloads, your library likely works on your new PS5. Some even get performance boosts! PS5 and PS3 Games: A Streaming Story Unfortunately, PS5 can’t play PS3 games due to hardware issues. Sony offers PlayStation Plus Premium as a workaround for streaming select PS3 titles on PS5. Not quite native compatibility, but it’s something useful! PS6 Rumors: The Backwards Compatibility Hype Train For the future, rumors about the PS6 being backward compatible with both PS4 and PS5 games. Hints suggest Sony might maintain similar architecture, making backward compatibility smoother. It’s all speculation now. Fingers crossed for seamless compatibility in PlayStation’s next generation! So there it is. Descenders delivers split-screen fun, letting you and a friend enjoy thrills together. Whether you’re a split-screen devotee or online player, Descenders offers possibilities. Go grab a buddy, set up that split-screen, and get ready to ride!