Playing games on the couch next to a friend remains one of the best experiences in modern entertainment. While online matchmaking dominates the industry, sharing a screen with someone in the same room brings a different energy entirely. If you own a PlayStation 5 and want to dive into local multiplayer sessions, finding titles that support local split-screen or shared-screen action requires sorting through hundreds of online-only options.
The primary keyword for this topic targets PS5 2 player split screen games, capturing players searching for couch co-op and competitive titles that run locally on Sony's latest hardware. Search intent here is practical and immediate: users want a curated, reliable list of games that actually support two controllers on one console, alongside technical details on performance and setup.
Finding games that support local multiplayer can be frustrating because digital storefronts often bury couch co-op tags under broad multiplayer categories. This guide covers the best local split-screen and shared-screen experiences available on the PlayStation 5, breaking down genres, performance targets, and how to get the most out of your local gaming sessions.
Understanding Local Multiplayer on PlayStation 5
Sony's current console handles split-screen rendering much better than previous generations, but the hardware demands double when running two distinct viewpoints simultaneously. When a game splits the display into two viewports, the console has to render the game world twice per frame.
Most major PS5 titles targeting split-screen performance aim for a stable 60 frames per second, though some graphically demanding games drop to 30 frames per second to maintain visual fidelity. When shopping for local multiplayer games, check the back of physical boxes or the digital PlayStation Store listing for terms like "Offline Players: 1-2" or "Local Co-op." Don't assume a game supports split-screen just because it features multiplayer modes, as many modern AAA releases reserve multiplayer strictly for online connections.
Performance Modes in Split-Screen
When you boot up a split-screen session on your PS5, check the in-game settings menu for specific rendering options. Developers sometimes include a dedicated split-screen performance mode that dials back shadow quality or draw distances to keep the frame rate smooth.
If you notice stuttering or input lag during fast-paced segments, dropping the resolution settings on your console or adjusting your TV's game mode can help reduce latency. Playing on a larger screen also makes a massive difference when you share display space; a screen under 43 inches can make vertical or horizontal split-screen viewports feel cramped.
Top Action and Adventure Split-Screen Games
Action games test your coordination and reflexes, making them ideal for couch co-op sessions where communication is key.
It Takes Two
Created entirely with cooperative play in mind, this title requires two players to progress through a whimsical, genre-bending adventure. You cannot play this game solo; every single puzzle, platforming sequence, and boss battle demands active cooperation between both participants.
The screen splits dynamically, shifting from vertical splits to side-by-side or single-screen views depending on what your characters are doing in the game world. Because the game comes with a Friend's Pass for online play, many forget it shines brightest when both players sit on the same couch with DualSense controllers in hand. The vibrant art style and constant mechanical shifts keep the pacing fresh from start to finish.
Borderlands 3 and Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
For players who prefer looter-shooters with guns, skills, and RPG progression, Gearbox Software delivers robust local split-screen support on the PS5. You can play through the entire campaigns side-by-side on your television.
The PS5 version runs these chaotic shooter titles at a smooth frame rate, which is crucial when bullets and spell effects fill the display. You can choose between vertical and horizontal split-screen layouts in the settings menu, letting you pick the view that fits your viewing distance. Managing inventory screens can get a bit cluttered on a split display, but the core gunplay translates wonderfully to a couch setup.
Best Competitive and Sports Local Multiplayer Games
Sometimes you want to test your skills directly against the person sitting next to you rather than working together against the computer.
EA Sports FC and Sports Titles
Traditional sports games remain the bedrock of local competitive play. While many PC and mobile gaming trends lean heavily into single-player experiences, sports titles on the PS5 continue to support traditional head-to-head local matches.
Playing sports games locally lets you trade casual trash talk and run tournament brackets in your living room. The PS5 hardware loads menus instantly and renders player models with high fidelity, though keeping an eye on your stamina bars and defensive positioning on a shared screen requires quick scanning skills.
Fighting Games: Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1
Fighting games are built from the ground up for two-player local matches. The genre transitioned cleanly into the current console generation, offering accessible modern control schemes alongside deep competitive mechanics.
Street Fighter 6 includes robust training tools and arcade modes that you can tackle side-by-side. If you have visiting friends who haven't played a fighting game in years, turning on modern controls lets them execute complex special moves with single button presses, leveling the playing field instantly.
Racing Games for Split-Screen Enthusiasts
Racing stands out as one of the few genres where split-screen remains a primary feature rather than an afterthought.
Gran Turismo 7
Sony's premier racing simulator features local two-player split-screen racing, letting you test your driving lines against a friend on scanned real-world tracks.
Setting up a race takes seconds, and the game supports steering wheel peripherals alongside standard DualSense controllers. Watching your rival's car drift through a tight hairpin turn right next to you on the screen provides a rush that online racing lobbies rarely match.
Essential Tips for the Best Split-Screen Setup
Running local multiplayer smoothly requires a few hardware and software adjustments to ensure an optimal experience.
Controller Management and Battery Life
Since two players mean two active controllers drawing power, keep a charging dock or a long USB-C cable nearby. The DualSense controller features advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which consume battery faster than standard controllers. If you notice your controllers losing charge midway through a gaming session, plug them directly into the front USB ports of the PS5 console.
Audio Tuning for Two Players
When two people sit close to a television, directional audio matters less, but game dialogue can get drowned out by sound effects if your audio settings aren't adjusted. Dive into the audio settings of the game and boost dialogue volume, especially in narrative-driven co-op titles where missing a plot cue can leave you wandering around confused.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls when planning your next local multiplayer gaming night to keep things running smoothly.
- Buying without checking: Never purchase a game digitally assuming it has local co-op just because it has a multiplayer tag. Always check community databases or official publisher sites to confirm offline 2-player support.
- Ignoring download sizes: Modern games often require massive file updates. If you are hosting a gaming night with a friend, download and patch the games ahead of time to avoid waiting hours for updates to finish.
- Neglecting storage space: PS5 storage fills up quickly with modern titles. Keep your active local multiplayer games on the console's internal SSD or an approved M.2 NVMe SSD to ensure fast loading times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription for local split-screen games?
No. Local couch co-op and split-screen games run entirely offline on your console, meaning you do not need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play with someone sitting in the same room.
Can I play PS4 split-screen games on a PS5?
Yes. Thanks to the backward compatibility features of the PlayStation 5, most PS4 games that supported local split-screen will run smoothly on your new console, often with improved loading times and steadier frame rates.
How do I switch between vertical and horizontal split-screen?
Most games that support split-screen include a display or video settings menu where you can toggle between vertical and horizontal layouts. Check the options menu before starting a match to find the view that works best for your TV size.
Are there free-to-play split-screen games on PS5?
While most free-to-play titles focus on online multiplayer, some arcade and indie titles available on the PlayStation Store offer free local multiplayer modes or demo versions that support two players locally. Check the game descriptions carefully before downloading.
