You can play Fortnite's Battle Royale, Zero Build, and LEGO mode on split-screen on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The feature allows two players to enjoy Fortnite together on the same console using a single TV screen. Split screen has been available since Chapter 2 Season 1 and remains fully functional in September 2025, offering a classic couch co-op experience for console players who want to team up locally.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Supported Modes | Battle Royale (Duos/Squads), Zero Build, LEGO Fortnite, Select Creative Maps |
| Unsupported Modes | Solo, Ranked, Save the World, Team Rumble, Most LTMs |
| Requirements | 2 Controllers, 2 Epic Games Accounts, Stable Internet Connection |
| Screen Orientation | Horizontal Only |
| Inventory Sharing | Not Available - Each Player Maintains Separate Inventory |
Whether you're looking to squad up with a sibling for an intense Battle Royale session or explore creative worlds with a friend, I'll show you exactly how to set up and optimize your split-screen experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from initial setup to advanced troubleshooting, ensuring you never have to drop into the island alone again.
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Setting up split screen in Fortnite is surprisingly straightforward, taking only about 2-3 minutes once you know the process. Here's exactly how to get your couch co-op session started:
Before diving into the setup process, make sure you have everything ready:
Follow these steps to enable split screen mode:
The entire setup process is seamless once both controllers are connected and accounts are linked. Make sure the second player links their Epic account to retain access to all their cosmetics and progression.
Understanding which modes and platforms support split screen is crucial for planning your gaming sessions. Not all Fortnite experiences are created equal when it comes to local multiplayer functionality.
You can use Local Multiplayer (also known as split-screen or couch co-op) to play games such as LEGO Fortnite, Battle Royale, Zero Build, and more on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Here's the complete breakdown:
Fully Supported Modes:
Modes That DON'T Support Split Screen:
Supported Platforms:
Platforms WITHOUT Split Screen:
The Nintendo Switch's hardware limitations prevent it from running two instances of Fortnite simultaneously. While PCs are powerful enough, Epic Games hasn't implemented a system to identify different users on PC platforms the way they do on consoles.
Even with a straightforward setup process, split screen can sometimes encounter issues. Here's how to resolve the most common problems:
If you don't see the Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox) button prompt:
Solutions:
Solutions:
The split-screen session will end if one player disconnects, even if the other player stays logged in. To prevent this:
On older consoles (PS4, Xbox One), you might experience:
Solutions:
If you've followed those steps, and still can't use split-screen, check your Controller Connections. For persistent issues:
While split screen offers great local multiplayer fun, it comes with several important limitations that players should understand before diving in.
No Inventory Sharing: Direct inventory sharing is not allowed. The only way to share items between split screen teammates is to drop/throw items and the other player picks it up. Each player maintains their own separate inventory and must collect their own materials and weapons.
Skydive Leader System: Occasionally, Player 1 is automatically assigned the role of the skydive leader. In this scenario, Player 2 is strictly forced to land at the designated location chosen by Player 1. This can be worked around by having Player 1 deploy their glider early, allowing Player 2 to break away.
Screen Size Reduction: Your viewing area is cut in half, significantly impacting:
Fixed Screen Orientation: The screen only displays horizontally - there's no option for vertical split Performance Impact: Expect reduced frame rates and visual quality, especially on older consoles Audio Overlap: Sound from both players' perspectives can sometimes overlap, causing confusion Menu Interference: You won't see each other's lobby or menu because screen sharing only starts when a match is in session.
Transform your split screen sessions from good to great with these optimization strategies:
Since your screen real estate is halved, effective communication becomes crucial:
For the best split screen performance:
Optimize your controls for the reduced screen size:
Adapt your playstyle for split screen success:
Understanding the feature's history helps predict future availability:
Split screen has experienced several temporary outages:
April 2024 Outage: On Twitter/X, Epic Games said on April 9, 2024 "while we work to resolve a matchmaking issue, we are temporarily disabling Splitscreen play." The feature was restored on April 12, 2024.
November 2023 Outage: The feature was disabled for 5 days due to issues with the "Ready Up" and "Keep Playing Together" buttons.
Epic Games typically prioritizes fixing split screen issues quickly due to community demand, with most outages lasting less than a week.
While Epic hasn't announced plans to expand split screen to other platforms, the feature continues to receive support and improvements on consoles. Recent updates have included:
If split screen isn't working or available on your platform, consider these alternatives:
Join the vibrant Fortnite community for split screen tips, troubleshooting help, and squad-finding:
Epic Games Support: Visit the official Fortnite support page for detailed troubleshooting guides and account help.
Fortnite Status Updates: Follow @FortniteStatus on X/Twitter for real-time updates about split screen availability and known issues.
Official Fortnite Discord: Join the official Fortnite Discord server with over 1.2 million members for LFG, news updates, and community discussions about split screen strategies.
Reddit Communities:
YouTube Tutorials: Search for visual guides demonstrating split screen setup and optimization techniques.
No, split screen is not available on Nintendo Switch due to hardware limitations. Local Multiplayer is not supported on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, PC platforms.
Yes, at least one account needs an active subscription for online multiplayer. The primary account's subscription typically covers other users on the same console.
No, each player needs their own Battle Pass. However, both players can progress their individual passes during split screen sessions.
This usually happens due to unstable internet connection, controller disconnection, or one player accidentally backing out. Ensure stable connection and check controller batteries.
No, Fortnite only supports horizontal screen splitting. There's currently no option to switch to vertical orientation.
Standard Creative mode doesn't support split screen, but many creative maps do. Look for maps with the "Local Players" tag or in the "Great for Local Multiplayer" section.
Epic Games hasn't announced plans to bring split screen to PC. The feature remains exclusive to PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
No, Fortnite split screen only supports two players maximum on a single console.
No, V-Bucks are tied to individual Epic Games accounts and cannot be shared between players.
Split screen relies on local communication since you're in the same room. In-game voice chat between split screen players on the same console isn't necessary or supported.
Split screen in Fortnite offers an fantastic way to experience the battle royale phenomenon with friends and family in the same room. While limited to PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the feature works seamlessly when properly set up and provides hours of cooperative entertainment. Split screen transforms Fortnite from a solo adventure into a cooperative, social experience.
Remember that success in split screen comes down to communication, practice, and understanding the feature's limitations. Whether you're building skyward in Battle Royale, exploring LEGO Fortnite worlds, or battling through creative maps, split screen brings back the classic couch co-op gaming experience that many players cherish.
Keep this guide bookmarked for quick reference whenever you need troubleshooting help or want to optimize your setup. With Epic Games continuing to support and improve the feature, split screen remains a valuable option for local multiplayer gaming in 2025.
Ready to squad up? Grab a second controller, call your gaming buddy over, and drop into Fortnite's split screen mode for an unforgettable couch co-op experience. Victory Royales are always sweeter when celebrated together in person!