Fortnite, like most battle royales, is the kind of game that is best enjoyed with a friend or two, but for a long time, each member of a squad needed to play on their own device for strictly online multiplayer. At the start of Chapter 2, Season 1 in 2019, developer Epic Games introduced split screen so players could use the same console when gaming together. Split-screen play currently works only on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, so mobile, Nintendo Switch, and PC users still can't access the feature. It is also only available for Fortnite: Battle Royale Duos and Squads Modes and will not work in Creative Mode, Limited-Time Modes, Save the World, Team Rumble, or Solos. Players can also use split-screen when cross-playing between console platforms
Setting up split-screen to play on one console with friends or family is not too difficult. Only a stable Internet connection and second controller are required. While there are some drawbacks to using split screen, it does not apply to everything in Fortnite, only the match. As the big Season 5 finale event draws closer, Duos and Squads can grind for XP or participate in the event together without needing separate devices or to trade off. Here's how to set up and use split-screen to play Fortnite with friends or family.
How to Play Fortnite in Split-Screen
To begin using the split-screen feature for Fortnite, players will need to follow the instructions below:
- Launch Fortnite on either PlayStation or Xbox.
- Connect a second controller to the PlayStation or Xbox console and turn it on.
- Press Main Menu.
- With their linked Epic Games account, have Player 1 invite Player 2 to sign into their account.
- Have Player 2 sign in to join the game.
Once connected, Player 2 should appear in Player 1's Fortnite lobby. Players will only see one lobby and set of sub-menus, usually Player 1's. Split-screen won't start until the match begins.
The screen will split horizontally rather than vertically, which is likely to limit each player's view. Unfortunately, it cannot be changed to vertical orientation. Once players get used to this, however, it should become easier to navigate the map with a more limited field of vision. Communication between teammates can help fill visual gaps.
There are a few other restrictions to split-screen play. Players should note that the split-screen session will end if one player disconnects, even if the other player stays logged in. Additionally, players will not share an inventory in split-screen. Only two players can use split-screen at a time, even when playing Squads. Finally, both players need to be using the same language setting for split-screen to work, as Fortnite does not currently have multi-language support. There have also been some split-screen bugs reported by fans, so players will want to keep an eye out for those possible glitches that could impact their matches.
Fortnite is available for Android, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.