Two in a Boat: 9 split-screen games worth paying attention to
Playing with split screen together live is a very special experience on the edge of real and virtual. You don't need multiple consoles for this, just one screen and a second gamepad are enough to laugh, compete, solve puzzles or overcome plot difficulties together. Izvestia has collected nine games in which the mechanics of the shared screen are best implemented and which provide excellent shoulder-to-shoulder gameplay.
It Takes Two
A shot from the game It Takes Two
When it was released: 2021
Genre: action-adventure, platformer
Gameplay time: 12 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The story of a couple who turned into dolls by the will of a strange magic is the gold standard among cooperative split-screen games. Absolutely everything here is built around collaboration, while the mechanics are constantly changing from level to level, making each new chapter feel fresh and exciting. One moment you need to solve puzzles using magnets, and then suddenly fly on squirrels through trees or fight with an evil vacuum cleaner. Each scene is designed so that both players make different contributions to the common cause. The game opens up especially emotionally if you play with a soulmate — many even call it family psychotherapy!
A Way Out
A shot from the game A Way Out
When it was released: 2018
Genre: Action-adventure
Gameplay time: 8 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
You will play as Leo and Vincent, two prisoners who together plan to escape from prison and try to survive outside it. The game never gives control to just one character: while one is conducting a dialogue, the other can explore the environment or arrange a distracting diversion. This approach creates a unique rhythm when both players are constantly involved in the process. The fixed split screen adapts to the actions of each player, giving the scenes a cinematic feel. The visual style conveys the mood of a crime drama well, even if the graphics are outdated today.
Overcooked! 2
A frame from the game Overcooked! 2
When it was released: 2018
Genre: Cook simulator
Gameplay time: 18 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Kitchen madness and a project that destroys families and quarrels with friends. The cheerful chaos takes players to the kitchens of various restaurants and catering establishments. Only perfect timing, coordination, and a little luck can save you from complete failure. Humor and frenzied pace make Overcooked! 2 is a hilariously funny and truly challenging game in which you can hone your teamwork skills.
Split Fiction
A frame from the game Split Fiction
When it was released: 2025
Genre: action-adventure, platformer
Gameplay time: 16 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2
Josef Fares and Hazelight Studio continued the success of It Takes Two by releasing another vibrant cooperative adventure with a split screen - Split Fiction. This hybrid of science fiction and fantasy is filled with unique mechanics and visually impressive. The game will not let you get bored, and numerous gameplay finds smoothly and inventively develop each other. Split Fiction is a universally recognized step by the studio to a new level of mastery and another confirmation that Hazelight remains one of the main luminaries of cooperative games.
Unravel Two
A frame from the game Unravel Two
When it was released: 2018
Genre: action-adventure, platformer
Gameplay time: 8 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
This game doesn't rely on dialogue to tell a story—instead, it relies on carefully crafted locations and subtle visual hints. Players control two Yarns— small creatures made of threads, connected to each other, and moving forward through the levels together with a beautiful visual. The puzzles in Unravel Two require impeccable coordination. Teamwork feels native, while the mechanics remain understandable and accessible even for beginners.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
A frame from the game Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
When it was released: 2015
Genre: Shooter
Gameplay time: 60 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection combines Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel in one set. This is an ideal option for fans of the best parts of the series. The collection offers dozens of hours of cooperative shooting, loot, and character leveling, allowing you to play side by side with each other on the same screen. The split screen works smoothly, giving each player full control over their hero in large-scale open locations. A variety of missions and playthroughs, from stealth to crazy shootouts, helps keep the experience fresh with multiple playthroughs.
Moving Out
A frame from the Moving Out game
When it was released: 2020
Genre: moving simulator
Gameplay time: 15 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
The game is for those who in real life did not have enough repairs and relocations. Up to three players together must take out furniture from the strangest houses, overcoming obstacles and avoiding danger. The gameplay is simple, but incredibly funny and diverse. The bright cartoon style and animation of the characters add charm to the game. The split screen is conveniently organized here: each player clearly sees his part of the space, and success directly depends on teamwork.
Forza Motorsport 7
A shot from the game Forza Motorsport 7
When it was released: 2017
Genre: Racing simulator
Gameplay time: 30 hours
What to play on: PC, Xbox One
Forza Motorsport 7 offers players an immersive realistic split-screen racing experience. More than 700 cars and over 30 tracks make the game an excellent choice for both fans of light racing and hardcore motorsport fans who want a competitive and realistic simulation. The gameplay is detailed here: the player fully controls the setup of the car, the race strategy and the reaction to changes on the track in real time. The controls are precise and responsive, creating the feeling of real driving in every race.
Cuphead
A shot from the Cuphead game
When it was released: 2017
Genre: platformer, shooter
Gameplay time: 15 hours
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
This platformer with a unique style is inspired by animation from the 1930s. The game is known for its high difficulty and memorable boss battles, which become even more exciting in the split-screen co-op mode. Two players can team up locally and go through challenging levels and battles together. It is the artistic style that distinguishes Cuphead from other similar early-and-gun projects: smooth animation and bright, detailed backgrounds create a hurricane-like atmosphere.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
