The Best Open-World Games That Support Split-Screen Co-Op

Highlights

Open worlds are beloved for exploration, side quests, story progression, leveling up, and meeting new characters in split-screen games.
ARK: Survival Evolved
combines dinosaurs, modern weapons, resource management, crafting, and split-screen co-op for console versions.
Gears 5
introduces open-world format for the first time, offering split-screen co-op for up to three players in the campaign mode.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the evolution of cooperative gameplay has been one of the most exciting developments in our beloved industry. Each new title offers unique experiences that cater to different playstyles and preferences, and these three games – Diablo 4, Borderlands 2, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 – are no exception.

Open worlds in games are highly appreciated because they offer players the freedom to explore at their own pace, uncover hidden quests, experiment with various strategies for story advancement, and even gather new team members while leveling up. The inclusion of split-screen multiplayer takes this fantastic concept to another level, providing countless hours of shared enjoyment as players work together in expansive game worlds.

Over time, numerous games have been developed that blend collaboration with endless discovery. Some may have fallen short, but most have garnered praise from critics and continue to be loved by countless gamers, regardless of their age or gaming generation. Here is a list of the top open-world games that offer split-screen cooperative play.

5 Ark: Survival Evolved

2 Players Cover More Ground Than One

Gameplay combines dinosaurs, modern-day weapons, and exploration
Resource management is essential to survival

In a prehistoric environment filled with fearsome dinosaurs, you’d think modern technology wouldn’t fit, but in the game called “Ark: Survival Evolved“, it does! Players will venture across an island rife with perils. To endure this unfriendly land, they must build a shelter, collect resources, and manufacture weapons. With approximately 194 creatures inhabiting the game’s fictional world, there’s certainly no shortage of discoveries to be made.

The split-screen co-op mechanics for console versions are fairly simple. All players have to do to access this mode is start a game and have the other player press a few buttons to then proceed to the character creation window. For PC, it’s a lot more complicated, as there doesn’t seem to be a dedicated split-screen mode. However, players shouldn’t despair, as there are many ways to brute force split-screen gaming, one of them being Nucleus Co-Op software.

It should be noted, though, that this program will require running two separate versions of the game, so it might not be the best choice for lower-end PCs that can’t handle the workload.

4 Gears 5

Up To 3 Simultaneous Players

Split-screen co-op campaign allows up to 3 simultaneous players
First open-world title in the franchise

For longtime fans of Gears of War, it was challenging to accept that Gears of War 3 marked the end of the series back then. Fortunately, their skepticism was dispelled when Gears of War 4 hit shelves in 2016, followed by its sequel, Gears 5, in 2019. This new trilogy dared to innovate while still keeping the fanbase loyal, all under a new developer, The Coalition, as they took over from Epic Games after Microsoft acquired the IP.

In a fresh departure for the series, Gears 5 adopts an open-world structure. As with any innovative gameplay element, there are some bumps in the road. Although the campaign may not match up to those of the original trilogy, it remains thrilling to eliminate The Swarm.

In the game Gears 5, you’ll find a shared-screen cooperative mode for its campaign, which allows up to three players to join in simultaneously if they’re all playing on the same device at home. This feature isn’t commonly found in many modern games, especially those designed for PC, so it’s quite refreshing that Gears 5 includes it.

3 Diablo 4

Strategic Approaches Are Easier To Plan In Co-Op

No native local split-screen mode for PC
Great world design and hundreds of new items

Since the debut of the original Diablo game in 1996, fans of the turn-based RPG series have been captivated and eagerly awaiting new installments and expansions. The arrival of Diablo 4, the latest addition to the franchise’s storied legacy, offers players a fresh title filled with endless enjoyment, an array of weapons, characters, and items, not to mention formidable and demanding bosses from the depths of hell.

Playing Diablo 4 in split-screen cooperative mode is straightforward on a console, but it’s important to keep a few points in mind. You can enjoy local split-screen play with a friend using just one game copy. However, if you wish to join forces with someone who lives elsewhere, each player will need their own copy of the game. They can then connect and team up via the matchmaking menu online.

When it comes to PC gaming, matters become a bit intricate due to the lack of built-in split-screen functionality. As previously discussed, various solutions exist for this issue, but they often demand a robust computer system with ample processing power.

2 Borderlands 2

Smooth Split-Screen For A Its Generation

Smooth split-screen performance
Co-op play adds another layer to already great combat mechanics

Initially, the Borderlands series burst onto the scene, shattering conventions and swiftly becoming a beloved game globally among gamers. The appeal stemmed from its offbeat environment, distinctive visuals, fast-paced battles, and seemingly endless variety of exclusive loot. Remarkably, the sequel, Borderlands 2, admirably continued this legacy by introducing fresh enemies, weapons, and bosses to vanquish.

It’s worth mentioning that when it first came out, Borderlands 2 was available for PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles. These systems were advanced for their era and handled games quite well at 30 frames per second, but they occasionally faced issues with specific split-screen games. Luckily, Borderlands 2 wasn’t one of those problematic titles, and it ran smoothly whether you played alone or in split-screen co-op mode. This enabled players to delve into the world of Pandora and assist each other during their adventures.

1 Divinity: Original Sin 2

The Ultimate Co-Op Experience

Native PC split-screen co-op mode support
Magical world with different player classes and interesting NPCs

In the enchanting medieval fantasy realm of Rivellon, known as Divinity: Original Sin 2, the narrative unfolds in the aftermath of Lucian’s demise, a revered human with immense power who was hailed as the “Divine.” The game boasts an array of characters, NPCs, and an assortment of potent skills, including the intricately designed RPG class system. Unlike many games in this category, Divinity: Original Sin 2 does offer a native PC split-screen mode; however, there’s a twist to it.

In this setup, each player must utilize separate controller devices, since combining a mouse and keyboard with a gamepad within a single session is not feasible. On the bright side, this slight adjustment opens up an under-utilized native feature that many other developers seem to miss entirely.

2024-08-16 05:33