How to Play Split-Screen Co-Op in Baldur's Gate 3

By Angel Marquez | 2024-09-16 20:25:03

This time we return with a guide with the objective of explaining to you How to Play Split-Screen Co-Op in Baldur's Gate 3.

Baldur's Gate 3, a game celebrated for its immersive storytelling and tactical gameplay, also excels in its cooperative multiplayer mode. Whether you prefer the convenience of online play, the local camaraderie of LAN, or the shared experience of split-screen couch co-op, the game offers a multitude of options to suit your gaming preferences.

The developers have invested significant effort into ensuring that the cooperative experience is seamless and enjoyable. From shared loot and experience points to collaborative problem-solving, playing Baldur's Gate 3 with friends can enhance the overall gameplay and create lasting memories. The game's flexibility in accommodating different playstyles and group sizes further solidifies its reputation as a must-play title for both solo and multiplayer enthusiasts.

How to Play Split-Screen Co-Op in Baldur's Gate 3

Split-screen co-op is generally a straightforward process. Simply connect two controllers to your console or PC, and the game will typically handle the rest. However, on PC, it's currently mandatory to use controllers for both players. Once the game detects the second controller, it will prompt you to either create a new custom character or take control of an existing party member.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Connect controllers: Ensure both controllers are connected to your PC or console.
Launch the game: Start the game and load a save file or begin a new game.
Activate second player: Press any button on the second controller.
Choose character: Select whether you want to create a new character or join an existing party.

Once these steps are completed, split-screen co-op should be automatically activated.

Unfortunately, using a mouse and keyboard for co-op on PC is currently not directly supported. While there are potential workarounds involving third-party software, these methods can be complex and may not provide a seamless experience. Given the numerous patches already released for the game, the chances of Larian Studios adding official KB/M support seem to be diminishing.

If you're looking for a more convenient way to play co-op on PC, it's recommended to use controllers. However, if you prefer using a mouse and keyboard and are willing to experiment with potential workarounds, you may be able to find a solution that suits your needs.

Consoles

Playing split-screen couch co-op on consoles offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing friends and family to team up and conquer challenges together. The process is relatively simple and follows a similar path on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Connect Controllers: Plug in two compatible controllers to your console. Ensure they are properly paired and recognized by the system.
Start a Game: Load a saved game or begin a new adventure. Choose a game that supports split-screen mode to enjoy this cooperative gameplay option.
Activate Second Player: Press any button on the second controller to signal that a second player has joined the game.
Choose Character: Decide whether to create a new custom character or take control of an existing party member. This step allows each player to personalize their experience and select a character that suits their playstyle.
Enjoy Split-Screen: Once these steps are complete, the split-screen mode will automatically activate. The screen will be divided into two sections, each displaying the perspective of a different player.

A Note on Console Compatibility:

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X: These consoles offer full support for split-screen couch co-op, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for players.
Xbox Series S: Unfortunately, the Series S does not currently support split-screen couch co-op. This limitation is primarily due to its lower processing power, which can make it challenging to handle the demands of running two separate game instances simultaneously.

Performance Considerations:

Frame Rate: Playing split-screen on both the PS5 and Xbox Series X will limit the game's frame rate to 30FPS. This is a trade-off to accommodate the additional processing requirements of running two players' games in a single environment. While 30FPS may not be ideal for all gamers, it generally provides a smooth and playable experience for most titles.

Online While Playing Split-Screen Couch Co-op

Absolutely. Baldur's Gate 3 offers a flexible co-op experience, allowing you to play with up to four friends simultaneously. This can be done in a variety of configurations:

Individual Devices: Each player can have their own device, whether it's a PC, Mac, or console.
Split-Screen: Two players can share a single device, playing side-by-side in split-screen mode.
Hybrid: A combination of individual and split-screen setups is also possible.

Thanks to the Wither's Wardrobe update, the game's customization options have expanded significantly. You can now have more than three custom characters in a single save file, storing additional characters in Wither's Wardrobe and swapping them out as needed. This adds a layer of personalization and replayability to your co-op adventures.

Support Cross-Play

Not yet, but it's planned. While cross-play between PC, Mac, and consoles hasn't been implemented in the current version of Baldur's Gate 3, Larian Studios has confirmed that it's a feature they intend to add in the future. This means that eventually, players on different platforms will be able to join the same game and play together, regardless of their device.

While there's no exact release date for cross-play, it's something that fans of the game are eagerly anticipating. It will undoubtedly enhance the social and cooperative aspects of Baldur's Gate 3, making it even more enjoyable to play with friends.

So we come to the end of this explanatory guide, now you know How to Play Split-Screen Co-Op in Baldur's Gate 3, just do it and enjoy it to the fullest.

Tags: Dungeons & Dragons, Larian Studios, RPG game, Baldur’s Gate 3 characters, Baldur’s Gate 3 tips, Baldur’s Gate 3 up

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, Stadia, macOS

Genre(s): Role-playing

Developer(s): Larian Studios

Publisher(s): Larian Studios

Release date: 6 October 2020

Mode: Single-player, multiplayer

Age rating (PEGI): 16+

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