It's a frustrating experience for many
Black Ops 6 players trying to jump into split-screen mode, whether for Multiplayer or Zombies, only to encounter issues like the second player being kicked, controllers not being recognized, or the mode simply failing to load. This problem has been a persistent headache for console players, particularly since the
Season 2 launch, which occurred on January 28, 2025.
Fix Black Ops 6 split screen not working
The good news is that Treyarch has acknowledged this bug and listed it on their official Known Issues page, meaning a permanent fix is expected in a future update. Until then, there are workarounds that have proven successful for many players.
Black Ops 6 Split-Screen Not Working: Possible Reasons
While Treyarch hasn't released all the technical specifics, community feedback and player reports suggest the following likely causes:
- Player 2 Kicked: The bug frequently ejects Player 2 when they attempt to join from within active multiplayer or Zombies lobbies.
- Controller Not Recognized: Even if the second controller is powered on and signed into a valid account, the game may not display the option to join for split-screen.
- Complete Glitch/No Join Option: In some instances, the game glitches out entirely, preventing the "join" prompt from appearing at all.
The core of the problem seems to stem from the timing and method of adding the second player, rather than issues with your console or internet connection.
Black Ops 6 Split-Screen Not Working: Possible Fixes
Here are the workarounds that have resolved the split-screen issue for many Black Ops 6 players:
1) Start from the First Screen
This is the most widely reported and effective method. The key is to add Player 2 before fully entering a game lobby.
- Launch Black Ops 6: Start the game as usual.
- Stop at the Initial Menu: When you reach the menu where you choose between "Black Ops 6" and "Warzone," stop there.
- Select Black Ops 6 (but don't proceed yet): Highlight "Black Ops 6" but do not press the button to enter it fully.
- Connect Player 2: Now, turn on the second controller. Ensure it's logged into a real account (not a guest account).
- Join Game: With Player 1 still at the "Black Ops 6 / Warzone" selection screen, have Player 2 press X (on PS5) or A (on Xbox) to join. You should see a notification indicating that Player 2 has been added for split-screen.
- Continue Normally: Once Player 2 is connected on this screen, you can then proceed intoMultiplayer or Zombies as you normally would. This method seems tobypass the underlying bug.
2) PS5-Specific Variation
Some PlayStation 5 users have found better success by attempting to join from an even earlier screen:
- If the first method doesn't work, try backing out to the very first "Callof Duty" splash screen – the one that appears before you even select agame mode.
- The precise timing for when Player 2 pressesthe join button can be crucial here. Experiment with joining at thisearliest possible moment.
3) Check for Game Updates
Before attempting any specific workarounds, always ensure your game is fully updated.
- Console Update Section: Go to your console's update section and check for the latest patch for Black Ops 6.
- Restart Game: After any update, fully restart the game.
- Hotfixes: Sometimes, smaller hotfixes are silently rolled out that can resolve issues like this without a major patch announcement.
4) Keep an Eye on Treyarch's Known Issues List
Since this split-screen bug is officially on Treyarch's radar, a dedicated fix is expected. Stay informed by monitoring:
- Treyarch's Official Support Site: Check their official website for known issues and patch notes.
- Call of Duty's Social Media Channels: Official accounts often announce updates and bug fixes.
- Reddit or Community Forums: Player communities frequently share immediate information about bug status and workarounds.
Split-screen bugs can be particularly frustrating when you're just trying to enjoylocal co-op. Fortunately, with these known workarounds, you don'tnecessarily have to wait for an official patch to get back into the game with a friend. A few careful steps at the right screen can get you back to playing Black Ops 6 split-screen as intended.
Tags: Campaign Mode, Multiplayer Maps, Zombies Mode, Weapon Loadouts, Killstreak Rewards, Special Ops Missions, Perks and Atta
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows,
Genre(s): First-person shooter
Developer(s): Raven Software, Treyarch
Mode: Single-player, multiplayer
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