How to Do 2-Player Split-Screen Mode in Fortnite

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Quick guide to play split-screen co-op with 2 players and 1 console

Written by Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: June 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Setting Up Split-Screen on Fortnite
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• Finding a Game
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• Troubleshooting
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• FAQs
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• Video
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• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

If you’re hanging out with a friend and you both want to play Fortnite at the same time, split-screen (also called local multiplayer or couch co-op) is a fun way to make it happen. As long as you’re playing on Xbox or PlayStation, all you need are two controllers and a stable internet connection. We have everything you need to know to get the game started!

How to Do Split-Screen on Fortnite

1. P1: Log into the console and open Fortnite.
2. P2: Turn on the second controller and log in.
3. P2: Sign in to your Epic Games account.
4. P1: Start a game that supports multiplayer. Split-screen will appear when the game starts.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Setting Up Split-Screen on Fortnite

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1. 
   1
   Start Fortnite and go to the lobby. Sign in to your console with your first controller. Once you’re logged into your console, open Fortnite.

   • Split-screen (also called local multiplayer or couch co-op) will work on any generation Xbox or PlayStation console. Other platforms do not support split-screen, including Switch, PC, and mobile.
   • Split-screen is only available as couch co-op on a single console. If you want to play with others online, add friends or enable crossplay, but you won’t share a screen with them.
2. 
   2
   Connect a second controller to the console. Use the PlayStation button or Xbox button to turn on the second player’s controller. This will open the user sign-in menu. Have the second player sign in to their PlayStation or Xbox account. If they don’t have one yet, they’ll need to create a new one.

   • You must have two controllers to play split-screen on Fortnite.
   • Once the second player is signed in, you'll be taken back to the Fortnite screen.
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3. 
   3
   Have the second player hold the designated button to join the game. When you return to the Fortnite lobby, you’ll see [P2] LOG IN (HOLD) at the bottom-right corner of the screen. Have the second player hold the button indicated here—it will be X on PlayStation or A on Xbox.

   • The second player will be prompted to log in to their Epic Account. If they don’t have one, they’ll need to create one with a valid e-mail address and accept the required permissions. You can’t use a Quick Play or Guest account for split-screen.
   • It may take a few moments for the second player’s account to log in.
4. 
   4
   Wait for the second player to appear in the lobby. After the second player successfully logs in and their character loads, a pop-up will appear with information about accessing the menus. Click “Got It” on the pop-up menu that pulls up—both players should be on the lobby screen.

   • Player 1 will have access to the menus. If Player 2 wants to access the menus, like to change their skin or view their battle pass, have them press and hold the Menu button on Xbox or the Options button on PlayStation.
   • Even if Player 2 takes control of the menus, they may not have access to all of the same controls as Player 1—Player 2 functions more like a guest account.
5. 
   5
   Start a game that supports Local Multiplayer. Choose a Duos or Squad match and wait for it to load. Once the game starts, Player 1 will appear on the top of the screen and Player 2 will appear on the bottom. Both players will be able to control their own character in the game.

   • If one player gets killed, they’ll spectate for the rest of the match.
   • To learn more about the types of games you play on split-screen in Fortnite, jump to the next section.
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Section 2 of 4:

Finding a Local Multiplayer Game in Fortnite

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1. 
   You can play split-screen in Duo or Squad matches. Some Custom games will also support Local Multiplayer. To check whether a game supports Split-Screen, look for the “Local Players” tag under “Game Details.”

   • Split-screen doesn’t work on Creative, Limited Time, Save the World, Ranked, or Solo matches
   • You can also check the “Great for Local Multiplayer” row in the Discover tab.

Section 3 of 4:

Why can’t I play split-screen on Fortnite?

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1. 
   If you're having trouble, make sure your internet connection is stable. Split-screen mode will not work if you have connection issues. If your internet connection is solid, check other settings, like:

   • Language: Both players must have the same language settings in order to play split-screen
   • Accounts: Both players must be logged into an Epic account with valid permissions
   • Console: Split-screen only works on PlayStation and Xbox. It won’t work on mobile, Switch, or PC.
   • Game Mode: Split-screen only works on Duo, Squad, and some Custom matches.
   • Connection settings: In your console’s Settings menu, go to your Internet settings and make sure they match the following:
     • IP Address Settings: Automatic
     • DHCP Host Name: Do Not Use
     • DNS Settings: Manual
     • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
     • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
     • MTU Settings (manual): Add 1500
   • If none of these options work, try resetting your console.
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Section 4 of 4:

FAQs

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1. 1
   What happens if one player disconnects? If one player disconnects or leaves the game, split-screen will end. You’ll have to go back to the lobby to restart it.
2. 2
   Do you share inventory in split-screen on Fortnite? No, each player has their own inventory. You’ll need to switch the menu control from the lobby for Player 2 to access their inventory.
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  Can you do split screen on Nintendo switch?

  

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