Introduction
Playing Fortnite with friends and family is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences. However, due to the limitations of some consoles and devices, it might be challenging to play the game simultaneously. Fortunately, with the advent of split-screen, this problem has become a thing of the past. If you’re not sure how to take advantage of it, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This article will guide you through the process of split-screen gaming on Fortnite, providing you with all the necessary steps, tips, and customization options for all the supported devices.
A Step-By-Step Guide
The first step in enjoying split-screen on Fortnite requires enabling it on your device. Here are the steps you need to take:
Enabling Split-Screens on Xbox:
- Connect both controllers to your Xbox console and create a new account if you don’t have one already. (The second player must have an active Xbox Live account.)
- Launch Fortnite and sign-in with your primary account.
- Press the “Options” button on the second controller to prompt a split-screen request on the primary profile.
- Select “Split-Screen.” You can then adjust the options, including difficulty level and HUD visibility, according to your preferences.
Enabling Split-Screen on PlayStation:
- Connect both controllers to your PS4 and sign-in with your primary account.
- Launch Fortnite and have the second player press the “X’ button on their controller.
- Choose the “Guest” option.
- Accept the PlayStation’s Terms of Use by holding down the “X” button.
- Once the game is launched, all you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions to ensure both profiles are split-screen active.
Enabling Split-Screen on Nintendo Switch:
- Connect both controllers to your Nintendo Switch console and sign in to your primary account.
- Launch Fortnite and open the options menu by clicking the “+” button on the second controller.
- On the left of the screen, you should see the option to join with a second controller. Select it.
- Follow the prompts to divide the screen, adjust the controller settings to your liking, and get started!
Comparison of Different Devices
While split-screen gaming is an amazing innovation, not all devices offer the same experience. Here are some of the pros and cons of each device when it comes to split-screen gaming.
PlayStation 4:
Pros:
- Allows split-screen play with up to four players at once, making it the ideal choice for larger gatherings.
- Offers three different screen sizes to choose from, helping you find the perfect setup for your gaming session.
Cons:
- May experience lag and frame rate drops during split-screen play due to the larger number of objects on screen.
- May require both players to have PlayStation Plus memberships.
Xbox One:
Pros:
- Also allows for up to four player split-screen play, making it an excellent choice for larger gatherings.
- Offers better graphics and increased performance compared to other consoles on this list.
Cons:
- Players can only use the same console and not mix between Xbox and PC devices.
- Splitscreen can be quite small on some TVs and monitors.
Nintendo Switch:
Pros:
- Offers an incredibly easy and streamlined setup process for split-screen play.
- Does not require a membership to the Nintendo Switch Online program to enjoy split-screen gaming.
Cons:
- The performance isn’t as solid as other options, with issues such as input lag and crashing reported by players.
- The screen may be quite small for two players on a TV with a resolution less than 1080p.
Ultimately, each of the devices has its benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, it would be best to determine which factor matters most to you and choose accordingly.
Customization
One of the major benefits of using split-screen is the ability to customize it according to your preferences. Here are some of the options available:
Screen Size:
You can adjust the screen size according to the preferred display on your device. However, the larger the screen is, the more it affects the quality of the graphics and performance. Therefore, make sure to choose the optimal size for your device.
Audio:
You can also customize the audio settings, allowing you to adjust the volume of every player individually and also enabling in-game communication channels between different accounts.
Controller Layout:
Split-screen players can also choose their preferred control schemes, allowing both players to have the same user interface advantages as single players.
HUD Options:
The Heads-Up Display (HUD) offers clutterless interfaces explicitly tailored towards split-screen users to ensure that you can see everything you need, such as ammo levels, health bars, and objective progression clearly.
Troubleshooting
While split-screen gaming is often seamless, there may be some issues that crop up from time to time. Here are some of the most common ones and how to fix them:
1. Performance Issues:
If you start to notice excessive lag, input delays, or display artifacts during gaming, try clearing the console’s cache. Alternatively, you could always try to reduce the number of split-screen players and parent party members to enhance performance.
2. Networking Issues:
If you experience issues with online multiplayer, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. You can also try updating the firmware for your router or contacting your internet service provider for support.
3. Screen Adjustments:
If you’re having difficulty with the screen size or the ratio, try adjusting these settings according to the console’s user manual or on the game settings
Online Multiplayer
One of the most significant advantages of split-screen gaming is the ability to play Fortnite’s battle Royale online with friends. Use the instructions below to enhance your online multiplayer gaming experience:
- Ensure that you have stable and fast internet connectivity.
- Use microphones for communication if you have them; Fortnite supports voice chat between the users, enhancing team play.
- Select game modes such as Team Rumble and Party Royale, which are optimal for split-screen play and multiplayer gaming.
Game Modes
There are three distinct game modes available in Fortnite: Battle Royale, Creative, and Save the World. Below we explain how split-screen works in each mode, and how it affects gameplay or strategy:
Battle Royale
Fortnite Battle Royale is the most popular mode amongst players. It allows up to four players for split-screen play, meaning you can easily team up with friends to survive to the end. To start playing split-screen Battle Royale, select “Battle Royale” from the main menu and follow the guidelines explained in the first section.
Creative Mode:
Creative Mode is a relatively new addition to Fortnite and allows players to create their worlds and games. While the split-screen option is available, it does not allow other players to join once the server is established. Therefore, if you’re looking to group play Creative mode, you’ll have to host the server yourself or join an existing game as an online multiplayer.
Save the World:
Finally, Save the World mode is the original game mode for Fortnite, and while split-screen support is there, it is not recommended due to the increased CPU, memory, and GPU requirements. Furthermore, it might affect the graphical quality and frame rate on older consoles such as Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Playing Fortnite using split-screen mode is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the game. It’s easy to set up, offers many customization options, and allows you to play with others in both local and online multiplayer modes. Use the guidelines outlined in this article to take advantage of split-screen gaming on any supported console, device, and game mode, and you are set to have an excellent time with your friends and family.