How to play Diablo 4 couch co-op split screen

Here's exactly how to play Diablo 4 couch co-op split screen with step-by-step instructions to play the game with your friend using a second controller.

Ben Williams

13th May 2024 11:35

Images via Blizzard Team 3 | Blizzard Team Albany

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Highlights

Couch co-op is relatively easy to set up
It's only available on console, not PC

Learning how to play Diablo 4 couch co-op is well worth the effort since you can have lots of fun killing demons together in split-screen.

There are a few key steps to keep in mind, but my quick and easy guide will have you jumping into couch co-op in no time.

How to play couch co-op split screen

To play Diablo 4 couch co-op in split screen on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, follow these steps:

Select your character for player #1
Activate your second controller
Select an account to assign the second controller
- This must have a linked Battle.net account
Press the three-line Options button
Choose or create your player #2 character
Player #2 will then be loaded into the game

Rather than traditional split-screen, couch co-op in D4 has you share the same screen.

However, when one character isn't moving and gets out of sight, the active player will drag them along the edge of the screen until both are in view.

Is there couch co-op on PC?

Key art for Diablo 4

No, there is no split-screen couch co-op for Diablo 4 on PC - it's only available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles at the time of writing.

The unfortunate reason for this is a matter of technology. Essentially, "PC is much more challenging when it comes to account management and how you play together", as said by the game's general manager, Rod Fergusson, in an interview with Eurogamer.

Further into his answer, Fergusson clarifies that it's far easier to implement couch co-op on consoles since those systems are "pre-set up for that in terms of the ways you can associate the accounts to it".

However, Fergusson also mentions this type of local multiplayer co-op is a lower priority from a PC player's perspective anyway. After all, the number of PC gamers on Diablo 4 sharing a single screen sitting at a desk is a far smaller minority compared to those doing the same with a TV and console.

The general manager never shut the door completely on the idea, but it's far lower on the D4 to-do list of priorities for the time being. Given that the game is approaching its one year anniversary, it's increasingly unlikely that the feature is in development at Blizzard.

I'll update this article if anything changes!

About The Author

Ben Williams

Ben is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. Alongside his BA (Hons) in Business Management is a wealth of gaming and entertainment writing experience, having previously occupied roles as a Copywriter in e-commerce at Overclockers and Guides & SEO Writer at GameByte and FragHero. When not whipping up guides and reviews, Ben’ll be off playing the latest Pokemon games, Overwatch 2, Spider-Man, The Witcher, and Final Fantasy - all before reading manga and listening to Ice Nine Kills.

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