Best Split Screen Games on Steam that are Shooters
Published: Fri Aug 30 2024
Table Of Contents
What are the best split screen shooting games on PC?
In the world of gaming, split screen games provide a unique shared experience that online play can’t replicate! To help you find the perfect split screen games on PC, we’ve developed a rating system based on five key metrics: Variety of Game Modes, Split Screen Implementation, Co-op Accessibility, Combat, and Graphics. These metrics allow us to evaluate everything from split screen accessibility to cooperative combat, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each title. Our goal is to guide you through the vast landscape of split screen games on Steam and beyond, helping you discover your next favorite multiplayer adventure. Join us as we explore how these metrics shape the split screen experience across various platforms and genres!
| ✓ Variety of Game Modes | ✓ Split Screen Implementation | ✓ Co-op Accessibility | ✓ Combat |
| ✓ Graphics |
Call of Duty WWII 4.2
Game Features
- Single Player
- Co-op Mode
- Online Multiplayer
- Nazi Zombies
Variety of Game Modes
Call of Duty: WWII offers an impressive array of game modes that cater to various player preferences:
- Multiplayer Modes: The game features several competitive modes, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Free-for-All. Each mode offers a unique twist on the gameplay, allowing players to engage in both casual and competitive settings.
- War Mode: This innovative mode is unique to WWII and highly praised by players. It features narrative-driven, objective-based gameplay where teams must work together to complete or defend against a series of tasks.
- Zombies Mode: A cooperative mode where up to four players can team up to fight against waves of undead enemies. It features its own storyline and multiple maps.
- Headquarters: A social space where up to 48 players can interact, practice weapons, open loot boxes, and participate in various activities.
- Ranked Play: A competitive ladder system using official Call of Duty World League rules, offering seasonal rewards based on performance.
- Limited-Time Modes: The game regularly introduces time-limited events and modes like Prop Hunt, Infected, and Gun Game, adding variety to the gameplay.
The 5/5 rating reflects the wide variety of modes available, including the innovative War mode and the depth of the Zombies experience. The regular introduction of limited-time modes and events helps keep the game fresh and engaging for players.
Split Screen Implementation
Call of Duty: WWII’s split-screen implementation is well-executed:
- Availability: Split-screen is available in multiplayer and zombies modes, supporting up to 2 players locally.
- Screen Division: The screen is divided horizontally, giving each player a wide field of view.
- Performance: While frame rates may be reduced in split-screen mode, the game maintains smooth gameplay.
- Online Integration: Split-screen players can join online matches together, allowing for a mix of local and online play.
- HUD Adaptation: The heads-up display (HUD) is thoughtfully redesigned for split-screen play, ensuring essential information is visible without cluttering the screen.
The 4/5 rating acknowledges the solid implementation of split-screen, especially in an era where many games are abandoning this feature. However, it falls short of a perfect score due to performance compromises and the lack of split-screen support in the campaign mode.
Co-op Accessibility
Call of Duty: WWII offers a user-friendly co-op experience, particularly in Zombies and multiplayer modes:
- Immediate Access: Players can jump into co-op gameplay right from the start without any unlocks needed.
- Local Split-Screen: Supports up to 2 players in split-screen mode for both Zombies and multiplayer, using a horizontal split layout for a good view of the action.
- Easy Setup: The second player can join by pressing a button on their controller once the first player is in the lobby, allowing for quick entry into co-op matches.
- Profile Management: Each player can sign in to their own account, tracking progress and unlocks separately.
- Multiplayer and Zombies: Co-op is available in various multiplayer modes and in Zombies mode, which supports up to 4 players online.
- Limitations: The campaign mode does not support co-op play, which is a drawback for those wanting a shared story experience.
The 4/5 rating reflects the overall ease of access and setup for co-op play, though the absence of campaign co-op holds it back from a perfect score.
Combat
Call of Duty: WWII’s combat system is highly regarded:
- “Boots on the Ground”: The game returns to a more traditional gameplay style, removing advanced movement systems from previous titles.
- Weapon Variety: Features a wide range of historically accurate weapons and equipment from the World War II era.
- Division System: Allows players to specialize in different combat roles, adding depth to gameplay strategies.
- Gunsmith: Extensive weapon customization options allow players to tailor their loadouts to their playstyle.
- Scorestreaks: Rewards skilled play with powerful in-game abilities and support options.
The 5/5 rating reflects the polished and engaging combat system that stays true to the series’ roots while introducing new elements through the Division system and historical authenticity.
Graphics
Call of Duty: WWII boasts impressive visuals:
- Historical Accuracy: Detailed character models and environments capture the World War II setting authentically.
- Lighting and Effects: Advanced lighting and particle effects enhance realism, particularly in explosive combat scenarios.
- Performance: Generally maintains smooth frame rates across platforms, with 4K support on enhanced consoles and PC.
- Cinematic Campaign: The single-player campaign features highly detailed cutscenes and set pieces.
The 4/5 rating acknowledges the game’s strong visual presentation while recognizing that it may not push boundaries in the same way as some other titles of its generation.
Resident Evil 6 3.8
Ratings (Out of 5)
Game Features
- Single Player
- Arcade Co-op
- Online Co-op
- Local Co-op
Variety of Game Modes
Resident Evil 6 offers a decent variety of game modes, although not as extensive as some other multiplayer-focused titles. The main story mode is playable in co-op, allowing players to experience the narrative together. Resident Evil 6 features three distinct campaigns, each with different characters, providing varied gameplay experiences. Additionally, the game includes the popular Mercenaries Mode, which is an arcade-style mode where players face waves of enemies and try to score points within a time limit. While these modes provide good variety, the focus remains primarily on the campaign and Mercenaries mode, resulting in a solid but somewhat limited selection compared to games dedicated to multiplayer experiences.
Split Screen Implementation
Resident Evil 6 delivers a solid split-screen experience for local co-op play:
- Horizontal Split: The screen is divided horizontally, giving each player a wide field of view.
- Full Screen Utilization: On PC, the split-screen mode utilizes the full screen, creating an immersive experience.
- Console Limitations: On older console versions, players may encounter black bars on the sides of the screen, which some found disappointing.
- Performance Optimization: The game maintains good performance in split-screen mode, with only minor frame rate drops during intense action sequences.
The implementation is effective, particularly in the more recent versions.
Co-op Accessibility
Resident Evil 6 excels in making cooperative play easily accessible:
- Immediate Availability: Co-op is available right from the start, allowing players to jump into shared gameplay without any prerequisites.
- Simple Setup Process: For local split-screen play, the setup is straightforward. The second player simply needs to press the start button on their controller to join the game.
- Flexible Online Options: The game offers both local split-screen and online co-op options, allowing players to switch between these modes seamlessly.
- Individual Profile Saving: Each player’s progress is saved to their individual profiles, ensuring that no progress is lost when switching between modes.
- Adaptive Difficulty: The game features adaptive difficulty systems that adjust based on the number of players, ensuring a balanced experience whether playing solo or in co-op.
The comprehensive approach to co-op gameplay makes it easy for players of all skill levels to enjoy the cooperative experience.
Combat
The combat system in Resident Evil 6 is engaging and well-suited for two players:
- Over-the-Shoulder Perspective: The game uses a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera view that allows for precise aiming and situational awareness.
- Variety of Weapons: Players have access to a wide array of weapons, from handguns and shotguns to sniper rifles and rocket launchers.
- Melee Combat: Close-quarters combat options add variety to gameplay, allowing players to perform context-sensitive melee attacks.
- Co-op Specific Actions: Some actions require both players to work together, enhancing the cooperative experience.
- Quick Time Events (QTEs): QTEs are integrated into combat scenarios, adding interactivity during key moments.
The combat mechanics are solid, providing an engaging experience for players.
Graphics
While the graphics in Resident Evil 6 were impressive for their time, they have aged:
- Detailed Environments: The game features atmospheric and detailed settings that evoke a sense of dread.
- Character Models: Main characters and enemies are well-designed, but may look dated compared to more recent titles.
- Lighting and Shadows: Effective use of lighting and shadows enhances the horror atmosphere.
- Special Effects: Particle effects during combat add to the visual excitement.
- Split-screen Impact: Graphics quality may be slightly reduced in split-screen mode to maintain performance.
The graphics reflect the era in which the game was released, with some recent improvements on PC enhancing the overall visual experience.
Enjoy Resident Evil games? Check out our blog reviewing Resident Evil 5 HERE!
Gears of War 5 3.4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Game Features
- Single Player
- Local Co-op
Variety of Game Modes
Gears of War 5 offers a solid array of game modes, although the split-screen options on PC are more limited than initially believed.
- Campaign Mode: The main story mode allows players to experience the narrative together, but split-screen is only available for the campaign on PC. This limits the ability to enjoy co-op gameplay in other modes.
Xbox Offers additional game modes including:
- Versus Modes: The game features several competitive modes, including Quickplay, where players can jump into Arcade and Classic matches, and Ranked matches that include popular modes like King of the Hill, Team Deathmatch, Guardian, Escalation, and Execution. Each mode offers a unique twist on gameplay, catering to both casual and competitive players.
- Horde Mode: In this beloved cooperative mode, players team up to face 50 waves of increasingly difficult enemies. Players can choose from different characters, each with unique abilities, and can customize their loadouts and defenses, adding strategic depth to the experience.
- Escape Mode: This innovative 3-player cooperative mode challenges players to escape from a hive filled with enemies while racing against a poisonous cloud. It emphasizes teamwork and strategy, requiring players to work together to overcome obstacles and enemies.
While Gears of War 5 provides a rich variety of modes, it receives a 3/5 rating because the limitation of split-screen to only the campaign on PC restricts the overall multiplayer experience.
Split Screen Implementation
Gears of War 5 excels in its split-screen implementation, but with important limitations for PC players.
- Campaign Only: On PC, split-screen is limited to the campaign mode, which significantly reduces its versatility compared to the console versions that support more modes.
- Vertical Split: When available, the game features a vertical split-screen layout, dividing the screen into two equal halves side by side. This orientation maximizes the field of view for both players.
- HUD Optimization: The heads-up display (HUD) is clear and user-friendly, ensuring that essential information like health and ammo is easily visible without cluttering the screen.
- Performance Consistency: The game maintains a stable frame rate and visual quality, even while rendering two separate viewports, showcasing excellent optimization.
The limitation of split-screen to the campaign on PC is a significant drawback, impacting the overall implementation score.
Co-op Accessibility
Gears of War 5’s co-op accessibility is significantly impacted by the limited split-screen options on PC:
- Campaign Co-op: Players can easily jump into the campaign with a friend in split-screen on PC, but this is the only mode available for local co-op on this platform and is offline.
Combat
Gears of War 5 maintains the series’ signature combat style, which is both familiar and enjoyable, yet it receives a moderate score due to certain limitations.
- Cover-Based Shooting Mechanics: The game retains the classic cover-based shooting mechanics that have defined the series. Players can strategically use the environment to their advantage, making for intense firefights.
- New Weapons and Abilities: Gears of War 5 introduces new weapons and combat abilities, such as the ability to use a grappling hook for mobility and strategic advantages. These additions help freshen up the gameplay and provide new tactical options.
- Familiarity: While the combat is solid, some players feel that it doesn’t innovate as much as other modern shooters, leading to a sense of familiarity that may not excite all players. This contributes to the 3/5 rating, as it is enjoyable but may not stand out as groundbreaking.
Graphics
Gears of War 5 is visually stunning, earning a perfect score for its graphics.
- Advanced Visual Technology: The game utilizes cutting-edge graphics technology, delivering breathtaking visuals that enhance the immersive experience. From detailed character models to expansive and richly designed environments, the graphics are a highlight.
- Stunning Environments: Players can explore a variety of beautifully crafted settings, from lush forests to war-torn cities, each with its unique aesthetic. The attention to detail in lighting, textures, and animations contributes to a visually captivating experience.
- Performance in Split-Screen: Remarkably, the game maintains high-quality visuals even in split-screen mode, which is a significant achievement. However, this is limited to the campaign mode on PC.
The perfect score reflects the developers’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual quality, particularly in a title that supports local split-screen play.
Overall, Gears of War 5 stands out as a solid choice for split-screen gaming on Steam, combining engaging gameplay, excellent graphics, and robust co-op features. However, the limitation of split-screen to only the campaign mode on PC significantly impacts its versatility for local multiplayer gaming.
Quake 2 3.4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Game Features
- Single Player
- Local Co-op
- Online Multiplayer
Variety of Game Modes
Quake 2 offers a decent variety of game modes, especially considering its release era:
- Single Player Campaign: The primary mode, offering a story-driven experience through a series of levels.
- Deathmatch: The classic free-for-all multiplayer mode where players compete against each other for the highest frag count.
- Team Deathmatch: Players are divided into teams, typically red and blue, competing for the highest team score.
- Cooperative Mode: Allows players to tackle the single-player campaign together.
- Capture the Flag (CTF): While not included in the original release, the CTF mod became extremely popular and was later included in many releases of the game.
- Custom Mods: The game’s modding community has created numerous additional modes, including:
- Rocket Arena: A mod focusing on arena-style combat with rockets.
- Action Quake 2: A mod emphasizing realistic weapons and damage.
- Quake 2 Lithium: A mod adding new weapons, items, and gameplay tweaks.
The 3/5 rating acknowledges the solid variety of modes available, especially with community additions, but recognizes that it doesn’t offer as extensive a selection as more modern titles or its successor, Quake 3 Arena.
Split Screen Implementation
Quake 2’s split-screen implementation is limited, especially in its original release:
- PC Limitations: The original PC release did not include built-in split-screen functionality.
- Console Versions: Some console ports, like the PlayStation version, did include split-screen multiplayer, typically supporting 2 players.
- Screen Division: When available, the screen is typically divided horizontally, giving each player a wide but vertically limited view.
- Performance Issues: Split-screen play often resulted in reduced frame rates and visual quality, especially on less powerful hardware.
- Limited Options: There were typically no options to customize the split-screen layout or adjust individual player views.
- Modern Ports: Some modern ports and source ports have added or improved split-screen functionality, but this was not a feature of the original game on most platforms.
The 2/5 rating reflects the limited availability and implementation of split-screen in the original releases, with some acknowledgment of improvements in later versions and ports.
Co-op Accessibility
Quake 2 offers relatively accessible cooperative play:
- Full Campaign Support: The entire single-player campaign is playable in co-op mode, allowing friends to experience the full story together.
- Easy Setup: Co-op mode is readily available from the start, requiring minimal setup in most versions of the game.
- Player Limit: Supports up to 4 players in co-op mode, allowing for small group play.
- Shared Objectives: Players share mission objectives, promoting teamwork and coordinated play.
- Individual Scoring: Each player maintains their own score, allowing for friendly competition within the cooperative framework.
- Respawning: Players can respawn after death, allowing for continuous play without restarting the entire level.
- Difficulty Scaling: The game doesn’t significantly scale difficulty for co-op, which can make it easier with multiple players but also more chaotic and fun.
- Network Play: Supports both LAN and internet play, allowing friends to play together remotely.
The 4/5 rating reflects the comprehensive and accessible nature of co-op play in Quake 2, especially considering its release era. It falls short of a perfect score due to the lack of some modern conveniences and the potential complexity of setting up multiplayer in some versions.
Combat
Quake 2’s combat system is highly regarded and influential:
- Weapon Variety: Offers a diverse arsenal including the iconic railgun, rocket launcher, and BFG, each with unique characteristics and strategic uses.
- Fast-Paced Action: The gameplay is fast and fluid, with quick movement and intense firefights.
- Enemy Diversity: Features a wide range of enemies with distinct behaviours and weaknesses, from basic Strogg grunts to challenging bosses.
- Level Design: Maps are designed to encourage strategic movement and combat, with a good balance of open areas and tight corridors.
- Weapon Balance: Each weapon has its strengths and situational uses, promoting varied gameplay styles.
- Skill-Based Gameplay: Emphasizes player skill in aiming, movement, and resource management.
- Multiplayer Focus: While the single-player is strong, the combat system truly shines in multiplayer, offering intense and balanced player-vs-player experiences.
- Mod Support: Extensive modding community has created numerous combat-enhancing mods, adding new weapons, mechanics, and balance tweaks.
The perfect 5/5 score reflects Quake 2’s enduring influence on FPS combat design and the depth and satisfaction of its gameplay.
Graphics
Quake 2’s graphics were groundbreaking for its time but have naturally aged:
- 3D Engine: One of the first games to use a fully 3D engine, allowing for more complex and immersive environments compared to its predecessors.
- Lighting Effects: Features dynamic lighting and coloured lighting effects, which were highly impressive for its time.
- Texture Quality: Textures can appear blurry or low-resolution by modern standards, but were state-of-the-art in 1997.
- Character Models: 3D models for players and enemies, though simple by today’s standards, were a significant step forward from sprite-based games.
- Environmental Detail: Levels feature a good amount of detail and atmosphere, particularly for the sci-fi setting.
- Weapon Effects: Weapon visual and sound effects contribute significantly to the satisfying combat experience.
- Frame Rate: Designed to run smoothly even on hardware of its era, contributing to the fluid gameplay.
- Modern Enhancements: Many modern ports and mods offer significant graphical upgrades, including high-resolution textures, improved models, and enhanced lighting effects.
The 3/5 rating acknowledges the game’s graphical achievements for its time while recognizing that the original visuals have aged. The score also takes into account the improvements available through modern ports and mods, which can significantly enhance the visual experience.
Doom 1 and 2 3.2
Ratings (Out of 5)
Game Features
- Single Player
- Local Co-op
- Death Match
Variety of Game Modes
DOOM 1 and 2 offer a limited but historically significant set of game modes:
- Single Player Campaign: The primary mode, offering the classic DOOM experience through a series of levels. Each game features multiple episodes, with DOOM 1 having three episodes (plus a fourth in the Ultimate DOOM release) and DOOM 2 featuring 32 levels. The campaign mode is known for its non-linear level design, secret areas, and progressively challenging gameplay.
- Cooperative Mode: Allows 2-4 players to tackle the campaign together. This mode maintains the same level structure and enemy placement as the single-player campaign but allows players to work together to overcome challenges. Cooperative play can be done via local network or online in modern ports.
- Deathmatch: A pioneering multiplayer mode where players compete against each other for frags (kills). This mode introduced many concepts that became staples of multiplayer FPS games, such as respawning, weapon and powerup placement, and fast-paced combat in arena-like settings.
- Altdeath: A variant of deathmatch with slightly modified rules, including changes to item respawn mechanics and the ability to telefrag opponents (killing them by teleporting to their location).
- Custom WADs and Mods: While not official game modes, the extensive modding community has created numerous custom campaigns, total conversions, and gameplay modifications that greatly extend the variety of experiences available.
The 2/5 rating reflects the historical importance of these modes and their influence on the FPS genre. However, compared to modern games with multiple specialized modes, extensive customization options, and varied objectives, the base game’s mode variety is limited. The rating also considers that many players today experience DOOM through source ports that may offer additional modes and features not present in the original releases.
Split Screen Implementation
DOOM 1 and 2’s split-screen implementation is basic but functional, especially for its time:
- Horizontal Split: The screen is divided horizontally for local multiplayer, typically limited to 2 players on most platforms. This split orientation works well with DOOM’s level design, allowing players to maintain a good view of corridors and open areas.
- Performance Optimization: The games generally maintain good performance even in split-screen mode, thanks to the efficient rendering engine. Frame rates remain smooth, ensuring that the fast-paced action isn’t compromised.
- Limited Visual Adjustment: Unlike modern games, there are no options to adjust the split-screen layout or ratio. The fixed horizontal split can sometimes lead to a cramped view, especially on older 4:3 aspect ratio displays.
- HUD Adaptation: The heads-up display (HUD) is duplicated for each player, showing individual health, armor, and ammo counts. However, the HUD takes up a significant portion of the already limited screen space for each player.
- Shared Screen Pickups: In some versions, pickups and interactive elements are shared across both screen halves, which can sometimes lead to confusion but also encourages communication between players.
- Platform Variations: Split-screen implementation can vary depending on the platform and source port being used. Some modern ports offer improved split-screen features, including support for more than 2 players locally on PC.
- Lack of Modern Features: The split-screen mode lacks modern conveniences like player outlines, name tags, or minimap, which can sometimes make it difficult to keep track of your co-op partner in complex levels.
The 3/5 rating acknowledges the solid implementation for its time and the fact that it still provides an enjoyable local multiplayer experience. However, it falls short of higher scores due to the lack of customization options and the absence of features that have become standard in modern split-screen implementations.
Co-op Accessibility
DOOM 1 and 2 offer relatively accessible co-op play, especially considering their age:
- Immediate Availability: Co-op mode is readily available from the start, requiring no unlocks or progression through single-player. This allows friends to jump into multiplayer immediately.
- Player Limit: DOOM supports up to 4 players in multiplayer games, including co-op. This allows for small group play without being overwhelming.
- Player Distinction: Players are made distinct from each other by altering the suit color of each player. Player 1’s suit is green, player 2’s indigo, player 3’s brown, and player 4’s red. This simple color coding helps identify teammates in the fast-paced gameplay.
- Shared Resources: Players share key items, making progression through levels smoother as any player can open locked doors.
- Respawning: Players can respawn after death, allowing for continuous play without restarting the entire level.
- Automap Sharing: Players are visible on one another’s automaps, aiding in navigation and coordination.
- Player View Sharing: Each player can “look through the eyes” of their companions, a feature possibly inspired by Electronic Arts’ 1993 tactical game Space Hulk. This can help with coordination and puzzle-solving.
- Modern Port Improvements: Many modern source ports have improved co-op accessibility, including easier setup for online play and additional features.
- Cross-Platform Play: Some modern releases, like the recent DOOM + DOOM II combined release, offer cross-platform play, allowing friends to play together regardless of their gaming platform.
The 4/5 rating reflects the straightforward and accessible nature of co-op play, especially considering recent improvements in modern ports and re-releases. However, it falls short of a perfect score due to the lack of some modern conveniences and the potential complexity of setting up multiplayer in some versions.
Combat
DOOM’s combat system is legendary and holds up even today:
- Fast-Paced Action: The gameplay is fast, fluid, and intense, setting the standard for FPS combat that remains influential today.
- Weapon Variety: A diverse arsenal from pistols to the iconic BFG 9000 provides players with multiple combat options. In co-op, this allows for strategic weapon distribution among players.
- Enemy Diversity: A wide range of enemies with distinct behaviors and weaknesses encourages players to adapt their tactics and coordinate in co-op play.
- Level Design: Levels are designed to encourage strategic movement and combat. In co-op, this design facilitates teamwork and tactical play.
- Difficulty Scaling: While the game doesn’t significantly scale difficulty for co-op, the additional players can make for an easier experience, allowing less skilled players to enjoy the game with more experienced friends.
- Multiplayer-Specific Content: In Doom II, some levels contain extra monsters, usually boss monsters, in multiplayer. These provide more fearsome opposition for cooperative play.
- Friendly Fire: The presence of friendly fire (in most versions) adds an element of skill and caution to co-op play, requiring players to be aware of their teammates’ positions.
The perfect 5/5 score reflects DOOM’s enduring influence on FPS combat design and the way its systems naturally accommodate and enhance cooperative play.
Graphics
While revolutionary for their time, DOOM 1 and 2’s graphics have aged:
- 2.5D Engine: Uses 2D maps with height information to create 3D-like environments. This pseudo-3D approach was groundbreaking at the time but looks dated by modern standards.
- Sprite-Based Graphics: Characters and objects are 2D sprites, which can look pixelated and lack the depth of modern 3D models.
- Limited Resolution: Original graphics are low resolution by modern standards, which can be particularly noticeable on large, high-resolution displays.
- Art Style: Despite technical limitations, the art style remains distinctive and atmospheric, contributing to the game’s enduring appeal.
- Lighting Effects: Simple but effective lighting adds to the atmosphere, especially in darker levels.
- Weapon and Enemy Design: Iconic designs for weapons and enemies that remain recognizable and influential today.
- Modern Port Improvements: Many modern ports and re-releases offer enhanced graphics options, including higher resolutions, smoother animations, and improved lighting.
- Mod Support: Extensive modding community has created numerous graphical enhancement mods, allowing players to significantly improve visual quality on modern systems.
The 2/5 rating acknowledges the dated nature of the original graphics while recognizing their historical importance and enduring art direction. The score also takes into account the improvements available through modern ports and mods, which can significantly enhance the visual experience.