How to Play Split Screen On Modern Warfare 2

Screenshot of two players playing split-screen in Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2 continues Call of Duty’s long-standing tradition of couch co-op and allowing two players to game split-screen. This guide will show players how to play split-screen on Modern Warfare 2 and detail which game modes are compatible with 2-player co-op gaming.

How to play split screen on Modern Warfare 2

Playing split-screen on Modern Warfare 2 is easy as long as you have a second controller and PSN/XBL account. Here are the steps to get started:

  1. Set up a second controller
  2. Sign in with a PSN/XBL profile and link to an Activision account
  3. Start a multiplayer match

Below, we’ve included more detail on each step in the process.

1) Set up a second controller

Screenshot of adding a second controller for split screen
Add a second controller for split-screen. Source: Activision

First, start-up Modern Warfare 2 and navigate to the main menu screen. You will see text in the top right corner that says ‘Add A Second Controller For Splitscreen.’ Turn on a second controller and press A on Xbox, or X on Playstation, to sign in. You will then be asked to sign in with a PSN/XBL account.

2) Sign in with a PSN/XBL profile and link to an Activision account

Screenshot of the Activision account login.
Source: Activision

Modern Warfare 2 requires all players to be signed in, so link the recently added controller with a new or existing PSN/XBL profile.

Modern Warfare 2 will then ask the player to link their PSN/XBL profile to an Activision account. A new Activision account can be created, or players can log in to an existing Activision account to access their complete profile with custom classes, weapon unlocks, and Modern Warfare 2 settings.

3) Start a multiplayer match

Screenshot of starting a multiplayer match
Start a multiplayer match to begin playing split-screen. Source: Activision

Once all controllers and profiles are signed-in, head into multiplayer and start a match. Be aware that not all game modes are available for split-screen. See below for a list of game modes that do and don’t allow split-screen gaming in Modern Warfare 2.

Which Modern Warfare 2 game modes can be played split screen?

Modern Warfare 2 only features split-screen compatibility for specific multiplayer game modes. Below is a list of the compatible split-screen game modes in Modern Warfare 2.

Compatible split-screen game modes

  • Team Deathmatch
  • Headquarters
  • Hardpoint
  • Kill Confirmed
  • Domination
  • Search and Destroy
  • Prisoner Rescue
  • Knock Out
  • 3rd Person Moshpit
  • Control
  • Private Match

Incompatible split-screen game modes

  • Modern Warfare 2 Campaign
  • Warzone 2.0
  • DMZ
  • Cooperative Spec-Ops
  • Free-For-All
  • Ground War
  • Invasion
  • CDL Moshpit
  • Tier 1

Pro tip

Free-For-All and the CDL game modes can be played split-screen with friends by creating a Private Match. Private Matches allow you to add bots, choose a map, and tweak the game rules to your liking.

FAQ

Can you play Modern Warfare 2 split-screen on PC?

Modern Warfare 2 split-screen is only available for Playstation and Xbox consoles. PC players do not have access to a split-screen co-op for MW2.

Can you play COD: Warzone 2.0 or DMZ split-screen?

Warzone 2.0 and DMZ mode do not feature split-screen capability; Split-screen is only available for select Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer game modes.

How many players can play split-screen on Modern Warfare 2?

Modern Warfare 2 only allows split-screen co-op for up to 2 players at a time.

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