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:
- Set up a second controller
- Sign in with a PSN/XBL profile and link to an Activision account
- Start a multiplayer match
Below, we’ve included more detail on each step in the process.
1) Set up a second controller
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
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
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.
