Best Split-Screen Xbox Games for Multiplayer Fun

13 August 2025

Let’s be real—nothing beats grabbing a couple of controllers, piling onto the couch (with snacks, of course), and diving into a split-screen battle or co-op mission with your friends or family. While online multiplayer is great and all, there’s a certain magic in good ol’ local split-screen gaming. It’s chaotic, it’s hilarious, and it’s how gaming memories are made.

So, if you’re looking to bring back that nostalgic vibe or simply want to disconnect and have some offline multiplayer fun on your Xbox, you’ve hit the jackpot. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best split-screen Xbox games that'll turn your living room into a battlefield, a racetrack, or a co-op quest for glory.

Why Split-Screen Games Still Matter

Before we jump into the games, let’s give split-screen gaming some love. In a world dominated by online play, split-screen may feel like a relic—but honestly, it’s more like a rare gem. Whether you’re crashing at a friend’s place or looking for some quality family bonding time, local multiplayer brings people together in a way online just can’t.

Plus, there’s something super fun about elbowing your buddy when they steal your kill or cheering each other on through tough levels. It’s competitive, it’s collaborative, and it’s just plain fun.

The Best Split-Screen Xbox Games for Multiplayer Fun

Ready to load up your Xbox and get the party started? Here are the top split-screen games that'll deliver big laughs, epic wins (and fails), and hours of couch co-op delight.

1. 🍔 Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Let’s kick things off with absolute kitchen chaos.

If you've never played Overcooked, imagine trying to run a restaurant during a food fight—with your teammates being the reason everything's on fire. This bundle includes Overcooked! 1 + 2 remastered, meaning sharper graphics and smoother gameplay. It’s frantic, funny, and 100% fantastic in split-screen mode.

You’ll chop veggies, cook burgers, plate sushi, dodge collapsing floors, and scream at your friends to "wash the dishes faster!" It’s perfect for 2–4 players and great for gamers who love a bit of madness with their meals.

Split-Screen Goodness: Couch co-op for up to 4 players
Best For: Teamwork, party vibes, and yelling “you had one job!”

2. 🧟‍♂️ Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Who says split-screen can’t be gritty and intense?

COD: Black Ops Cold War brings the classic split-screen multiplayer and zombies mode to your living room. Whether you're teaming up against the undead or going 1v1 in a sniper battle, the game delivers tight, responsive gunplay and adrenaline-pumping action.

It's perfect for friends who want to test each other’s reflexes, tactics, and trash-talking skills.

Split-Screen Goodness: 2-player split-screen multiplayer & zombies
Best For: Competitive buddies and FPS fans

3. 🏎️ Rocket League

Soccer… but with rocket-powered cars. What else do you need?

Rocket League is the kind of game that sounds ridiculous but quickly becomes an obsession. It’s fast, addictive, and a total blast in split-screen. You can play 2-player or even 4-player local multiplayer and take on AI or online opponents as a team.

Whether you're boosting your way to a last-second goal or crashing into teammates in the most unhelpful way possible, this one's a winner.

Split-Screen Goodness: Up to 4 players in split-screen
Best For: Casual fun with a competitive edge

4. 👨‍🚀 It Takes Two

If you’re looking for the ultimate co-op experience, this is the one.

It Takes Two is a brilliant, emotional, and downright inventive platformer designed specifically for two players. Split-screen is the only way to play this magical adventure, as each player takes on a unique role with different abilities.

You’ll solve puzzles, explore imaginative worlds, and, yep, probably argue a little (it's all part of the journey).

Split-Screen Goodness: 2-player only, split-screen mandatory
Best For: Couples, besties, and co-op lovers

5. 🧱 Minecraft

An oldie but a goldie.

Split-screen Minecraft is like a digital sandbox for you and your friends. Whether you’re building a castle, surviving the first night, or battling the Ender Dragon, everything’s better with a buddy by your side.

Just make sure they don’t "accidentally" destroy your house.

Split-Screen Goodness: 4-player split-screen supported
Best For: Creative minds and explorers

6. 🧟‍♀️ Left 4 Dead-style Action: Back 4 Blood

Missing those Left 4 Dead couch co-op days? Back 4 Blood brings the zombie-slaying fun back in style.

Grab some controllers, load up your weapons, and face overwhelming hordes of infected nightmares. It’s chaotic, challenging, and a blast with friends. Just remember—the real enemies might be the people you play with (especially when they steal first aid kits).

Split-Screen Goodness: 2-player local co-op
Best For: Zombie fans and action junkies

7. 🏀 NBA 2K Series

Whether you're throwing down dunks, draining threes, or just trash-talking the whole game, the NBA 2K series is a couch multiplayer staple.

Every year brings a fresh roster, updated mechanics, and the chance to school your friends on the court. It's practically a tradition at this point.

Split-Screen Goodness: 2–4 players offline/local multiplayer
Best For: Sports fans and competitive spirits

8. 🚀 Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo and split-screen go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The Master Chief Collection bundles up nearly every classic Halo game and updates them with modern polish. Whether you’re playing through epic campaigns in co-op or going head-to-head in custom games, Halo’s split-screen shines with nostalgic brilliance.

Split-Screen Goodness: 2-player co-op, up to 4-player multiplayer
Best For: Sci-fi lovers and nostalgia seekers

9. 🏁 Forza Motorsport / Horizon Series

Racing games never go out of style—especially when you’re burning rubber right next to your buddy.

Forza Horizon 5 is a gorgeous open-world racer with tons to do. Although it's mainly online-focused, earlier entries and the Motorsport series offer solid split-screen play. If you love cars, speed, and showing off your drifting skills, this one’s for you.

Split-Screen Goodness: Check individual titles; split-screen support varies
Best For: Car lovers and competition freaks

10. 🛸 Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

Yes, the name is wild—and so is the gameplay.

This adorable, chaotic indie gem has you and your crew piloting a cartoonish spaceship, managing turrets, shields, engines, and more—all at the same time. It’s like trying to steer a spaceship while everyone’s doing something completely different. Think sci-fi Overcooked.

It’s light-hearted, fast-paced, and full of charm.

Split-Screen Goodness: Up to 4 players local co-op
Best For: Indie game fans and team players

Honorable Mentions 🎮

Not enough for ya? Here's a quick list of honorable mentions that also offer top-notch split-screen fun:

- Cuphead: Beautifully hand-drawn run-and-gun action with brutal difficulty
- A Way Out: Co-op jailbreak adventure that’s as cinematic as it is clever
- Borderlands: Handsome Collection: Loot, shoot, and laugh through chaotic FPS/RPG madness
- LEGO Games (any): From Harry Potter to Marvel Super Heroes—great for all ages
- Gang Beasts: Silly, floppy physics brawler that’s always good for a laugh

Tips for the Best Couch Co-Op Experience

Wanna level up your multiplayer night? Here are some quick tips:

- 🍕 Stock up on snacks – Gaming is hungry work.
- 🎧 Turn the volume up – Sound effects make everything more epic.
- ⚖️ Take turns picking games – Avoid the age-old “But I don’t like that one” argument.
- 📏 Sit close, not too close – No screen peeking (unless you call them out for it).
- 😄 Don’t take it too seriously – It’s all about having fun!

Final Thoughts

Split-screen gaming is alive and well, and the Xbox is proudly carrying the torch. Whether you're teaming up in the kitchen, blasting zombies, or scoring game-winning shots, these games prove that two (or four) players are better than one.

So grab some controllers, call up your friends, and game on—because the best moments in gaming aren’t always online. Sometimes, they're right there next to you, laughing on the same couch.