There’s nothing better than grabbing a snack, plopping down on the couch next to a friend, and diving into a few rounds of your favorite battle royale. If you’re both diehard Apex fans, you’ve probably wondered at some point: can you play split screen in Apex Legends? It’s a common question for players who prefer in-person co-op over online lobbies, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. In this guide, we’ll cover official support status, safe workarounds, reasons behind the lack of split screen, and tips to play with friends in the same room without risking your account.
Can You Play Split Screen in Apex Legends Officially?
If you’re looking for a simple yes or no answer, it’s no. There is no native split screen support for Apex Legends on any platform, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, as of the latest season update. Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex, has never released split screen functionality for the game, despite years of requests from the community. I’ve sifted through dozens of dev Q&As, patch notes, and official social media posts over the last three years, and there’s no indication that split screen is in active development right now. A few unsubstantiated rumors popped up a couple years back claiming split screen was being tested for next-gen consoles, but Respawn quickly shut those down, stating they had no plans to add the feature in the near future. That doesn’t mean it will never happen, but you shouldn’t hold your breath waiting for it to drop in the next few seasons.
Reliable Workarounds to Play Apex Legends With Friends in the Same Space
While native split screen isn’t available, there are a few safe, legal ways to play Apex with friends who are in the same room as you. None of these require downloading sketchy software or modifying your game files, so you won’t risk losing your account or your progress.
- Use two separate systems connected to the same local network: If you and your friend both have your own copy of Apex and a console or PC, you can connect both systems to your home internet, join the same lobby, and play side-by-side on separate displays. This is the most reliable option by far, with zero performance drops and no risk of account penalties.
- Use a cloud gaming service with two separate accounts: If you have a fast enough internet connection (at least 50Mbps upload and download), you can stream two separate Apex instances to different displays in your home using a cloud gaming platform, as long as you have two active accounts for the service.
- Take turns playing casual matches on a single system: If you only have one console or PC, you can pass the controller back and forth between matches. It’s not the same as playing together, but it’s a fun way to teach new players the ropes and cheer each other on as you climb the ranks.
I use the two-system workaround all the time when my best friend comes over to visit. We both have our own PS5s, so we set them up on separate TVs in the living room, queue for trios with a mutual friend online, and play for hours without any issues. It does require you to have access to two systems and two copies of the game, but if you’re a regular player who often hosts game nights, it’s well worth the investment. We strongly advise against using any unofficial mods or third-party tools that claim to unlock split screen for Apex, as these will almost always trigger the game’s anti-cheat system and lead to a permanent account ban.
Why Split Screen Isn’t Available for Apex Legends Right Now
You might be wondering why so many other popular shooters have split screen support, but Apex doesn’t. There are a few very practical reasons Respawn hasn’t added the feature yet, and most of them tie back to the game’s core design as a competitive battle royale. First, Apex is an incredibly performance-heavy game. It runs at a minimum of 60fps on most consoles, with dynamic lighting, high-resolution textures, and 60 unique players in every match. Rendering two separate perspectives at once would cut performance in half for most systems, leading to choppy, laggy gameplay that puts both players at a serious disadvantage in competitive lobbies. Respawn has repeatedly stated that they will not add any feature that compromises the game’s competitive integrity, even if it’s a highly requested quality of life update. Second, the game’s cross-play infrastructure is built around individual accounts. Adding split screen would require a complete overhaul of how lobbies are matched, how stats are tracked, and how progression is awarded for two players on the same system. That would take months of development time that Respawn would rather spend on fixing bugs, adding new legends, and updating maps. Finally, split screen is a relatively low-demand feature compared to other common requests. Less than 5% of Apex players surveyed in a recent community poll listed split screen as a top priority, compared to 38% who wanted better server performance and 27% who wanted more permanent map rotations. It makes sense that Respawn is focusing on the features that benefit the largest number of players first.
Useful Tips for Playing Apex Legends With Friends In-Person
If you’re planning a game night with friends and want to include Apex in your rotation, these simple tips will make the experience way more fun for everyone involved. First, if you’re using the two-system workaround, pick up a cheap portable monitor if you don’t have a second TV available. You can find 1080p 60Hz portable monitors for under $100 these days, and they plug directly into most consoles and laptops without any extra setup. They’re small enough to tuck away when you’re not using them, and they eliminate the need to fight over who gets the main TV. Second, make sure everyone uses their own account when they play. That way, you all get to keep your own progression, cosmetics, and ranked points, and no one has to worry about messing up someone else’s rank when they’re still learning the game. Third, lean into the advantage of in-person communication. When you’re sitting right next to your teammate, you don’t have to rely on a mic to call out enemy positions, loot spots, or rotation plans. You’ll be able to coordinate way faster than random online teams, which gives you a huge edge in close fights. Fourth, stick to casual matches if you’re playing with players of different skill levels. There’s no need to stress over ranked points when you’re just hanging out and having fun. If you want to make it more interesting, add small friendly wagers, like the loser buys the next round of snacks. Just remember to avoid any tools that promise split screen functionality, no matter how legitimate they look. Even if a mod claims to only work in private lobbies, it still violates Apex’s terms of service and can lead to a permanent ban on your account.
At the end of the day, the answer to can you play split screen in Apex Legends is no, not officially, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the game with friends in the same room. The two-system workaround is safe, easy to set up, and gives you the full Apex experience without any performance hits or account risks. If Respawn ever announces official split screen support in a future season, we’ll update this guide immediately with all the details on supported platforms, how to set it up, and any limitations you need to know about. For now, grab an extra controller, set up a second display, and dive into some matches with your favorite people.