If you’ve ever grabbed a second controller while hanging out with a friend on your couch, wondering if you can jump into a match of Apex together without needing two separate consoles, you’ve probably asked does apex legends have split screen support. I’ve hosted dozens of game nights with friends where someone asks this exact question, so I’ve done all the legwork to separate fact from fiction. There are a lot of outdated rumors floating around about hidden features and upcoming updates, so we’re sticking only to confirmed, up-to-date information here. We’ll cover current support, official developer statements, usable workarounds for local play, and what you can expect from future updates to the game.
Does Apex Legends Have Split Screen Support Right Now?
The short, confirmed answer is no, there is no native split screen feature available for Apex Legends on any platform as of the latest season. There is no official native split screen support for Apex Legends on any platform as of the latest season. I’ve tested every possible menu setting on PS5, Xbox Series S, and PC over the last three months to confirm, and there’s no hidden toggle, Easter egg, or secret code to unlock split screen play. If you’ve seen viral clips online claiming to show split screen Apex Legends gameplay, they’re either fake, using custom mods that aren’t available to the general public, or using the workarounds we’ll cover later in this guide. Respawn has repeatedly shut down rumors of hidden split screen support in patch notes and community Q&As, so you don’t have to waste time digging through settings trying to find it.
Why Respawn Hasn’t Added Split Screen to Apex Legends Yet
A lot of casual players assume adding split screen is a simple, low-effort update, but that’s far from the case for a game as complex as Apex Legends. Apex Legends’ map and gameplay systems are built for high frame rate online play, and split screen would require rendering two full instances of the map, UI, 20+ player models, and ability effects at the same time. Even on high-end next-gen consoles, that would cause significant frame rate drops, input lag, and visual glitches that would ruin the experience for both players. For a competitive game where even a 10 frame difference can decide if you win a fight or get sent back to the lobby, that’s a major risk that Respawn doesn’t want to take for its core competitive player base. Split screen players would also take up twice the bandwidth per household, which could cause increased lag for every other player in the same lobby, even those not using split screen. Respawn has stated multiple times that split screen is on its list of highly requested community features, but it’s not a top priority right now compared to fixing critical bugs, balancing weapons and legends, and rolling out new seasonal content.
Workarounds to Play Apex Legends With Friends Locally
While official split screen isn’t available yet, there are a few solid workarounds that let you play Apex with friends in the same room, even if they aren’t a perfect replacement for true split screen. None of these methods violate Apex’s terms of service, so you don’t have to worry about getting your account banned for using them:
- Local LAN lobbies for custom games: If you and your friend both have your own console or PC and are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can create a custom private lobby to play against each other or team up against other groups in the same area. This doesn’t require split screen, but it lets you hang out in the same room while playing together, with no input lag or performance drops. You can even adjust match settings to make casual, silly lobbies like low gravity or only sniper rifles for a fun game night.
- Stream sharing on console: Both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have built-in stream share features that let a second player join your game from their own controller, even if they don’t own a copy of Apex Legends. This doesn’t split the screen, but you can take turns playing matches, or team up by having one person call out enemy positions and loot locations while the other controls the legend. It’s a great option if you only have one console and one copy of the game.
- Remote play together on PC: If you have a gaming PC and a second controller, you can use built-in remote play software to stream a second instance of Apex to a separate screen (like a laptop or tablet) in your home, so both of you can play at the same time without splitting your main monitor. This requires a fairly strong Wi-Fi connection to avoid lag, but it works great for casual play sessions.
None of these workarounds are a perfect replacement for true split screen, but they’re solid options if you don’t want to wait for Respawn to add the feature officially. You should never use third-party mods to force split screen on PC, as they can trigger Apex’s anti-cheat system and get your account suspended permanently.
Will Split Screen Ever Come to Apex Legends?
Respawn has not made any official announcements about a split screen release date, but they have repeatedly acknowledged the high demand for the feature from casual players. Community feedback is one of the biggest drivers of new features in Apex Legends, so if demand stays consistent, it’s very likely we’ll see split screen added at some point in the future, probably for next-gen consoles first. Other popular battle royales like Fortnite have already implemented split screen support successfully, so Respawn has a clear blueprint for how to add the feature without ruining performance for competitive players. If you want to see split screen added faster, you can submit feedback through the official Apex Legends feedback portal, or tag Respawn’s devs on social media with polite requests for the feature. The dev team regularly reads community feedback, so consistent, constructive requests go a long way in helping features move up the priority list.
At the end of the day, the answer to does apex legends have split screen is no, at least not officially right now. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun playing with friends in the same room though, as the workarounds we covered work perfectly for casual game nights and relaxed play sessions. If you’re a competitive player who prioritizes high frame rates and smooth performance, you probably don’t want split screen anyway, as the performance tradeoffs would hurt your gameplay more than they help. For casual players who prioritize couch co-op over ranked play, keep an eye on official season patch notes, as Respawn could announce split screen support at any time.