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Baldur’s Gate 3 supports two-player couch co-op on a shared display using split-screen and two controllers. Start a new game and add the second player during character creation, or have them join an ongoing game. Larian’s published instructions do not establish a universal sequence of button presses, so follow the prompts shown by your platform and game build.
How to set up Baldur’s Gate 3 split-screen
- Connect two controllers compatible with the platform you are playing on. Larian describes local co-op as two players playing with controllers; compatibility depends on your platform. Larian Studios’ Community Update #21 introduced the mode.
- Start a new game. The second player can join during character creation, or join an ongoing game. Follow the game’s current on-screen prompts to connect them; the exact controls and interface can vary by platform.
- Once both players are in, the game displays separate views in split-screen. Each player uses their controller to play.
Can you add a second player to an existing game?
Yes. Larian’s launch-era announcement says a second player can join during character creation or during an ongoing game. If you are already playing, connect the second controller and use the game’s current multiplayer or session prompts to add the player.
Can BG3 split-screen merge when players get close?
Yes. Patch 7 added a dynamic split-screen option that merges the views as players move near each other. Larian says the option can be reached from the HUD or game settings, including in and out of combat. See Community Update #28 for the feature announcement.
What if the second controller will not join?
- Check that the second controller is connected and assigned to the platform as expected.
- Use the prompts in the game’s current multiplayer or session interface rather than relying on a button combination or menu path that may differ by platform.
- Confirm controller compatibility with your platform. Larian’s announcements establish controller-based local play but do not provide a complete compatibility list or universal account and guest-profile requirements.
Does couch co-op work the same on every platform?
The core mode described by Larian is two-player local split-screen, but platform-specific details can differ. For example, Larian’s November 7, 2024 PS5 Pro announcement says split-screen runs at 30 fps in Quality mode or 60 fps in Performance mode. Those figures apply to the PS5 Pro modes described in that announcement, not to every console or platform. See Larian’s PS5 Pro update.
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Larian’s cited announcements do not provide an exhaustive, current cross-platform list of couch co-op availability, controller models, account requirements, or setup screens. Check the current game and platform information for details specific to your setup.
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