Fortnite’s Split Screen and post-match “Ready Up” and “Keep Playing Together” options were temporarily disabled in a November 2023 issue, according to wording attributed to Fortnite Status. That notice is historical, not evidence of a current outage. Epic’s current guide documents Local Multiplayer—also called split-screen or couch co-op—for supported PlayStation and Xbox experiences. If you are trying to play now, check whether your game supports it and follow the setup steps below.
What happened to Fortnite Split Screen and the post-match buttons?
In November 2023, a contemporaneous Reddit post reproduced a Fortnite Status notice: “Please note: We’ve temporarily disabled Split Screen functionality and the ‘Ready Up’ and ‘Keep Playing Together’ buttons due to an issue.” The notice said Epic was investigating a fix and would provide an update when the features were re-enabled. It did not explain the underlying cause, and the repost does not establish an exact restoration date for each feature. The Reddit post reproducing the notice.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite eGift Card | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
That temporary notice does not mean split-screen is currently unavailable everywhere. Epic’s current support guide describes Local Multiplayer for supported experiences on PlayStation and Xbox. “Ready Up” and “Keep Playing Together” are post-match options; the historical notice does not establish that their 2023 disablement is still in effect.
How to use split-screen mode in Fortnite now
Epic refers to the feature as Local Multiplayer, also known as split-screen or couch co-op. You need two controllers and separate supported console accounts. Epic’s guide does not specify a required controller model.
#1 Best Overall
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
- Start Fortnite on a supported PlayStation or Xbox console and go to the Lobby.
- Connect a second controller.
- Choose the second player’s console account when prompted.
- Link that player’s Epic account if prompted. Guest and Quick Play console accounts are not supported.
- Once the second player appears in the Lobby, Local Multiplayer begins automatically in a supported game.
Epic’s instructions and account requirements are in its Local Multiplayer setup guide.
Which Fortnite games and modes support Local Multiplayer?
Support depends on the experience or mode; having a second controller does not make every part of Fortnite playable in split-screen. Epic’s examples of supported experiences include LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, LEGO Fortnite Brick Life, Battle Royale and Zero Build. To check a specific experience, look in Discover for the “Great for Local Multiplayer” row or open its Game Details and look for the “Local Players” tag.
Rank #2
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Epic lists these as unsupported for Local Multiplayer: mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, Creative and Limited Time Modes, Save the World, Ranked and Solos. Consult the individual experience’s details rather than assuming support based on the platform or another mode. See Epic’s supported experiences and limitations.
Why is Fortnite split screen not working on PlayStation?
If you cannot start a session, Epic recommends checking the setup, account linking, game mode and software before trying again. These are troubleshooting checks, not guaranteed fixes.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
- Confirm both controllers are connected and the second player has joined from the Lobby.
- Make sure each player uses a separate Epic account, with the necessary permissions and correct account linking. Guest and Quick Play console accounts are unsupported.
- Verify that the selected experience or mode supports Local Multiplayer.
- Update Fortnite and the console’s system software, then restart the console.
- Check that the internet connection is stable; Local Multiplayer requires an internet connection.
For PlayStation-specific guidance, see Epic’s PlayStation troubleshooting guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect during a Local Multiplayer session
- The players share the session, not the lobby or sub-menus.
- Players do not share inventory.
- Both players must use the same language settings.
- The session ends if either player disconnects or exits.
These restrictions are listed in Epic’s Local Multiplayer guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #4
- Redeemable on accounts in the United States and in U.S. Dollars.
- Gift card must be redeemed at EpicGames.com/redeem. This gift card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly on a console device (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.)
- If you play Fortnite experiences on a console device, you need to link your Epic Games account to your console account(s) so items purchased at Fortnite.com/item-shop appear across all of your linked accounts
- Requires internet connection, valid Epic account and prior acceptance of the terms
- Redemption: Online
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
