You can play Fortnite two-player on the same screen using Local Multiplayer, also called split-screen or couch co-op, on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Connect a second controller, sign in with a supported second console account, and link that player’s Epic Games account when prompted. Then choose an experience that supports local players; the feature is not available on every mode or platform.
What you need for Fortnite split-screen
- A PlayStation or Xbox console. Epic lists PC, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices as unsupported for Local Multiplayer.
- A second controller connected to the console.
- A separate console account for the second player. Guest and Quick Play accounts are not supported.
- A second Epic Games account to link when prompted.
- A stable internet connection. Local Multiplayer is couch co-op, but it is not an offline mode.
Epic’s split-screen setup guide describes the feature and its platform requirements.
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How to start a two-player Fortnite session
- Start Fortnite on your PlayStation or Xbox and go to the Lobby.
- Connect the second controller.
- Use the second controller to select the other player’s console account. Do not choose a Guest or Quick Play account.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to link that player’s Epic Games account.
- Once the second player appears in the Lobby, enter a supported experience. Local Multiplayer starts automatically when the match begins.
Linking the second player’s Epic account gives that player access to their own Locker outfits, Battle Pass, Quests, and other progress.
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Which Fortnite modes support two players?
Local Multiplayer is not available in every Fortnite experience. In Discover, look for the “Great for Local Multiplayer” row, or open an experience’s Game Details and check for the “Local Players” tag. Epic lists Creative, Limited Time Modes, Save the World, Ranked, and Solos as unsupported.
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Epic’s support page gives LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, LEGO Fortnite Brick Life, Battle Royale, and Zero Build as examples of experiences that can be played in Local Multiplayer. Check the tag or row for the specific experience you want to play, since compatibility is experience-dependent.
What to expect while playing split-screen
- The local multiplayer session is active during matches, not while you are in the Lobby or navigating submenus.
- If either player leaves the match or disconnects, the local multiplayer session ends.
- Players cannot share inventory.
- Both players need to use the same language settings.
- Split-screen cannot be used during tournament events. Epic says only one player may use a game device during those events.
These restrictions and supported experiences are listed in Epic Games Player Support’s Local Multiplayer guidance and its tournament split-screen guidance.
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Fix common split-screen problems
PlayStation: the second-player option is missing or split-screen will not start
- Check that both controllers are connected.
- Confirm each player is using a separate, correctly linked Epic Games account.
- Verify that the selected game mode supports split-screen.
- Update Fortnite and the PlayStation system software.
- Restart the console.
These are the steps recommended in Epic’s PlayStation troubleshooting guide.
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Xbox: split-screen is not working
Clear the Xbox console cache. If that does not fix the problem, restart the console, following Epic’s Xbox troubleshooting steps.
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