The golden age of couch co-op is far from over, especially on the PlayStation 5. While online multiplayer dominates most headlines, a quiet renaissance is happening in split-screen and local multiplayer experiences. Sony has continued to surprise fans in 2024 with stealth updates and hidden features that breathe new life into classic genres and franchises.
From revamped retro titles to couch-friendly RPGs, the PS5 has become a playground for couples, families, and old-school gamers craving shared-screen fun. Here’s your definitive guide to the most exciting PS5 split-screen games right now.
Sony’s Surprise Couch Co-Op Additions Shake Up 2024
Without major announcements or fanfare, Sony has quietly added split-screen functionality to several PS5 exclusives this year. One standout update came from Helldivers 2, which now supports 2-to-4 player couch co-op with haptic reload feedback via DualSense.
Crash Team Rumble brought vibrant 4K visuals to local matches, while Towerborne integrated voice chat through the controller mic, bridging the gap between immersion and accessibility. These additions highlight Sony’s continued investment in local multiplayer, even as most competitors double down on online-only formats.
The Best New Split-Screen Games of 2024
The newest batch of PS5 split-screen games brings both technical polish and joyful chaos. Helldivers 2 leads the charge with satisfying trigger-based rumble every time you reload, ideal for strategic group missions.
Crash Team Rumble offers buttery-smooth HD rumble during power-ups, keeping you physically connected to the action. Meanwhile, Towerborne adds seamless couch communication thanks to built-in mic integration. With dynamic performance modes offering 4K at 60 FPS or 1080p at 120 FPS, players can tailor the experience based on whether they prioritise resolution or speed.
Top Performers in Visuals, FPS, and Indie Innovation
When it comes to visuals, It Takes Two still reigns supreme. Its enhanced 4K HDR graphics deliver a cinematic storybook world that looks and feels magical on modern displays. For those craving speed, Rocket League maintains a fluid 120FPS on supported TVs, giving competitive players the edge.
Indie fans will love KeyWe, a postal chaos simulator that turns cooperative frustration into laugh-out-loud fun. The PS5’s hardware gives even small-scale games the platform to shine with snappy load times and vibrant effects.
Local Multiplayer You Didn’t Know Existed
Not every game markets itself as split-screen, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be played locally. Using Share Play, players have discovered creative ways to co-op through even single-player games. In Elden Ring, one player hosts while another joins remotely to tag-team bosses, turning a solo game into a surprise co-op adventure.
Meanwhile, PS+ Premium subscribers can access hidden gems like Crash Bash, which now supports up to 4 players in a crisp 4K upgrade. These lesser-known options offer fresh spins on beloved formats.
Accessible Games for Every Kind of Player
PS5’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in how many split-screen games now support remappable controls and relaxed gameplay loops. Sackboy: A Big Adventure enables one-handed play with fully customizable inputs, ideal for gamers with mobility challenges.
For those seeking a lighthearted session, Untitled Goose Game lets two players create chaos in a quiet village without timers, fail states, or complex mechanics. Accessibility doesn’t mean simplicity—it means everyone can join in on the fun, no matter their age or ability level.
Kid-Friendly Split-Screen Games That Still Bring the Fun
Parents looking for safe and engaging co-op titles will appreciate how the PS5’s library balances challenge with charm. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga carries an E10+ rating but delivers full campaign co-op with humour, puzzles, and lightsabers galore.
Overcooked 2, despite its fast-paced chaos, is rated E and introduces young players to teamwork and time management. These games prove that child-appropriate content doesn’t have to be boring—it can be just as thrilling and rewarding as any mature title.
2025 Sneak Peeks Promise Even More Couch Co-Op
Looking ahead, insider leaks suggest that Spider-Man 3 may debut with a symbiote-based co-op mode, allowing two players to share missions in a seamless split-screen format.
Likewise, whispers about Horizon Forbidden West’s upcoming DLC hint at local co-op hunting quests, taking the series in a more social direction. If these features make the final cut, 2025 could mark a historic shift in how AAA titles integrate local multiplayer. Sony sees value in reviving the couch as a gaming destination.
Conclusion
Split screen gaming isn’t just surviving on PS5—it’s thriving. With Sony introducing stealth updates, enhanced DualSense features, and performance modes tailored for local play, 2024 is a golden year for couch co-op. Whether you’re battling aliens, solving puzzles, or just being a mischievous goose, these titles offer unforgettable shared moments.
Don’t rely on outdated lists—this is the definitive guide for game nights that matter. So, which split-screen game made you rage, laugh, or bond the hardest? Drop your favourite in the comments and let the controller-passing begin.
FAQs
What are the best PS5 split-screen games right now?
Top titles include Helldivers 2, It Takes Two, Crash Team Rumble, and KeyWe, all offering unique couch co-op experiences in 2024.
Can I play split screen on PS5 without buying extra controllers?
No, you’ll need at least two DualSense controllers for local multiplayer, but Share Play can act as a workaround in some cases.
Are there split-screen games suitable for kids on PS5?
Yes, games like Lego Star Wars and Overcooked 2 are family-friendly, fun, and include co-op modes that are perfect for younger players.
Do any PS5 games offer 120 FPS in split-screen mode?
Yes, Rocket League supports up to 120FPS in split screen, provided you have a compatible display and enable Performance Mode.
Is Share Play a real alternative to local co-op?
Absolutely. Share Play lets a remote friend join your game as if they were sitting next to you, making it a handy tool for games lacking true split-screen.
