How to play Fortnite split screen

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Fortnite split screen is now available again, following downtime due to an unspecified issue

Fortnite split screen
(Image credit: Epic Games)

The Fortnite split screen mode is back up and running, after a period of downtime while a matchmaking issue was being resolved. This means the popular couch co-op set up for the battle royale is available once again, so you can join a friend for some local multiplayer action while only having to use one console, as sharing is caring! For the lowdown on how to set up split screen in Fortnite, or what to look for if it's not in its usual place on the lobby screen, I've got all of the details here.

How to play Fortnite split screen

Fortnite

(Image credit: Epic)

When this feature is available in Fortnite, players can activate split screen mode on compatible consoles easily enough, with an option at the bottom-right hand corner of the screen for another player to log in on a different account and join your lobby from the same device using a second controller. You can then begin matchmaking as usual, to jump into various game modes together – although some experiences such as Lego Fortnite Splitscreen are not supported.

Is Fortnite split screen unavailable?

Fortnite split screen mode was previously disabled on April 9 due to an unspecified error, however this was resolved and it was reactivated on April 12. Before that, it was last taken down in November 2023, when it took five days to fix the issue and reinstate it. Epic have historically been pretty good with updates, and as this is a major feature that causes a lot of outcry whenever it is removed it usually isn't gone for long. So, if you find that you can't access it for whatever reason then there's a good chance that it's a high priority for fixing, meaning it won't remain inaccessible for long.

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Iain Wilson
Iain Wilson
Guides Editor

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has well over 900 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

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