10 Best Split-Screen Games on Xbox Series X|S

A good split-screen game gives each local player a view that suits their own actions. That is different from shared-screen co-op, where everyone uses one camera. This refreshed Xbox Series X|S list includes ten games with split-screen play, covering short matches, cooperative stories, and longer RPG adventures. Some are Xbox One games playable on the newer consoles, and the number of local players can vary by mode. Newer options such as Split Fiction sit alongside long-running favorites.

10. Rocket League

Best for: Short competitive matches.

Rocket League turns driving, jumping, and boosting into a football match that is easy to understand and difficult to master. Split-screen lets local players practice together or compete, making it useful when you want a session that does not require a long story commitment. Use separate controllers and follow the current Xbox setup instructions. Account and mode requirements can differ when you move between local and online play, so avoid treating one setup as a guarantee for every matchmaking option.

Official trailer — Rocket League.

9. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Best for: A relaxed two-player adventure.

The Skywalker Saga offers local two-player play through a broad selection of Star Wars adventures. Its flexible split-screen structure lets players explore while sharing the same session, and its puzzles and playful tone make it less demanding than a competitive shooter. Choose it for a long-running couch adventure that can be enjoyed in smaller visits. This recommendation is for The Skywalker Saga specifically, not an unspecified LEGO Star Wars title. Local co-op should not be mistaken for an included online co-op mode.

Official trailer — Warner Bros. Games.

8. Minecraft

Best for: Building a world together.

Minecraft's Xbox console version allows local split-screen play, giving a group room to build, gather resources, and explore at its own pace. A shared project can last far longer than a single evening, while a new world offers a simple way to start again together. Make sure you are using the console version and a supported display setup; local split-screen is not a feature of every Minecraft edition. Give each player a controller and check the current account requirements for your chosen mode.

Official trailer — Minecraft.

7. Gears 5

Best for: A cooperative action campaign.

Gears 5 combines a cover-based campaign with local cooperative play. Its Xbox campaign supports up to three local players, with the third taking the support role of Jack rather than a third identical soldier. That difference matters when deciding how to share the experience. It is a good pick for a group that wants a structured action story and complementary roles. Other modes have their own player limits, so the campaign's local setup should not be assumed to apply throughout the game.

Official trailer — XBOX.

6. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition

Best for: A long campaign with flexible approaches.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 supports two local players on Xbox, letting each pursue conversations, exploration, and tactical plans within the same adventure. Turn-based combat makes discussion part of the experience rather than requiring both players to react instantly. It is best for partners who want to build characters and commit to a substantial RPG. The Definitive Edition is the version named here; its official PlayStation trailer shows the same game, while this recommendation concerns the Xbox console release.

Official trailer — PlayStation.

5. Baldur's Gate 3

Best for: Two-player role-playing with consequential choices.

Baldur's Gate 3 gives local partners the freedom to explore, talk to characters, and shape an adventure together. Its turn-based encounters provide space to plan, although different choices can still create lively disagreements. Local split-screen is available on Xbox Series X and, with Patch 8, on Xbox Series S too. Keep the installation updated and check the current requirements before starting. Choose it for an extended role-playing campaign rather than a quick party session, and agree on how you will handle major story decisions.

Official trailer — Larian Studios.

4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Best for: Classic campaigns and competitive options.

The Master Chief Collection brings several Halo games into one Xbox package, making it useful for both cooperative campaigns and competitive play. Local player limits differ between campaigns and multiplayer modes; check the particular title and mode rather than assuming every part supports the same group size. This entry concerns Xbox local play and does not imply that the PC edition offers the same native split-screen features.

Official trailer — HALO.

3. A Way Out

Best for: A story built around two perspectives.

A Way Out is designed around two players who cooperate through a crime-story adventure. Its split-screen presentation is part of the storytelling, allowing partners to see different actions and coordinate rather than merely sharing identical tasks. It is a strong choice for two people who want a focused narrative and can commit to playing together. The Xbox One release is playable on Xbox Series X|S. Expect a more mature tone than the other Hazelight adventures ranked above it.

Official trailer — Electronic Arts.

2. Split Fiction

Best for: A newer two-player co-op adventure.

Split Fiction brings two writers into worlds shaped by science fiction and fantasy, using that premise to change the cooperative tasks and mechanics across the adventure. Local split-screen keeps both players involved in the same session, with coordination driving progress. It is a clear newer recommendation for Xbox Series X|S partners who enjoyed It Takes Two and want another game built around two people. Our It Takes Two versus Split Fiction comparison explains the different approaches to cooperative challenges. The official launch trailer embedded here is hosted by Epic Games, an official distribution-platform channel.

Official trailer — Epic Games.

1. It Takes Two

Best for: Varied challenges designed for a pair.

It Takes Two gives Cody and May different tools and asks the players to combine them. The result is a campaign that repeatedly changes what cooperation means, from platforming to puzzles and other playful challenges. It takes the top spot for two local players seeking variety and a sustained adventure rather than one repeated activity. Discuss its relationship-focused story and tone before choosing it for your group. The Xbox release works on Xbox Series X|S, and two players are central to the design.

Official trailer — Electronic Arts.

Which game should you choose?

Use Rocket League for a short session, Minecraft for an ongoing group project, and It Takes Two or Split Fiction for a two-player story. Cuphead, Overcooked, and Moving Out are worthwhile couch co-op games, but their shared-screen design is why they are excluded from this split-screen selection. Local and online modes have different requirements: check player limits, controllers, account setup, and any subscription requirements for the mode you intend to use.

Platform check: Larian’s released Patch 8 notes confirm Xbox Series S split-screen support. Check that the installed game includes Patch 8 or a later update.