11 Best PS5 Split-Screen Games for Shared Adventures in 2026

If you want to immerse yourself in some fantastic co-op experiences, look no further than the best PS5 split-screen games I’ve gathered for you here.

These titles are the absolute highest-tier gems of their kind – impressive games that are made to play exceedingly well with two or more people and run like a dream on the PS5, perfect for split-screen or couch co-op play.

I’ve included games from a variety of genres, from complex RPGs with deep storytelling to party games meant for casual co-op play. All these games support couch co-op, where you play together on the same console, same TV, same room. So, rest assured, you won’t leave my list empty-handed regardless of your gaming preferences.

Now, charge up those DualSense controllers and get ready to play some bangers!

Our Top Picks for PS5 Split-Screen Games

Only got one display for multiplayer? No problem! For those of you who’re only looking to find out the highest-tier split-screen PS5 games, check out our team’s top picks that we’re sure you’ll enjoy a lot:

1. Split Fiction (2025) – An incredibly fun co-op RPG that has two different worlds for players to explore, as well as a powerful and often hilarious story that fuses sci-fi and fantasy themes. The gameplay is perfectly designed for two-person multiplayer, featuring tons of environmental puzzles that’ll test your teamwork and shared IQ to the limit.
2. Overcooked (2016) – Lets you cook with up to three more players and run an entire restaurant, from chopping up ingredients to serving short-tempered, hungry customers. This game puts your patience and communication skills to the test, letting you experience a fraction of what real cooks go through on weekend rush hours. 
3. It Takes Two (2021) – Another two-player-only gem from Hazelight Studios that plays immaculately well on a shared display, where you get to explore memorable worlds chock-full of fun twists and tricky moments. It won GOTY in 2021 for its innovative multiplayer mechanics, amongst several other awards. 

Hoping for something else? Co-op games with other brands of gameplay, themes, or visuals? No worries! Just keep scrolling to see seven more PS5 games I’ve prepared that’ll feel right at home on a split-screen.

11 Best Split-Screen PS5 Games to Play With Friends and Family

Listed below are the ten best local multiplayer games I highly recommend for couch co-op enthusiasts with a PS5. All games on this list support 2-player split-screen, perfect for duo gaming sessions. Some also support 3-4 players for bigger couch co-op parties. 

You’ll also see my thoughts on each game, all the features that make them stand out as a split-screen title, and why YOU, specifically, should get them, depending on your or your gaming buddies’ co-op needs.

1. Split Fiction [Best Dual-World Co-Op Adventure]

Kicking off my list is, without doubt, one of the best 2025 releases yet and an absolute must-play for local co-op enthusiasts – Split Fiction. This action-packed game allows you and one other friend to experience two separate worlds where the very environment is affected by your actions. Hazelight Studios has long been known for their use of innovative co-op mechanics and clever puzzle design, but this game? It’s a definite improvement from all their already-amazing past titles.

It doesn’t matter if you prefer either sci-fi or fantasy local multiplayer games, because in Split Fiction, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. It’s a quirky adventure through and through, where actions on one side of the screen directly impact the other, which often leads to unpredictable and often hilarious sequences. 

While I wouldn’t exactly describe its difficulty as “hardcore” or anything like that, you and your partner will still need to adapt quickly as things inevitably escalate. It’s quite strategic – this much you can expect from highly engaging co-op games like Split Fiction, particularly from other Hazelight titles. Here, you’re sure to spend hours having great fun just messing around with the co-op mechanics.

I really liked the witty, humorous dialogue in this game as well. It’s very obvious that the story itself is specifically made for two players to get into (there’s lots of banter from the two MCs, Zoe and Mio), just from your first hour of playing. 

My Verdict: Split Fiction truly is an amazing title that shows you the incredible potential of the mostly untapped market of split-screen games, and a top-tier recommendation for anyone looking to play excellent local multiplayer games. Nuff said!

2. Overcooked [Best Party Chaos Simulator]

Overcooked is what you and your gaming buddies should play if you see yourselves getting into a high-stakes, fast-paced kitchen simulation game that’ll make Gordon Ramsay proud. Here, you’ll likely be yelling at each other, trying to manage ingredients, cook food, and plate it all while the kitchen itself tries to trip you up. 

Both the controls and the core gameplay loop are simple and easy to pick up, but the madness of dealing with erupting volcanoes and moving platforms can catch you off guard. As someone who enjoys frantic co-op titles like Overcooked, I can wholeheartedly say that you’ll be laughing, screaming, or even crying with your friends through the craziness and celebrating every successful dish, especially if you came this close to failing.

While mostly a casual party game, this local co-op will give you and your company plenty of shared memories as you clear increasingly brutal kitchens together, through the power of friendship. Well, that or you can blame each other for every minor mishap and sabotage your teammates, Hell’s Kitchen style, just for the fun of it.

For those of you who’d only go for the best local multiplayer games with tons of replayability, Overcooked will be an instant favorite. It offers endless hours worth of hysterical, yet high-pressure kitchen shenanigans where you’ll have to work through ever-changing environments and, occasionally, clean up after the blundering cooks you have on your team.

My Verdict: Overcooked is pure multiplayer madness that tests your friendships and reflexes. It’s the perfect pick for anyone who thrives on mayhem, teamwork, and just a little friendly kitchen sabotage

3. It Takes Two [Best Story-Driven Co-Op Experience]

It Takes Two is an action-adventure local multiplayer game that’s jam-packed with unique mechanics (common Hazelight Studios W), where every new section of the world introduces something new tailored for 2-player mode. One moment you might be bending gravity to crack a brain-teaser, the next you’re racing through a round of chase scenes.

This is a full game designed from the ground up for two people, so it’s a must-have if you want a deeply integrated co-op experience. In this game, you’ll get to pilot a tiny airplane, swing on vines, navigate a giant squirrel’s lair, and participate in multiple quirky mini-games. No doubt, it’s one of the best PS5 co-op games that’s also playable on Xbox for a shared, unforgettable story.

While there are quite a few impressive co-op games like It Takes Two, what makes it GOTY-worthy is that it constantly reinvents its gameplay while seamlessly weaving narrative progress into every level – something many other games can’t quite match.. 

Having played it myself, it’s just one of those consistently exciting titles that like to keep you on your toes. The puzzle-centric gameplay keeps the co-op fresh and varied as you work through the main characters’ heartwarming journey of reconciliation.

Given its wholesome story that’s centered around a not-so-loving wedded pair (at least at the start), this would be my #1 recommendation for gamer couples looking to experience a big adventure together. You’ll have plenty of bonding moments, laughter, and maybe a little bit of tears as you help Cody and May rediscover their passions for each other.

My Verdict: It Takes Two sets the gold standard for co-op storytelling. Every level feels fresh and wildly inventive, ideal for couples or friends who want a game that’s as emotional as it is entertaining.

4. Borderlands [Best Looter-Shooter Co-Op Classic]

Borderlands, specifically the Borderlands 1: GOTY Edition, is yet another award-winning masterpiece that’s worthy of revisiting if you’re looking for fun co-op split screen play on PlayStation 5. This one’s the beloved classic that put the Borderlands series on the map, featuring deep RPG elements fused with manic first-person shooting with eccentric guns. LOTS of eccentric guns. 17,750,000 different weapon variations, to be exact.

Of course, aside from its insanely massive arsenal, it’s not a Borderlands title without all the funny banter and just outright hilarious story, with well-placed heavy moments in between. The gameplay loop, on the other hand, is pretty comprehensive and involves picking a unique Vault Hunter with their distinct skill trees that cater to multiple playstyles. As you can probably already tell, the sheer variety is what makes this game just as much a top-tier split-screen multiplayer as it is an iconic single-player game.

Phenomenal looter-shooter games like Borderlands typically capitalize on the addictive cycle of chasing better gear, but Borderlands makes all the grind much more tolerable with its series-staple comic book-esque art style and large cast of unforgettable characters. 

My Verdict: Borderlands still reigns supreme as the ultimate looter-shooter to play with friends. Between the millions of guns and wild humor, it’s the kind of couch co-op chaos that never gets old.

5. Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville  [Best Lighthearted Team Shooter]

Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville brings all the colorful, zombie-horde-slaying fun of the original tower defense game into an electrifying third-person shooter format where you get to pick your side – the cute, deceptively lethal plants or the hilariously uncoordinated, hard-to-kill zombies – and just go hog-wild with it.

Regardless of which faction you choose, you’ll have multiple characters to choose from and flashy abilities to discover for each one. There’s a character for every kind of player, whether you’re into lobbing leafy greens from afar or chomping enemies apart, root and stem, up close and personal. 

Unlike in the classic PvZ single player mode you’ve probably already played at least once, in Battle for Neighborville‘s split-screen multiplayer, cooperative play is the only play. Using the same screen, you must tackle objectives together with your co-op partner and cover each other’s backs. If you’re playing on a high-end gaming TV, the bright visuals and fast response times really enhance the chaos in the best way possible.

The game also throws in a ton of different modes, from objective-based multiplayer maps that are perfect for split-screen antics to free-roam regions where you can complete quests and uncover secrets. It’s lighthearted, action-packed, and a perfect pick for some casual, laugh-out-loud fun with a friend by your side.

My Verdict: Battle for Neighborville turns goofy garden warfare into hilarious, fast-paced fun. It’s perfect for players who want colorful chaos, simple mechanics, and endless reasons to laugh with friends.

6. Borderlands 4 [Best Co-Op Looter-Shooter of the New Era]

Borderlands 4 cranks the chaos up to eleven, giving fans everything they’ve ever loved about the series, and then adding some. Gearbox has gone all-in with this entry; they introduce a massive new planet packed with explorable zones, boss arenas, and unpredictable characters.

This game still got that signature cel-shaded art style and dark humor, but this time, everything feels bigger and way more explosive. Every mission feels like a small story in itself, with absurd side quests that constantly reward curiosity and cooperation.

The gameplay loop remains gloriously addictive. You’ll pick your Vault Hunter, each with distinct classes and customizable skill trees, and go hunting for that next god-tier weapon. Gunplay is sharper, movement feels smoother, and the arsenal? Even crazier than before – think guns that evolve mid-combat or warp reality for bonus damage.

Borderlands 4 shines brightest in couch co-op. On PS5, just grab two controllers, set up a second user profile, and at the game menu, connect the second controller and hit “Join Splitscreen.” Your friend selects their account, agrees to the terms, and you’re ready to dive into the chaos together.

My Verdict: Borderlands 4 is the ultimate playground for loot addicts and chaos seekers. It’s loud, stylish, and endlessly replayable, totally a must-play for co-op fans who live for fast-paced mayhem and the thrill of the perfect drop.

7. Cuphead [Best Retro Challenge for Hardcore Duos]

If you and your friend relish the euphoria of conquering difficult co-op games, then Cuphead is your jam. This game is an absolute visual feast, pulling off that classic 1930s rubber hose animation style so perfectly you’ll think its gameplay footage is from a long-lost Disney series or Betty Boop episode. 

Don’t be fooled by the cartoonish art style, though, as this run-and-gun boss rush game is notoriously hard to beat. I mean, it’s so hard that even a bona fide gaming journalist famously struggled to even make it out of the tutorial.

Though I would argue that what makes this epic platformer game a legend in the genre isn’t just its brutal difficulty, but how rewarding every tough boss fight and level is. It definitely has that soulslike charm that keeps you wanting to get good, eager to come back for more punishment just for that one moment of victory.

One of the best things that I love about Cuphead is that you don’t really need a first-rate gaming laptop or PC to play it. Heck, you don’t even need a half-decent one, considering it’s so far from a resource-intensive AAA game. Running this local co-op on the PS5 via backwards compatibility will feel incredibly smooth, perhaps even a bit of overkill.

My Verdict: Cuphead is a brutal test of patience and skill disguised as a charming cartoon. For duos who live for tough wins and old-school boss fights, it’s an instant classic.

8. A Way Out [Best Cinematic Two-Player Journey]

Continuing Hazelight Studios’ trend of dominance when it comes to producing some of the best split-screen games on Xbox and PlayStation consoles is A Way Out. This one throws you and your gaming buddy head-first into a cinematic, prison-breaking adventure featuring Leo and Vincent – two convicts with very different personalities forced to work together. And let me tell you, their journey is wild.

Just like all the other bangers from Hazelight, A Way Out is built exclusively for two players, whether you’re playing side-by-side on the same display or playing online. Every single moment, from solving puzzles to surviving chase sequences, will challenge your teamwork and trust with one another. 

And of course, there are plenty of fresh ideas and multiplayer-based mechanics for you to discover here, some of which let you figure out different, creative ways of tackling certain roadblocks. As such, A Way Out won’t be a linear experience at all, especially if you factor in that the story has two endings, both of which hit a powerful emotional point and will leave you and your partner discussing your choices long after the credits roll.

My Verdict: A Way Out nails the essence of teamwork through its gripping story and split-screen gameplay. It’s a must-play for anyone craving a co-op adventure filled with tension, trust, and unforgettable moments.

9. Baldur’s Gate 3 [Best RPG for Co-Op Storytellers]

Recommending DND-style, narrative-heavy RPGs? That’s just my game. On that front, Baldur’s Gate 3 leads the pack, as I consider it one of the best co-op games to play if you and your party are heavy into big adventures with lots of story, dialogue, and combat.

In this marvelous game, you and one other friend can craft your characters from scratch, with plenty of race, class, spell, skill, stat loadout, and background options to choose from. Once you’re satisfied with your gorgeous (or wacky) custom characters, you then get to dive into a fantasy-themed open world with plenty of complex, memorable characters, and strategic battles. 

Even as a massive RPG fan who’s played all sorts, I don’t feel it’s a stretch to say that Baldur’s Gate 3 is a one-of-a-kind single-player RPG at all, but in couch co-op? It becomes an entirely different, yet still outrageously fun experience that’s a 100% must-play if you’re into multiplayer games with a strong narrative, especially if you’re a DND enthusiast who’d like to experience all the tabletop shenanigans in video game form with a pal. 

My Verdict: Baldur’s Gate 3 is perfect for D&D fans who want deep storytelling with a partner. It’s a massive, choice-driven journey that appreciates cooperation and chaos in equal measure.

10. Disney Speedstorm [Best Cross-Platform Kart Racer]

In case you feel like you’re missing out on a Mario Kart-like sports game for the PS5 to cook your friends on and create generational rivalries with, don’t worry, there’s an alternative. I’m of course talking about Disney Speedstorm, which is an outstanding cross-platform game that brings all the high-speed, chaotic kart-racing fun you could ever want to the PlayStation 5. 

Here, you’ll get to race in several well-designed tracks inspired by classic Disney movies, using iconic characters straight out of popular IPs. Want to play as Captain Jack Sparrow, who rides his miniaturized Black Pearl into races? How about Sulley, the lovable one-eyed goober from Monsters, Inc.? This game’s roster is massive and is still growing, pulling characters from across Disney, Pixar, and even Kingdom Hearts, so you’ll always find someone new to main.

Like Mario Kart, Disney Speedstorm is an accessible party racing game with simple controls, wild power ups, and enough depth to keep you coming back. Basically, it’s a fantastic pick-up if you want chill PS5 split-screen sessions that are casual enough for gaming newbies to get into, whilst also catering to competitive veterans who like to take their races a little too seriously. 

Either way, this one’s pure Disney magic, bottled into a high-octane kart racer that you and your pals will keep coming back to. Plus, Disney Speedstorm is completely free-to-play, which makes it the perfect budget-friendly choice for split-screen sessions.

My Verdict: Disney Speedstorm takes the best parts of Mario Kart and gives them a Disney twist. It’s accessible and high-energy, perfect for casual or competitive racers who want pure fun with familiar faces.

11. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 [Best Horror Co-Op Experience]

Sometimes you just crave a good ‘ol, spooky time with a friend, and that’s exactly what Resident Evil: Revelations 2 gets you. This one’s a more traditional horror experience compared to some of the series’ action-heavy entries, but it’s still a brilliant pick for split-screen co-op on PlayStation. You’ll be swapping between two pairs of characters: Claire Redfield and Moira Burton, and then Barry Burton and a mysterious little girl named Natalia Korda.

It’s certainly among the best split-screen games to play for horror fans, if not the best. What makes Revelations 2 such an amazing multiplayer co-op, at least for me, is its unconventional yet brilliant take on teamwork. Instead of both players just blasting away, one character is usually the combat specialist, packing the firepower, while the other is the support. This means you and your buddy have to cooperate, covering each other’s weaknesses and playing off each other’s strengths.

It’s tense, it’s atmospheric, and if you’re playing on a top-of-the-line gaming monitor, every creepy encounter and jumpscare hits even harder – sharper visuals and deeper blacks make the horror feel that much more real. This is the title to play if you’re looking for a genuinely collaborative survival horror game that’ll make your late-night couch co-ops a little more thrilling.

My Verdict: Revelations 2 balances scares and strategy that makes every co-op session a tense thrill ride. Grab a friend, turn off the lights, and prepare for some genuinely spooky teamwork.

My Overall Verdict on the Best PS5 Split-Screen Games

When it comes to split-screen gaming, there’s truly something for everyone. The best PS5 co-op titles prove that gaming with someone next to you never goes out of style. Here’s what I’d recommend:

• For story-driven gamers → It Takes Two. A heartfelt, endlessly inventive co-op journey that keeps you and your partner laughing and teaming up through wild scenarios.
• For chaotic fun lovers → Overcooked. Pure multiplayer madness where teamwork and disaster go hand in hand. Perfect for players who enjoy shouting, laughing, and barely holding the kitchen together.
• For shooter fans → Borderlands. The ultimate looter-shooter for duos who crave fast-paced action and millions of ridiculous guns to experiment with.
• For horror enthusiasts → Resident Evil: Revelations 2. A tense, atmospheric co-op experience that turns every jump scare into a shared moment of panic and triumph.
• For racing fans → Disney Speedstorm. A high-octane kart racer that’s all about friendly rivalries, colorful tracks, and cross-platform chaos with friends.

Whatever your vibe, these games remind us why local multiplayer is still one of the best ways to play; chaotic, personal, and endlessly fun.

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