Some of the best gaming moments happen on the same couch, not online.

Split-screen play brings back shared laughs, quick rivalries, and easy pick-up sessions without extra consoles.

Even with modern online features, local multiplayer still holds strong on Xbox.

Many players continue to look for split-screen Xbox games that work smoothly on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, offering reliable local multiplayer without complicated setup.

Split-screen allows two or more players to enjoy the same game at the same time, using one console and one display, making it ideal for casual play at home.

This list focuses on games that support local split-screen or couch co-op and are easy to start without a complex setup.

It includes free-to-play titles, cooperative games suited for shared experiences, and racing games designed for side-by-side competition.

What are Xbox Split-Screen Games?

Xbox split-screen games allow multiple players to share one console and TV by dividing the screen into separate viewing areas.

Each player controls their own character using individual controllers while viewing their portion of the divided screen.

This format lets friends and family play together in the same room using one console and screen.

The screen can be split horizontally, vertically, or into quadrants depending on the game and the number of players.

Split-screen gaming remains popular for its social aspect, creating shared experiences and face-to-face interactions that online multiplayer cannot replicate.

Best Free 2 Player Split-Screen Xbox Games

This section covers free-to-play Xbox games that allow two players to play together locally on the same screen. Download and start playing with a friend without spending anything.

1. Rocket League

• Type of game: Sports racing
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Psyonix

Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, creating fast-paced matches that work brilliantly in split-screen mode.

The free-to-play model means anyone can download it and start competing locally without spending a cent.

Both players share the same screen as they boost, flip, and aerial their way toward goals.

The learning curve is manageable, making it one of the most accessible Xbox One split-screen games for newcomers while offering depth for serious players.

2. Fortnite (Split-Screen Mode)

• Type of game: Battle Royale
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Epic Games

Fortnite’s battle royale mode supports two-player split-screen, letting friends team up for duos or squads without needing separate consoles.

The vertical screen division keeps both players informed during building fights and rotations. Everything from the battle pass to V-Bucks carries over between solo and split-screen sessions.

Performance takes a slight hit compared to solo play, but remains playable on both Xbox One and Series X/S.

The free model means your teammate only needs a controller to join your squad.

3. Killer Instinct

• Type of game: Fighting
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Killer Instinct delivers classic fighting game action with a rotating roster of free characters each month.

The split-screen setup places both fighters on opposite sides of the screen, maintaining the traditional fighting game presentation.

Combos, breakers, and ultra finishes create intense head-to-head battles.

The base roster provides enough variety for casual matches, while the full character pack remains optional.

Training mode helps both players improve their execution before competing against each other.

4. Halo Infinite Multiplayer

• Type of game: First-person shooter
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Halo Infinite’s multiplayer component is entirely free and includes split-screen support for custom games.

Players can set up bot matches or explore multiplayer maps together using the familiar Halo formula.

Arena and Big Team Battle modes translate well to local play when configured through custom settings.

The campaign requires purchase, but the multiplayer suite provides hours of free content. Custom game browser lets you find community-created modes perfect for couch co-op sessions.

5. Brawlhalla

• Type of game: Platform fighter
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Ubisoft

Brawlhalla takes inspiration from platform fighters and makes it free for everyone. The roster includes over 50 characters, with weekly rotations ensuring constant variety.

Local matches support up to four players on one screen, with split-screen adapting based on player count.

The simple control scheme uses just a few buttons, making it easy for newcomers to start playing within minutes.

Crossplay support means your local progress counts toward your overall account ranking.

Split-Screen Xbox Games to Play With Girlfriend

This section focuses on cooperative and easy-to-pick-up games suited for shared, relaxed gameplay. These titles prioritize teamwork and fun, perfect for couples gaming together.

6. It Takes Two

• Type of game: Co-op action-adventure
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Electronic Arts

It Takes Two requires two players from start to finish, making it perfect for couples who want a shared story experience.

The game constantly introduces new mechanics and mini-games, preventing repetition across its 10-15 hour runtime.

Widely considered among the best Xbox One split-screen games, the split-screen presentation ensures both players remain equally engaged throughout every chapter.

Communication becomes essential during puzzle sections, naturally encouraging teamwork between partners.

7. Overcooked! 2

• Type of game: Co-op simulation
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Team17

Overcooked! 2 changes kitchen management into controlled chaos as players rush to prepare orders before time expires.

The split-screen isn’t literal; both players share one view of the kitchen while controlling separate chefs.

Success requires clear communication about ingredient locations, cooking stations, and dish assembly.

The difficulty scales appropriately, starting simple before introducing moving platforms and separated kitchen sections.

8. Minecraft

• Type of game: Sandbox survival
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Mojang Studios

Minecraft’s split-screen mode divides the screen into two sections, letting both players explore and build simultaneously.

Survival mode encourages cooperation for gathering resources, building shelters, and defending against nighttime threats.

Creative mode removes restrictions, allowing pure focus on construction projects.

The open-ended nature means couples can set their own goals, from simple houses to elaborate redstone contraptions.

9. Unravel Two

• Type of game: Puzzle platformer
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Electronic Arts

Unravel Two features two yarn creatures connected by a thread, requiring both players to work together through every platforming section.

The physics-based gameplay creates satisfying puzzle solutions when both players time their movements correctly.

The story explores themes of companionship through environmental storytelling.

The connection mechanic serves as a constant metaphor for partnership, making it thematically appropriate for couples.

Sessions can be as short or long as desired, thanks to generous checkpoint placement.

10. A Way Out

• Type of game: Action-adventure
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Electronic Arts

A Way Out tells a prison escape story that requires two players throughout its entire runtime.

The split-screen remains active during every scene, even cutscenes, showing both characters’ perspectives simultaneously.

Gameplay alternates between action sequences, stealth sections, and quieter narrative moments.

The mandatory cooperation extends beyond gameplay into emotional story beats where both players must discuss their approach.

The conclusion provides a memorable finale that sparks conversation long after the credits roll.

11. Rayman Legends

• Type of game: Platformer
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Ubisoft

Rayman Legends prioritizes fun over difficulty, with colorful levels that accommodate multiple players without cramping the screen space.

Players can revive each other after mistakes, removing penalties for individual errors.

Musical levels synchronize gameplay with the soundtrack, creating memorable cooperative moments.

The generous checkpoint system and instant respawns keep momentum high during challenging sections. Drop-in, drop-out functionality means partners can take breaks without disrupting progress.

Top Split-Screen Xbox Racing Games

This section highlights racing games on Xbox that support local split-screen multiplayer. These titles range from realistic simulations to arcade-style kart racing.

12. Forza Motorsport

• Type of game: Racing simulation
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Forza Motorsport delivers simulation racing with split-screen support for competitive track battles.

The screen divides horizontally, giving both players a full view of their racing line and upcoming corners.

Car handling requires precision, rewarding players who learn braking points and optimal racing lines.

The performance mode maintains smooth framerates even with two viewports rendering simultaneously. Career progress remains separate, so both players can work through their own racing goals.

13. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled

• Type of game: Kart racing
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Activision

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled remakes the PlayStation classic with updated graphics while preserving the original’s tight controls.

The split-screen supports up to four players locally, with items and power-slides creating chaotic races. Track shortcuts reward skilled players willing to attempt risky maneuvers.

The drift-boost mechanic adds skill expression beyond simple racing lines. Battle modes provide alternatives to standard circuit racing for variety.

14. F1 23

• Type of game: Racing simulation
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: EA Sports

F1 23 brings official Formula One racing to split-screen with all licensed teams and circuits.

The simulation handling requires patience to master, but driving assists help newcomers compete against experienced players.

Race weekends include practice, qualifying, and the full race distance.

The realistic tire degradation and fuel management add strategic layers beyond pure speed. Split-screen performance remains stable even during 20-car race starts.

15. Forza Horizon 5

• Type of game: Open-world racing
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

As one of the most visually impressive Xbox One split-screen games, the open-world format encourages experimentation with different routes and vehicle types.

Dynamic weather changes and varied terrain add depth to each race, keeping sessions from feeling repetitive.

The arcade-focused handling makes it more accessible than the entire Motorsport series.

The open-world format encourages experimentation with different routes and vehicle types, and players can tune their cars independently before racing head-to-head.

16. GRID Legends

• Type of game: Racing
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Codemasters

GRID Legends balances simulation and arcade racing with split-screen support across multiple disciplines.

The nemesis system remembers aggressive driving, creating rivalries that carry across races.

Damage modeling affects car performance, encouraging clean racing from both players.

The rewind feature lets players correct mistakes without restarting entire races, career progress, and unlocks work independently for each player’s profile.

17. Team Sonic Racing

• Type of game: Kart racing
• Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Publisher: Sega

Team Sonic Racing organizes competitors into three-person teams, with local players able to team up against AI opponents.

The team mechanics include sharing power-ups and slipstreaming teammates for speed boosts.

Tracks feature multiple routes with different risk-reward profiles.

The cel-shaded graphics maintain clarity even with four viewports active. Team races create opportunities for strategic play beyond individual racing skills.

Reddit Insights on Split-Screen Xbox Games

Discussions on Reddit highlight how important split-screen gaming still is for Xbox players who prefer local co-op.

In this thread, users share honest experiences from couch play sessions, often focusing on performance, screen clarity, and how well games scale for two players.

Titles such as It Takes Two, Halo, and Rayman Legends are repeatedly mentioned for smooth gameplay and strong cooperative design.

Several users also express frustration that many newer Xbox releases no longer support local multiplayer, which limits options for couch gaming.

Because of this, community recommendations are seen as more reliable than store listings.

These insights help players identify games that truly work well in split-screen without setup issues or gameplay compromises

Conclusion

Split-screen Xbox games continue to provide value for players who prefer local multiplayer over online matchmaking.

The free titles on this list prove you don’t need to spend money to enjoy quality couch co-op on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.

Games designed for couples offer cooperative experiences that build teamwork rather than competition.

These games represent the strongest split-screen options currently available on Xbox platforms.

Each category serves different player preferences, from competitive free-to-play titles to relaxing cooperative experiences.

What split-screen games have you enjoyed with friends or family?

Share your favorites in the comments below, especially if I missed any hidden gems worth adding to this list.