Best Ways to Level Up Fast in MW3
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How to Play Split Screen in Modern Warfare 3

We have entered a dark age.

Modern Warfare 3 is finally out for everyone around the world, with thousands of players jumping into multiplayer and zombies. Once you jump into one of those modes, you’ll want to know how to play split screen in MW3 with friends or family as part of your squad.

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How to Play Split Screen in Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer

Split screen multiplayer works just as it has done in previous games. When in the multiplayer lobby, you’ll see the “add controller or keyboard and mouse for splitscreen” and that’s all you need to do. You’ll also need to have two accounts with PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass.

New Mode in Modern Warfare 3
Image Source: Activision

Split screen has two applications in Modern Warfare 2: Local Multiplayer and Online Multiplayer. As the names suggest, Local Multiplayer will be a game setup for you and your friend to duke it out in a split screen 1v1 or anything similar. Online restrictions do not apply. Online Multiplayer, however, requires both accounts to have online enabled through PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass/Gold.

Local Multiplayer

  • Jump onto Modern Warfare 3 and head into the ‘Multiplayer’ menu.
  • Create a local game
  • Sign into a different account with a second controller, then press X or A for the respective controller versions.
  • Player 1 should be able to set up a game with bots, choose the map, change settings, and customize the lobby.
  • Hit start and enjoy!
the main lobby menu in MW3 multiplayer
Image Source: Activision via Twinfinite

Online Multiplayer

  • Sign into Modern Warfare 3 with an account linked to Game Pass or PS Plus.
  • Sign into a second account with a different controller, again linked with Game Pass or PS Plus.
  • Player 1 should jump into Multiplayer and Player 2 needs to hit X or A on their controller to join the lobby.
  • Player 1 can now jump into whatever game mode they wish.

Does Modern Warfare 3 Have Split Screen Multiplayer in the Campaign?

Modern Warfare 3 does NOT have a split screen option for its campaign.

Previously, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 2019, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard did not have the option either. As such, it’s safe to assume Activision won’t suddenly add the feature without announcing it months prior.

Historically though, the franchise has had instances of implementing split screen. Many of us will covet the memories on the couch surrounded by friends running through the Call of Duty campaigns; sharing one single TV, split into four tiny quadrants as we played a game of Mike Myers or a Free-For-All. I’m sure almost everyone has a fond memory of split screen and what it means to sit beside friends.

You should be all set to jump into Split Screen multiplayer in Modern Warfare 3 with your friend or family on the couch beside you. For more Call of Duty related news, updates, and guides be sure to check out the content below.


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Author
Image of Tyler Towers
Tyler Towers
Tyler is a skilled Freelance Writer for Twinfinite, specializing in the most popular FPS games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Valorant. He is also keenly interested in MOBAs and JRPGs, no matter how obscure they may be. With his Game Design degree from Sheffield Hallam University, Tyler has the expertise and knowledge to provide in-depth gaming industry coverage. When he is not knee-deep in ELO hell, he devotes his time to taking care of his beloved ragdoll cat, Ace.