Does Baldur's Gate 3 Have Couch Co-Op? Split-Screen & Controllers Explained

The acclaimed RPG Baldur's Gate 3 offers expansive multiplayer support, but can you play cooperatively with a friend in a local split-screen couch co-op? We break down everything you need to know about enjoying Larian's latest adventure in shared-screen cooperative multiplayer.

Is Couch Co-Op Available in Baldur's Gate 3?

The good news is that yes, Baldur's Gate 3 does technically support a couch co-op experience so you can quest through its immersive fantasy world in local multiplayer. However, there are specific limitations around utilizing split screens on a single device that users need to be aware of.

Couch Co-Op Requirements in Baldur's Gate 3

The main catch with Baldur's Gate 3's couch co-op implementation is that it requires each player to have a separate controller. The game does not natively support blending controller and mouse/keyboard inputs for local multiplayer.

So if you wished to play on a single screen with a friend, you would need two compatible gamepads connected to your PC or console. Simply having one player utilize KB/M and another using a controller does unfortunately not work.

Which Platforms Allow Split-Screen Co-Op?

Regarding platforms, split-screen cooperative multiplayer in Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PC provided controller requisites are met.

For consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X owners can enjoy two-player local co-op. However, Xbox Series S versions cannot due to hardware constraints on the lesser-powered unit.

Future Improvements

Developer Larian Studios hasn't ruled out expanding peripheral options for couch co-op down the line. But near term, those wanting to experience Baldur's Gate 3 via shared-screen multiplayer need two controllers ready to go.

When friends come over, make sure you have extra gamepads on hand to journey together through the perilous Forgotten Realms and bring Destinies into alignment, even gathered in your living room.