Dying Light 2 Split-Screen Multiplayer: Does It Have Couch Co-Op?

Dying Light 2 was designed around co-op gameplay, so many players wondered if it would include the ability to play split-screen multiplayer. Couch co-op is a handy feature to have in any game, but it’s increasingly rare, especially in high-fidelity titles like this. Whether or not this game is split-screen or online-only can be an important factor in deciding whether to buy it or not for some, and we’ll discuss it below.

Does Dying Light 2 have split-screen co-op or just online multiplayer?

Dying Light 2 doesn’t have split-screen multiplayer. Co-op is available, but it’s online only and currently doesn’t have crossplay. Those who had hoped for PVP will also be disappointed by the co-op (which it takes a bit to unlock) is the only mode currently available (and is there are some problems).

The original Dying Light also didn’t have couch co-op, so it’s no surprise that the sequel doesn’t either. Developer Techland didn’t give a reason for the lack of split screen, but that’s not surprising either. It’s not just a feature that many games have too. Outside of mainstream games like Call of Duty, where players require split screen, you won’t see it in many titles. Even Halo Infinite didn’t launch with this feature, and that’s what the series is famous for.

The most obvious problem with split-screen co-op in a game like Dying Light 2 is that it takes significantly more computing power to render an open world for two players. So either the graphics will have to be lowered to release some power, or the second player will have to be connected to the server like in the Halo games. It’s not ideal, and the number of players that will use it is likely low enough that Techland doesn’t feel the trade-off is worthwhile adding the feature. Unfortunately, that’s just the way the industry is heading and we’ll likely see less and less of it.