Does Gears 5 Support Split-Screen

Released in 2019, Gears 5 (also known as Gears of War 5) remains playable today across Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with servers still actively maintained. As the fifth main entry in the series, it continues the story of Kait Diaz as she uncovers the origins of the Locust Horde—the iconic antagonists of the franchise. Players team up to battle the Swarm in intense co-op action.  

 

A common question is: Does Gears 5 support split-screen? This guide covers all the details—plus a secret tool to enhance your gameplay.  

 

 

How Split-Screen Works in Gears 5?

 

Gears 5 supports split-screen gameplay for local multiplayer, but with mode restrictions. Split-screen is available in the following modes:

 

• Campaign Mode – The first mode that players play through the story with two friends, each controlling a different character.
• Escape Mode – The second mode that players work together in a fast-paced survival mode, escaping from enemy-filled hives.
• Horde Mode – The third mode that players defend against waves of enemies in co-op mode, using teamwork and strategy.

 

 

How to Use Split-Screen in Gears 5?

 

Gears 5 offers split-screen multiplayer for local co-op gameplay. To activate it:

 

• Start the Game - Launch Gears 5 and select your desired game mode (Campaign, Horde, or Versus).
• Connect Controllers - Ensure all players have controllers connected to your console or PC.
• Add Players - Press the Menu/Start button on additional controllers to join the session.
• Adjust Settings - Customize screen layout and audio options in the Settings menu if needed.

 

Note: Split-screen supports up to 3 players in Campaign and Horde modes, but only 2 players in Versus matches. Performance may vary based on your hardware. Enjoy cooperative battles with friends on the same screen!

 

 

Limitations of Split-Screen

 

While Gears 5 supports split-screen, there are a few limitations:

 

• Only available on Xbox and PC – Split-screen is supported on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, but not on cloud gaming services.
• Performance Drops – When using local split-screen mode, the game's performance demands increase significantly since the system must render two or three separate screens simultaneously. As a result, you may experience reduced graphical quality during gameplay.  
• No Online Versus Split-Screen – While you can play co-op modes locally, competitive multiplayer modes don't support split-screen.

 

Although some of you may prefer use split-screen to play with your friends, it's better to play online. Play online can give you more players and different combat experience every match.

 

 

Why a Stable Internet Connection Matters for Gears 5?

 

Though local split-screen enables more authentic interaction, many players choose online multiplayer instead due to hardware limitations and mode restrictions - particularly in versus modes that don't support split-screen. Therefore, selecting a game VPN is crucial to resolve potential Gears 5 lag issues.  

 

GearUP Booster possesses years of extensive experience in network optimization, supporting over 2,500 games. It can customize solutions according to different games' multiplayer modes and server distributions. For Gears 5 specifically, it optimizes various multiplayer modes to ensure all players can compete in relatively fair network conditions. Its fully automated operation completely eliminates concerns about configuration errors.  

 

Here's how it works:  

Step 1: Click this button to download GearUP Booster and get a free trial.

 

 

Step 2: Search for Gears 5 (or Gears of War 5).

 

 

Step 3: Select your game mode. GearUP Booster optimizes different multiplayer modes in Gears 5. "Auto" is recommended for campaign co-op, but you can also choose it if unsure.

 

 

Step 4: Start Boost → Check your detailed network status → Launch Gears 5 and start fighting!

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Gears of War 5 does support split-screen, and this makes it a great choice for local co-op play. However, for those diving into online multiplayer, a stable and optimized network is key to staying competitive. GearUP Booster eliminates lag and connection issues, giving you the best possible experience in Gears 5. Don't let network problems hold you back—try GearUP Booster today and enjoy smooth, lag-free gameplay!