The 20 best split-screen PC games to play in 2026

A wild idea is born: you and your friend(s) are craving some fun together. Let’s face it, fewer people head to the movies or go mountain climbing these days. The virtual world is where it’s at! Which, of course, leads to the question: what should you play with the crew?

To find some of the best split-screen PC games, you don't need to reach up toward dusty shelves in search of discs with old titles. Numerous fresh titles guarantee a lovely session with your friends playing next to you, just like in childhood.

When we say "split screen," we mean players don't share the same screen. If this is not exactly what you're looking for, check out our article about the best couch / local co-op games for PC. However, we have limited the list to titles that divide the screen into 2, 3, or 4 parts, allowing all players to use their own space. 

What are the best split-screen games on PC?

We tried to include some of the best split-screen games on PC from various genres so that any player could find something to their tastes. Grab your friends and see what you should start playing together.

A Way Out – For 2 players

Numerous games only offer a split screen as an optional way to complete them. In the case of A Way Out, you need a partner in crime to make it out of prison. Leo and Vincent are complete opposites, but they share the same goal.

They need to work together both behind bars and outside them. One person from the prisoner duo might simulate being sick while the other slowly approaches the guard. Keep glancing at what's happening on the other side of the screen to know when you should start to move.

Darksiders Genesis – For 2 players

Once you find a pretty purple stone while playing Darksiders Genesis, this is your chance to invite your mate to grab the controller and go on an epic hack'n'slash journey together!

This spin-off to the main Darksiders games is a fun ride when played solo, but the experience only gets better when enjoyed by two adventurers. You can explore an area distant from your companion's location, although nothing stops you from joining forces when necessary. As in real life, don't you think?

Baldur's Gate 3 – For 2 players

Baldur's Gate 3 is undoubtedly one of the hottest games, even still in 2026. It has captured the hearts of gamers around the world with its branching narrative, stunning visuals, and extraordinary voice acting. Yet, as many would agree, the most memorable gaming experiences are those shared with others, and thankfully, Larian's latest RPG mirrors the multiplayer options seen in their successful Divinity Original Sin 2.

This means that two players can cooperate on the same computer and navigate Farerun together. However, it's important to note that this setup requires two controllers, as the keyboard-and-mouse combination isn't officially supported. Still, it's a must-play for those looking for the best split-screen Steam games.

Gears 5 – For up to 3 players

If we're to name the best split-screen PC games in 2026, not mentioning any titles from this series would be a disservice. And Gears 5 is our pick for this list. It's ultimately the game designed to be played with a partner, which made it especially infuriating that the feature wasn't included on the PC versions from the start.

Nonetheless, it's finally here. You and your co-player can throw yourselves into the campaign mode.. As always, the challenge of effective teamwork and the entertainment elements of beating the sea of motion-triggered robots hit the spot.

Goat Simulator Remastered – For up to 4 players

If we had a list of the most... unnecessary remasters in gaming history, this one would probably make the cut. Even the creators dubbed it “the remaster no one asked for.” But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Actually, it’s pretty fun.

Goat Simulator: Remastered includes the full collection of DLCs from the original, along with a mutator menu that lets you create your own… goat-like creature, and of course, slightly improved visuals. Most importantly—at least for the purpose of this article—it features 4-player local co-op. Just imagine four goats running wild through the city, causing chaos at every turn. Silly stuff. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – For up to 4 players

Now, some people claim that Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a racing game, but I assure you; they’re lying. What it actually is, is an adrenaline-pumping, vertigo-inducing tour through multiple dimensions at a neck-breaking pace. The fact that you’re trying to outpace your friends and AI opponents while driving a kart that spins, fires bombs, and occasionally turns into a boat or a jet? That’s just a bonus.

Jokes aside, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a fantastic pick if you and your crew are craving some friendly rivalry and pure chaos. You choose from a roster of beloved SEGA characters (and not just from the Blue Hedgehog’s universe), customize your vehicles, and fight tooth and nail not to finish last. What I love most, though, are the Travel Rings, which seamlessly teleport racers between entirely different universes mid-race, making every match feel fresh and unpredictable. Honestly, the game nails everything it sets out to do, and sweetens the deal with the priceless sound of your friends groaning as you ruin their run with a perfectly timed homing missile.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged – For 2 players

Next on our roster of the best split-screen games is Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged. It's a follow-up to the popular Hot Wheels Unleashed, which was released in 2021. Once again, it lets you zoom through a variety of wild courses.

In terms of new features, players can now jump and dash, allowing them to ram into rivals. Just like in the first game, two drivers can race against each other on various tracks created by the developers or create their own with the intuitive Track Editor.

Split Fiction – For 2 players

Hazelight Studios, the team behind some of the best split-screen PC games (A Way Out, It Takes Two), is back with a brand-new title, and they've hit the jackpot again. Split Fiction is a charming and imaginative co-op adventure; a pure joy for two players.

This time, you’ll step into the shoes of writers Mio and Zoe. One specializes in sci-fi, while the other is all about fantasy tales. One day, a twist of fate traps them inside the world of their own stories. The gameplay is entirely co-op focused (no single-player mode here). The heroines must join forces to overcome a variety of platforming challenges and puzzles.

P.S. The game includes a Friend Pass, so only one player needs to own it. Just send your partner an invite, and they can jump into the adventure for free.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – For 2 players

LEGO games are meant to be shared with others. Experiencing nine Star Wars movies in one package is quite impressive, but doing so with your forever Player 2 is priceless in The Skywalker Saga.

Think about it: not only do you get to enjoy the marvels of bricky gameplay with a friend, but you can also appreciate SW references while doing so! The gameplay is simple enough for a kid to join the cosmic odyssey. The younger generation needs to be educated about all occurrences a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

The choice of games doesn't stop here. If you love the famous Danish construction toys, you might find our article about the best LEGO games interesting.

Outward Definitive Edition – For 2 players

Outward Definitive Edition is a fascinating attempt at making an RPG a survival game of sorts. The concept is simple: you help your character "jump" from zero to hero with all the consequences of your actions.

Once you mess up, you can't simply reload the save. When the burden is shared with a fellow adventurer, life in this co-op game becomes a little easier. The enemies are more robust and have more HP, but whenever one of you distracts the creature while the other shoots dozens of arrows without a worry, you start to appreciate the company.

Portal 2 – For 2 players

Valve may not develop new games as often as in the past (HL 3 sounds more like a myth than a real project now), but their older PC titles are still capable of entertaining you and your teammate. In Portal 2, the co-op portion of the game is separated from the primary campaign, introducing new characters and concepts. Not to mention dozens of new puzzles to solve together with the other player. After all, two heads are better than one!

Project Zomboid – For up to 4 players

Diving into Project Zomboid, you'll get to experience the thrill and tension of surviving a zombie apocalypse alongside a friend or 3. Remember, there's safety in numbers!

Navigating through the isometric world, you'll need to cooperate closely, scavenge for supplies, build defenses, and fight off hordes of zombies to survive. Whether you're attempting daring escapes or fortifying your safehouse, the co-op mode in Project Zomboid turns survival into a shared adventure filled with unexpected moments and intense combat. It's a fine example of collaborative split-screen PC games done well.

Wobbly Life – For up to 4 players

Grandma is always right—and this time, she means business. You need to get out of the house and find a job. The city is yours to explore, hand in hand with up to three friends. Wobbly Life is a standout pick from the selection of PC games for 4 players because it’s just so ridiculously fun and stupid. And that’s not always the case when it comes to career choices.

It’s a game about life itself: taking on odd jobs, sharing wild adventures, meeting aliens, and hunting for treasure and secrets. Despite being in early access, it already offers enough content to keep you entertained for hours—at least I still find new activities to try and silly costumes to unlock in this chaotic sandbox.

Resident Evil 5 – For 2 players

Some of the Resi titles are perfect for a duo to share the burden, and Resident Evil 5 was the first title that allowed this function. Sure, the split-screen option was initially removed on PC and then returned 14 years later.

But why complain when you and your co-op partner can have fun completing the campaign together? Choose between Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar and embark on a mission in West Africa to prevent bio-organic weapons from being sold on the black market. The dynamic gameplay and spectacular pair combos are paired nicely with an exceptional plot.

RIDE 5 – For 2 players

Let’s go back to the roots of split-screen PC games with RIDE 5, where two players can race head-to-head. This one hands you a garage full of motorbikes and dozens of tracks to tear through.

If you’re in the mood to go full throttle, invite a friend or family member for a race. The roar of the engines, the adrenaline, the rivalry—it’s all pretty damn satisfying. And despite being a simulation, it’s also quite accessible, so even less experienced players can jump in and have fun.

PowerWash Simulator 2 – For up to 2 players

Let’s face it; nobody likes cleaning. But if cleaning means wielding powerful gadgets that make you look cool while annihilating grime in a strangely meditative, soothing way? That’s a whole different story. And if you don’t happen to own a state-of-the-art, high-pressure power washer (shocking, I know), no worries. PowerWash Simulator 2 has you covered, letting you and a buddy take on dirt like seasoned professionals.

The game drops us into a variety of filth-ridden locations, like farms, theaters, or motels, with one beautifully simple objective: destroy every last speck of dirt. PowerWash Simulator 2 isn’t competitive by design (unless you and your friend decide it is), instead encouraging laid-back cooperation to get the job done efficiently and satisfyingly. Personally, I find it perfect for those moments when I want to catch up with a friend but don’t have the energy for anything intense; we just chill, chat, and watch the grime slowly disappear.

Serious Sam 3: BFE – For up to 4 players

One Serious Sam is epic enough, but putting four killing machines on the same map sounds just insane. In Serious Sam 3: BFE you can also decide whether to join forces with your friends and have fun in numerous cooperative modes or to show them who's boss instead! Whether you exterminate infinite numbers of enemies together or fight against each other, it's still the same satisfying formula the series had us accustomed to. 

Phantom Spark – For 4 players

Phantom Spark is a fascinating entry on this list because, at its heart, it’s a game made for lone wolves and unapologetic perfectionists. Set in a world where spirits inhabit sleek, flying racing crafts, the game is all about precision, speed, and mastery of breathtaking, serpentine tracks. There are no enemies to shoot, no weapons to rely on; just you, the course, and the constant urge to shave a few more milliseconds off your best time.

But here’s the twist: Invite some friends over, and Phantom Spark transforms from a meditative speed-running challenge into a surprisingly intense social rivalry. Racing side by side means trash-talking lap times, watching your friends’ ghosts slice through corners with infuriating elegance, and battling for bragging rights in real time instead of on distant leaderboards. And since the game demands such precision, every victory feels genuinely earned, and the endless drive to outperform both yourself and your friends keeps sessions engaging long after “just one more race” finally ends.

The Escapists 2 – For up to 4 players

The goal in The Escapists 2 is the same as in A Way Out we mentioned at the very beginning of the article – to get out of prison. The game makes it pretty obvious that you need to have partners in crime. Who could a better candidate be than a friend sitting behind bars with you? 😊 Gather items while pretending to be a good prisoner in front of the guards, help your inmates, and carry out a plan to leave this place for good!

Bang-On Balls: Chronicles – For 2 players

Remember the days when Country Ball memes were everywhere? If you feel a twinge of nostalgia for that time, you might want to check out Bang-On Balls: Chronicles. This quirky 3D platformer offers a journey through stages inspired by different historical periods. Whether you find yourself in feudal Japan or the icy lands of the Vikings, you'll have a blast, wreaking havoc as you go.

As you delve deeper into the game, you'll encounter a ton of quests, challenges to overcome, and treasures to collect. It may not be the most serious title on the list, but it is certainly one of the best split-screen games on PC.

That was the last entry on the list of best split-screen Steam games. Do you enjoy playing games like these, or are they not for you? Let us know if any of the titles we gathered here piqued your interest! Also, have a browse of our games preset for split-screen titles.