It wasn't until 2004, with the release of Call of Duty: United Offense, that the Call of Duty franchise opened a door that started a new era of intense online multiplayer action. And from that moment onward, the fanbase would experience massive expansion and even host several international tournaments that would cement the COD franchise as a competitive shooter. But, even though most players enjoy playing online multiplayer, some would rather play with their friends on split-screen.
Players that wish to relive the glory days of split-screen multiplayer can do so even in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. But setting it up may be a little trickier than before without proper guidance.
Setting up Split-screen
Gamers should keep in mind that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 only supports two players, unlike the early days of split-screen that allowed up to four players. So, to set up split-screen multiplayer, players will need an additional controller or a keyboard and mouse. Once players connect the additional device, they will have to link it to an Xbox or PlayStation profile, so players can either use an existing profile located on the console or log in with their own account.
Players can now start MW2, and once they reach the main menu, the second player should press the prompted button to join the game (X for PlayStation, A for Xbox, or Space for K/M). At this point, the second player must either log into their Activision ID profile or play without one. Players that log into their Activision ID will gain access to all their weapons, field upgrades, and loadouts based on their player rank. But, players that choose not to use an Activision ID will have to use default loadouts, which don't always have the best tacticals or perks.
Game Modes that Support Split-Screen in COD: MW2
Unfortunately, split-screen multiplayer isn't supported in all game modes. Most notably, players won't be able to play split-screen multiplayer for Spec Ops, Free-For-All, Ground War, and Invasion. If a player tries to join one of these game modes while on split-screen, the game will warn them that player two must disconnect.
Here's a list of supported game modes:
- 3rd Person Moshpit
- Search And Destroy
- Headquarters
- Kill Confirmed
- Hardpoint
- Prisoner Rescue
- Domination
- Team Deathmatch
- Knock Out
Players can also use Quick Play to start a split-screen multiplayer match, but they'll need to filter out Free-For-All, or it won't allow them to start. Private Matches also supports split-screen multiplayer and lets players play Free-For-All, so players who wish to play that game mode can create a Private Match.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.