Do you have a PS5 and a friend sitting right next to you? Then you are lucky. Split screen games are the best way to have fun together, on one TV, with no internet needed.
No lag. No waiting for someone to log in. Just you, your friend, and one screen full of action.
In this article, we will look at the best split screen games for PS5. We will keep it simple. No hard words. No boring talk. Just good games you can play today.
Let’s understand this step by step.
What Is Split Screen Gaming?
Split screen means the TV screen is divided into two or more parts. Each player gets their own part.
You don’t need two TVs. You don’t need two PS5 consoles. You just need one console, one screen, and extra controllers.
This is called “couch co-op” by many gamers. You sit on the same couch. You play the same game. You share the same fun.
Why Split Screen Games Are Still Amazing in 2026
Online gaming is popular. But nothing beats sitting next to your friend or brother and playing together.
Here is why split screen games still matter:
- You talk face to face, not through a headset
- No internet issues or lag
- Easy for kids, families, and beginners
- Great for game nights and parties
- You can laugh, fight, and celebrate together, in the same room
Now let’s jump into the best split screen games for PS5 in 2026.
1. Split Fiction
This game is a must-play. Split Fiction is made by Hazelight Studios, the same team that made It Takes Two.
The story is about two writers, Mio and Zoe. A machine traps them inside their own stories. One story is sci-fi. The other is fantasy.
You and your friend play as Mio and Zoe. You jump between a world full of robots and flying cars, and a magical land with dragons and trolls.
Why you will love it:
- Full split screen co-op, made just for two players
- Each level feels fresh and different
- Runs smooth at 60fps on PS5
- Great for couples, siblings, or best friends
This is one of the best split screen PS5 games you can buy right now. If you only try one game from this list, try this one.
2. It Takes Two
Before Split Fiction, there was It Takes Two. This game won Game of the Year, and for good reason.
The story follows Cody and May, a couple going through a divorce. Their kid makes a wish, and now they are turned into dolls. To become human again, they must work together.
Every chapter feels like a brand-new game. One level you are flying. The next level you are fighting with garden tools. It never gets boring.
Why it’s great:
- Built only for two-player co-op
- Full of puzzles, action, and heart
- Teaches real teamwork
- Emotional story that stays with you
If you want a game that makes you feel something, this is it.
3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Want chaos? Real, funny, screaming-at-your-friend chaos? Try Overcooked.
You and up to three friends run a kitchen together. You chop, cook, and serve food, all while the clock is ticking.
Kitchens can be on moving trucks, on ice, or even on volcanoes. Nothing stays simple for long.
Why it’s fun:
- Supports up to four players in split screen
- Easy to learn, hard to master
- Perfect for parties and family game nights
- Non-gamers can join in and still have fun
This game is proof that split screen games don’t need a big story. Sometimes, simple fun is the best fun.
4. EA Sports FC 26
Love football? Then EA Sports FC 26 is a strong pick.
You can play with real football clubs and real players. Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and local matches are all here.
Two players can sit on the same couch and play a full match, just like watching a real game, but you control it.
Why it stands out:
- Realistic gameplay and player movement
- Great graphics on PS5
- Local split screen matches with friends
- New content added regularly
If football is your thing, this game brings the stadium into your living room.
5. Gran Turismo 7
Do you like fast cars? Gran Turismo 7 is one of the most realistic racing games on PS5.
You can build and customize your own cars. Then race friends on tracks from around the world, side by side on a split screen.
Why racing fans love it:
- Very realistic driving physics
- Huge collection of cars to unlock
- Beautiful tracks and graphics
- Great for friendly racing competitions
This game turns your living room into a racetrack.
6. Rocket League
Imagine football, but with rocket-powered cars. That is Rocket League in one sentence.
You drive cars and hit a giant ball into the other team’s goal. It sounds simple. It is not easy to master, but it is very easy to enjoy.
Why it’s a favorite:
- Fast, fun, and easy to pick up
- Great split screen support for two players
- Works well for short game sessions
- Loved by both kids and adults
If you want quick fun without a long story, Rocket League is perfect.
7. Borderlands 4
Do you like shooting games with jokes and loot? Borderlands 4 mixes action with humor.
You and a friend explore a big open world, fight strange enemies, and collect better guns as you go.
Why it works well in split screen:
- Full co-op support on the same screen
- Tons of weapons and character builds
- Funny characters and story
- Good mix of action and exploring
Great pick if you and your friend enjoy shooting games with personality.
8. Diablo IV
Diablo IV brings dark fantasy action to your couch. You fight demons, collect gear, and level up your character.
Playing split screen with a friend makes every battle feel bigger and more exciting.
Why players enjoy it:
- Deep character customization
- Great for long play sessions
- Split screen co-op keeps the action close
- Dark story with strong atmosphere
If you like RPGs with a spooky feel, this game delivers.
9. Stardew Valley
Not every split screen game needs fighting. Stardew Valley is calm, simple, and relaxing.
You and a friend build a farm together. You plant crops, fish, dig in caves, and even become friends with people in the village.
Why it’s special:
- No stress, no time pressure to rush
- Great for players who don’t like fast action
- Builds teamwork in a peaceful way
- Perfect for couples or family co-op
Sometimes, the best split screen game is the one that helps you relax, not compete.
10. Human: Fall Flat
This game is pure comedy. You control wobbly, floppy characters who try to solve physics-based puzzles.
Nothing goes as planned, and that is exactly why it’s funny. You and your friend will fail a lot, and laugh even more.
Why people love it:
- Simple to understand, hard to control (in a fun way)
- Great party game for group nights
- Endless funny moments
- Good for players of any age
If you want laughter more than winning, this game is a great choice.
11. Mortal Kombat 11
Want a real fighting challenge? Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the best fighting games on PS5.
Big character roster, deep story mode, and intense local versus matches. Every match feels like a movie fight scene.
Why fighting fans like it:
- Large roster of fighters
- Deep customization options
- Exciting local versus battles
- Cinematic story mode
Perfect for friends who love a bit of friendly competition.
12. WWE 2K26
Love wrestling? WWE 2K26 lets you and a friend become wrestling superstars.
Choose from hundreds of WWE stars and legends. Create your own wrestler. Build your own show. Then battle it out in split screen.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Huge roster of wrestlers
- Fun match types for chaotic gameplay
- Create-a-wrestler and custom shows
- Great graphics on PS5
If wrestling excites you, this game brings the arena home.
13. Reanimal
Looking for something spooky? Reanimal is a dark, co-op horror adventure.
You control two siblings searching for lost friends in a scary, dream-like world. You explore, solve puzzles, and hide from monsters together.
Why it stands out:
- Built for two-player co-op from the start
- Creepy atmosphere that keeps you on edge
- Great mix of puzzle-solving and survival
- A fresh take on horror games
Perfect for friends who enjoy a good scare, together.
How to Choose the Right Split Screen Game for You
With so many good options, how do you pick the right one? Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want action, or something relaxing?
- Are you playing with kids, or only adults?
- Do you want a short game, or a long story?
- Do you enjoy competition, or teamwork?
Here is a quick way to match your mood with a game:
- Want to relax? Try Stardew Valley
- Want to laugh? Try Human: Fall Flat or Overcooked
- Want a deep story? Try It Takes Two or Split Fiction
- Want fast competition? Try Rocket League or Gran Turismo 7
- Want a scare? Try Reanimal
Final Thoughts
Split screen games bring people together. No lag, no login, just real fun on one screen.
Whether you want teamwork, competition, laughter, or a scary night, the PS5 has a split screen game for you.
Start with Split Fiction or It Takes Two if you want the best co-op story. Try Overcooked or Human: Fall Flat if you want to laugh with friends. Pick Rocket League or Gran Turismo 7 if you love fast action.
Grab a second controller, call a friend, and start playing today. That’s what split screen gaming is all about.
