How to Enable Split Screen in Fortnite

Fortnite split screen starts in the lobby on PlayStation or Xbox. Connect a second controller, sign the second player in with their own account, and join the lobby before starting a compatible mode. The screen splits once you enter the game. If player two never appears, check the account and mode before restarting the console.

1. Get both controllers and accounts ready

Turn on two controllers and make sure the console recognizes both. Start Fortnite with the controller and account that will host the party. Keep the second controller ready for the other player so they can respond to the sign-in prompt without interrupting the host.

Both people need separate Epic Games accounts. Each should use their own console profile, with the corresponding Epic account available through it. This matters if the console offers to reuse the profile that already launched the game. If player two cannot get through the account prompt, check that they can sign in to Fortnite under their own profile first. Once that works, return to the first player's lobby.

The local multiplayer feature covered here is available on PlayStation and Xbox. If you're on PC or Nintendo Switch, plan on playing together from separate supported devices instead.

2. Join the lobby with player two

1. Launch Fortnite on the first player's account and remain in the lobby.
2. Connect and turn on the second controller.
3. Use that controller to choose the second player's console account when asked.
4. Follow the lobby prompt to log in or join using the second controller. Follow the button shown on your console if it differs from a walkthrough.
5. Wait until both players are visible in the lobby. Choose an experience with local multiplayer support and ready up.

The lobby itself can remain a single view while both players are signed in. Wait until the match starts to check whether the display splits. If you can see both players listed in the lobby but cannot ready up, try a supported mode before disconnecting and reconnecting the controllers.

3. Pick an experience with local multiplayer support

Epic lists Battle Royale, Zero Build and compatible LEGO Fortnite experiences among the places you can play together. A regular Battle Royale or Zero Build team queue is a good first test. Pick a team mode such as Duos and check that both players can ready up. Solos and Ranked do not support this split-screen setup.

For other experiences, look for the Great for Local Multiplayer row in Discover or the Local Players tag in the experience's details. This is useful when two modes have similar names or a featured experience rotates out. You can go back to a mode that already worked to tell a playlist restriction apart from a controller or account problem.

4. Fix a missing second-player prompt

First, check that the second controller is connected to the console and signed into the second person's profile. If the same account has control from both devices, the console may let you move around the lobby without offering a separate slot. Switch the second controller to the other profile and return to the lobby.

Next, choose a supported mode and confirm both players use the same language setting. Epic lists matching language settings as a requirement for local multiplayer. If you change the setting or switch profiles and the prompt still does not show, relaunch Fortnite, return to the lobby, and connect the second player again.

If you lose split screen during play, check whether a player disconnected or left. Return to the lobby and rejoin before trying to start another match. If the second controller disconnected unexpectedly, check its battery or cable first so the next attempt does not fail the same way.

5. Check both views before a longer session

Use the first match to confirm that each controller moves the correct character and that both players can read the HUD from where they are sitting. The game divides one display between two views, so targets and interface details can be harder to see at a distance. A short warmup lets each person get comfortable with their view and controls before you settle into a longer session.

If you want to switch back to solo play, return to the lobby and have the second player leave the party. Check the party list before starting a solo queue. When you want to play together again, connect the second controller and repeat the same lobby sign-in steps.