How to Do Split Screen on Fortnite?

Split screen only works on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, and only for two players. Connect a second controller, sign in to a second Epic account, and split screen activates automatically in the lobby.

Check your platform first, because a lot of people searching for this are on a device that can't do it:

There is no workaround on PC, Switch or mobile. It isn't a setting you've failed to find.

How to set it up:

1. Start Fortnite on the console with the first player signed in.
2. Turn on the second controller and pair it to the console.
3. Press any button on it — a prompt appears in the Fortnite lobby.
4. The second player signs in to their own Epic Games account. Both players need separate accounts; you can create one free on the spot.
5. Once signed in, the screen splits automatically in the lobby.
6. Choose a supported mode and start the match.

Which modes support it: split screen works in Duos, Trios and Squads in Battle Royale, and in Zero Build versions of those modes. It does not work in Solo (for obvious reasons), and support in Creative, Save the World, and limited-time modes is inconsistent — some work, many don't.

Requirements:

• Two controllers, both charged and paired
• Two separate Epic Games accounts
• Both accounts must have completed any required setup, such as email verification
• Second player's account must not be signed in elsewhere at the same time

If split screen isn't appearing — the usual causes, in order:

1. You're on an unsupported platform. Check the table above first.
2. You're in Solo mode. Switch to Duos or Squads.
3. The second controller isn't properly paired. Check it in the console's own settings, not just Fortnite.
4. The second account isn't signed in to Epic — being signed in to PlayStation Network or Xbox Live isn't enough.
5. The second account is already active on another device.
6. The game needs updating, or a restart after the update.
7. Both accounts need to be in the lobby before starting matchmaking.

Leaving split screen: the second player signs out of their Epic account, or you disconnect the second controller and return to the lobby. The display returns to full screen.

What it's like to play. The screen divides horizontally on most setups, giving each player a wide, short view. Some things to expect:

• Reduced vertical field of view for both players
• Text and the map are smaller and harder to read
• Performance may drop slightly, since the console renders two views
• Both players share the same internet connection

It works well enough for casual play with someone in the same room, which is the point, but it's a compromise compared with two separate screens.

Cross-platform note: both split screen players are on the same console, but they can still party up and play with friends on other platforms as normal.

A caution on the feature's history: Epic has disabled split screen temporarily on several occasions during major updates and season changes, sometimes for weeks. If it worked last month and doesn't now, and you've checked everything above, it may simply be disabled while a problem is fixed. Checking Fortnite's official status or trello board will tell you.

Alternatives if you're on PC or Switch: two separate devices on the same account won't work, but two devices with two accounts partied together will — that's the standard way to play together, just not on one screen. For a different split screen question, see how to split screen on a Chromebook.