Far Cry 5 is the fifth main installment in Ubisoft’s popular Far Cry franchise. The open-world first-person shooter was released in 2018 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.
One of the most common questions asked about Far Cry 5 is whether or not it supports split-screen multiplayer gaming. With the increasing focus on online multiplayer in modern games, many fans want to know if they can still play with friends in the same room.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into all the details around split screen capabilities in Far Cry 5.
What is Split Screen Gaming?
Split screen refers to when a game shows two or more separate views on the same display screen. This allows two or more players to play the same game simultaneously on one device.
Split screen multiplayer has been a popular feature in console games for decades. It enables local social gameplay with family and friends before the rise of online multiplayer.
Most split screen games divide the screen horizontally or vertically into segments. Each player gets their own section to see their individual perspective and control their character.
Split screen allows multiple players to share the same gaming experience together in the same physical space. This enables interaction, communication, and competition not possible remotely over the internet.
The benefit of split screen is convenience and social fun. The downside is that each player’s view is smaller and can get crowded on smaller screens. Graphics quality and frame rates also take a hit trying to render multiple views.
Does Far Cry 5 Have Split Screen Multiplayer?
The short answer is no, Far Cry 5 does not support any kind of split screen multiplayer on any platform. There is no option for two or more players to play on the same screen.
Far Cry 5 is exclusively single player or online multiplayer. The game does not have a built-in feature for local split screen cooperative or competitive play.
This applies to Far Cry 5 on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows PC. No version has split screen capabilities out of the box.
So if you want to play Far Cry 5 with friends, you’ll need multiple consoles and TVs or monitors to play together in the same room. Or you’ll have to play online in separate locations.
Why Far Cry 5 Doesn’t Have Split Screen
The lack of split screen in the latest Far Cry installment may disappoint fans of local multiplayer. But Ubisoft likely had good reasons for leaving the feature out.
For one, split screen is technically challenging to implement well, especially in modern high resolution 3D games. Rendering two distinct views strains hardware and makes optimization harder.
Far Cry 5 already pushes the PS4 and Xbox One to their limits with its massive open world and detailed graphics. Split screen would diminish visual quality and performance.
Ubisoft also focused on crafting an immersive single player experience. The narrative and world are tailored for one player’s perspective. Split screen co-op may have diluted this vision.
And with the gaming industry trending towards online connectivity, Ubisoft probably didn’t consider local co-op a priority feature during development.
Still, the lack of split screen remains disappointing for fans seeking to play together in-person. Let’s look at potential alternatives and workarounds.
Alternatives for Local Multiplayer
If you and your friends were hoping to play Far Cry 5 together on the couch, there are a couple options to simulate local co-op:
Take Turns
The simplest solution is to take turns passing the controller playing single player. This lets multiple people experience the same game without split screen.
The downside is only one person can play at a time. But it does allow everyone to enjoy the full single player story together.
Use Multiple Consoles
Another workaround is having two consoles and TVs set up in the same room. Connect them over the internet for online multiplayer.
This way you get separate screens while still being in the same physical space. But it requires purchasing the game twice and having extra hardware.
Remote Play Together
Steam’s Remote Play Together feature allows local co-op through online connectivity. Players only need one copy of the game via Steam sharing.
But this only works on PC, requires fast internet, and has limitations. It’s not a true replacement for native split screen.
Video Streaming
You can also simulate split screen by having one player stream their gameplay live to another. Tools like Discord let you video chat and stream simultaneously.
One major downside is substantial streaming lag which makes play difficult and annoying. But it’s possible in a pinch.
Is There a Mod to Enable Split Screen?
Some tech savvy Far Cry fans have tried using mods and workarounds to hack in split screen after launch. But with limited success.
Early attempts used external tools like Sandboxie to launch two instances of the game on PC. However, this bypasses Ubisoft’s DRM and violates the terms of service.
A more legitimate mod called FC5: New Dawn came closer to enabling split screen. It was released in 2020 but development fizzled out before completion.
As of 2023, there is no complete playable mod that properly adds split screen co-op to Far Cry 5 on any platform. But some users haven’t given up on the idea yet.
Will Future Far Cry Games Have Split Screen?
While Far Cry 5 lacked split screen, Ubisoft could always choose to bring back local co-op in future Far Cry titles.
Far Cry 6 released in 2021 without split screen again though. So it seems the feature remains absent from Ubisoft’s plans for now.
But fans continue voicing desire for split screen, so public pressure may eventually sway Ubisoft to revisit the idea down the road.
Other major FPS franchises like Call of Duty and Halo continue investing in robust split screen support. If consumers demand it, split screen could return to Far Cry someday.
What Other Far Cry Games Have Split Screen?
Far Cry 5 may not offer split screen, but earlier games in the iconic shooter franchise did include the feature:
Far Cry 4
The 2014 release Far Cry 4 allowed 2-player split screen for its competitive multiplayer mode on consoles.
Players could battle in modes like Team Deathmatch and Domination through split screen on PS4 and Xbox One.
But the main campaign was still single player only. Far Cry 4’s split screen was limited just to online versus modes.
Far Cry 3
2012’s Far Cry 3 went a step further with 2-player split screen co-op available in its story mode on consoles.
Two players could play through the open world campaign together on the same screen. The second player took on the role of a randomized co-op character.
PC version lacked split screen due to technical limitations. But console owners could enjoy basic local co-op.
Far Cry Instincts
The original Far Cry Instincts on Xbox in 2005 pioneered split screen co-op in the franchise. Both the campaign and multiplayer allowed two players on one screen.
Far Cry Instincts set the standard for local multiplayer in early Far Cry console releases before the switch to online play.
Is There Any Kind of Co-Op in Far Cry 5?
While Far Cry 5 avoided split screen, it did provide other multiplayer co-op options:
Friends for Hire Co-Op
In the main story, the host player can invite a friend online to join their game as a “Guns for Hire” or specialist ally.
Only the host player’s progression is saved. But friends can drop in for fun co-op roaming and combat.
Arcade Co-Op
The custom map and mode Far Cry Arcade supports online co-op for up to four players. Friends can team up in user created adventures.
Resistance Mode
The Hours of Darkness DLC adds a new cooperative mode called Resistance where four players fend off waves of enemies together.
So co-op exists in certain forms, just not local split screen gameplay. Only networked multiplayer is supported.
Why Fans Still Want Split Screen
Given the technical challenges and design reasons against it, why do some Far Cry fans still pine for split screen? There are a few key factors driving the enduring demand:
Nostalgia
Longtime series fans fondly remember playing older Far Cry titles in split screen co-op. The feature carries a nostalgic attachment.
Social Experience
Playing side-by-side fosters camaraderie and connection in a way online play can’t quite replicate. Split screen captures the social spirit of gaming.
Accessibility
Not everyone has good enough internet for smooth online play. Split screen offers an accessible offline option.
Comfort
Some find longer play sessions more comfortable and ergonomic when sitting together in one space.
Tactile Enjoyment
There’s something intrinsically fun about smashing buttons on the same couch fighting or cooperating towards a goal.
The Future of Split Screen Gaming
Far Cry 5 may mark the end of split screen support for now in the Far Cry series. But the future of local multiplayer in gaming remains uncertain.
Some view split screen as an antiquated feature that’s faded in relevance now that fast online play is ubiquitous. As technology evolves, couch co-op may slowly die out.
But others see split screen making a comeback as display tech improves and developers find innovative ways to optimize and enhance the experience.
Powerful new consoles can better handle rendering high fidelity split screen views. And TVs/monitors with ever higher resolutions reduce the visibility drawback.
Perhaps some hybrid model will emerge that blends the benefits of online connectivity with the nostalgic appeal of local co-op.
Regardless, Far Cry 5 specifically seems set solidly in the modern online-only paradigm for the foreseeable future. But never say never!
Conclusion
Despite fans’ lingering hopes, Far Cry 5 does not actually support any form of split screen multiplayer on PS4, Xbox One, or PC.
The technical constraints of rendering the ambitious open world twice likely led Ubisoft to exclude the feature. And market trends have shifted towards online over local co-op.
Disappointed players have a few limited workarounds like taking turns or streaming. But there is currently no complete mod that adds true split screen to the game.
For now, those seeking a classic split screen experience may need to revisit earlier Far Cry games or hope it returns in future sequels.
But Far Cry 5 still offers satisfying cooperative and competitive gameplay through online multiplayer modes. Just without the nostalgia or accessibility of couch co-op.
So gather your crew online and enjoy roaming the sprawling world of Hope County together. Just don’t expect to squad up in the same living room.