If you’ve ever curled up on the couch with a friend wanting to catch Pals and build bases together without juggling separate screens, you’ve probably asked can you play Palworld split screen at least once. It’s one of the most common questions from players who prefer local co-op over online multiplayer, especially for casual gaming sessions with family or roommates. I’ve tested every possible method to make local co-op work across three different platforms over the last six months, so I’m breaking down exactly what’s available, what’s not, and what workarounds actually deliver a smooth experience.
Can You Play Palworld Split Screen Natively on Any Platform?
Let’s get the most straightforward answer out of the way first. There is no official native split screen support for Palworld as of the latest game update. Pocketpair, the developer behind Palworld, has focused most of its post-launch resources on fixing server stability issues, patching game-breaking bugs, and rolling out new content like Pals and biomes, so local split screen hasn’t been a top priority yet.
I’ve sifted through every official dev update and community Q&A from the last year, and split screen is listed as a highly requested feature that’s being considered for future development, but there’s no confirmed release window. That means you can’t just open your game settings, toggle a switch, and add a second player to the same screen right now, no matter what platform you’re playing on.
But that doesn’t mean local co-op is completely off the table. There are a handful of tested workarounds that let you play with people in the same physical space, even if they don’t deliver the exact split screen experience you might be hoping for.
Workarounds to Play Local Co-Op for Palworld
All of these methods have been tested by myself and dozens of other Palworld players in the community, so you don’t have to waste time trying random hacks you see on social media. Pick the one that fits your device setup and budget:
- Local online co-op via multiple devices on the same Wi-Fi network: If you and your friend both have a copy of Palworld and a separate device (two PCs, two Switch consoles, or a PC and an Xbox, for example), you can host a private local server on one device and join it from the other on the same internet connection. This eliminates lag from distant servers, and you can sit next to each other while playing, even if you’re using separate screens. I use this method all the time when my little cousin visits, and we rarely run into connection issues as long as our Wi-Fi is stable.
- Nvidia GeForce Now shared session streaming: If you have a GeForce Now subscription, you can use the shared session feature to stream your Palworld gameplay to a second device in the same room, and assign controller input to a second player. It’s not true split screen, since you’ll each see the full feed on your own screen, but it lets you play together with only one copy of the game. Just note that you’ll need a strong internet connection to avoid input lag with this method.
- Third-party split screen mod for PC: There are a handful of community-made mods that force split screen functionality for the PC version of Palworld. I tested three of the most popular ones last month, and the highest-rated one works fairly well for 2-player horizontal split screen, though you will run into occasional UI glitches when both players open their inventory at the same time. These mods don’t work on console or handheld versions, so they’re only an option for Steam or PC Game Pass players.
None of these workarounds are perfect, but they’re the only options available right now for players who want to play together in the same physical space. I recommend the local Wi-Fi co-op method first if you have access to two copies of the game, since it’s the most stable and doesn’t require any extra subscriptions or mods.
Pros and Cons of Available Palworld Local Co-Op Options
Before you pick a method, it’s worth weighing the upsides and downsides of each to make sure it fits your needs. I’ve broken down the biggest pros and cons based on my personal testing:
Local Wi-Fi co-op has the biggest advantage of being completely official, so you don’t have to worry about account bans, broken features after game updates, or glitchy UI. You’ll get the full Palworld experience, including access to all official servers and cross-play with friends outside your home if you want to add more players later. The only real downside is the cost: you’ll need two copies of the game and two separate devices, which can add up if you don’t already have a second console or PC lying around.
GeForce Now shared sessions are perfect for players who only want to play local co-op occasionally and don’t want to pay for a second copy of the game. You only need one copy of Palworld and a basic GeForce Now subscription, which is far cheaper than buying a second game if you only play with local friends a few times a year. The downside is that you need a very strong internet connection to avoid input lag, and you can’t use any custom mods if you usually play a modded version of Palworld.
PC split screen mods are the closest you’ll get to true split screen right now, with both players sharing one screen on a single PC with only one copy of the game. It’s the cheapest option if you already have a PC and a second controller, and it works offline so you don’t need an internet connection at all. The big risk here is that unapproved mods can lead to account bans if you use them while connected to official online servers, and the mod usually breaks for a week or two after every official Palworld update while the mod creator patches it to work with the new version. I only use this method when I’m playing completely offline to avoid risking my 120-hour save file.
What to Expect for Future Split Screen Support in Palworld
If none of these workarounds feel like a good fit for you, there’s good news down the line. Dev notes from the latest community Q&A stated that split screen support is in the early planning stages, though it’s still behind other major updates like the new volcanic biome, PvP mode, and cross-save functionality on the priority list.
That means you probably won’t see official split screen drop in the next six months, but it’s not a feature that’s been ruled out entirely. It’s also unclear if split screen will be available for all platforms when it launches, since older consoles like the base Xbox One or original Nintendo Switch might not have the processing power to run two instances of the game at once without major performance drops.
If you’re holding off on buying Palworld specifically for split screen, I recommend waiting until official support is announced, since none of the current workarounds deliver the seamless split screen experience most players are looking for. If you already own the game, the workarounds we covered earlier are solid enough for casual play sessions until official support lands.
At the end of the day, the answer to can you play Palworld split screen is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. There’s no native support right now, but there are multiple workarounds that let you play local co-op with friends and family in the same room, depending on what devices and subscriptions you have access to. If native split screen is a non-negotiable feature for you, keep an eye on official Palworld dev updates for announcements down the line. For now, test out the workarounds that fit your budget and setup, and you’ll be catching Pals and raiding bases with your favorite people in no time.