Baldur's Gate 3 will end its Early Access period ahead of the game's launch for PC and console; players can fully experience the game's content and the new mechanics. With features to support single-player and multiplayer modes, players anticipate grouping up with friends online and for local multiplayer.
As for whether the game supports split-screen for online and local multiplayer modes, developer Larian Studios addressed this before the game's release. We have explained if split-screen support will be available for online and local co-op multiplayer modes for Baldur's Gate 3.
Does Baldur's Gate Have Split Screen Support?
At launch, Baldur's Gate 3 will support split-screen support for players to enjoy co-op multiplayer with friends. It's confirmed how much support for split screen will be available when the game launches, as the developer provided details in their Multiplayer Information and forum support pages, respectively.
Exclusively next-generation? ✅
— Larian Studios re-rolled the D8 🥳 (@larianstudios) February 24, 2023
Split-screen co-op across the entire adventure? ✅
Cross-save progression? ✅
Full DualSense support? ✅
PlayStation 5, PC, Mac, GeForce NOW. August 31. https://t.co/ljzJ4O9Epi
According to the Multiplayer Information page, split screen wasn't available during the game's Early Access period despite multiplayer being supported. As the game will feature four-player multiplayer, this will be available also at launch as players can join their friends online or take advantage of local split-screen co-op multiplayer.
No explanation was provided as to why players couldn't utilize split screen for local co-op multiplayer during Early Access. Likely, Larian Studios were still developing various systems, including split screen, before making it available but not allowing players to test it is quite interesting to note.
Nevertheless, there are some differences in split-screen support between online and local co-op multiplayer modes. The most significant difference is that local co-op is limited to two players only, while online can support up to four players.
It's also known that local co-op requires multiple controllers to be connected to one device, whether its PC or console. Local co-op won't require an active subscription to play, whereas online co-op multiplayer does, but players won't need to worry as cross-save is enabled to transfer game quickly saves.
Players on console will have to wait to take advantage of the split screen as the game releases on 6th September 2023, while PC players can start their campaigns from 3rd August 2023 for Mac and PC via GOG and Steam. Lastly, if you're using the split screen for PC, keep in mind the game's minimum and recommended PC specifications and compare them with your PC's specifications, as it is speculated that a split screen may affect your PC's GPU.
How To Play Slit-Screen Co-Op In Baldur's Gate 3
To start a party for a two-player split-screen local co-op, you can set it up anytime before a new playthrough, within the Character Creation menu, or when currently in "an ongoing game." Players can select any available Origin character or choose their created characters before starting a local co-op session.
Players using split screen will share most of the information provided in-game, including Journal notes for active game missions, discovered minimap locations, various recipes, and player inventories. The latter can be locked if you choose to, but Inspiration points will also be shared amongst players in split-screen co-op, which are used to reroll checks.