How to play Diablo 4 couch co-op

❘ Updated: 2024-01-23T12:27:41

Blizzard

The Diablo 4 couch co-op feature allows you to play the game with your friends in split screen, so here’s how you can set it up for yourself.

In terms of content, Diablo 4 is a major upgrade when compared to the other games in the franchise. While there are a host of new features, some older features like fast travel and Cellars have been reprised from the older games.

Couch co-op split screen is a long-standing feature in the Diablo series, and the latest entry didn’t disappoint as the developers heeded fan feedback by adding an improved version for you to enjoy.

So, here’s everything to know about the couch co-op split screen in Diablo 4, including how to play with friends, how co-op campaign progression works, and the improvements.

How to play Diablo 4 couch co-op on consoles
Is there couch co-op in Diablo 4 on PC?
Diablo 4 co-op campaign progression explained
Is couch co-op in Diablo 4 different than Diablo 3?

How to play Diablo 4 in couch co-op on consoles

To play Diablo 4 in couch co-op, you’ll need to ensure that both players’ controllers are properly connected. Once that’s done, you just need to log in with your console account that is linked to Blizzard.

How to play Diablo 4 couch co-op on Xbox

Launch Diablo 4 on your console and activate the first player’s controller.
Turn on the second player’s Xbox controller.
A prompt will appear in the bottom right section of the screen saying P2 is connected.
Press the button you’re asked to press in the prompt.
The second player has to log in with their Xbox account that is linked to Blizzard.
Wait for the loading to finish and the second player should get an option to select their character from the bottom right corner of the screen.
Select the character and Player 2 will finally join your world.

How to play Diablo 4 couch co-op on PlayStation

Launch Diablo 4 on your console and activate the first player’s controller.
When you connect the second player’s PlayStation controller, a prompt will appear in the bottom right corner stating that P2 is connected.
Press the button you’re asked to press in the prompt.
The second player will now be prompted to log into their PSN account that is linked to Blizzard. In case the second player does not have an account, they’ll have to make one.
Wait for the loading to finish and the second player should get an option to select their character from the bottom right corner of the screen.
Select the character and Player 2 will finally join your world.

It’s worth noting that in both cases, the second player doesn’t need to own Diablo 4 on their accounts. As long as the first player has access to Diablo 4, both of them will be able to access the game easily.

Diablo 4 encourages players to play in teams by handing out additional XP to all team members. This makes multiplayer one of the most efficient ways to level up quickly and explains why the majority of streamers teamed up to finish the Diablo 4 hardcore race.

Does Diablo 4 have couch co-op on PC?

No, Diablo 4 doesn’t have a split-screen couch co-op mode on PC. The feature is exclusive to consoles (Xbox and PlayStation) even though you can play the game with a controller on a PC as well.

While speaking to Eurogamer, Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson explained that they couldn’t introduce this feature on PC because of technical issues. As per Fergusson, it is harder to sign in to two Battle.net accounts on a PC.

Diablo 4 co-op split screen campaign progression explained

The state of the world and the story in Diablo 4 co-op modes is determined by the host. This includes unlocked story acts and map exploration mechanics such as Strongholds and Altars of Lilith.

However, the game hands out individual loot and experience to players based on their level and class. Here’s a list of quality-of-life features that make Diablo 4’s co-op progression such a breeze:

Every element in the hosts’ world is interactive for the guest.
Both players see their own characters during cut scenes.
Additonal party members disappear during some conversations with NPCs.
You don’t need to reach Kyovashad to begin playing Diablo 4 in co-op.
You can drop items for friends but they should not be higher than Rare quality.
The revival process is quicker when more party members do it.
Enemies and loot automatically scale to your level implying that a level 5 and a level 40 player can grind the game together.
Being near other players grants an XP bonus.

Is split-screen co-op in Diablo 4 different than Diablo 3?

Yes, the couch co-op mode in Diablo 4 arrived with a few tweaks and the major ones include:

The maximum limit of couch co-op has been reduced from 4 to 2 players. Do note that this is only for couch co-op and you can still form a team of 4 in standard co-op/multiplayer mode.
Both players in the co-op world now have independent menus except for wardrobe and map.
Both players can visit different merchants at the same time.

The couch co-op experience in Diablo 4 is much better than the previous games. Thanks to independent menus, you won’t have to wait for your partner to sort their inventory and it saves a lot of time when such tasks can be carried out together.

For more on Diablo 4, check out these guides: