Minecraft PS4: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing Split-Screen with a Friend
Minecraft, the sandbox game that has captured the hearts of millions, offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure. Playing with friends enhances the experience, and on the PlayStation 4 (PS4), split-screen mode provides a convenient way for two players to embark on blocky adventures together on the same console. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of setting up and enjoying split-screen Minecraft on your PS4.
## What You’ll Need
Before diving into the instructions, ensure you have the following:
* **A PlayStation 4 Console:** Obviously, you’ll need a PS4 console to play Minecraft on.
* **Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition:** Make sure you have the game installed. If you have the older ‘Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition,’ you may need to update to the Bedrock Edition for split-screen compatibility in some cases. The latest version is generally recommended.
* **Two PlayStation DualShock 4 Controllers:** Each player needs their own controller to control their character.
* **A High-Definition Television (HDTV):** Split-screen mode requires a TV with sufficient resolution to display two separate game views clearly. While Minecraft can run on lower resolution TVs, the split-screen experience will be greatly diminished. A large screen is also recommended for a comfortable experience.
* **Two PlayStation Network Accounts (Optional but Recommended):** While split-screen can be played without PSN accounts for both players, linking accounts allows progress to be saved individually and unlocks online features later if desired. Guest accounts can be used, but they have limitations (see section on guest accounts below).
## Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Split-Screen
Follow these instructions carefully to start playing Minecraft split-screen on your PS4:
**1. Start Minecraft:**
* Turn on your PlayStation 4 console.
* Navigate to the Minecraft icon on the home screen and select it to launch the game. If you are not logged into your primary Playstation account that owns the game, you will need to log into that account first before starting the game.
**2. Load or Create a World:**
* From the Minecraft main menu, choose either ‘Create New’ to start a new world, or ‘Load’ to select an existing world.
* **Creating a New World:** If you choose ‘Create New,’ you will be presented with several options for customizing your world. You can select the game mode (Survival, Creative, or Hardcore), difficulty, world type (Infinite, Flat, or Old), and various other settings. Choose your preferred settings and then select ‘Create.’
* **Loading an Existing World:** If you choose ‘Load,’ a list of your saved worlds will appear. Select the world you want to play in split-screen mode. Note: Not all worlds are compatible with split-screen depending on the version of Minecraft and world size.
**3. Connect the Second Controller:**
* Turn on the second DualShock 4 controller. The PS4 will prompt you to select a user profile for the controller.
* **Important:** This is where you choose a PlayStation Network account for the second player. If the second player has their own PSN account, select it. If they don’t have an account, you can:
* **Create a New User:** Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new PSN account. This is the recommended option if the second player will be playing Minecraft regularly, as it allows them to save their progress and access online features.
* **Play as Guest:** You can select ‘Play as Guest’ to log in without a PSN account. This is a quick and easy option, but the second player’s progress will not be saved if they play as a guest. Once the PS4 shuts down, all guest account progress will be lost. Guest accounts also usually have limitations with online play and access to the Playstation Network features.
* **Log in as another existing user:** You can log in as another user on the Playstation, this is only recommended if the user does not use the console that often.
**4. Press the Options Button on the Second Controller:**
* Once the second controller is connected and a user is selected, the game will detect the second player. The game will prompt the second player to press the ‘Options’ button on their controller.
* Press the ‘Options’ button (the small button to the right of the touchpad) on the second controller. This will activate the second player in the game, and the screen will split horizontally, creating two separate views. A message might appear onscreen indicating that the second player has joined the game.
**5. Start Playing!**
* That’s it! You’re now ready to play Minecraft in split-screen mode. Each player can control their character independently and explore the world together.
## Understanding Split-Screen Limitations and Considerations
While split-screen mode is a great way to play Minecraft with a friend locally, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:
* **Reduced Screen Size:** The screen is divided into two, which means each player has a smaller view of the game world. This can make it harder to see details and navigate, especially in complex environments. A larger screen helps mitigate this.
* **Performance Impact:** Running two instances of the game on one console can put a strain on the PS4’s hardware. This can lead to reduced frame rates or occasional lag, especially in resource-intensive areas of the world or when lots of entities are present. Ensure your PS4 has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
* **Limited to Two Players:** Split-screen mode on the PS4 only supports two players. If you want to play with more friends, you’ll need to use online multiplayer. Each player will need their own console and copy of the game.
* **Restricted World Size:** Very large worlds might be too demanding for split-screen. If you experience performance issues, try reducing the world size in the world settings.
* **Resource Sharing:** Players in split-screen share the same console and resources. This means that if one player experiences lag or other issues, it can affect both players.
## Tips for a Better Split-Screen Experience
Here are some tips to enhance your Minecraft split-screen experience:
* **Communicate:** Clear communication is essential when playing split-screen. Coordinate your actions, share resources, and warn each other about dangers.
* **Use Headphones:** Using headphones can help reduce distractions and allow each player to focus on their own gameplay without being disturbed by the other player’s sounds.
* **Adjust Screen Brightness:** If the split-screen is too dark, adjust the screen brightness in the game settings.
* **Simplify Graphics Settings:** If you experience performance issues, try lowering the graphics settings in the game menu. This can improve frame rates and reduce lag.
* **Play on a Large TV:** As mentioned earlier, playing on a large TV makes the split-screen experience much more enjoyable, as it provides a larger and clearer view for each player.
* **Take Breaks:** Split-screen gaming can be intense, so take breaks regularly to avoid eye strain and fatigue.
* **Utilize the Mini-Map:** The mini-map is invaluable in split-screen. It helps you navigate the world and keep track of your teammate’s location.
* **Creative Mode for Initial Exploration:** Consider starting in Creative mode to explore the world and plan your base together before switching to Survival mode. This can prevent frustrating deaths early on due to limited visibility.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some solutions to common problems you might encounter while playing Minecraft split-screen on the PS4:
* **Second Player Can’t Join:**
* Make sure the second controller is properly connected and synced to the PS4.
* Ensure that the second player has selected a user profile (either a PSN account or a guest account).
* Restart the game and try again.
* **Lag or Frame Rate Issues:**
* Close any other applications running on the PS4.
* Reduce the graphics settings in the game menu.
* Ensure your PS4 has adequate ventilation.
* Try playing in a smaller world.
* Restart the PS4.
* **Screen is Too Dark:**
* Adjust the screen brightness in the game settings.
* Adjust the brightness settings on your TV.
* **Audio Issues:**
* Check the volume settings in the game menu and on your TV.
* Ensure that your headphones (if you’re using them) are properly connected.
* Restart the game.
## Using Guest Accounts for Split-Screen Play
As previously mentioned, you can use guest accounts for split-screen play. Here are some key things to know:
* **Temporary Progress:** Guest account progress is not saved. When you exit the game or turn off the PS4, all progress made by the guest player will be lost.
* **Limited Functionality:** Guest accounts may have limited access to certain features, such as online multiplayer and the PlayStation Store.
* **Ease of Use:** Guest accounts are quick and easy to set up, making them a convenient option for occasional split-screen play.
To use a guest account:
1. When the PS4 prompts you to select a user for the second controller, choose ‘Play as Guest’.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a temporary guest profile.
3. Press the ‘Options’ button on the second controller to join the game.
## Upgrading from Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition
If you are still using the older “Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition”, consider upgrading to the latest Bedrock Edition. The Bedrock Edition offers several advantages, including cross-platform play, a larger selection of features, and ongoing updates.
To upgrade, you may need to purchase the Bedrock Edition from the PlayStation Store. If you previously purchased the “Minecraft: PlayStation 4 Edition,” you might be eligible for a discounted upgrade. Check the PlayStation Store for details.
## Beyond Split-Screen: Exploring Other Multiplayer Options
While split-screen is a convenient way to play locally, Minecraft offers other multiplayer options that allow you to connect with friends online:
* **Minecraft Realms:** Minecraft Realms are private, always-online servers hosted by Mojang. They provide a safe and easy way to play with friends without having to worry about setting up your own server. Realms require a subscription.
* **Dedicated Servers:** You can join public or private dedicated Minecraft servers. These servers can host a large number of players and offer a variety of gameplay experiences.
* **Cross-Platform Play:** The Bedrock Edition of Minecraft supports cross-platform play, allowing you to play with friends on other devices, such as Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices.
## Conclusion
Playing Minecraft split-screen on the PS4 is a fantastic way to share the adventure with a friend locally. By following these steps and tips, you can easily set up split-screen mode and enjoy countless hours of block-building fun together. Remember to consider the limitations of split-screen and explore other multiplayer options if you want to connect with more players or play on different devices. So grab a controller, gather your friend, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Minecraft journey!