The biggest upcoming split-screen co-op games

2026 is finally here and now everyone can start thinking about all the good games to come. For fans of co-op, specifically split-screen setups, there are some notable games on the horizon that may come out in 2026 if not delayed. There are also some other games that don't have confirmed multiplayer modes set up, including Mario tennis fever and Gears of War: E-Day.

Both of these examples have a history with local split-screen co-op, so hopefully fans won't be disappointed when they launch in 2026 as well. Speculation aside, we're going to put some co-op games to the fore.

Orbitals

Get excited, anime fans

• Planned release date: 2026

• Planned systems: Switch 2

Orbitals is an upcoming Switch 2 exclusive that will be co-op only. So far, it looks like there will be a vertical split between the screens as players control Maki and Omura, explorers set to save their space station from certain doom. What the issue is remains unknown, but the lone trailer shown so far features a myriad of activities. Players can fly on jet packs in space, platform and shoot enemies with laser cannons.

There's also clever use of the co-op feature, with one player controlling the spaceship while the other mans the turrets. The best part is the art design as everything looks like 80s or 90s anime from the golden age of OVAs. It is developed by new studio Shapefarm, but published by Kepler Interactive, who also published it Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Will Orbitals be Kepler's next Game of the Year contender?

Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered (Split Screen Not Confirmed)

The old school classic is back

• Planned release date: March 19, 2026

• Planned systems: PC, PS5, Switch, Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S

Dynasty Warriors 3 was released for the PS2 in 2001 and was a game that had many firsts Dynasty Warriors franchise. For example, it was the first to offer head-to-head matches and co-op, both handled in split-screen mode. Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered confirmed that it will only feature offline co-op, but Koei Tecmo did not say whether it will be a split-screen or shared-screen experience.

Given the franchise's history, there's a 99% chance it will feature split-screen, as it wouldn't make sense as a split-screen experience. The point of these games is to offer dozens of playable characters to play across large maps, then kill thousands of enemies and take over bases. The beauty of co-op is that it allows players to split the work, which is why local co-op has always been a diverse split-screen experience in these games. Split screen or not Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered it looks more like a remake than a remaster, which Musa fans will enjoy.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Back In Green

• Planned release date: 2026

• Planned systems: PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S

Halo: Combat Evolved is another big game from 2001, and it revolutionized first-person shooters on consoles. It was an original Xbox exclusive featuring a special space marine, Master Chief, going after a pact of alien races, simply known as the Covenant, who wanted to use precursor technology to take over the galaxy. The game became a classic for the Xbox family of consoles and was remastered for its 10th anniversary in 2011 via Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Now, on its 25th anniversary, the game is getting a makeover Halo: Campaign Evolved.

As the name suggests, it will be a campaign-only experience as multiplayer will not be included, which has some fans upset. In addition to multiplayer, players can go through the entire campaign in co-op with up to three others online, and it will support crossplay. That's right, for the first time ever, and Halo the game will be playable on the PlayStation console. It's a big deal, but for those not interested in crossplay or online features, Halo: Campaign Evolved it will also feature split screen for two players.

Outside 2

A refreshing new open world RPG

• Release date: Q3 2026

• Planned systems: PC

External was a huge hit with niche audiences when it was released in 2019. It wasn't a huge game, but it grew a fan base that embraced the openness of its world. The freedom players had to explore and develop their character is what fans dug, and they'll have a chance to fall in love with it all over again through the sequel, Outside 2.

It looks more or less the same type of action RPG, but with a much more elaborate world, characters, and combat. Online multiplayer will be available on top of the horizontal split screen for those who want to enjoy it with a friend on their PC. There's even a Playtest option on Steam if anyone wants to try it out right now. While the original was popular with niche crowds, hopefully Outside 2 gets more credit.

Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight (split screen not confirmed)

The Dark Knight rose

• Planned release date: 5/29/26

• Planned systems: PC, PS5, Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S

Lego fans have been waiting a long time for a new adventure of Batman and Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight looks like the wildest entry yet. While split screen was not confirmed as in Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remasteredthe game will only feature local co-op, according to the FAQ. This data isn't on Steam either, which is a mystery, but it probably just means the developers are testing what types of co-ops will be usable. In past Lego games, players usually had either a vertical split or a dynamic split that rotated based on how far apart the players were.

Since these games are often puzzle-oriented, it made sense to split the screens dynamically, as one player could swing around and open a path for another far away. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight looks more action-packed as it draws on films from the 1989 film to Christopher Nolan's trilogy. A shared screen experience may be possible, but either way, Batman and Lego fans can have a good time together if the game ships in time for May 2026.

Trembling

Let it boil

• Planned release date: TBA

• Planned systems: TBA

Trembling will be another co-op game like Orbitalswhich will draw on the success that Hazelight Studios has capitalized on It takes two and Split Fiction. In this co-op adventure, players can control three characters, Drew, Blake and Charlie, but seemingly only two at a time as the game switches perspectives. Apart from some screenshots, very little is known about the game as the original trailer was just a teaser. A teaser that was sort of a meta-commentary on the genre and didn't show any gameplay.

Two players have been known to get stuck in different realities, split vertically, and doing something in one world can affect the other. One example shown so far is turning a crank to open a switch for their partner. The gameplay and exact settings are really a mystery, but the developer has quite the pedigree. It is developed by Ghost Town Games, the creators of both Overcooked games that are some of the best yet most frantic co-op experiences of all time. Overcooked 2 it came out in 2018, so it's been quite a while since a new game came out. For the fans, I hope Trembling will not disappoint.