Gang Beasts is a multiplayer party game that has become known for its goofy, gelatinous characters, absurd brawling physics, and chaotic fights that often end in uncontrollable laughter. Developed by Boneloaf and published by Double Fine Presents, this beat-’em-up style game brings players together for light-hearted, action-packed fun, whether they’re playing locally or online. That raises one common and important question among players looking to enjoy the game with friends: Is Gang Beasts split screen?

TL;DR

Yes, Gang Beasts supports split screen multiplayer on consoles and PC, enabling players to brawl it out on a single screen using multiple controllers. It’s primarily a local multiplayer game, but it also supports online gameplay. The split screen experience is seamlessly integrated with local play, so you can easily add friends to play on the same device. There are some platform-specific differences to keep in mind, so read on for the full details.

Understanding Split Screen in Gang Beasts

To clarify, Gang Beasts does not use traditional split screen where the screen is divided into separate sections for each player. Instead, all players share a single screen, with the camera zooming and panning dynamically to keep every character in view. This format is common in arcade-style fighting games and works especially well for a game with such chaotic and close-quarters gameplay.

So technically, it’s not split screen by the literal definition, but it does facilitate what most players mean when they ask if the game supports split screen: local multiplayer with multiple players on one system.

Local Multiplayer: How It Works

One of Gang Beasts’ primary features is its strong local multiplayer support. Whether you’re playing on an Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or PC, you can add up to four players to a game on the same screen using multiple controllers.

Here’s how local multiplayer works based on your setup:

  • Console (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch): Connect your controllers, choose local mode from the game menu, and you’re ready to start brawling. The game automatically detects connected players.
  • PC: Plug in USB controllers or connect wireless ones via Bluetooth. Keyboards can be used as well, but it’s better for each player to use a separate gamepad for ease of gameplay.

The screen is shared in all cases, meaning you’ll never have to look at a divided screen. This allows for a more unified and comedic experience, as you can see all fighters stumble, struggle, and launch each other off ledges simultaneously.

Online and Local Multiplayer Combined

An excellent feature in Gang Beasts is the ability to mix local and online multiplayer gameplay. You can invite friends to play online while others join you locally on the same device. This opens the door for more flexible game nights and means you’re not restricted to physical proximity to enjoy the brawl with friends.

Example: You could have two players on your couch using the same console or PC and invite two other friends to join your team online. Together, you compete in the same match without issue.

How Many Players Can Play Locally?

Gang Beasts supports up to four players on the same device in local mode. However, in total, online matches support up to 8 players. So, if you combine local and online participants, you can potentially have a full eight-player showdown where each group is participating from different locations.

Platform Differences in Local Multiplayer

While the core experience across platforms is largely the same, there are some minor nuances to note:

  • PC (Steam and Microsoft Store): You may need to configure controller layouts, especially if mixing different brands (e.g., Xbox and PlayStation controllers).
  • Xbox/PS4/Switch: Generally more plug-and-play, as these consoles automatically recognize additional controllers and assign them to players.
  • Nintendo Switch: Offers a slightly different interface and may require more configuration when using Joy-Cons separately.

Does Gang Beasts Support Cross-Platform Split Screen?

Currently, Gang Beasts does not support cross-platform play, meaning you cannot combine players from different platforms in an online match. However, within the same platform, you can mix local and online players. While split screen or shared screen remains consistent, your group must all be on the same platform to play matches together.

The Joy of Couch Co-op

Part of what makes Gang Beasts such a fan favorite is the couch co-op appeal. It’s one of the few modern games that preserves that nostalgic feeling of playing with friends in person. Sharing laughs, shouting advice (or insults), and mashing buttons in real-time makes for an unforgettable experience that no online play can quite replace.

For families, group parties, or roommates looking for some casual rivalry, the local multiplayer (shared screen) experience packs absurd fun without a steep learning curve.

Tips for the Best Local Split Screen Setup

  • Use gamepads for each player: Playing with a keyboard is possible but sharing one among players is awkward.
  • Keep controllers charged: Wireless controllers are convenient but can run out of battery mid-fight if you’re not prepared.
  • Play on a large screen: Since all players share the same screen, a larger display makes it easier to track your character during intense battles.
  • Adjust settings: Consider customizing game rules to spice up repeated matches, like increasing hazards or tweaking the number of rounds.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, while Gang Beasts doesn’t offer a traditional split screen, it fully supports local shared-screen multiplayer, which is essentially what most players are after. It delivers high-energy, couch co-op madness that is perfect for parties or casual gaming sessions with friends or family. With support for both local and online play, the game gives you the flexibility to battle it out wherever and with whomever you choose—just expect to spend as much time laughing as you do winning.

FAQ

  • Q: Is Gang Beasts split screen?
    A: Not in the traditional sense. It uses a shared screen for local multiplayer rather than dividing the screen, so all players appear together in the same view.
  • Q: How many players can play Gang Beasts locally?
    A: Up to 4 players can play together on the same device using separate controllers.
  • Q: Can local and online players play together?
    A: Yes, you can mix local players on one device with online friends to form a team of up to 8 players total.
  • Q: Is Gang Beasts cross-platform?
    A: No, the game does not support cross-platform play at this time. All participants must be on the same platform.
  • Q: Do I need an internet connection for local multiplayer?
    A: No, you can play local-only matches completely offline. An internet connection is only needed for online play.