Playing Rocket League split-screen online is a fantastic way to team up with friends or family on the same console or PC and compete against other players worldwide. The process is straightforward, allowing up to four players to join the action simultaneously from a single system.
How to Play Rocket League Split Screen Online?
To play Rocket League split-screen online, connect all controllers, launch the game, and have the second player (and subsequent players) log into their respective accounts and press the designated button to join before selecting an online match.
Getting Started: What You'll Need
Before diving into the high-flying, goal-scoring action, ensure you have the following essentials:
- Rocket League: Installed on your console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) or PC (Epic Games Store, Steam).
- Multiple Controllers: One for each player. Rocket League supports up to four players on a single system.
- Stable Internet Connection: Crucial for online multiplayer.
- Player Accounts: Each player joining needs a platform account (e.g., Xbox Profile, PlayStation Network ID, Nintendo Account) and an Epic Games account (linked to their platform account for cross-platform play and progression).
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Split Screen Online
The setup process is largely similar across different platforms, though specific button prompts may vary.
For Console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
- Connect All Controllers: Ensure all desired controllers are physically connected or wirelessly paired with your console and are powered on.
- Launch Rocket League: Start the game from the main menu of your console.
- Player 2 (and Subsequent Players) Join:
- Once the game has fully loaded and Player 1 is in the main menu, have the second player pick up their controller.
- Log In: If prompted, Player 2 (and up to two additional players) should log in with their own platform-specific account (e.g., their Xbox profile for Xbox users). This is essential for tracking individual progress and linking to their Epic Games account.
- Press Join Button: On their controller, Player 2 needs to press the designated button to join. On an Xbox controller, this is typically the Menu button. On PlayStation, it might be the Options button, and on Nintendo Switch, it could be the + (Plus) button.
- Confirm Entry: A message usually appears on-screen confirming that another player has joined. Their car will appear in the lobby alongside Player 1's. Repeat this step for up to four total players.
- Select Online Match: With all players successfully joined in the lobby, Player 1 can then navigate to the "Play" menu, choose "Online," and select their preferred online game mode (e.g., Casual, Competitive, Extra Modes). All players on the split screen will join the match together.
For PC (Epic Games Store, Steam)
Playing split-screen on PC requires similar steps, but ensure your controllers are properly recognized by your computer and Rocket League.
- Connect Controllers: Plug in all wired controllers or ensure wireless controllers are paired and detected by your PC. Steam users might want to verify controller configurations via Steam Input settings.
- Launch Rocket League: Start the game through the Epic Games Launcher or Steam.
- Player 2 (and Subsequent Players) Join:
- Once Player 1 is in the main menu, Player 2 should press a designated button on their controller (often the "Start" or "Menu" equivalent) to join.
- Each additional player will be prompted to log in or link their Epic Games account if they haven't already.
- Select Online Match: Player 1 can then proceed to select an online game mode, and all joined players will enter the match together.
Important Considerations for the Best Experience
- Internet Connection: A stable, high-speed internet connection is vital for smooth online play, especially with multiple players sharing bandwidth on the same console.
- Player Accounts & Epic Games: Each player should use their own platform account, ideally linked to a unique Epic Games account, to ensure their progress (XP, items, ranks) is saved individually. Unlinked guests will typically use Player 1's Epic Games account progress but will not save their own.
- Controller Compatibility: While most modern controllers (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro Controller) work well, ensure all your controllers are compatible with your specific platform.
- Performance: Running split-screen, especially with four players, is more demanding on your system. If you experience lag or frame rate drops, consider reducing graphical settings if available (more common on PC).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Controller Not Recognized:
- Ensure controllers are fully charged or have fresh batteries.
- Try reconnecting them or restarting your console/PC.
- Check for system-level controller updates.
- Player Not Joining:
- Verify the second player is pressing the correct button to join.
- Ensure they are logged into a valid platform account (not just a guest profile that might restrict online play).
- Lag During Online Play:
- Check your internet connection speed and stability.
- Temporarily disconnect other devices using bandwidth.
- Consider connecting your console/PC directly to your router via an Ethernet cable.
Platform-Specific Join Buttons
| Platform | Player 2 Join Button (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Xbox | Menu Button |
| PlayStation | Options Button |
| Nintendo Switch | + (Plus) Button |
| PC | Start/Menu Button (on controller) |
By following these steps, you and your friends can enjoy the competitive thrill of Rocket League's online modes together from the comfort of your couch.
