The biggest upcoming split-screen co-op games

2026 is finally here, and now everyone can start thinking about all the cool games that are coming down the pipeline. For co-op fans, especially for split-screen set-ups, there are some notable games on the horizon that could come out in 2026, if they're not delayed. There are also some other games that don't have multiplayer modes set up, including Mario kills tennis fever and Gears of War: E-Day.

Both of those examples have a history of local split-screen co-op, so hopefully, fans won't be disappointed when those too launch in 2026. Speculations aside, let's get to some games with co-op at the fore.

classes

Get hyped, anime fans

• Planned release date: 2026

• Schematic Systems: Switch 2

classes An upcoming Switch 2 exclusive is going to be co-op only. So far, it looks like there will be a vertical split between the screens as players control Maki and Omura, who are explorers trying to save their space station from certain destruction. What the issue is is unknown, but the lone trailer shown so far includes a myriad of activities. Players can fly around in space, platform on jet packs, and shoot enemies with laser blasting guns.

There are also clever uses of co-op functionality, such as one player controlling the spaceship while the other commands 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 a new studio, ShapeFarm, but it is published by Kepler Interactive, which also publishes. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. will be classes To be Kepler's next Game of the Year contender?

Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered (split-screen not confirmed)

An old school classic returns

• 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 it was a game that had many predecessors. Dynasty Warriors suffrage For example, it was the first to offer head-to-head matches and co-op, both of which were handled with a split-screen experience. Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered It has confirmed that it will feature offline co-op only, but Koei Tecmo has not said 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 because it doesn't make sense as a shared-screen experience. The point of these games is to offer dozens of playable characters to play on huge maps, then kill thousands of enemies and take bases. The beauty of co-op is that it allows players to split the work, so local co-op has always been a split-screen experience of some variety in these games. Split-screen, or not, Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered Looks more like a remake than a remaster which Musuu fans are going to enjoy.

Hello: Campaign Evolved

Return to green

• Planned release date: 2026

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

Halo: Combat Evolved Another big game from 2001, and it revolutionized first-person shooters on consoles. It was an original Xbox exclusive in which a special Space Marine, Master Chief, was going after a covenant of alien races, known simply as the Covenant, who wanted to use advanced technology to take over the galaxy. The game became a classic for the Xbox family of consoles, and it was remastered in 2011 for its 10th anniversary. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Now, for its 25th anniversary, the game is being rebuilt through Hello: Campaign Evolved.

As the name suggests, it will be a campaign-only experience as multiplayer will not be included, which some fans are disappointed about. Aside from multiplayer, players can go through the entire campaign by cooperating with up to three people online, and it will support crossplay. That's right, the first time, a hello The game will be playable on PlayStation consoles. This is great, but for those not interested in crossplay or online functionality, Hello: Campaign Evolved Two-player split-screen will also be featured.

External 2

A refreshing new open-world RPG

• Release date: Q3 2026

• Schematic System: PC

external When it released in 2019 it was a huge hit among a particular crowd. It wasn't a huge game, but it grew a fanbase that ate up the openness of its world. The freedom players had to explore and grow their characters as fans opened up about it, and they'll get a chance to love it all over again with a sequel, External 2.

It looks more or less the same type of action RPG, but with a lot more polish to its world, characters, and combat. At the top of the horizontal split-screen will be online multiplayer for those who want to have fun with a friend on their PC. Steam also has a playtest option if anyone wants to check it out right now. While the original was popular with the niche crowd, there is hope External 2 More will be recognized.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (split-screen not confirmed)

The Dark Knight Rises

• 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 Batman adventure, and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Still looks like a wild entry. While split-screen is not confirmed, in the case of eg Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition RemasteredAccording to the FAQ, the game will only feature local co-op. This data isn't even on Steam, which is surprising, but it does mean that the developers are testing what kind of co-op will be implemented. In past Lego games, players usually got a vertical split or a dynamic split that rotated depending on how far away the players were from each other.

Since these games are often puzzle-oriented, it made sense to dynamically split the screens as one player could turn the wheel and open a path for the other away. LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight It appears to be very action-oriented as it has featured in films ranging from the 1989 movie to Christopher Nolan's trilogy. A shared screen experience may be possible, but either way, Batman and Lego fans can have a great time together if the game ships in time for May 2026.

stage fright

Let it cook

• Planned Release Date: TBA

• Planned systems: TBA

stage fright Like another co-op only game classeswhich will draw on the success that Hazlight 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 only two appear at a time because the game is going to switch perspectives. Very little is known about the game aside from a few screenshots, as the initial trailer was just a teaser. A teaser that was meant as a meta commentary on the genre, and didn't show any gameplay.

It is known that the two players will be stuck in different realities, divided vertically, and doing something in one world can affect the other. Turning a crank to open a switch for your partner is one example shown so far. The gameplay and exact setting are actually a mystery, but the developer has a lot of pedigree. It is developed by Ghost Town Games, the makers behind both over cooked games, which are some of the best, but also most frantic, co-op experiences of all time. Overcooked 2 It was released in 2018, so it's been a long time since a new game came out. For the fans, there is hope stage fright Will not be disappointed.