- Westlanders split screen support is tied to the game's local co-op mode shown in closed playtest footage
- Best setup: Two controllers, a 16:9 display at 1080p or higher, and a wired connection for online sessions
- Key setting: Enable horizontal split for wider field of view in combat encounters
- Performance tip: Cap frame rate for stable split screen performance on mid-range hardware
- Watch for: Official co-op details may expand as Westlanders moves beyond the closed playtest phase
Westlanders Split Screen Overview
Westlanders split screen play centers on the game's couch co-op experience, first showcased during the closed playtest period. The game's official gameplay trailer highlights fast-paced western-themed combat that naturally suits shared-screen play, where two players fight side by side through hostile territory.
Video Highlights:
- Official closed playtest trailer footage from the Westlanders development team
- Showcases in-game combat, environments, and atmospheric western presentation
- Demonstrates the action pacing that split screen players will experience
- Confirms the game has reached a closed playtest milestone ahead of wider release
Because Westlanders is still in its playtesting stage, the split screen feature set remains subject to change. The sections below cover how to prepare your setup, configure the mode, and coordinate effectively with your co-op partner.
| Aspect | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mode type | Local couch co-op, split screen | Two players on one display |
| Split orientation | Horizontal (side by side) | Recommended for wider combat view |
| Input support | Gamepad recommended | One controller per player |
| Status | Based on closed playtest build | Features may change at launch |
Details in this guide reflect the closed playtest build of Westlanders. The developers may adjust split screen options, performance, or co-op mechanics before the full release. Check official channels for the latest patch notes.
Split Screen Setup Step-by-Step
Setting up Westlanders split screen takes only a few minutes if you prepare your hardware and settings in advance. Follow this sequence for the smoothest experience.
Connect Your Controllers
Plug in or pair two controllers before launching the game. Wired connections reduce input lag, which matters during split screen combat where both players act simultaneously.
Launch and Enter Co-op Mode
From the main menu, select the local co-op or split screen option. Each player signs into a profile so individual progress and loadouts are tracked separately.
Choose Split Orientation
Select horizontal split if available. Side-by-side windows preserve more horizontal field of view per player, making it easier to track enemies during firefights.
Adjust Display Settings
Lower shadow quality and particle effects if frame rate dips. Split screen renders two viewpoints at once, so trimming visual extras keeps both windows responsive.
Test Audio and HUD Scaling
Verify both players can read their HUD elements at half-screen size. Increase UI scale if text becomes difficult to read on smaller displays.
A display of 55 inches or larger, or a monitor at 1440p and above, dramatically improves split screen readability. If you are stuck on a smaller screen, sit closer and raise UI scale before lowering resolution.
Co-op Roles and Coordination
Split screen works best when the two players do not compete for the same space. Divide responsibilities before entering difficult encounters.
Vanguard Fighter
- Draws enemy attention
- Holds choke points
- Soaks pressure while partner flanks
Ranged Support
- Covers from distance
- Picks off priority targets
- Revives downed partner safely
Scavenger
- Collects loot and ammo
- Tracks shared resources
- Calls out item drops for the team
Communication is the real advantage of split screen play. Because both players share a room, callouts happen instantly with no voice chat delay. Use that edge to coordinate reloads, split enemy groups, and warn each other about flanking attackers.
| Scenario | Recommended Split | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Open field shootout | Spread wide apart | Forces enemies to divide fire |
| Narrow interior | One leads, one covers | Avoids blocking each other's shots |
| Boss encounter | Circle opposite sides | Creates crossing angles on weak points |
| Loot-heavy area | One guards, one loots | Prevents ambushes mid-collection |
Agree on simple verbal shortcuts before a fight. Short phrases like "left," "reload," and "fall back" cut reaction time compared to full sentences, and split screen lets you deliver them instantly.
Performance and Display Settings
Split screen rendering roughly doubles the graphical workload, so settings that run smoothly in solo play may struggle with two viewpoints. This table ranks which settings to adjust first.
| Setting | Split Screen Priority | Recommended Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | High | 1080p minimum | Sharpness of each half-screen |
| Frame rate cap | High | 60 FPS | Input responsiveness for both players |
| Shadows | Medium | Low or medium | Large performance cost |
| Particle effects | Medium | Low | Reduces clutter across both windows |
| UI scale | High | 110-130% | Readability at half size |
| V-Sync | Low | Off if tearing is minor | Reduces input latency |
If performance drops during split screen combat, prioritize frame rate over visual fidelity. A stable 60 FPS with reduced shadows feels better than an unstable high-detail image, especially in the fast encounters shown in the playtest trailer.
Split Screen Readiness Checklist
Run through this checklist before each co-op session to avoid mid-run technical problems.
Before You Play:
- Confirm both controllers are charged or wired
- Set split orientation to horizontal
- Cap frame rate and lower shadows for stability
- Increase UI scale for half-screen readability
- Agree on co-op roles and callout phrases
FAQ
Q: Does Westlanders support split screen on launch?
Split screen and local co-op have appeared in closed playtest materials, but the final feature set has not been fully confirmed. Treat current information as playtest-based and monitor official announcements as Westlanders approaches release.
Q: How many players can use Westlanders split screen at once?
The split screen setup described here covers two players on a single display with one controller each. Any additional online or party size options would come from official release details.
Q: Is horizontal or vertical split better in Westlanders?
Horizontal split is generally recommended. The game's combat benefits from horizontal field of view, and side-by-side windows keep both players aware of approaching enemies during firefights.
Q: What is the best way to keep split screen performance stable?
Cap the frame rate at 60 FPS, reduce shadows and particle effects, and use a 1080p or higher display. Because split screen renders two viewpoints simultaneously, trimming heavy visual settings keeps both windows responsive.