Just over a year after its release on the platform, Baldur's Gate 3 came to PlayStation 5 consoles a month later. It wasn't until that December that it finally came to the Xbox Series X/S, but it was missing a major feature on the latter platform - until today.
As part of its eighth major update since launch, Baldur's Gate 3 is also getting split-screen multiplayer on Xbox Series S, according to a report by Larian citing optimization issues as the reason the lower-spec console couldn't run BG3 in split-screen. However, a series of optimization improvements in the interim has finally made split-screen possible on all platforms, marking the first time players have been able to play local co-op on Series S.
Baldur's Gate 3 Split-Screen Co-Op Is Coming To Xbox Series S
What To Expect From BG3 Split-Screen On Xbox
This marks the first time that players on Xbox Series S will be able to enjoy Baldur's Gate 3 in local co-op; their multiplayer options were previously limited to online-only. In other words, there's never been a better time to settle in with a friend and experience the journey across the Forgotten Realms together. You'll need to be part of the Xbox Insider Hub to access the playtest for now - otherwise, you'll have to wait until Patch 8's full release, which has yet to get an official date.
Split-screen works on Xbox the same way it works on every other platform. Have the first player load into or start a new game, then the second player connect a controller and press A to . The first player will be prompted to allow them to load into the game, and then the second player will go through character creation before popping up in the first player's party. You can then transfer control of other characters between the two players using the Multiplayer section of the pause menu.
Split-screen multiplayer may affect performance, and has the potential to cause glitches in some cutscenes. As always, don't forget to save often.
One of the most wonderful things about BG3 split-screen is that players can roam the map freely - theoretically, you can each be working on an entirely different side quest at the same time. Each player can also any conversations the other party are in by pressing LT, then scrolling to their portrait and pressing A. If one player wants to continue without the other, they can dismiss the second player's character by speaking with them - the same as with any other party member.
Patch 8 Is Coming Soon To Baldur's Gate 3 With A New Playtest
Everything Else In Patch 8
This is only a small part of Patch 8, which comes with a laundry list of new features and improvements. You can get a glimpse at the patch notes via the official Baldur's Gate 3 website, but the highlights include 12 new subclasses, cross-platform play, and a Photo Mode.
Why I've Never Finished A Multiplayer Campaign In Baldur's Gate 3
I've started several multiplayer campaigns in Baldur's Gate 3, but I just can't seem to finish it as reliably as I can single-player campaigns.
Although Patch 8 doesn't have an official release date yet, some players are currently able to participate in a limited stress test, allowing Larian to gauge the server impact of its new crossplay feature. ittedly, split-screen on Xbox Series S was a surprise inclusion, but definitely one that'll change the face of Baldur's Gate 3 multiplayer on Xbox.
Source: Video Games Chronicle, Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3
-
- Top Critic Avg: 96/100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Baldur's Gate 3 doesn't crossplay
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