As the Xbox One library matured in 2017, players discovered that split screen remained a powerful way to share living room spaces with friends and family. This guide highlights the best split screen Xbox One games from 2017, focusing on tight controls, balanced AI, and sessions that kept groups talking long after the match ended.
Below is a quick reference that captures genre, online support, local play options, and ideal group size for the top split screen titles of the year.
| Title | Genre | Split Screen Players | Local Versus Online Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft | Sandbox, Adventure | 2 ( host ) + 3 guests | Local with optional Xbox Live |
| Rocket League | Sports, Racing | 2v2 only | Local vs Online crossplay disabled in split screen |
| Overcooked! | Coop Action | 2 ( local couch ) | Local only |
| Bomberman Live: Battlefest | Party, Battle Royale | 2 ( couch ) + 2 online | Hybrid local and online |
| Rayman Legends | Platformer | 2 ( local ) | Local only |
Perfect Party Setups for Split Screen
In 2017, the best split screen Xbox One games were optimized for couch gatherings where two players on one screen could compete or cooperate without sacrificing the party vibe. Titles like Rocket League and Bomberman Live: Battlefest balanced fast paced action with simple match flow, so newcomers and veterans could jump in and out without long downtime.
Hosting a session usually required one owner’s disc or digital license, with invitees joining on second controllers. System updates and party chat settings were important to verify ahead of game night to avoid interruptions during heated rounds.
Genre Variety and Replay Value
Sports and Battle Arena
Rocket League stood out in 2017 for its split screen 2v2 matches that felt like arcade soccer with rocket powered cars. The pacing kept both players engaged, and the relatively forgiving physics helped friends of different skill levels have fun together.
Coop Chaos and Cooking
Overcooked! turned split screen into a frantic kitchen where communication mattered more than reflexes. Its level design encouraged teamwork, and the local only restriction meant parties could focus on laughing at mishaps rather than managing online lobbies.
Battle Royale and Bombs
Bomberman Live: Battlefest blended classic grid based strategy with modern battle royale elements. Split screen battles were tight, and the mix of local and online teammates made it easy to practice combos before taking them into ranked online lobbies.
Accessibility and Controller Setup
Most of the best split screen Xbox One games in 2017 supported two controllers out of the box, and dashboard settings allowed quick switching between guest accounts. Families appreciated titles like Rayman Legends that worked equally well with wired controllers or compatible third party pads, lowering the barrier to entry for casual players.
Some games required the owner to be signed in on their profile for splitscreen to unlock, while others let any local user launch a session after the initial load, which influenced how smoothly a group could rotate in and out during a party.
Key Takeaways for 2017 Xbox One Split Screen Gaming
- Rocket League delivers the most competitive split screen sports action on Xbox One in 2017.
- Overcooked! shines as a local only chaos party experience that rewards communication.
- Bomberman Live: Battlefest offers a flexible hybrid of local and online teammates.
- Minecraft provides expansive sandbox split screen fun with optional online layers.
- Rayman Legends proves that tight platforming can work beautifully in two player format.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I play Rocket League split screen with friends on different consoles?
No, Rocket League split screen on Xbox One is local only and does not support cross console play in couch modes.
Does Minecraft split screen work on Xbox Live co op sessions?
p>Yes, you can play Minecraft split screen locally with additional players joining through Xbox Live, depending on the host’s multiplayer settings.
How many people can join Bomberman Live: Battlefest in split screen on one TV?
Bomberman Live: Battlefest supports two local players and up to two online teammates, giving a hybrid setup for mixed play styles.
Is online multiplayer available in Overcooked! split screen sessions?
Overcooked! split screen is local only, so online cooperation requires separate systems rather than shared screen play.