The Solarpunk Split Screen Guide: How to Play Co-Op on PS5, Xbox, and PC

Yes, Solarpunk™ has local split-screen co-op, but it’s exclusively available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and is restricted to two specific game modes. The main story campaign remains a solo experience. This comprehensive solarpunk split screen guide covers platform differences, the exact setup process, and what gameplay changes you can expect when sharing a screen.

There is no couch co-op support for the Nintendo Switch version of the game due to hardware limitations. For those on supported platforms, setting up a session is straightforward, but understanding the mode limitations and unique co-op mechanics is key to a smooth playthrough.

01

Which Platforms and Modes Support Couch Co-op?tag

Not all versions of Solarpunk are created equal when it comes to local multiplayer. Support is robust on current-gen consoles and PC, but the experience is tailored to specific, non-campaign modes designed for cooperative play. Understanding these limitations is the first step to getting your game started.

Platform Breakdown: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PCtag

Couch co-op is a feature developer Radiant Worlds clearly optimized for more powerful hardware. On both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game runs admirably, though with some expected performance adjustments compared to solo play. PC players have the most flexibility, provided their rig is up to the task.

Here’s a direct comparison of what to expect on each platform:

Crucially, PC players cannot use a keyboard-and-mouse and a controller combination for co-op. The game requires two separate controller inputs to initiate and run a split-screen session. The Series S version takes a noticeable hit, locking to 30 FPS to maintain stability, but remains a very playable experience.

Why is the Nintendo Switch Version Single-Player Only?tag

The lack of split-screen on the Switch boils down to performance. Solarpunk's complex physics simulations for water, plant growth, and construction are resource-intensive. Rendering the world twice on the Switch's hardware would have required compromises to resolution and framerate that the developers deemed unacceptable for the core gameplay experience. As a result, the Switch port is a dedicated single-player adventure.

Game Modes with Co-op: Delta Defense & Free-Buildtag

The biggest caveat to Solarpunk's co-op is that the main story campaign is not supported. The narrative, with its character-specific cutscenes and progression, is designed as a solo journey. Instead, two other modes are fully enabled for split-screen:

• Delta Defense: This is a wave-based survival mode where two players must work together to build, power, and defend a terraforming spire against waves of corrupted automata in the Sunstone Delta. Resources are limited, and coordination is essential to survive the increasingly difficult nights.
• Free-Build Sandbox: This mode unlocks after you've completed the first chapter of the campaign. It gives two players access to a large, open map with unlimited resources to design and build sprawling solarpunk communities without the pressure of objectives or enemies.

These modes sidestep the narrative constraints of the campaign and focus purely on the game's core mechanics of building and survival, making them perfect fits for drop-in, drop-out cooperative play.

02

How to Start a Split-Screen Session: Step-by-Steptag

Getting a co-op game running is simple once you know the process. The game doesn't advertise the feature prominently on its main menu, leading to some confusion. Just follow these steps.

1. Connect a Second Controller. Before launching the game, make sure your second controller is powered on and connected to your console or PC. The system should recognize it as a distinct input device.
2. Launch Solarpunk. Start the game as you normally would and wait for the main menu to appear (the screen showing your character looking out over the verdant valley).
3. Have Player 2 Join. On the main menu, look for a small prompt at the bottom of the screen. Player 2 must press the Options button (on PlayStation), Menu button (on Xbox), or Start button (on most PC controllers) to activate their profile.
4. Sign In or Select a Guest Profile. Player 2 will be prompted to sign into a user profile or continue as a guest. Note that guest accounts cannot save progression or earn achievements/trophies.
5. Select a Co-op Mode. Once Player 2 is successfully joined, the main menu will update. The "Campaign" option will be greyed out. You can now select either "Delta Defense" or "Free-Build Sandbox" to begin your session. The screen will split (vertically by default) as soon as the game mode loads.

If the prompt for Player 2 to join doesn't appear, double-check that the second controller is properly synced with your system and that its battery is charged.

03

What Changes in Co-op Gameplay?tag

Playing Solarpunk in split-screen isn't just about having a second pair of hands; the game introduces specific mechanics to encourage teamwork and define player roles.

P1 vs. P2: The Architect and the Scouttag

To streamline the experience, the game assigns subtle roles to each player. Player 1 is designated the "Architect," while Player 2 becomes the "Scout."

• The Architect (P1) has sole control over placing foundational structures like the Hydro-Spire and Power Converters. This prevents players from accidentally building conflicting core systems. They see the full build menu.
• The Scout (P2) cannot place foundational items but receives a passive 15% speed boost and has a unique scanner ability (activated by pressing L3/LS) that pings the location of rare resources like Sun-Crystals and Geodes within a 50-meter radius. This makes them the ideal resource gatherer.

This division of labor encourages communication. The Architect calls out needs, and the Scout efficiently gathers the materials to meet them.

Shared Resources and No Tetheringtag

Thankfully, Solarpunk implements a shared resource pool. Any wood, stone, or Chronomite Shards collected by either player go into a communal inventory, accessible to both. This eliminates any tedious need to drop items for your partner.

Furthermore, the game features no restrictive player tethering. You and your partner can roam up to 500 meters apart from each other before a warning icon appears on the HUD, giving you ample freedom to tackle different tasks across the map simultaneously.

The Revive Mechanictag

In the Delta Defense mode, if a player's health is depleted, they enter a "downed" state. They aren't immediately eliminated. Their partner has 30 seconds to run over and hold the interact button to revive them. Reviving a partner consumes one "Bio-Syringe" from the shared inventory, an item that must be crafted at a chemistry station. This adds a layer of tactical depth, forcing players to manage their healing resources and protect each other during intense combat.

04

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)tag

Can you play the Solarpunk campaign in split-screen?tag

No, the main story campaign in Solarpunk is a single-player only experience. Split-screen co-op is limited to the "Delta Defense" survival mode and the "Free-Build Sandbox" mode.

Does Solarpunk support 4-player split-screen?tag

No, local co-op is limited to two players only. The game does not support three or four-player split-screen on any platform.

Can you play split-screen and online multiplayer at the same time?tag

This feature, sometimes called "combo co-op," is not supported in Solarpunk. A split-screen session is strictly local. You cannot have two local players join an online friend's game.

Do both players need a premium account (PS Plus / Game Pass Core) to play split-screen?tag

No. Since split-screen is an offline, local feature, only Player 1 needs to be signed into a main account. Player 2 can join as a guest without needing a separate subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core.

05

The Final Verdict: Is Couch Co-op Worth It?tag

While the absence of campaign co-op is a definite disappointment, the split-screen modes that are available are polished, engaging, and add significant replay value to the game. Delta Defense, in particular, shines as a dedicated co-op experience, turning the game into a frantic and rewarding tower defense challenge with a friend.

For players who love the building and survival mechanics of Solarpunk and have a partner to play with, the couch co-op is a fantastic and well-implemented feature. It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon building a sustainable utopia or desperately fighting off robotic hordes, together on one screen.