Can 2 People Game on the Same PC?

The quick answer is an enthusiastic yes! With the right gear, games, and few setup tweaks, you can absolutely have an awesome co-op gaming experience on one PC. Read on for everything you need to know.

As a passionate gamer and creator who loves experiencing epic stories and intense multiplayer battles, I live for those special games that let you team up on the couch or online even when you only have access to one rig.

And I‘m not alone – according to a 2022 industry report, over 64% of gamers play co-op games at least once a month, whether locally in split-screen or linking up online with services like Steam Remote Play Together.

The growth of couch gaming speaks to the enduring joy of smack talking and high fiving your friend sitting next to you as you cooperatively take down enemies or jam out to rhythmic song charts.

From optimizing your setup to taking advantage of Steam‘s remote play features, let‘s dive into everything you need to know about taking your PC gaming experience from solo to an awesome side-by-side cooperative adventure.

Gearing Up for Epic Split-Screen Gaming

Playing a split-screen game on PC takes a little prep work compared to consoles designed exactly for local multiplayer. But have no fear – with the right gear and settings tweaks you‘ll be up and gaming with a friend in no time.

Here‘s a quick checklist of what you‘ll need:

🔥 A Split-Screen Compatible Game

This is obvious, but a key first step is choosing a game that actually supports a simultaneous co-op mode. Some popular options across genres include:

• Shooters: Call of Duty franchise, Borderlands series
• Sports: Rocket League, FIFA Series
• Adventure: It Takes Two, A Way Out
• Puzzle: Portal 2, We Were Here series
• Casual: Overcooked 1 & 2, Stardew Valley

🖥️ Sufficient Processing Power

Playing a complex 3D game with two screens at once naturally requires some extra GPU and CPU horsepower. For smooth performance, I recommend at least:

• CPU: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
• GPU/Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 10-Series or Radeon RX 500-series
• RAM: 8GB+

🎮 Extra Controllers

While it is possible force keyboard and mouse split-screen play, I highly recommend investing in controllers for the true classic couch gaming feel:

• Xbox Wireless Controllers – Plug and play with most games
• PlayStation DualShock 4/DualSense – Compatible via third-party apps
• Specialized split-screen keyboards like the Azeron keypad

⚙️ Getting Display and Settings Right

Once you have the gear, it‘s time configure your display and in-game settings:

1. Arrange your setup so both players can easily see the screen. A large TV or ultra-wide monitor works best.
2. Launch the game then access video/display settings
3. Toggle on split-screen mode, choose horizontal or vertical orientation, and indicate 2 player mode
4. In gameplay settings designate controller assignments for P1 and P2

It may take some tweaking with resolution and graphics settings to find the right performance balance. I recommend starting with lower resolution and detail first.

With the checklist completed, it‘s time to sit down and enjoy stunning split-screen adventures! Race to flavor town in Overcooked 2, frustrate each other in Death Squared, or brave the zombie hordes in Left 4 Dead 2.

Taking Local Co-op Gaming Online with Steam Remote Play

As great as gaming with friends in person is, physical distance or pandemic lockdowns can limit who you can game with IRL.

But thanks to Steam‘s Remote Play Together technology, you can now effortlessly enjoy local co-op PC games with friends entirely online.

Remote Play works by essentially streaming the host‘s gameplay session to others. This allows extra players to join as if they were sitting with you even when they don‘t own the game.

Some amazing benefits of Remote Play Together:

🌐 Play Anywhere – Friends can join remotely from their PC, phones, tablets, etc
🎁 Saves Money – Only host needs to own game
🎤Built-In Voice Chat – Gab just like sitting next to each other
🤝 Supports Up to 4 Players – Have a whole online party

From intense horror titles like Phasmophobia to zany party games like Pretend You‘re Xyzzy, scroll through Steam‘s Remote Play tag to discover an ever-growing library of supported co-op experiences.

Here‘s a peek at 10 recent popular games boasting Remote Play Together:

The beauty of Remote Play Together is it removes any excuse to not play amazing co-op games with friends and family, no matter where they live.

My Top 10 Picks for Local Co-op Gaming Glory

As a passionate gamer who has sunk countless hours into local co-op games, I‘m often asked what my favorites are to play split-screen or online. Well ask and you shall receive!

Here‘s my personal ranking of the 10 best co-op gaming experiences:

1. It Takes Two – A narrative masterpiece full of varied gameplay that‘s only possible in co-op. The friend‘s pass means only one copy needed too!
2. Portal 2 – Hilarious and mind-bending puzzle solving that brings out the best teamwork.
3. Overcooked 1 & 2 – Frantic cooking chaos that tests friendships and cooperation skills.
4. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – Cute space adventure where you pilot a spaceship together.
5. Cuphead – Bruising 2D boss battles made better with a pal at your side.
6. A Way Out – Cinematic story-driven game focused on cooperation and teamwork .
7. Unraveled Two – Charming and emotional puzzle platformer bound together by yarn
8. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes – Defuse bombs by communicating clues and instructions.
9. Broforce – Side-scrolling shoot ‘em up overflowing with testosterone where you embrace your inner action hero.
10. Gears of War Series – Epic third-person shooter against alien hordes with beefy weaponry.

I could ramble for hours about the thrill of tackling these co-op classics with a teammate by my side. While they span genres and moods, the common thread is fantastic gameplay made infinitely replayable when enjoyed as a shared experience.

Which reminds me – drop me a line on your best co-op recommendations! I‘m always hunting for passionate gamers to squad up with either locally or online.

Let the Co-Op Gaming Commence

At the end of the day, gaming is an intrinsically social experience. Sure, we all have games we disappear into solo from time to time.

But cooperating with real friends, family, or even friendly internet strangers can lead to boisterous shared memories and inside jokes simply not possible playing alone.

With the right cooperative games, proper hardware, and Steam‘s amazing Remote Play Together system, nothing can stop you from having an awesome time gaming with others on one PC.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a buddy either locally or online and jump into the wild world of cooperative play today. The adventures awaiting are infinitely more enjoyable when you tackle them together.

Let me know on Twitter how your co-op journey goes! If you run into any issues setting up split screen or Steam remote play, I‘m happy to provide troubleshooting tips.

Happy gaming, friends! Now who wants to be my multiplayer wingman?