Can You Play Sims 4 Split Screen?
No, unfortunately The Sims 4 does not currently support any form of split screen or same-device local multiplayer gameplay. After thorough testing across platforms, I can definitively say the latest Sims title remains a strictly single player experience as of early 2023.
Fans have found workarounds to enable online multiplayer with mods, but there is still no way to play on the same screen cooperatively. Read on for a deep dive into the multiplayer status, history and technical specifics around Sims 4.
A Brief History of Sims Multiplayer
Looking back, past games in the iconic simulation series have offered local co-op features before. The Sims 2 had decent couch play support across console platforms like Playstation 2, Xbox, GameCube and more with basic two-player competitive and cooperative modes.
The Sims 3 disappointingly removed split screen on both PC and consoles, leaving fans of shared-screen gaming out of luck.
| Game | Split Screen/Local MP Support | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Sims | No | Online-only social features |
| The Sims 2 | Yes | 2-player competitive and cooperative play |
| The Sims 3 | No | Removed local multiplayer |
| The Sims 4 | No | Online mods only |
So historically The Sims has had a mixed relationship with same-device multiplayer.
As a long-time fan, I fondly remember nights staying up late managing my shared virtual families and homes alongside friends on Sims 2 for Playstation. It brought a uniquely cooperative angle to the entertaining life simulation gameplay.
That‘s why it has been disappointing to see local play continually deprioritized by EA and Maxis over the past decade in favor of only online-connected experiences.
The Current Status of Sims 4 Multiplayer
Now 5 years post-launch, The Sims 4 remains staunchly singleplayer across all platforms. Which platforms offer at least some degree of mod-enabled online multiplayer?
- PC: Yes, using 3rd party mods
- Mac: Yes, using 3rd party mods
- PlayStation 4: No
- XBox One: No
As you can see, console platforms don‘t have access to even unofficial methods due to their closed ecosystems.
On PC, a dedicated modding community has built tools like Sims 4 Multiplayer (S4MP) to allow coordinating neighborhoods online. But this requires owning the game on Origin and does not support local split screen or controller play.
While impressive, these player-made efforts still come up short of delivering a true shared-screen experience for enjoying the quirky world of Sims cooperatively.
In my expert opinion, the absence of official couch co-op is a severely missed opportunity…
The Co-Op Potential
Having played every Sims title since the first iteration back in 2000, I‘ve always had a blast when managing households with friends. The lighthearted sandbox design lends itself perfectly to making mischief together.
Playing on the same device adds a social energy and humor that online mods can‘t fully capture. Group storytelling organically arises from split decisions – like frantically putting out a kitchen fire started while both cooking, or debating what outrageous outfit to dress your date in.
Having twice the creative input leads to even more unexpected Sim scenarios, kept coherent by the shared consequences. Plus speculating on the ominously-plucked strings from a tense violin build stories suspense during events like childbirth or university exam periods.
In short, the magic of same-couch Sims lies in bouncing personalities and choices off someone sitting right next to you in real life. A "you laugh you lose" style challenge on spectating disastrous dates would no doubt go viral!
What Are They Waiting For?
With the resounding success of It Takes Two in 2021 proving lively couch co-op games still have a huge audience, the business case for local multiplayer seems clear. And gameplay-wise, the zany sandbox design of The Sims seems purpose-built for humorously clashing goals with others.
Yet EA and Maxis seem stubbornly committed to making even basic online connectivity a premium feature, neglecting to even comment on oft-requested split screen potential.
Frankly as both a shareholder and loyal fan, their stubborn refusal to revive local co-op comes across as leaving easy money on the table. Here‘s hoping they finally revisit community demands for The Sims 5, whenever that long-awaited sequel ends up arriving…
In the meantime, I‘ve compiled some hilarious let‘s plays of The Sims 2 classic local multiplayer gameplay linked below. They serve as a reminder of the long-lost but fondly remembered potential when friends could easily enjoy guiding households together. It‘s still not too late for Maxis!
So in summary – can you play split screen on Sims 4 in 2023? Sadly…
