How to Play 2 Player Fortnite on Nintendo Switch: The Ultimate Guide
Ready to squad up with a friend for some Battle Royale action on your Switch? Getting Fortnite‘s split screen multiplayer running is quick and easy. Just follow this guide!
Step 1: Start Fortnite and Connect Both Controllers
Launch Fortnite on your Switch and make sure you‘re on the main menu. Now‘s the time to turn on and sync up both of your Joy-Con controllers before adding the second player.
If you only have a single Joy-Con, you‘ll need to pair an additional controller like the Pro Controller. Fortnite requires each player to have their own input device.
Step 2: Add the Second Player
From the main Fortnite menu, have Player 1 press the Y button on their controller. This brings up the "Add Extra Controller" option.
Next, Player 2 presses any button on their controller. A sign-in screen pops up allowing them to either log in to an existing account or select a Guest profile.
Pro Tip: If Player 2 has their own account, make sure they sign in now. This saves unlocks and progress between gaming sessions.
Step 3: Start Matchmaking Together
Once Player 2 joins successfully, you‘ll both appear together in the Fortnite lobby. The traditional "Solo" playlist disappears too, being replaced by a Duos option.
At this point, everything works just like playing alone – except now there‘s two of you! Ready up, select Duos mode, and you‘ll be matchmade into a game with friend by your side.
What Game Modes Work with Fortnite Split Screen?
Fortnite‘s split screen multiplayer allows two players to share one horizontal screen. This means each player sees half the traditional view.
From a technical limitation standpoint, fast-paced modes like Solos aren‘t optimized for split screen. But Fortnite does support co-op play in these select modes:
- Duos
- Squads
- Creative
- Save the World
Based on my experience, Duos can feel cramped on one screen which is why I prefer Squads. This allows you to fill your team with two local and two online players. The more the merrier!
Fortnite Split Screen Gameplay Tips
Playing split screen side-by-side takes some adjusting used to. With less screen real estate, you‘ll need to master proximity awareness between each other.
Check out these tips to dominate Fortnite Duos on one Switch:
Communicate constantly – Tell your partner where you are, what weapons you find, and when engaging enemies. Verbal coordination is key!
Mark locations frequently – Use Fortnite‘s marking system often, especially for far away spots that are off screen for your teammate.
Avoid spreading out too far – Stick closer together since you can‘t see the other half of action. Separating leads to quick deaths!
Is Fortnite Split Screen Performance Okay?
Epic Games has done an admirable job optimizing Fortnite‘s graphical demands, especially for the Switch‘s modest hardware.
In my experience, Fortnite runs smoothly at 30 FPS in split screen mode. Sure, there‘s some occasional choppiness like rendering buildings from far.
But major graphical settings like resolution, textures, and draw distance don‘t take a noticeable hit. Overall framerate remains consistent too.
If you want some numbers, here‘s a performance breakdown:
| Graphic Setting | Handheld | Docked |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1280×720 | 1920×1080 |
| FPS (Split Screen) | 25-30 | 25-30 |
Of course, Fortnite visuals and speed suffer less on an Xbox One or PS4. But the Switch makes split screen play possible on-the-go which is awesome!
Closing Recommendations for Playing Split Screen Fortnite
Split screen multiplayer? On a Nintendo Switch?? I‘ll take it!
Teaming up with friends…on a single Switch is a dream. The flexibility to squad up at home or on-the-move is huge too.
Hopefully these tips help you wreck Duos and Squads mode with a couch buddy. Let me know if you have any other questions! I play Fortnite religiously and love helping fellow gamers.
Now get out there, master split screen mode, and collect those Victory Royales!
