The Ultimate Guide to Local Multiplayer in Madden 23
As a long-time Madden gamer and content creator, one of my favorite ways to play is side-by-side with a friend on the same console. Grabbing a second controller and toggling on cooperative 2 player on Madden 23 leads to hours of competitive fun – trading trash talk while managing plays and players.
Over the years, I‘ve fine-tuned an optimal setup to leverage the full potential of Madden‘s local multiplayer functionality. So let‘s dive into everything you need to know to play 2 player on the same system!
Getting Started with Local Co-Op
First and foremost, playing 2 player co-op in Madden 23 requires two controllers connected to your PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S or PC. While you can play online co-op with friends, local split-screen multiplayer allows you to experience the true social fun of gaming side-by-side.
Before jumping in, both players will also need separate gamertags or user profiles on the console. Create additional profiles for each user beforehand so you can pick unique teams and save progression.
Breakdown of Key Game Modes
Once set up with controllers and profiles, which game modes support 2 player on a single Madden 23 system? While somewhat limited, there are a few great options:
- Play Now: Jump right into an exhibition match against your friend. Choose teams, difficulty, settings and stadiums and battle head-to-head!
- Franchise: Build a franchise and compete over multiple seasons against your friend. Participate in the draft, free agency, trades etc.
- Ultimate Team: Take your fantasy roster into co-op play. Challenge your friend‘s team and swap Ultimate Team items after.
- Superstar KO: Select signature superstars and go on a co-op run in this arcade-style party mode!
Based on EA‘s website, other online modes like Face of the Franchise or The Yard do not currently support local multiplayer. Disappointing but Play Now delivers that core head-to-head experience.
Step-By-Step Guide to Activating 2 Player Mode
Ready to play Madden 23 locally with your friend? Let‘s walk through the simple process:
Launch Madden 23 and select Play Now from the main menu:
On the pre-game lobby screen, toggle the settings:
- Change user control to User vs. User
- Turn off AI Players for Player 2
Back out and re-enter Play Now to assign controller profiles
In settings, toggle on Cooperative Play
With profiles set and co-op activated, pick your teams and you‘re ready for kickoff! Always check that 2 player indicator displays pre-snap:
Toggling Between Players Mid-Game
Once in a 2 player game, you can switch control between players and positions. Some shortcuts:
- Switch player: B button
- Select individual player: Hold B + move left stick
- Hot route receivers: Press Y (great for co-op playcalls!)
Practice toggling around the field. For the best co-op experience, teammate 1 can control QB and offense while teammate 2 directs the defense. Or swap roles and players every quarter or possession!
Key Strategic Tips for 2 Player Games
Approaching a 2v2 match requires some different strategic thinking versus battling AI. Here are my top tips:
- Agree on Difficulty First: Find the right challenge level based on both players‘ skills. Avoid lopsided games.
- Leave CPU Teammates On: Having CPU players makes coordinating all 22 athletes tough. Better to focus on individual players.
- Use Co-op Hot Routes: Hot routes allow you to perfectly coordinate playcalls with your friend pre-snap.
- Try Defensive Captain Flip: Turn this on to swap defensive control every quarter – fresh perspective helps vs human opponents.
Learning every position makes you a better 2 player teammate over time. Spend an hour mastering linebackers or safeties instead of relying on your go-to user players.
Differences Between Console Generations
Madden 23 offers cross-generation local multiplayer between PlayStation 4/PS5 and Xbox One/Series X|S consoles via Dual Entitlement. But you may notice subtle differences in graphics or gameplay physics switching console ecosystems.
Based on Reddit, Xbox Series X also seems to handle 2 player split-screen smoother than PlayStation 5. Minor texture and FPS issues currently exist on next-gen PlayStations. Hopefully patches address soon!
Troubleshooting Tips
Even as an experienced player, I‘ve run into quirks activating 2 player mode over the years. Try these common fixes if running into issues:
- Hard reset console if controllers won‘t connect/disconnect
- Re-launch Madden 23 app if 2nd profile won‘t recognized
- Ensure user profiles are fully signed in to platform account
- Check controller batteries or try charging cable
- Adjust screen split visual settings if view obstructed
Following this guide step-by-step and verifying two working controllers connected to active profiles almost guarantees smooth local multiplayer. But technical hiccups happen – don‘t hesitate to reach out if any other questions!
The Joy of Couch Co-Op Gaming
While online multiplayer offers conveniences, I believe there‘s unmatched fun gaming on the couch right next to a friend or family member. The social energy just hits different face-to-face!
So there you have it – everything required for quality 2 player local multiplayer gaming in Madden 23 on PlayStation, Xbox or other consoles. Grab a second controller, call over a buddy, and enjoy hours of cooperative or competitive entertainment together!
Let me know if this helps enable your own legendary couch co-op showdowns! I‘ll be around in comments or active on my YouTube channel if any other Madden questions pop up. Game on!
