No Split-Screen Option in Need for Speed Heat

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Straight to the point – there is unfortunately no way to play split-screen multiplayer in NFS Heat on any platform. Recent installments have moved away from local co-op features.

The Evolution of Split-Screen in Need for Speed

The ability to race alongside a friend on the same TV used to be a staple of classic NFS titles. Looking back:

  • NFS Hot Pursuit 2 (2002) – Full split-screen support
  • NFS Underground (2003) – 2 player split-screen
  • NFS Most Wanted (2005) – Head-to-head splitscreen racing

As seen in the table below, this trend continued up until the NFS reboot in 2015.

NFS GameYearSplitscreen?
Hot Pursuit 22002✅ Yes
Underground2003✅ Yes (2 player)
Most Wanted2005✅ Yes
Carbon2006✅ Yes
2015 Reboot2015❌ Removed

Reference chart data

The last three iterations – NFS (2015), Payback (2017) and Heat (2019) – have all lacked split-screen functionality.

Why Was Split-Screen Removed?

Enabling smooth split-screen multiplayer places much higher demands on hardware and game engines. Popular industry technical artist Marco Thrush explained on Twitter:

"Today‘s games rely heavily on pulling all available resources from the CPU & GPU. Splitting that already bursting power across two screens heavily impacts performance."

By dropping split-screen support, recent NFS games could better optimize a single-player view and push graphical quality/fidelity as a key selling point and area of competition with other racing titles.

How Many NFS Heat Players Use Multiplayer?

According to an Electronic Arts financial report in 2020, over 25 million players have joined the Need for SpeedTM network.

Split-screen racing is certainly missed by fans, but robust online multiplayer helps keep the community engaged. Popular NFS subreddit threads suggest racing crews and friends still actively organize sessions in NFS Heat today.

Alternatives for Split-Screen Racing

If you prefer side-by-side local racing fun, some top alternatives include:

  • Crash Team Racing
  • Riptide GP Renegade
  • Horizon Chase Turbo

These games specially design both visuals and mechanics around smooth split-screen play.

Coordinating Online Multiplayer in NFS Heat

While not the same as couch play, you can meet up and race friends online:

  1. Use Find Players and connect via EA ID or Gamertag
  2. Create or join a Crew to easily link up with regular teammates
  3. Coordinate custom meet-up spots on the map to start multiplayer events

Team up to take down roaming police squads or enjoy impromptu street races across Palm City!

Split-screen may be gone, but the fun of playing together in Need for Speed continues on. Here‘s hoping it makes a comeback in future releases!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

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