Dauntless has established itself as a popular free-to-play action RPG with a strong emphasis on cooperative monster hunting, drawing comparisons to games like Monster Hunter. Its fast-paced combat, cross-platform support, and consistent content updates have created a solid player base across consoles and PC. For many gamers, especially those who enjoy couch co-op experiences, an important question often arises: does Dauntless support split screen? With multiplayer games increasingly focusing on online connectivity, the lack or presence of local multiplayer features can significantly impact the experience for certain players. This topic explores the availability of split screen in Dauntless, what multiplayer features the game offers, and alternative ways to enjoy cooperative play.
Does Dauntless Have Split Screen Support?
No Native Split Screen Option
As of now, Dauntless does not support split screen gameplay on any platform, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC. This means that two players cannot use the same console or device to play the game together on a single screen. Whether you’re playing on a large TV or a gaming monitor, there is currently no in-game option to enable local split screen play.
Designed for Online Multiplayer
Dauntless was built from the ground up as an online multiplayer experience. The game’s architecture focuses on server-based matchmaking and cloud-based progress tracking. Because of this, the developers at Phoenix Labs have not implemented any local multiplayer or offline co-op features, including split screen.
Why Dauntless Doesn’t Support Split Screen
Technical and Design Limitations
Adding split screen functionality to a game like Dauntless would require significant redesign in both technical and visual terms. Here’s why:
- Performance Impact – Rendering two instances of a fast-paced, graphically rich world simultaneously could strain performance on consoles and PCs.
- UI Complexity – The game’s interface is designed for a full screen, and shrinking it to accommodate two players would require reworking HUD elements, menus, and controls.
- Online-Only Model – Dauntless is inherently connected to online servers, which complicates the inclusion of local modes without internet access or offline progression systems.
Focus on Cross-Platform Play
Rather than developing local co-op features, Phoenix Labs has directed its resources toward maintaining robust cross-platform play. Players on different systems can easily team up to hunt Behemoths, regardless of whether they’re using a Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. This design choice prioritizes a unified, cloud-based experience over traditional couch co-op models.
Multiplayer Options Available in Dauntless
Cross-Platform Online Co-Op
Although split screen is not available, Dauntless does provide a strong cooperative experience through online multiplayer. You can join up with friends or random players to form a hunting party of up to four Slayers. With cross-play functionality, it doesn’t matter which device each person is using. This system enables seamless multiplayer sessions, making it accessible for long-distance friends or family.
Party System and Matchmaking
Dauntless features an easy-to-use party system. Players can invite friends directly or use matchmaking to join groups. Once in a party, all players share loot and rewards based on team performance. This makes co-op not just possible, but a core component of the game’s progression system.
Alternatives to Split Screen for Local Co-Op Fans
Using Two Consoles or PCs
One workaround for playing Dauntless together in the same physical space is for each player to use their own console or PC. As long as both devices are connected to the internet and the players have accounts, they can log in, party up, and hunt together even while sitting side by side. This setup may require multiple TVs or monitors but does replicate the feel of couch co-op to some extent.
Game Streaming Services
Some tech-savvy players use game streaming platforms like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or PlayStation Remote Play to access Dauntless on multiple devices simultaneously. This method also allows flexibility for those who only have one main gaming machine but wish to play with others in the same household.
Player Requests and Community Feedback
Is Split Screen a Requested Feature?
There is a portion of the Dauntless community that has asked for split screen or offline local co-op options. Players with siblings, partners, or children often express a desire to share the monster hunting experience from the same couch. However, as of now, Phoenix Labs has not officially addressed plans to add such a feature.
Developer Priorities
The development roadmap for Dauntless typically focuses on seasonal events, new Behemoths, balance updates, and feature expansions related to gear, cosmetics, and gameplay mechanics. While community feedback is important to the developers, split screen functionality does not appear to be on the horizon based on recent announcements or developer discussions.
Comparing Dauntless to Similar Games
Monster Hunter Series
Many players compare Dauntless to the Monster Hunter franchise. Interestingly, even Monster Hunter games rarely include split screen functionality. Titles like Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise also rely heavily on online co-op rather than couch multiplayer.
Games That Do Support Split Screen
For players who strongly prefer split screen experiences, other games may be more suitable. These include:
- Borderlands series
- Minecraft
- ARK: Survival Evolved (on certain platforms)
- Fortnite (limited split screen on consoles)
- Lego video games
While these may not offer the same Behemoth-hunting experience, they do cater to players who enjoy local co-op gaming.
Summary of Key Points
- Dauntless does not support split screen on any platform.
- It is designed exclusively as an online multiplayer game with cross-play features.
- Local co-op can be mimicked using multiple devices and internet connections.
- There is no current indication from the developers that split screen will be added in future updates.
- Players looking for true split screen co-op may need to explore alternative games.
While Dauntless offers a rich cooperative gameplay experience with vibrant combat and exciting Behemoth battles, it does not currently support split screen. The game’s foundation is based on online play, with cross-platform accessibility being a major strength. For players who are hoping to sit down and enjoy Dauntless with someone on the same screen, the lack of split screen may be a disappointment. However, there are still ways to enjoy the game together locally using separate devices. Whether or not split screen ever becomes a reality in Dauntless, the game remains a popular choice for team-based action and continues to evolve through regular updates and community engagement.