- The Outlast Trials split screen is not supported; the game is online co-op only.
- Co-op works with up to four players through online matchmaking or private lobby invites.
- The game launched officially on March 5, 2024 with a Very Positive Steam rating.
- Couch co-op alternatives include remote play tools, Discord screen sharing, and cross-platform play.
- Communication and role planning matter more than display setup in team Trials.
Does The Outlast Trials Have Split Screen?
The Outlast Trials is a cooperative survival-horror game developed by Red Barrels, built around teams of Reagents completing Murkoff's brutal experiments together. The direct answer to the split screen question: no, The Outlast Trials does not support split screen or local couch co-op. Every player needs their own copy of the game, their own device, and their own internet connection.
The game's co-op design is entirely online-based, supporting single-player runs and teams of up to four players. According to the official Steam store page, the game supports solo play and online co-op for up to four players, with more than 43,000 user reviews rated Very Positive overall (Steam).
This is a deliberate design choice. The Outlast Trials relies heavily on separated exploration, individual hiding mechanics, and independent night-vision camera use, all of which function best when each player has a full screen and full audio isolation.
Video Highlights:
- Official Version 1.0 launch trailer from Red Barrels
- Shows the four-player Reagent co-op structure
- Highlights trial objectives and enemy encounters
- Confirms the online co-op focus of the full release
| Feature | Support Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Split screen (local) | Not supported | No couch co-op mode exists |
| Online co-op | Supported, up to 4 players | Core design of the game |
| Solo play | Supported | Full trials can be completed alone |
| Cross-play | Available across platforms | Matchmaking connects supported platforms |
| Local area network (LAN) | Not supported | Online servers only |
Some third-party sites list The Outlast Trials under "split screen games" categories. These listings are inaccurate. Always verify co-op features on the official Steam page or the Red Barrels website.
Multiplayer Options: How Co-Op Actually Works
Even without split screen, The Outlast Trials offers flexible ways to team up. Understanding each option helps you pick the right setup before entering a Trial.
| Co-Op Mode | Player Count | Best For | Privacy Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo queue | 1 | Learning maps, stealth practice | Private |
| Public matchmaking | Up to 4 | Quick runs, meeting players | Open |
| Private lobby with friends | Up to 4 | Coordinated tactics, role builds | Invite only |
| Mixed lobby (friends + matchmaking) | Up to 4 | Filling empty slots mid-run | Semi-open |
Public Matchmaking
- Fastest way to find a team
- Ideal for standard-difficulty Trials
- Communication often limited to pings
Private Lobby
- Full control over team composition
- Best for high-difficulty Programs
- Enables voice strategy and role builds
Solo Play
- No teammates to coordinate with
- Slower but safer objective pacing
- Recommended for map learning
The Outlast Trials becomes dramatically easier with voice communication. Calling out enemy positions, locked doors, and extraction routes in real time is far more valuable than any display arrangement. Use the official Discord server to find organized teams with mics.
Couch Co-Op Alternatives: Setup Steps
If you want the closest experience to split screen with a friend in the same room, several workarounds approximate shared-screen play. None of these are official features, but they are practical options used by the community.
Use Two Devices Side by Side
The simplest approach: each player runs the game on their own PC or console with displays placed next to each other. This preserves full performance and native controls while giving you couch-style communication.
Try Steam Remote Play Together
Steam's Remote Play Together lets a local player join an online friend's session over the internet. Check current compatibility on the game's Steam community discussions, as behavior can vary with updates.
Share Screens via Discord
For a companion-style experience, one player shares their screen in a Discord call. The second player cannot control a character, but can act as a navigator calling out routes and enemy positions.
Use Wearing Headphones Together
Since the game's audio design carries key enemy cues, sitting in the same room with shared awareness of sound helps teams react to patrols, chases, and Prime Asset movements.
| Method | Players Need Own Copy | Same-Room Friendly | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two devices, two screens | Yes | Yes | Native |
| Remote Play Together | No (guest) | Partial | Depends on connection |
| Discord screen share | Only host plays | Yes | Stream quality varies |
| Online co-op, separate locations | Yes | No | Native |
The Outlast Trials uses darkness, night-vision effects, and directional audio as core mechanics. Dividing one screen would compromise hiding, scanning, and navigation, which is a common reason horror co-op games skip the feature entirely.
Best Rig and Role Setup for Online Teams
Since you cannot rely on glancing at a teammate's screen, build your team loadouts to cover information gaps. Choose Rigs that compensate for reduced shared awareness.
| Rig | Role | Value Without Split Screen | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stun Rig | Crowd control | Creates rescue and objective windows during chases | S |
| Heal Rig | Team recovery | Sustains teams that cannot share health items quickly | S |
| X-Ray Rig | Reconnaissance | Reveals enemies and objectives other players cannot see | A |
| Barricade Rig | Area denial | Secures doors and objectives when teammates are elsewhere | A |
The X-Ray Rig deserves special mention here. It is the closest substitute for split screen awareness, letting one player gather information for the entire team through walls.
Pre-Trial Team Checklist:
- Confirm all players have working voice communication
- Assign one X-Ray or scout player for route planning
- Agree on regroup points near each objective
- Decide who carries Antidote and healing items
- Review extraction routes before starting the Trial
A four-player team with clear roles, assigned Rigs, and voice calls will consistently outperform any attempt to replicate split screen. Focus your preparation on loadout coordination rather than display workarounds.
Split Screen FAQ
Q: Does The Outlast Trials support split screen on any platform?
No. The Outlast Trials has no split screen mode on any platform. The game is designed exclusively for solo play and online co-op with up to four players, each on their own device and display.
Q: Can I play The Outlast Trials split screen with Steam Remote Play Together?
Steam Remote Play Together is not a confirmed official feature for The Outlast Trials. Check the game's Steam community hub for current compatibility reports, as behavior may change between updates.
Q: Is local co-op or couch co-op planned for The Outlast Trials?
Red Barrels has not announced local co-op or split screen support. The development focus has remained on online co-op, seasonal programs, new Trials, and Prime Assets. Follow official news on Steam or the Red Barrels website for any future feature announcements.
Q: What is the best way to play The Outlast Trials with a friend in the same room?
Run the game on two separate devices with screens side by side, using voice or direct communication. This gives each player full visual clarity and native performance while keeping the couch co-op social experience.
Feature sets can change with major patches. Check the Steam news page and Red Barrels announcements for the latest official information on co-op features and platform support.