Is Secret Neighbor Split Screen?

No, Secret Neighbor does not support split-screen or local co-op gameplay. The game is designed exclusively for online multiplayer, where players connect through the internet rather than sharing a screen. This applies to all platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

Understanding Secret Neighbor’s Multiplayer Design

Secret Neighbor functions as an online-only multiplayer social horror game. Up to 6 players join the same game session through internet connectivity, but each player needs their own device and copy of the game. The game’s architecture doesn’t include the technical framework for split-screen functionality.

The confusion around this topic stems from how the term “multiplayer” gets interpreted. Secret Neighbor is definitely multiplayer, supporting 6 simultaneous players in each match. However, this multiplayer experience requires separate devices connected online, not multiple people crowded around one screen with controllers.

How the Online Multiplayer Works

When you start Secret Neighbor, you connect to either a public or private lobby. Each player sees the game from their character’s perspective on their own screen. One player is randomly selected as the Neighbor in disguise, while the others play as children attempting to find keys and unlock the basement.

The game relies on voice communication and player deduction, with everyone needing their own viewpoint to effectively play their role. The Neighbor must convince others they’re innocent while sabotaging their efforts, and the children need to observe suspicious behavior. This gameplay design works specifically because each player has their own screen and perspective.

Platform-Specific Details

Console Versions (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)

Console versions of Secret Neighbor support online multiplayer through Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, and Nintendo Switch Online respectively. You need an active subscription to these services to play. Despite being on consoles where split-screen gaming is more common, Secret Neighbor doesn’t offer this option.

The game does support cross-platform play between certain console combinations. PlayStation players can match with iOS and Nintendo Switch users. Xbox players can connect with Windows PC and Switch players. However, this cross-platform functionality is still online-based, not local split-screen.

PC Version (Steam and Epic Games Store)

The PC versions follow the same online-only structure. There’s no option to have multiple players on one PC using different controllers or keyboard setups. Each person wanting to play needs their own computer with the game installed.

PC players can use controllers if they prefer, but this doesn’t enable split-screen. The controller simply replaces keyboard and mouse as the input method for that single player.

Mobile Version (iOS)

Secret Neighbor is available on iOS as a free-to-play game. Like other platforms, it requires an internet connection and only supports online multiplayer. There’s no split-screen mode on mobile devices.

Why Secret Neighbor Doesn’t Have Split Screen

The absence of split-screen comes down to game design choices and technical limitations. The social deduction aspect requires each player to have information the others can’t see. If the Neighbor’s screen showed them transforming or placing traps, having other players nearby would compromise the entire premise.

Screen real estate is another factor. Dividing one screen among 4-6 players would make the already cluttered house environment difficult to navigate. Players need to spot keys, items, and suspicious behavior, which becomes nearly impossible with a tiny screen portion.

Voice communication plays a central role in Secret Neighbor. Players need to discuss who they suspect and coordinate their search. Split-screen typically implies everyone is in the same room, which would make the hidden identity mechanic meaningless since players could simply look at each other’s screens.

Alternatives for Local Multiplayer Gaming

If you’re specifically looking for local multiplayer horror experiences, several games offer split-screen or pass-the-controller gameplay:

Phasmophobia doesn’t have split-screen either, but you could set up multiple computers in the same room for a shared experience. Left 4 Dead 2 offers genuine split-screen co-op on consoles. The Dark Pictures Anthology games include a “Movie Night” mode where up to 5 players pass the controller.

Dead by Daylight is similar to Secret Neighbor in its asymmetrical multiplayer format, but it’s also online-only. For games you can actually play split-screen, consider A Way Out or It Takes Two, though these are co-op rather than competitive horror.

The Confusion Around Split Screen Claims

Some gaming websites and social media posts claim Secret Neighbor has split-screen on consoles. This misinformation likely spread because:

The game is on consoles where split-screen is expected
It’s multiplayer, and people assume that means local options
Other Hello Neighbor franchise games have different features that got mixed up
Cross-platform play gets confused with split-screen

Reliable gaming databases that specialize in co-op features, along with the official store pages, consistently indicate no split-screen support. If you see claims that Secret Neighbor has split-screen for 4 players on Xbox or PlayStation, those sources are incorrect based on the game’s actual capabilities.

Setting Up Secret Neighbor for Multiplayer

Since you need online connections rather than split-screen, here’s how to actually play with friends:

Each player purchases and downloads Secret Neighbor on their platform. Everyone needs an internet connection and, for consoles, an active online subscription. One person creates a private lobby and shares the invite code with friends. Players enter the code to join the same match.

You can use voice chat through the platform’s built-in system (Xbox Party, PlayStation Party, Discord for PC) or through the game’s proximity voice chat. The proximity chat adds immersion since you only hear nearby players, but it makes coordination harder.

For the best experience, have everyone use headphones. This prevents echo issues and helps with the game’s audio cues. Secret Neighbor uses sound design to create tension, and you’ll miss important details through TV speakers with other people talking nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play Secret Neighbor with 2 players locally?

No, Secret Neighbor requires online connectivity and doesn’t support any form of local multiplayer. Even with just 2 players, both would need separate devices and internet connections.

Does Secret Neighbor have couch co-op?

No, there is no couch co-op mode. The game is exclusively online multiplayer, requiring each player to have their own device and copy of the game.

How many controllers can you connect for Secret Neighbor?

While you can connect multiple controllers to a console, this doesn’t enable split-screen in Secret Neighbor. Each controller would need to be set up on a separate console with its own game copy to play together.

Is the PC version different for split screen?

No, the PC version also lacks split-screen functionality. All platforms have the same online-only multiplayer structure without local play options.

If you already own Secret Neighbor expecting split-screen, you’ll need to coordinate with friends online instead. The game’s social deduction mechanics actually benefit from this setup, even though it means you can’t gather everyone in one room. Each person having their own screen preserves the mystery of who the Neighbor really is, which is central to what makes the game work.