Local multiplayer on PS5 isn’t about teaming up, it’s about facing off!
This guide focuses exclusively on local versus multiplayer games, where players compete against each other on a single PlayStation 5. No co-op campaigns, no shared objectives, and no online matchmaking required. Just clear rules, fair competition, and couch-based rivalry.
Some of these games use split-screen with independent views, especially in racing. Others rely on a shared screen or arena, as is common in fighters and sports games. Both formats are valid here, as long as the core experience is competitive and local.
This article is part of our guide on the Best Multiplayer PS5 Games
How We Ranked These Games
Each pick was evaluated for how well it supports same-console competition, from screen clarity and input feel to match fairness and how quickly groups can restart and keep playing. The table breaks down what mattered most.
Criterion | Weight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
Split-screen and local execution | 35% | Clear camera and UI for multiple players, responsive controls, and stable local play that stays readable during tense moments. |
Competitive design | 30% | Fair match rules, balanced options, clear win/lose conditions, and strong replay value without relying on teamwork. |
Local multiplayer experience | 20% | Fast setup, quick rematches, and match pacing that fits real couch sessions without long downtime. |
Performance and polish | 10% | Menus, presentation, and overall stability that avoid friction during repeated local matches. |
Accessibility | 5% | Control clarity and helpful options that make games playable for mixed-skill groups. |
The Top 10 Best Split-Screen Versus PS5 Games (2026)
Ranking order rewards games that feel best on one PS5 with direct competition, easy readability, and strong rematch flow. Every entry below supports true local versus play as a featured mode.
“The definitive modern fighting game with accessibility options that don't compromise depth”
Why We Picked This
Street Fighter 6 is a crisp, head-to-head fighter built for the kind of couch rivalry where every round feels earned. Local versus is the main event, with clear win conditions and fast rematches that keep sessions moving. What pushes it to the top is how readable and responsive it feels in a living-room setup, plus control options that let new players contribute without stripping away depth for veterans. The trade-off is that it’s still a duel-focused game—2 players only. Best for mixed-skill groups that want tournament-grade fundamentals at home.
“Aggressive 3D fighting that rewards momentum and calculated risk-taking”
Why We Picked This
Tekken 8 delivers aggressive 3D fighting that turns close rounds into momentum swings and instant grudges. It earns this rank because local versus is quick to set up, easy to run back, and built around fair, repeatable match structure. The Heat system adds pressure without muddying the win/lose clarity, so players always know what changed and why a comeback happened. The trade-off is a steeper learning curve than more casual brawlers, even with simplified control options. Best for competitive pairs who want deep mind games and long-term mastery.
“Brutal MMA simulation built from ground up for PS5 competitive combat”
Why We Picked This
EA SPORTS UFC 5 is a tense MMA versus sim where spacing, timing, and damage build toward dramatic finishes. It ranks high because the local competitive loop is strong: clear outcomes, immediate feedback when strikes land, and a ruleset that supports both serious play and casual bouts. Modes like Stand & Bang offer a straightforward entry point while the full striking-and-grappling game keeps skilled players engaged. The trade-off is that realism can feel punishing if someone doesn’t understand the ground game yet. Best for 2-player rivals who want a sport-first fighting alternative.
“Toy car chaos with accessible drift mechanics and creative track design”
Why We Picked This
HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2: Turbocharged is arcade racing built around loud drifts, tight corners, and bragging-rights finishes. It lands this high because split-screen competition is easy to read from the couch and designed for repeat races, not one long evening of tinkering. The handling is approachable, but there’s still room to outplay friends through cleaner lines and smarter boosts. Creative environments and a track builder keep rivalries fresh across sessions. The trade-off is that it’s more about stylish chaos than pure racing discipline. Best for 2-player local showdowns that thrive on quick rematches.
“Annual soccer staple delivering quick-setup local matches for casual and serious fans”
Why We Picked This
EA FC is the reliable “hand a controller to a friend” soccer series, built for fast local matches with minimal setup. It earns its spot because the competitive format is instantly understood: score more goals, win the match, and the game is tuned for constant restarts, halftime tweaks, and rapid rematches. It’s also flexible for groups, supporting up to 4 players locally in standard versus formats. The trade-off is that annual entries can vary, so the exact best version depends on what’s current and available. Best for casual-to-serious sports nights where everyone can jump in quickly.
“Classic MK brutality with a new kameo assist layer that adds depth and controversy”
Why We Picked This
Mortal Kombat 1 is a flashy, brutal 1v1 fighter that turns each match into a high-stakes highlight reel. It makes the list because local versus is front and center, with clear rounds, immediate consequences, and a presentation that stays easy to follow from across the room. The kameo assist layer adds extra strategy and surprise without turning the fights into teamwork, keeping the rivalry direct. The trade-off is that assists can complicate balance and make outcomes feel swingier for new players. Best for groups who want cinematic violence and mind games in short, intense sets.
“Genre-blending puzzle battler where Puyo and Tetris players compete head-to-head”
Why We Picked This
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a puzzle battler where wins come from speed, planning, and forcing mistakes under pressure. It belongs here because local versus is fast, readable, and built around constant rematches—perfect for rotating players on a couch. The big differentiator is the mixed ruleset: Puyo and Tetris fans can compete head-to-head, and the game offers several versus formats to keep rivalries from feeling samey. The trade-off is that skill gaps show quickly in puzzle games, especially once someone learns advanced tactics. Best for competitive groups who want quick rounds and “one more game” energy.
“Deep basketball simulation with extensive local modes for NBA fans”
Why We Picked This
NBA 2K26 is a deep basketball sim that turns local versus into a test of timing, shot selection, and momentum management. It ranks because it supports strong same-console competition with multiple modes that fit different session lengths, from quick games to street-style matchups. On-court readability and tight control response help outcomes feel fair, while assist and difficulty options can make mixed-skill games less lopsided. The trade-off is that experienced players will still have a big edge if everyone uses default settings. Best for 2–4 players who want a serious sports rivalry with lots of ways to run it back.
“Platform fighter bringing Smash Bros-style mayhem to PlayStation with Nick characters”
Why We Picked This
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a platform fighter built for loud, multi-player couch battles and quick trash-talk rematches. It earns this spot by offering true local versus for up to 4 players, supporting free-for-all chaos and competitive formats that keep everyone actively trying to knock someone else out. Improvements like fuller presentation and deeper mechanics help matches feel more purposeful than a pure novelty pick. The trade-off is that it’s not as polished as the top-tier traditional fighters, so competitive balance and feel won’t satisfy every serious player. Best for groups who want 4-player rivalry in a Smash-like style on PS5.
“Sim racing excellence with split-screen as a secondary but functional feature”
Why We Picked This
Gran Turismo 7 is precision-focused sim racing that translates clean driving into clear, head-to-head results. It makes the list because local split-screen still delivers a fair competitive foundation: consistent handling, strong feedback through the controller, and satisfying wins that come from better braking and cleaner corners. The reason it lands lower is simple—split-screen is more limited here, with fewer options and compromises compared to racers built around couch play. The trade-off is worth it for players who care most about realistic racing feel. Best for 2 players who want serious driving duels and don’t mind a more restricted local setup.
Honorable Mentions
These games still deliver excellent local competition, but they fell just short due to narrower appeal, overlap with higher-ranked picks, or specific caveats that matter in couch-versus sessions.
TowerFall Ascension
TowerFall Ascension is pure couch-versus: quick arena archery where a single clean hit can end a round. It does local competition extremely well because matches are lightning-fast, rules are easy to grasp, and the tension stays high when everyone knows one mistake can cost the game. It narrowly missed the main ranking mostly due to scope and freshness—its older release and lighter modern polish make it harder to prioritize over newer PS5-leaning standouts. Still, it’s one of the strongest picks for groups who value instant rematches and simple controls with real mind games.
DiRT 5
DiRT 5 is an off-road arcade racer that treats split-screen as a core feature, including support for larger local groups. It shines in living-room competition thanks to accessible handling, clear race outcomes, and extra modes like Gymkhana and Playground that add variety beyond standard laps. It missed the top tier mainly because the final ranking leaned toward games with stronger overall competitive balance and broader long-term polish across categories. For many households, though, the ability to run true multi-player split-screen races is the main selling point. Best for 3–4 players who want loud, physical racing battles without sim-level complexity.
WWE 2K25
WWE 2K is sports entertainment turned into a local-versus party, where match types like Royal Rumble can create instant storylines and grudges. It earns honorable mention because it supports multi-person couch competition and has a strong “pick a mode, start a match” rhythm that suits group sessions. It missed the top 10 due to practical caveats: the series can be uneven technically at launch, and version accuracy matters from year to year. When it’s running well, it’s hard to beat for spectacle-driven rivalry. Best for groups that want chaos, big moments, and flexible match rules.
F1 25
F1 25 is licensed Formula 1 racing tailored to players who want authentic cars, tracks, and race structure in a head-to-head format. It does local versus well with clear results and strong assist options to help players stay on track, but it just missed because it overlaps heavily with other sim-style picks while remaining demanding for mixed-skill groups. Even with assists, the handling and racecraft expectations can widen the gap between regular racers and newcomers. Best for 2 players who already like F1 and want serious, rules-based competition rather than party-style racing.
SAMURAI SHODOWN
SAMURAI SHODOWN is a deliberate weapon-based fighter where patience, spacing, and a single big read can decide a match. It’s a strong local-versus game because the pace stays readable on a couch and the win conditions are clean—outplay the opponent, take the round, run it back. It missed the top 10 for one clear reason: genre balance. With several modern fighters already represented, this slot was better used to widen the list across more competitive genres. Best for 2 players who prefer tactical duels over long combo strings and want a classic fighting game feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
These quick answers cover common setup and buying questions players ask when searching for local competitive multiplayer on PS5.
What are the best split screen PS5 games for competitive play?
Look for games where local versus is a headline mode, not a hidden option. Fighters and racers tend to deliver the clearest rules and fastest rematches for couch competition.
Can you play local versus on PS5 without split-screen?
Yes. Many competitive games use a shared arena or single camera (like most fighting and puzzle battlers), which can be even clearer than split-screen for 2–4 players.
Which PS5 games support 4-player local competitive multiplayer?
Sports games, party-style arena games, and some platform fighters commonly support 4 players locally. Always check the local player count in the mode you plan to use, since it can differ by playlist.
Are fighting games a good choice for mixed-skill groups on one PS5?
They can be, especially when a game offers simpler control options or training tools that help newcomers land meaningful attacks. The best ones still keep rules clear so wins feel earned rather than random.
Do any of these picks require online play to access versus modes?
No. Every game selected supports direct local competition on a single PS5. Some also include online modes, but local versus is fully playable without matchmaking.
Conclusion
The best local competitive games on PS5 are the ones that stay readable in the heat of a match, restart fast, and make wins feel fair—whether that’s a tight 1v1 fighter, a split-screen racer, or a puzzle duel. Pick a style that fits the room: serious sets, party chaos, or sports trash talk. Cooperative and shared-objective games belong in a separate co-op guide, since the goal here is direct player-vs-player. Ready for more tailored picks? Try our Recommendations Engine for suggestions that match your play style.
