Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not natively support split-screen on PC. To enable this feature for Zombies mode, you must use third-party tools like Nucleus Co-op, which creates multiple game instances and maps them to separate controllers. Requirements
Game Version: Confirmed to work with the Steam version of Black Ops 1.
Hardware: Multiple gamepads (controllers) or a combination of one mouse/keyboard and a gamepad. Software: Nucleus Co-op (free, open-source tool). Step-by-Step Installation Guide Install Nucleus Co-op: Download the latest version from the Nucleus Co-op website.
Extract the files to a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\NucleusCoop).
Right-click NucleusCoop.exe, select Properties > Compatibility, and check Run this program as an administrator. Download the Black Ops Handler:
Open Nucleus Co-op and navigate to the Download Game Handlers section.
Search for "Black Ops" and download the official handler for the first Black Ops title. Add the Game:
In Nucleus Co-op, click Add Game and locate your BlackOps.exe file, usually found in your Steam library folder (.../steamapps/common/Call of Duty Black Ops/). Configure the Layout: Select Black Ops from the list.
Assign your controllers to the screen split of your choice (e.g., Top/Bottom or Left/Right).
Note: If using a mouse and keyboard for one player, move the mouse to make it appear for assignment. Set Game Options: Click the arrow next to Play to see the handler options. Select Zombies as the game mode.
Set the Number of Players so the match waits for all instances to connect before starting.
Choose your preferred graphic settings (Low/Med/High/Extra). How to Start the Match
Click Play in Nucleus Co-op. The program will open, resize, and position multiple instances of the game.
In the first instance, navigate to Zombies > Find Match (or Private Match) and select your map. black ops 1 zombies split screen pc install
Press F2 (or the designated hotkey in the handler notes) to start the connection process for the other instances.
Once all players have "readied up" and joined the lobby, the match will begin. Key Commands F2: Inject/Start match and connect instances. F3: Quick restart match.
End Key: Lock/Unlock mouse and keyboard input (required if playing with a mouse). Ctrl + Q: Close all game instances and Nucleus Co-op.
Call of Duty Black Ops 1 split screen on PC with Nucleus Co-op
Official split-screen support for Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 is not available on PC.
To play Zombies in split-screen, you must use community-made tools like Nucleus Co-op
, which launches multiple game instances and connects them via a local network Preparation Requirements Game Version : This method is primarily verified for the Steam version of Black Ops 1.
: A PC capable of running multiple game instances simultaneously. Input Devices
: At least two controllers (XInput recommended) or one controller and one keyboard/mouse setup. Installation & Setup Guide Download Nucleus Co-op Get the latest version from the official Nucleus Co-op site
Extract the contents into a dedicated folder (do not use the installer; use the version for better stability). Add the Black Ops 1 Handler Open Nucleus Co-op and click Download Game Handlers
Search for "Call of Duty: Black Ops" and download the handler. Search Game and navigate to your game’s main directory to select BlackOps.exe Configure the Session Select the Black Ops icon in Nucleus Co-op. Choose the number of players/instances.
Drag and drop your controllers (or mouse/keyboard) into the split-screen partitions on the UI. Launch the Game
Click the play arrow. The app will launch multiple windows and automatically resize them to fit your screen. : If using a keyboard and mouse, you may need to press the Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not
key once the windows are open to "lock" the input to the specific instance. Starting the Match In the first game instance, go to Find Match (or Private Match). Select your map and "Ready Up" on all instances.
(or the designated hotkey in the handler notes) to start the match and force all instances to connect. Troubleshooting & Quick Commands Restart Match for a quick restart. Exit All Instances to close the game and Nucleus Co-op simultaneously. Antivirus Flags
: Some handler files may be flagged as false positives; you might need to add an exception for the Nucleus Co-op folder in your antivirus software.
with this guide for enhanced server features and DLC access?
While Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 (2010) does not natively support split-screen on PC, the community-developed Nucleus Co-op has made this classic couch co-op experience a reality. Using a dedicated handler, players can launch multiple instances of the game that sync for a seamless Zombies experience. Review: The PC Split-Screen Experience
For many, the lack of native split-screen was the only major flaw of the original PC release. This modded solution effectively bridges that gap.
Gameplay (9/10): Once configured, the gameplay is identical to the console version but with the added benefits of PC performance. You can run at higher resolutions and frame rates than the original PS3/Xbox 360 versions.
Ease of Use (6/10): It is not "plug-and-play." You must download the Nucleus Co-op app, install the specific Black Ops 1 handler, and follow a precise startup sequence (like pressing F2 to sync instances).
Compatibility (8/10): The handler works best with the Steam version of the game. It supports mixed inputs, allowing one person on keyboard/mouse while others use controllers.
Verdict: This is the definitive way to play BO1 Zombies today. It brings back the nostalgia of local co-op without the hardware limitations of 2010 consoles. How to Install & Set Up
Download Nucleus Co-op: Get the latest version from the official website. Add the Game Handler: Open Nucleus and select Download Game Handlers.
Search for "Call of Duty: Black Ops" and download the handler.
Locate Game Files: Point Nucleus to your BlackOps.exe file, typically found in your Steam library folder. Configure Players: Launch Call of Duty: Black Ops
Drag and drop your connected controllers into the split-screen layout of your choice (e.g., top/bottom or left/right). Launch & Sync:
Press Play. Nucleus will open two (or more) windows and automatically resize them.
In the first instance, go to Zombies > Online Private Match.
Press F2 (or the designated hotkey) to have the other instances automatically join the lobby. Essential Performance Tips
Administrator Mode: Always run Nucleus Co-op as an Administrator to ensure it can inject inputs and manage windows correctly.
Controller Setup: If using PlayStation controllers, you may need DS4Windows to emulate an Xbox controller for better compatibility.
Anti-Virus: Some antivirus software flags Nucleus handlers as false positives; you may need to add an exception for the Nucleus folder.
Unlike its console counterparts, the PC version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 does not natively support split-screen out of the box for the Steam version. Enabling this feature requires modifying configuration files to unlock developer commands and properly mapping secondary input devices. This paper outlines the step-by-step process to enable two-player local cooperative play.
| Problem | Fix | |--------|-----| | Controller not recognized | Use DS4Windows for PS4/PS5 controllers; Xbox works natively. | | Game crashes on launch | Run the split-screen tool as admin; disable Steam overlay. | | Only one screen shown | Check your display settings → Extend desktops (not duplicate). | | No sound for player 2 | Normal – PC version mixes all audio. |
Download Required Files:
Backup Original Files:
Call of Duty Black Ops folder from Steam/steamapps/common.Extract Mod Files:
main, zone, and players folders.Apply Configuration:
SplitScreen_Setup.bat (if included).config_mp.cfg to set:
seta scr_splitscreen "1"
seta cl_paused "0"
Launch with Launcher:
BlackOps.exe (not Steam launcher directly) or a provided .bat file.The ultimate undead co-op experience — no console required.