Keyboard And Controller Exclusive: Resident Evil 5 Split Screen Pc
The hero of our story is a community mod known as the "RE5 Split Screen Fix" (often found on Nexus Mods or GitHub). This small .dll injection or modified executable does three critical things:
When Resident Evil 5 launched on PC, it was notoriously stripped of the split-screen functionality found in its console counterparts. For years, PC gamers required third-party mods to play locally on the same screen. However, with the arrival of the "Gold Edition" on modern platforms and various updates, the landscape has changed.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding local co-op involves the "exclusive" ability to mix control schemes: Can one player use a Keyboard & Mouse while the second player uses a Controller?
Here is everything you need to know about the split-screen mechanics, control schemes, and how to set up this unique hybrid playstyle.
| Aspect | Rating | Notes | |--------|--------|-------| | Input Lag | Good | No noticeable lag on either device (wired recommended). | | Screen Flicker | Fair | The mod can cause minimap flicker on some AMD GPUs. | | Cutscenes | Bad | Both players control the same character during cutscenes – hilarious but immersion-breaking. | | Quick-Time Events | Poor | If P1 uses keyboard, QTEs show Xbox button prompts. You must memorize keyboard equivalents. | | Pause Menu | Terrible | Opening inventory pauses for both players – ruins real-time co-op tension. |
Resident Evil 5 is often hailed as the peak of action-co-op horror. But on PC, local split-screen isn't available out of the box—unless you know the trick. Even better? You can play with one player on keyboard + mouse and the other on a controller, creating a unique, asymmetrical couch co-op experience.
This guide delivers an exclusive, step-by-step method to unlock split-screen with mixed input devices.
Requirements:
Step 1 – Clean Installation Ensure your game is updated. Disable any overlays (Steam overlay, Discord) that might conflict with input hooks.
Step 2 – Download and Extract the Mod
Download the split screen fix. You should see files like dinput8.dll, split_screen.ini, and possibly a modified re5dx9.exe.
Step 3 – Install the Mod
Copy the extracted files into your Resident Evil 5 installation folder (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Resident Evil 5). Overwrite if asked.
Step 4 – Configure the .ini File
Open split_screen.ini. Key settings for "exclusive" mode:
SplitScreenMode = 1 (0=horizontal, 1=vertical)
ControllerID_P2 = 0 (auto-detects second controller)
KeepMouseForP1 = 1 (THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE FLAG)
ForceRawInput = 1
Step 5 – Launch and Assign Inputs Launch the game via the modified executable. At the title screen, press Start on your controller to join as Player 2. Player 1 will automatically default to keyboard/mouse. Do not press any keys on the keyboard during controller assignment to avoid conflicts.
Step 6 – Adjust Resolution and FPS For the best split-screen experience, set your monitor’s resolution to 16:9 (1920x1080 or 2560x1440). Vertical split is often preferred for widescreen monitors. Lock FPS to 60 to avoid physics glitches.
Absolutely. Playing Resident Evil 5 split screen PC keyboard and controller exclusive is the definitive way to experience the game on a high-refresh-rate monitor. The contrast between the keyboard player’s surgical precision and the controller player’s visceral, analog movement creates a cooperative tension that mirrors the Chris/Sheva dynamic perfectly.
While Capcom may never give us official local co-op on PC, the modding community has delivered a flawless, exclusive solution. Just remember: buy a pizza, grab an Xbox controller, chain your partner to the keyboard, and survive the Kijuju outbreak together.
Have you successfully set this up? Do you prefer the keyboard for Chris or the controller for Sheva? Let the co-op debate begin in the comments. The hero of our story is a community
Native split-screen support for Resident Evil 5 on PC has been restored in recent updates (v1.2.0 and later), officially allowing local co-op without the need for complex mods
. While the game historically favored two controllers for local play, users can now frequently trigger a "Keyboard + Controller" split-screen setup by specific input sequences. Native Setup: Keyboard & Controller
For the most stable experience using the latest Steam version, follow these steps to bypass the standard "multiple controller" requirement: : Connect one controller and launch the game. Initialization
: Begin the game with the controller only. Once you are in-game and can control your character, press on your keyboard. Activation
: This often triggers the split-screen prompt, assigning the keyboard to one player and the controller to the other. Alternative for Update v1.2.0 : Press the
(or Select) button on a connected controller to invite a second player. Advanced Modding (For Legacy or Complex Setups)
If the native method fails or you want more control (such as 4-player co-op or independent mouse control), external tools are required: Nucleus Co-op
: This application opens multiple game instances simultaneously and assigns specific inputs (Keyboard/Mouse to Instance A, Controller to Instance B). Configuration : Select the Resident Evil 5 Script
in Nucleus Co-op and drag your Keyboard/Mouse and Controller icons into separate screen partitions. Limitation
: It is generally recommended to use controllers for all players in Nucleus, as keyboard inputs can sometimes leak across multiple instances. Parsec/Co-op Fix : Some community members use
alongside a "Widescreen/Splitscreen Fix" to play online with a joystick and keyboard simultaneously. Steam Community Key Troubleshooting & Settings
Native split-screen support is now officially available for Resident Evil 5
on PC through recent updates, meaning mods are no longer strictly required for basic local co-op. However, while two controllers are natively supported, combining a keyboard and controller for exclusive split-screen play often requires specific workarounds or third-party tools like Nucleus Co-op to ensure independent inputs for each player. Official Native Split-Screen (Steam Version)
The most recent Steam versions of Resident Evil 5 have restored the local split-screen functionality that was previously removed.
How to Activate: Load into a level and press the Start button on a second controller or ESC on the keyboard to have the second player join. Requirements: Ensure your game is fully updated on Steam.
Limitations: Official support is primarily designed for two controllers. Using a keyboard alongside a single controller can sometimes lead to "input bleed," where the keyboard controls both characters or fails to register as a separate player. Keyboard + Controller Exclusive Setup Requirements:
If you want one person on the keyboard and the other on a controller exclusively, users typically use one of these methods:
Resident Evil 5 Finally Adds Split-Screen Co-Op For PC - Steam
TheGamerWebsite - Resident Evil 5 Finally Adds Split-Screen Co-Op For PC - Noticias de Steam. RE5 GE Up to 4 Players Splitscreen + DLC Support |
How to Play Resident Evil 5 Split-Screen on PC: Keyboard and Controller Guide
Recent updates and community fixes have made it possible to play Resident Evil 5
in local split-screen co-op on PC, even though the feature was famously hidden or removed in older versions. This guide explains how to set up a "keyboard + controller" session, ensuring each player has exclusive control of their character. Method 1: Native In-Game Activation (No Mods)
As of late 2024 and 2025 patches, local split-screen is natively accessible in updated versions of the game.
Step 1: Launch and Start a Chapter. Start any campaign chapter in "Offline" or "LAN" mode.
Step 2: Collect Gear. You must reach the point where Chris and Sheva collect their equipment (early in Chapter 1-1) before co-op can be activated. Step 3: Trigger the Second Player.
If you are Player 1 (Keyboard): Have the second player press the Start (or Options/Menu) button on their controller.
If you are Player 1 (Controller): Press the ESC key on the keyboard to bring in the second player.
Step 4: Confirm Split-Screen. The game will prompt the second player to sign in or join. Once accepted, the screen will split automatically with independent inventories and HUDs. Method 2: Solving Input Conflicts (Exclusive Mode)
A common issue is the controller and keyboard both trying to control Player 1. To ensure "exclusive" control for each:
For Resident Evil 5 on PC, native split-screen functionality was officially restored in the February 28, 2023 update (v1.2.0), though it primarily focuses on dual-controller support. Using a keyboard and controller combination is still often a "mod-heavy" or workaround-based process because the game traditionally groups the keyboard/mouse and the first controller as Player 1. Native Method (Updated Version)
If your game is updated to the latest version on Steam, you can attempt to trigger local co-op without third-party mods:
Initialization: Launch a "Local Co-op" game from the main menu. Step 1 – Clean Installation Ensure your game is updated
Player 2 Join: Once you are in-game and controlling your character (Chris), press START on your controller or ESC on your keyboard to have the second player (Sheva) join.
Note: Users often report that the game may default both inputs to the same player. If this happens, you may need a Steam Input template like "RE5 Default Layout (Disabled Co-op on Pause)" to help the game distinguish between the two devices. Third-Party Solutions
For more reliable "exclusive" control where one player is strictly keyboard/mouse and the other is a controller, modders recommend:
Keyboard Splitter: A tool available on GitHub that can emulate a virtual Xbox controller from your keyboard. This tricks the game into seeing two controllers instead of a keyboard/controller mix.
Nucleus Co-op: This popular local multiplayer tool allows you to split the game into two separate instances on the same PC, which is highly effective for assigning a keyboard to one screen and a controller to the other.
Gold Edition/GFWL Beta: Some players prefer reverting to the original "GFWL" version via the BETAS tab in Steam properties and using the legacy Maluc Split-screen Mod. Summary Table: Setup Requirements Native (v1.2.0+) Modded (Nucleus/Splitter) Requirement Latest Steam Update External Software P1 Input Keyboard/Mouse or Controller Keyboard/Mouse P2 Input Second Controller preferred Controller or Virtual Controller Ease of Use High (built-in) Moderate (setup required)
Playing Resident Evil 5 in split-screen on PC with a keyboard and controller setup is possible through a specific in-game method or third-party mods, depending on your game version. While Capcom officially removed split-screen from the Steam version, recent updates and community tools have restored this functionality. Native In-Game Method (v1.2.0 or later)
For the current Steam version (Gold Edition), you can often trigger local co-op without external mods by using a specific input sequence:
Host a Solo Game: Start a chapter in Solo mode using your controller.
Trigger Player 2: Once you have control of your character, press the ESC key on your keyboard.
Split-Screen Activation: This should take you back to the item management/menu screen in two-player mode, with the keyboard controlling one character and the controller the other.
Note: If the game forces both inputs to control Player 1, try restarting with the controller connected first and avoid touching the keyboard until you are in-game. Third-Party Solutions
If the native method fails or you want more robust control, these community tools are recommended:
NucleusCoop: This standalone application allows you to run multiple instances of the game, directing specific inputs (like one keyboard/mouse and one controller) to each window. It is widely considered the most reliable way to play local co-op on PC with mixed inputs.
Universal Split Screen: Similar to Nucleus, Universal Split Screen directs Windows input to enable local multiplayer for games that don't natively support it.
Gold Edition Mods: Some older guides suggest reverting to the "Original GFWL version" via Steam's Beta tab to use legacy split-screen mods, though this is now largely considered obsolete compared to the v1.2.0 native method.