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Resident Evil 2 Remake does not have a built-in local multiplayer menu on PC. Steam lists the unmodified game as “Single-player.” On the Steam PC version, the documented way to play locally is the community-made Local Couch Co-op mod (formerly HUNK’y Friend), installed with REFramework. It supports shared-screen and split-screen play, with either two controllers or keyboard and mouse for player one plus a controller for player two.
This guide explains what you need, how to install and configure it, which controls player two uses, how the available layouts differ, and what to check when a controller or display mode does not work. Because this is a community modification, its files, supported versions, and device notes can change; check the mod page whenever you install or update it.
What local multiplayer means in Resident Evil 2 Remake on PC
The retail PC game is a single-player title. Its Steam page identifies it with the features “Single-player,” “Full Controller Support,” and “Xbox Controllers.” Those labels describe the base game’s input support; they do not provide a second-player slot or a native split-screen toggle. See the Resident Evil 2 Steam listing (release listed as January 24, 2019; accessed October 13, 2026).
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe current documented local option is Local Couch Co-op by Shopcreeper01 on Nexus Mods. The page was updated October 12, 2026 and describes the Steam PC version, shared-screen play, split-screen play, requirements, and player-two controls: Local Couch Co-op (formally known as HUNK’y Friend). This is a community modification, not an official Capcom multiplayer feature. Mod behavior and requirements can change, so use the page’s current installation notes when you install or update it.
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In practical terms, player one remains in the game’s ordinary control system while the mod adds a second controller-controlled character. You are not turning on an undiscovered option in the vanilla menus. You are loading REFramework, adding the co-op files, selecting the second device in the mod, and then spawning player two with the documented controller shortcut.
Requirements before you install
- Steam PC edition: Confirm that you own and launch the Steam version named on the mod page. Capcom’s PC support information directs PC players to the Steam system requirements: Capcom PC support for Resident Evil 2.
- REFramework: The Local Couch Co-op page lists REFramework as a requirement. Install the version and files specified in the mod’s current requirements section rather than relying on an old tutorial.
- Two input devices, or one of each: The documented arrangements are two controllers, or keyboard and mouse for player one plus a controller for player two. Player one uses the game’s normal controls; player two uses a controller.
- A compatible controller connection: Steam’s “Full Controller Support” and “Xbox Controllers” labels make an Xbox-compatible PC gamepad a sensible second-device category, but a controller alone does not add multiplayer to the unmodified game.
- Optional fixed-camera component: The co-op mod’s fixed-camera mode requires the separate Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic mod. Without that additional mod, use the co-op mod’s supported shared-screen or split-screen presentation.
Keep the game and mod versions aligned. The author’s requirements and version history are the operational authority for current compatibility, not a static control diagram copied from an older guide. If you are deciding what to buy, a second Xbox-compatible PC gamepad is an input accessory for the two-controller layout; it is not a native multiplayer unlock and no particular model is guaranteed by the mod page.
Install the co-op components
- Verify the game edition. In Steam, open your Resident Evil 2 library entry and confirm that it is the PC game covered by the Nexus Mods page. If you are using a different edition or platform, do not assume these files or controls apply.
- Read the current requirements first. Open the Local Couch Co-op page and note its present REFramework requirement, supported version, installation order, and any notes for your controller type.
- Install REFramework as instructed by its current documentation. The co-op mod depends on it. A mod file placed in the wrong game installation or an incompatible REFramework build can make the co-op features fail to appear.
- Install Local Couch Co-op. Follow the mod page’s current file instructions exactly. Do not substitute files from an older HUNK’y Friend tutorial; the project is now listed as Local Couch Co-op and its instructions may have changed.
- Connect your devices before launching. For the two-controller arrangement, connect both gamepads. For the mixed arrangement, connect the keyboard and mouse and the player-two controller. If you use a nonstandard device, read the mod’s controller notes before adding helper plugins.
- Launch the game through Steam. Once the title reaches the point where the mod is active, open the mod’s in-game control or configuration page. Use that page to confirm the selected player-two device and the available display mode.
- Choose a display mode. Select shared-screen if both players should use one view, or split-screen if each player needs a separate view. Fixed-camera play is a separate path and requires Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic as noted above.
- Start player two. With player one in control, press Start + Back on player two’s controller. The mod documents this combination for spawning or removing player two. Press it again when you need to remove that player.
After player two appears, test movement, aiming, an interaction, and a menu command before beginning a long session. This confirms that the selected controller is the intended device and that the chosen presentation is active. If a button prompt looks different from your pad, use the mod’s displayed mapping rather than guessing from an Xbox-style diagram.
The mod page is updated over time. If a current release changes a filename, menu label, or installation step, follow that newer instruction instead of the sequence above; the sequence describes the required decisions, while the page supplies release-specific file details.
Choose the control arrangement that fits your room
| Arrangement | Player one | Player two | Best reason to choose it | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two controllers | Gamepad using the game’s normal controls | Second gamepad using the mod’s player-two mapping | Both players get analog movement and a consistent couch setup | Both devices must be recognized and correctly selected by the mod |
| Keyboard and mouse plus controller | Keyboard and mouse using the game’s normal controls | Controller | Useful when only one gamepad is available | The documented player-two position is still controller-only; the keyboard is not a second-player device in this arrangement |
| Additional controller types through a helper plugin | Depends on the selected setup | Controller exposed through the helper | Can extend support to some PS3, generic USB/DirectInput controllers, and arcade sticks | The author warns that the helper plugin can contribute to crashes in some cases; compatibility is not universal |
Two controllers are the least ambiguous arrangement because each player has a dedicated analog device and the mod can identify both devices separately. Keyboard plus controller avoids buying a second pad, but it leaves player two dependent on the controller mapping while player one uses the game’s ordinary keyboard-and-mouse scheme. A helper-plugin setup is for devices that are not handled by the standard path, not a default improvement.
The mod does not publish a controlled performance comparison between these arrangements. Treat shared-screen versus split-screen and device choices as usability decisions, not as measured frame-rate or latency rankings.
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Shared-screen versus split-screen
Shared-screen
Shared-screen keeps both players in one view. It is the simpler choice when you want one common camera and do not need each character to explore independently. Both players see the same active view, so the room layout is easy to discuss and a television or single monitor works naturally. It also avoids dividing the display into smaller player areas, although both players remain tied to the shared view.
Split-screen
Split-screen gives each player a separate view. The mod documents this mode along with player-two free aiming. It is useful when the two characters need to move or look in different directions, but each view occupies only part of the display. Select it from the mod’s available configuration rather than looking for an official game setting. In split-screen, player two’s right stick is documented for aiming; verify the active mapping in the mod page if your selected device presents different labels.
Fixed-camera play
Fixed-camera support is not supplied by the co-op mod alone. The mod page specifically requires the separate Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic mod for that presentation. Install and configure that additional component only if its current requirements also match your game and REFramework setup. Do not confuse this option with split-screen: camera style and screen layout are separate choices.
Player-two controls
The mod’s documented player-two layout uses a controller. Exact button assignments can vary with the selected controller and configuration, so treat the in-game control page and the mapping shown for your chosen device as the final reference.
| Action | Documented input | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spawn or remove player two | Start + Back | Press the combination to add player two or remove that player. |
| Move | Left stick | Analog movement for player two. |
| Aim | Right stick | Documented for free-aim and split-screen play. |
| Aim and shoot | LT / RT | The page documents these triggers for aiming and shooting; verify the displayed mapping for your controller. |
| Weapon selection | Controller buttons shown by the mod | Button placement can differ by configuration. |
| Interaction | Controller button shown by the mod | Use the in-game control page if the prompt does not match your device. |
| Healing and reload options | Controller buttons shown by the mod | The mod documents these functions but warns that mappings may vary. |
| Menus | Controller buttons shown by the mod | Check the selected controller mapping rather than assuming a universal layout. |
Player one continues to use the game’s own keyboard/mouse or controller controls. The mod’s player-two mapping is an additional layer, which is why a controller can work for player two even when the base game’s Steam page only advertises single-player. If the two devices have similar names, select them one at a time by the name shown in the mod and then test Start + Back so you know which pad is assigned to player two.
How to select and troubleshoot controllers
The second controller does not spawn player two
- Confirm that the controller is connected before launching the game.
- Open the mod’s control page and check that the intended device is selected by name.
- Press Start + Back on the second controller, not on player one’s device.
- If the device is detected but the command is ignored, review the current mapping shown by the mod; button names can differ between controller configurations.
- Test the standard two-controller arrangement before adding a helper plugin. This isolates a device-recognition problem from a general mod-installation problem.
Only one player can move
Check the player roles first: player one uses the game’s normal controls, while player two uses the mod’s controller mapping. A keyboard and mouse are not documented as player two’s input in the mixed arrangement. If both controllers are connected, ensure they are not both assigned to player one by the mod or by another input layer. Remove player two with Start + Back, reselect the second device by name, and spawn that player again.
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The screen mode is not what you expected
Reopen the co-op configuration and explicitly choose shared-screen or split-screen. Do not use the separate Resident Evil Revelations 2 split-screen support information as a guide: that is a different game and does not establish native multiplayer for Resident Evil 2 Remake. The relevant Resident Evil 2 setup is the Local Couch Co-op mod.
A PS3, generic USB/DirectInput controller, or arcade stick causes problems
The mod’s version history describes added support for some of these devices through a helper plugin. It also warns that the helper can contribute to crashes in some cases. If your game becomes unstable after enabling it, remove the helper from the test configuration, return to a standard controller arrangement, and consult the current version-history notes: Local Couch Co-op version history. Do not interpret support for “some” devices as a guarantee for every model or firmware.
The mod controls or menus never appear
- Verify that you launched the Steam PC installation covered by the mod.
- Check that REFramework is installed in the location and version required by the current mod page.
- Confirm that Local Couch Co-op itself was installed according to its latest instructions, not an archived guide.
- Temporarily remove optional controller helpers and test the base co-op files alone.
- Read the mod’s current requirements and changelog for a release-specific incompatibility before changing additional files.
An update breaks the setup
Game, REFramework, and mod updates can change compatibility. Record which versions you were using, then compare them with the current requirements and version history. Reinstalling random older files can create a mixed installation that is harder to diagnose. Use the mod author’s current page as the source of truth for supported combinations.
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Steam’s “Full Controller Support” label means the base game accepts a controller for its single-player experience. “Xbox Controllers” identifies a supported controller category in the store metadata. Neither label promises two-player input, shared-screen rendering, or split-screen. The second gamepad is therefore an accessory for the modded setup, not a switch that unlocks multiplayer in the unmodified game.
If you are buying another Xbox-compatible PC gamepad for this setup, choose it as an input device and verify its connection method on your PC. No specific model is established as universally compatible with Local Couch Co-op, and the helper-plugin warning still applies to devices outside the standard configuration.
Practical setup checklist
- Steam PC version of Resident Evil 2 Remake confirmed.
- Current Local Couch Co-op requirements read.
- REFramework installed in the version and location currently specified.
- Two controllers, or keyboard/mouse plus one controller, connected.
- Player-two controller visible by name in the mod’s control page.
- Shared-screen or split-screen selected deliberately.
- Start + Back tested on the player-two controller.
- Optional fixed-camera component installed only when its separate requirements are met.
- Helper plugin avoided unless your controller needs it, with the possibility of crashes understood.
- Player-two movement, aiming, interaction, and menu buttons tested before starting a full session.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play Resident Evil 2 Remake split screen on PC?
Yes, but not in the unmodified Steam game. The Steam listing identifies the base game as single-player. The Local Couch Co-op community mod documents split-screen for the Steam PC version, with REFramework required.
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How do I set up a second controller for RE2 Remake?
Connect both controllers before launching, install the current REFramework and Local Couch Co-op files, select the intended second device by name in the mod’s control page, choose shared-screen or split-screen, and press Start + Back on player two’s controller to spawn that player.
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Can player two use a keyboard?
The documented mixed arrangement is keyboard and mouse for player one plus a controller for player two. The mod documentation does not establish a keyboard-and-mouse role for player two, so use a controller for that position.
Do I need two Xbox controllers?
No exact brand or model is mandated. The documented choices are two controllers or keyboard/mouse plus one controller. Steam’s Xbox Controllers label makes an Xbox-compatible PC gamepad a reasonable category, but it does not guarantee every device or enable native multiplayer.
Is fixed-camera co-op included?
Fixed-camera play requires the separate Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic mod according to the Local Couch Co-op page. The co-op mod’s shared-screen and split-screen modes are separate from that fixed-camera component.
Why does a generic USB or arcade controller crash the game?
Some PS3, generic USB/DirectInput controllers, and arcade sticks are documented through a helper plugin. The author also warns that the helper can contribute to crashes. Disable it, test a standard controller arrangement, and check the current version history before trying another combination.
Is there an official Capcom local multiplayer setting?
No native setting is established for Resident Evil 2 Remake by the Steam feature labels. “Single-player” and “Full Controller Support” describe the unmodified game; local multiplayer comes from the community mod.
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Bottom line
To set up local multiplayer controls, install REFramework and the current Local Couch Co-op mod for the Steam PC version, connect either two controllers or a keyboard/mouse-and-controller combination, select the player-two device in the mod, choose shared-screen or split-screen, and press Start + Back on player two’s controller. The unmodified game remains single-player; local multiplayer comes from the community mod and therefore depends on its current compatibility notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Resident Evil 2 Remake split screen on PC?
Yes, through the community Local Couch Co-op mod for the Steam PC version. The unmodified game is listed as single-player, and REFramework is required by the mod.
How do I set up a second controller for RE2 Remake?
Connect both controllers, install the current REFramework and Local Couch Co-op files, select player two’s controller by name in the mod, choose a display mode, then press Start + Back on that controller.
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The documented mixed setup assigns keyboard and mouse to player one and a controller to player two. Player-two keyboard control is not documented.
Does the mod support fixed-camera play?
The Local Couch Co-op page says fixed-camera mode requires the separate Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic mod.
Will every USB or arcade controller work?
No. Some PS3, generic USB/DirectInput controllers, and arcade sticks can use a helper plugin, but compatibility is not universal and the helper may contribute to crashes.
Does buying a second Xbox controller add multiplayer by itself?
No. It is only an input device for the modded setup. Steam’s Xbox Controllers label does not add a second-player slot to the unmodified game.
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The Bottom Line
Resident Evil 2 Remake is single-player on Steam without modifications. For local play, use the current Local Couch Co-op mod with REFramework, connect the documented controller arrangement, select player two’s device, choose shared-screen or split-screen, and press Start + Back to spawn the second player.
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