Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes. The PS5 versions of the original Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops II support online multiplayer, two-player local play with split-screen, and cross-generation multiplayer between PS4 and PS5. They do not support cross-platform multiplayer with Xbox or PC.
Both games were released as PS4/PS5 ports on July 9, 2026. Online play requires a PlayStation Plus subscription and an Activision account. A second compatible controller is required for local split-screen.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick answer: what works on PS5
Both ports provide the same core connectivity options relevant to a PS5 player: you can play with another person on the same console, join online matches, and play online with someone using the PS4 version. You cannot join friends playing on Xbox or PC.
Recommended Free Tools
| Capability | Black Ops | Black Ops II |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 availability | PS4/PS5 port, released July 9, 2026 | PS4/PS5 port, released July 9, 2026 |
| PS4-to-PS5 multiplayer | Supported | Supported |
| Xbox or PC cross-platform multiplayer | Not supported | Not supported |
| Local play and split-screen | Two-player local play is indicated; the listing shows 1–2 players | Two-player local play is indicated; the listing shows 1–2 players |
| Online subscription | PlayStation Plus required; up to 18 online players | PlayStation Plus required; up to 18 online players |
| Included content | Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies | Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies |
| DLC and season passes | Sold separately | Sold separately |
The player counts and service availability shown here come from the current PlayStation product listings and the games’ official mode descriptions. PlayStation notes that content, features, services, and online play can vary by region and can change or end.
#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
How cross-play works between PS4 and PS5
In this case, “cross-play” means cross-generation play inside the PlayStation ecosystem. A person using the PS4 version can play online with a person using the PS5 version. You do not need to own the same console generation, but both players must be using the PlayStation release and connect through PlayStation Network.
PlayStation describes the feature this way: “This classic Call of Duty® experience supports cross-generation Multiplayer between PS4® and PS5® players.” That applies to both ports. It is useful if your group has a mixture of older and newer consoles, because buying or upgrading to a PS5 does not isolate you from friends who remain on PS4.
What is not supported
The same PlayStation listing explicitly says: “Cross-platform Multiplayer with other non-PlayStation® platforms is not supported.” A PS5 player therefore cannot enter a shared matchmaking pool with someone on Xbox or Windows PC. This is a platform restriction, not a setting that can be enabled from the game menu.
If your group includes Xbox or PC players, choose a different game with confirmed cross-platform support. Do not assume that the presence of the word “cross-play” in a store description means all platforms can connect; for these ports it specifically refers to PS4-to-PS5 play.
Is split-screen available on PS5?
Yes. Each current PlayStation listing shows support for 1–2 players, which establishes two-player local use on one console. You need a second compatible controller; a DualSense Wireless Controller is the natural choice for a PS5, while the first player uses the controller already connected to the console.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
The older official mode descriptions provide additional context. Activision’s 2010 Black Ops page says, “Combat Training allows you to play against enemy controlled AI with your friends, online and split-screen.” The Black Ops II manual describes Multiplayer as playable “online and locally.” Together with the 1–2-player designation on the PS5 listings, these descriptions support local split-screen multiplayer on the ports.
What the two-player figure does and does not tell you
The store listing confirms the number of local players, but it does not promise that every individual mode uses split-screen in exactly the same way. Menu options and local-player limits can differ between Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. Check the player prompt in the mode you select rather than assuming that a feature available in Combat Training is identical in every mode.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For a straightforward local match, connect both controllers, sign in the second player when prompted, and select a local or split-screen option from Multiplayer. If the second controller is not detected, confirm that it is paired to the PS5 and has enough charge, then return to the mode’s player-join screen.
Online multiplayer requirements and player limits
PlayStation Plus
Online Multiplayer requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, sold separately. The requirement is stated on both current product listings. Without an active subscription, you can still use offline content and local play, but you should not expect to join internet matches.
Each listing states that the game supports up to 18 online players with PlayStation Plus. That is the published maximum for the title’s online experience; an individual playlist, map, party, or mode can use fewer players.
Rank #3
- Wireless Controller: The controller connects wirelessly via Bluetooth for convenience.
- DualSense Technology: Features advanced haptic feedback and adaptive trigger buttons for immersive gaming.
- Gray Camouflage Design: Stylish and unique design with a gray camouflage pattern.
- 17 Buttons: Includes 12 main buttons and 5 customizable buttons for versatile gameplay.
- PlayStation 5 Compatible: Works with all PlayStation 5 games and accessories.
Activision account
An Activision account is also required. Set up or sign in to that account when the game requests it, and use the same account details when moving between consoles. A PlayStation account and an internet connection are, of course, needed to use PlayStation Network services, but the additional publisher account is the requirement that is easiest to overlook.
Regional and service caveats
PlayStation warns that online play, services, features, and content may vary by region and may be modified or terminated. A friend in another country may therefore see different availability or matchmaking behavior even when both players use PS5 versions. Treat the store page for your region as the final authority on current access.
What is included in the PS5 ports?
Treyarch announced that both ports include all three headline components: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. You are not buying a multiplayer-only release, and Zombies is not omitted from the PS5 versions.
Campaign
The single-player Campaign is included in each game. Campaign is separate from online matchmaking and does not require PlayStation Plus when played offline.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer includes online and local forms of play. The PS5 listings’ 1–2-player designation covers local use, while online sessions can support up to 18 players with PlayStation Plus. Black Ops II’s manual specifically characterizes Multiplayer as playable “online and locally,” and the Black Ops Combat Training description confirms online and split-screen play against computer-controlled opponents.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #4
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Zombies
Zombies is included in both ports. The Black Ops II manual labels the Zombies mode “1-8 PLAYERS.” That figure identifies the mode’s published player capacity; the local split-screen limit shown by the PS5 store listing remains two players. In other words, do not interpret the eight-player Zombies label as eight people sharing one PS5 screen.
DLC, season passes, and what you must buy separately
The base ports include Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies, but DLC and season passes are sold separately. A base-game purchase should not be treated as an automatic entitlement to every post-launch map pack or expansion.
Availability, pricing, and promotions for add-on content are time- and region-sensitive. If your group wants to play a particular downloadable map, check that every participating account owns the required add-on and that the add-on is offered for the same PlayStation edition. The online subscription requirement is separate from DLC ownership: buying a season pass does not replace PlayStation Plus.
How to play with a PS4 friend from a PS5
- Buy or install the PlayStation version. Use the current PS4/PS5 listing for the game you want. Both ports were released July 9, 2026.
- Check online access. Confirm that the PS5 account has an active PlayStation Plus subscription. The other player needs the appropriate PlayStation online access on PS4.
- Sign in to Activision. Launch the game and complete the Activision-account sign-in or linking prompt before attempting to invite a friend.
- Open Multiplayer. Use the game’s Multiplayer menu, then create or join an online party. Menu wording can vary with updates and region.
- Invite the PS4 player through PlayStation’s friend or party controls. Because this is cross-generation PlayStation multiplayer, the PS4 friend should appear as an eligible PlayStation contact rather than as an Xbox or PC cross-platform user.
- Choose a compatible playlist. The published maximum is 18 online players, but each mode can impose a smaller lobby size. If a specific playlist is unavailable, try another Multiplayer option or check whether the other player has the same update and downloadable content.
How to set up two-player split-screen
- Connect a second controller. Pair a second DualSense or another compatible controller with the PS5.
- Start the game with the first player. Enter Multiplayer or another mode that exposes local play. The store listing identifies the local capacity as 1–2 players.
- Join with player two. At the mode’s local-player prompt, press the indicated button on the second controller and select a local profile or guest option if offered.
- Select split-screen or local play. In Black Ops, Combat Training is explicitly documented as available online and split-screen. Black Ops II’s manual documents Multiplayer as available online and locally.
- Start the match. If the second player disappears, return to the player-join screen, verify the controller assignment, and check that the selected mode allows local players.
Split-screen does not require PlayStation Plus when both people are playing locally, although online features, account sign-in prompts, or downloadable-content checks may still require an internet connection. A subscription is required when either player is joining an online match.
Black Ops versus Black Ops II: is one better for groups?
For the specific PS5 connectivity questions, the two games are effectively matched: both have PS4/PS5 availability, PS4-to-PS5 online play, two-player local support, PlayStation Plus-gated online multiplayer, and no Xbox or PC cross-platform matchmaking. Both include Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies.
Best Value
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
The clearest documented difference in the available mode evidence is wording rather than a separate PS5 feature. Activision’s Black Ops material calls out Combat Training with friends online and split-screen, while the Black Ops II manual gives a general statement that Multiplayer works online and locally and lists Zombies as 1–8 players. Those descriptions should not be read as a promise that the games have identical playlists, local limits in every mode, or identical DLC libraries.
Choose based on which campaign, maps, Zombies content, or friends’ existing ownership you prefer. If your priority is simply playing together on PS4 and PS5, either PS5 listing meets that requirement.
Troubleshooting the most common setup problems
“My PS4 friend cannot join.”
- Verify that both people installed the PlayStation release and are signed in to PlayStation Network.
- Confirm that the PS4 player is using the supported PS4 version and that both consoles have the latest available game update.
- Check that the PS5 player’s PlayStation Plus subscription is active and that the Activision account sign-in completed.
- Try inviting through the PlayStation friend or party interface, then create a new in-game lobby.
“Can I invite an Xbox or PC friend?”
No. Cross-platform Multiplayer with non-PlayStation systems is not supported for these ports. An invite cannot overcome that platform boundary.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches“The second controller works in the PS5 menu but not in the game.”
- Pair the controller to a second local user or guest when the PS5 asks who is using it.
- Enter a mode that supports local play and wait for its player-join prompt.
- Press the displayed join button on controller two; simply turning on the controller may not add a player.
- If the prompt still does not appear, leave the lobby and re-enter Multiplayer, then test with the other controller.
“I bought the game but online play is locked.”
Check PlayStation Plus first. The product listings require the subscription for online Multiplayer. Also complete the Activision-account sign-in and check regional service status, since PlayStation says online services can vary or change.
Bottom line for buying and playing
Buy the PS5 listing if your group plays on PlayStation and needs PS4-to-PS5 multiplayer. You get Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies, plus two-player local play on one console and online lobbies of up to 18 players with PlayStation Plus. Do not buy it expecting Xbox or PC cross-play, and budget separately for PlayStation Plus, a second controller for split-screen, and any DLC or season pass your group wants.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
