Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Resident Evil 2 Remake has no built-in local multiplayer menu on PC. The Steam listing marks the unmodified game as “Single-player.” To play locally, use the community-made Local Couch Co-op mod (formerly HUNK’y Friend) with the Steam PC version and REFramework. The mod documents shared-screen and split-screen play, with either two controllers or a keyboard-and-mouse player paired with a controller.
This guide explains what the setup can and cannot do, how to prepare it, where player-two controls are assigned, which display mode to choose, and what to check when a controller or helper plugin causes problems.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What local multiplayer means in Resident Evil 2 Remake
The PC release does not expose a native co-op toggle or second-player control screen. Steam lists the game as “Single-player”, alongside “Full Controller Support” and “Xbox Controllers”; those are storefront feature labels, not an indication that two people can join an unmodified session. The game was released on Steam on January 24, 2019, and the listing was accessed October 13, 2026: Resident Evil 2 on Steam.
The currently documented local option is a community mod called Local Couch Co-op, formerly known as HUNK’y Friend. Its Nexus Mods description specifically targets the Steam PC version, requires REFramework, and describes both shared-screen and split-screen play. It changes the normal single-player experience; installing a second gamepad alone will not create multiplayer.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Capcom’s PC support page points PC players to the Steam system requirements for the game: Capcom PC support information. Check that your copy and hardware meet those requirements before troubleshooting the mod.
Requirements and compatible control layouts
Prepare the following before installing anything:
- A legitimate Steam PC copy of Resident Evil 2 (2019).
- REFramework, which the mod page lists as a prerequisite. Its supported version and installation directions can change, so use the current requirements on the mod page rather than an old tutorial.
- The current Local Couch Co-op files from the mod’s page: Local Couch Co-op at Nexus Mods.
- Either two controllers, or a keyboard and mouse plus one controller. The mod’s documented arrangement gives player one the game’s normal controls and player two a controller.
- A display arrangement suitable for the mode you select. Shared-screen play uses one view; split-screen gives each player a separate view.
A second Xbox-compatible PC gamepad is a practical accessory for the two-controller layout because Steam identifies Xbox Controllers as supported input. That label does not establish compatibility for every controller or enable native multiplayer, so treat the controller as an input device for the modded setup, not as a feature unlock.
Install the mod without assuming native multiplayer
The mod author’s instructions are the operational authority because requirements and files can change. The page was updated October 12, 2026. Use this sequence to keep the base game and the mod’s prerequisites clearly separated.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Confirm the edition. Open your Steam library and verify that you own the 2019 PC release named by the mod page. Console editions, cloud versions and other Resident Evil titles are not interchangeable with this installation.
- Check the game’s PC requirements. Use Capcom’s support information and make sure the game launches normally before adding modifications. If the unmodified game fails, fix that first.
- Read the current REFramework requirement. Open the Requirements section on the Local Couch Co-op page. Install the version and files it currently names, following the linked instructions there. Do not rely on a package or filename copied from an older guide.
- Download Local Couch Co-op. On the same page, review the files, version notes and installation directions. Keep the downloaded archive until you have confirmed that the game starts and both players can join.
- Install in the order requested by the author. The mod depends on REFramework, so complete that prerequisite before placing the co-op files. Avoid mixing files from unrelated Resident Evil 2 mods while diagnosing the setup.
- Launch the game once with the mod installed. Let it reach the title or gameplay screen, then open the mod’s in-game control page. This confirms that the framework and mod are being loaded before you connect a second player.
- Choose your display mode and controller mapping. The mod documents shared-screen and split-screen options. Select the mode you want, then use the controller mapping shown by the mod rather than assuming every button is identical across devices.
The page’s files, requirements and version history are subject to change. Its log is available at Local Couch Co-op version history. Check that log when an update changes behavior or a previously working controller stops responding.
Connect and assign the two players
Two-controller arrangement
Connect both gamepads before starting a session. The game’s own controls remain player one’s controls. Player two is assigned through the mod and uses a controller. If the mod offers a controller-selection screen, select each device by its displayed name; do not assume that the first device listed is always the person sitting on the left.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
After the game reaches the mod’s control screen, use the documented player-two command Start + Back to spawn or remove player two. On controllers whose labels differ, “Start” and “Back” generally correspond to the two small menu buttons, but the mod’s in-game mapping is the authority for your device.
Keyboard, mouse and controller arrangement
Player one can use the keyboard and mouse through the game’s normal controls while player two uses a controller. This is useful when only one gamepad is available, but it does not make the keyboard a second independent player: the keyboard-and-mouse user is player one, and the controller user is player two.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Connect the controller before launching or before opening the mod’s mapping page, then verify that the mod identifies it. If the device appears under an unexpected name, use the selection shown in the mod rather than changing Windows device order at random.
Spawning and removing player two
Press Start + Back on player two’s controller to spawn the second character. Press the same combination again to remove that player. This is a mod command, not a built-in Resident Evil 2 shortcut. If nothing happens, first confirm that the mod is loaded and that you are pressing both buttons on the controller assigned to player two.
Player-two controls
The mod page documents the following functions. Names can vary with the selected controller mapping, so verify the live mapping in the mod’s control page before starting a long session.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
| Action | Player-two input documented by the mod | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Spawn or remove player two | Start + Back |
Toggle the second player in or out |
| Move | Left stick | Character movement |
| Aim | Right stick | Free-aim and split-screen play |
| Aim and shoot | LT/RT |
Use the mapped trigger functions |
| Weapons | Other mapped controller buttons | Weapon selection; confirm the exact assignment in-game |
| Interaction | Other mapped controller buttons | Interact with objects according to the mod’s mapping |
| Healing and reload options | Other mapped controller buttons | Use the buttons shown by the selected configuration |
| Menus | Other mapped controller buttons | Open or navigate menus according to the in-game control page |
Do not treat the table as a universal Xbox template. The mod’s documentation specifically notes that mappings can vary by configuration. A controller can be detected and still have an unsuitable layout until you select the correct device profile.
Choose shared screen or split screen
Shared-screen mode
Shared-screen mode keeps both players in one view. It is the simpler choice when you want to watch the same camera framing and do not want each player’s display area reduced. The trade-off is that both characters must operate within the same view, so movement and aiming are constrained by the camera the two players share.
Split-screen mode
Split-screen mode gives each player a separate view. The mod documents right-stick aiming for player two in free aim and split-screen play. This is preferable when the two players need to look in different directions, but each person receives only part of the display and the arrangement can feel less like the original single-player presentation.
Fixed-camera play
Fixed-camera mode is not supplied by Local Couch Co-op alone. The mod page says it requires the separate Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic mod. Install that only if you specifically want the classic camera behavior, and check its own compatibility instructions before combining it with the co-op files.
| Decision | Shared screen | Split screen |
|---|---|---|
| View | One shared camera view | Separate view for each player |
| Best fit | Players staying together and watching the same action | Players needing independent aiming and sight lines |
| Player-two aiming | Uses the mode and mapping supplied by the mod | Right stick is documented for free aim and split-screen |
| Display trade-off | Full display area is shared by one view | Each player has less screen area |
| Extra requirement | Local Couch Co-op | Local Couch Co-op |
The author does not publish a controlled performance comparison between these modes. Choose based on camera preference and how independently the players need to move, not on an assumed frame-rate advantage.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
Controller compatibility and the helper plugin
The mod’s version notes describe controller selection by name and added support for some PlayStation 3, generic USB/DirectInput controllers and arcade sticks through a helper plugin. That support is conditional: it is not a promise that every device in those categories will work.
The same notes warn that the helper plugin can contribute to crashes in some cases. If the game starts crashing only after enabling the helper, test the standard controller path first. Disconnect extra devices, launch with the helper disabled or removed according to its instructions, and check whether a normally supported controller works. Re-enable one additional component at a time only after the basic two-player setup is stable.
Steam’s “Full Controller Support” label describes the base game’s controller handling. It does not certify the mod, a particular DirectInput device, an arcade stick, or a third-party translation layer. Use the mod’s current device list and mapping screen as the compatibility check.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting by symptom
The second controller does nothing
- Verify that you are running the Steam PC version named by the mod.
- Confirm REFramework and Local Couch Co-op are installed according to the current Nexus Mods instructions.
- Check that the controller appears by name in the mod’s selection or mapping page.
- Press
Start + Backon player two’s controller, not on player one’s device. - Open the in-game control page and confirm the selected profile; mappings may differ by controller.
The game launches, but the mod is absent
- Close the game and recheck the prerequisite order: REFramework must be present before the co-op files are used.
- Compare your installed versions with the current requirements and version notes on the mod page.
- Remove conflicting Resident Evil 2 modifications while testing, then add them back individually only if the author says they can coexist.
A helper-plugin controller causes crashes
- Return to a standard controller or the keyboard-and-mouse-plus-controller layout.
- Disable the helper plugin using its documented procedure and test the base Local Couch Co-op setup.
- Read the version history for changes affecting your device type before trying another plugin build.
Player two can move but cannot aim or shoot
- Check whether you selected shared-screen or split-screen; right-stick aiming is specifically documented for free aim and split-screen.
- Verify the trigger assignments shown in the mod’s control page. The documented actions are
LTto aim andRTto shoot, but a different profile can map those functions elsewhere. - Test the controller without additional remapping software so that only one layer determines the button assignments.
The camera behaves differently from expected
Local Couch Co-op documents shared-screen and split-screen play, not a built-in fixed-camera option. Fixed-camera behavior requires the separate Resident Evil 2 Remake Classic mod, so do not troubleshoot it as though it were a missing setting in the co-op menu.
Keeping the setup maintainable
Save a copy of the versions that work for your machine, but always read the current mod page before updating the game, REFramework or a helper plugin. A game update can change compatibility even when your controller hardware has not changed.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
When testing an update, change one component at a time. First launch the unmodified game, then verify REFramework, then test Local Couch Co-op with the simplest supported layout: two ordinary controllers or keyboard and mouse plus one controller. Only after that works should you add a DirectInput device, arcade stick, helper plugin or another camera mod.
Keep the mod’s control page available while configuring the session. The documented player-two commands are enough to spawn the character and perform core actions, but the selected controller profile determines how weapon, interaction, healing, reload and menu functions are actually reached.
What to expect from the finished setup
A successful installation gives you a modded local session on the Steam PC edition, not an official multiplayer mode. Player one retains the normal game controls, while player two joins through the mod with a controller. You can select a shared view or split-screen presentation, and you can use either two controllers or a keyboard-and-mouse player paired with a controller.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If you need fixed-camera play, unusual controller hardware or a helper plugin, treat each addition as a separate compatibility decision. The mod’s current requirements, control page and version history are more reliable than a generic controller guide because they identify the files and device support for this particular Resident Evil 2 installation.
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.
