Both Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 support co-op with a friend, either on one console in split-screen or online. For couch co-op, connect a second compatible controller; for online play, use the game’s host or join options. The exact menu labels depend on the game edition and platform, so the steps below identify the versions covered by Capcom’s manuals.
Choose local split-screen or online co-op
| Option | What you need | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Local split-screen | One console and a second compatible controller | Both players share a screen divided between them. The join steps differ: Resident Evil 5 documents joining offline during play, while Resident Evil 6 uses Screen Mode and a prompt at Character Select. Capcom’s RE5 manuals and RE6 manual pages cover the documented flows. |
| Online co-op | Each player’s console and network access | One player hosts or creates a session and the other joins. Configure the session to admit the friend; menu names and any platform service requirements depend on the specific edition and platform. See the RE6 online instructions and the relevant RE5 manual. |
Capcom’s documentation covers multiple console editions, but its older instructions do not establish current online-service availability, subscription requirements, or compatibility for every newer controller. Check the manual and platform requirements for your exact version.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Resident Evil 5 (PS4) | $21.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Resident Evil 6 - Xbox One | $27.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Capcom Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition PlayStation 5 Game | $46.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Resident Evil Revelations 2 (PS4) | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Resident Evil 6 | $28.63 | Buy on Amazon |
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How to play Resident Evil 5 co-op
Join locally in split-screen
- Start offline play and connect a second controller.
- Have the second player press START to join as the partner.
- The game pauses and returns to item management before resuming in split-screen. Capcom’s Xbox 360 and PS3 manuals say play resumes from the previous checkpoint.
To end co-op, choose Quit from the pause menu. These specific instructions are documented for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions; other editions may present different prompts. See Capcom’s RE5 manuals.
Host or join online
The Xbox 360 manual documents online co-op and system-link co-op between two Xbox 360 consoles. For an online session, the documented flow is:
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- Host: Choose New Game or Chapter Select, then start through the Network screen.
- Join: Choose Join Game, then select Quick Match or Custom Match.
The PS3 manual also documents online co-op through PlayStation Network. These manuals describe the controls and options for their respective console editions, not whether legacy services or subscription arrangements are currently available. Use the instructions for your version and check current platform requirements separately.
How to play Resident Evil 6 co-op
Set up local split-screen
- Connect at least two controllers.
- At the game’s setup flow, select Split under Screen Mode.
- At Character Select, have player two press START when prompted to join.
Capcom’s PS3/Xbox 360 page says split-screen is available in Campaign and The Mercenaries. The PS4/Xbox One quick-start instructions also describe selecting Split and having the second player join. Capcom’s quick-start manual states, “You can play a co-op multiplayer game when you select ‘Split’ in Screen Mode.” Button prompts and screen layouts can differ by console. See the RE6 manual pages.
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- Starting with four distinct, yet interwoven story threads, for either solo or co-op play, both offline and online, not only does Resident Evil 6 deliver both different perspectives and gameplay styles
- Ada Wong, Resident Evil's very own femme fatale, dives into a thrilling campaign of intrigue and infiltration, featuring unique missions, gameplay and weapons. Ada is available from the start
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- Solo or co-op - Resident Evil 6 delivers both single and two player co-op gameplay either offline or online
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Host a private online game for a friend
- Choose a network option rather than Offline.
- Make sure Partner Join is not set to Don’t Allow.
- For the documented friend-hosting flow, set Partner Join to Private, start the game, and wait in the co-op lobby for your friend.
To join another player, choose Join Game and Quick Match; the detailed manual also documents Custom Match. Exact button prompts depend on the console. Consult the RE6 online instructions for the relevant edition.
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- The Afflicted enemies are a genuine threat to your survival, able to move quickly and attack with basic weapons
- Players switch between the two characters to overcome the nightmares in single-player mode or offline co-op
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- Intense horror experience with dark narrative
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- Players take on the role of Leon S Kennedy
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What to check if your friend cannot join
- For local play: confirm the second controller is connected and follow the game-specific join prompt. In RE5, player two presses START during offline play; in RE6, choose Split and join at Character Select.
- For RE6 online hosting: ensure the session is not Offline and Partner Join is not set to Don’t Allow. Use Private for the documented invite-a-friend flow.
- For either game: verify that both players are following instructions for the same platform and edition. Capcom’s RE5 index covers PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One; the cited online paths are edition-specific.
- For online service access: consult current platform guidance. Capcom’s older manuals do not confirm present-day service status or subscription requirements.
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