Minecraft Split-Screen on Xbox — No Xbox Live Required

Xbox Live Gold / Game Pass Core is NOT required for local split-screen Minecraft on Xbox.

How It Works

• Sign in with Player 1 (any account, even offline)
• Press Start on Controller 2 → "Add Player"
• Player 2 signs in (guest or own account)
• Play locally — no internet handshake

What Does Require Gold

• Online multiplayer (Realms, servers, cross-play)
• Marketplace downloads (skins, packs, maps)
• Cloud save sync
• Achievements unlock (sync on next sign-in)

Platform Note

• Xbox 360: Split-screen works offline (TU73+)
• Xbox One / Series X|S: Split-screen works offline
• Bedrock (Windows 10/11): No native split-screen (mods exist)
• Java Edition: No split-screen

Couch co-op is free. Microsoft only gates online services.