- Split screen status: Current storefront listings indicate that Star Wars Galactic Racer does not support local split screen or couch co-op.
- Multiplayer focus: The game is designed as a single-player experience locally, with online multiplayer supporting 2 to 12 players.
- Cross-play support: Cross-platform multiplayer is confirmed across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
- Release details: Developed by Fuse Games and published by Secret Mode, releasing worldwide on October 6, 2026.
- Alternative options: Players looking to compete with friends must utilize online lobbies, private matchmaking, or pass-and-play style custom Arcade events.
Star Wars Galactic Racer split screen: Is Couch Co-Op Supported?
For many racing fans, the thrill of high-speed podracing is deeply tied to memories of local split screen battles. With the upcoming release of Star Wars Galactic Racer on October 6, 2026, players are eager to know if they can share a couch and a screen with their friends.
According to the official storefront listings on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, and Epic Games Store, Star Wars Galactic Racer split screen is currently not supported. The game is officially classified as a single-player game for offline play, with multiplayer features entirely reserved for online environments.
This decision shifts the gameplay focus toward a robust single-player campaign and high-stakes online lobbies. While this may disappoint fans of classic local multiplayer racing games, the developers have optimized the game engine to deliver highly detailed environments and blazing-fast speeds that might have been compromised under a split screen rendering load.
Always verify platform listings before purchasing if local play is your primary goal. The PlayStation Store explicitly lists the game as 1-player local, requiring PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer.
To help clarify the differences between local and online capabilities, review the official multiplayer specifications below:
| Feature | Local Play | Online Play |
|---|---|---|
| Max Player Count | 1 Player | 2-12 Players |
| Split Screen | Not Supported | Not Supported |
| Campaign Mode | Supported | Not Supported |
| PvP Grudge Matches | Not Supported | Supported |
| Cross-Play Lobbies | Not Applicable | Supported |
| Arcade Challenges | Supported | Supported |
Confirmed Multiplayer Modes and Player Counts
While local split screen is absent, the online multiplayer suite in Star Wars Galactic Racer is designed to offer intense, competitive racing across the Outer Rim. The game supports online lobbies of 2 to 12 players, allowing for chaotic, full-grid races against friends and global rivals.
The multiplayer experience is built around high-stakes competition where reputation and vehicle customization play a massive role. Players can participate in several distinct online formats:
PvP Grudge Matches
- Competitive lobbies
- High-risk positioning
- Reputation-driven stakes
- Full collision and shunts
Online Lobbies
- Up to 12 players
- Custom track selection
- Cross-platform matching
- Spectator options
Arcade Events
- Curated challenges
- Fixed vehicle classes
- Leaderboard tracking
- Seasonal rewards
In these modes, players can showcase their customized repulsorcraft, ranging from heavy landspeeders to agile speeder bikes and high-velocity podracers. The lack of local split screen ensures that each online player experiences the game at maximum visual fidelity, with smooth framerates essential for reacting to high-speed track hazards.
Host private online lobbies if you want to practice tracks with a select group of friends before entering public matchmaking pools.
How to Set Up Online Multiplayer and Cross-Play
Because local split screen is not an option, connecting with friends online is the primary method for multiplayer action. Fortunately, the game features full cross-platform support, meaning PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players can all race in the same lobby.
Setting up a multiplayer session is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your online lobby running:
Access the Multiplayer Menu
From the main menu, navigate to the Multiplayer tab. Ensure your internet connection is active and you are signed into your platform account.
Enable Cross-Play Settings
Go to your gameplay settings and confirm that Cross-Play is toggled on. This allows you to invite and search for players on other gaming platforms.
Create or Join a Lobby
Select 'Create Lobby' to host a private room. You will be given a unique Lobby Code that you can share with your friends.
Invite Friends and Configure Rules
Use your platform's friend list or enter your friends' cross-play IDs to send direct invites. As the host, you can select the planet, track, vehicle class restrictions, and weather conditions.
Launch the Race
Once all players have selected their customized vehicles and readied up, start the countdown to launch the event.
Cross-play is enabled by default on PC storefronts like Steam and Epic Games Store, making it easy to connect across different launcher ecosystems.
Platform Features and Storefront Requirements
To participate in online multiplayer, players must meet specific platform requirements. Because the game is built for current-generation hardware, older consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are not supported.
Console players will need active subscription services to access the online grid, while PC players must ensure their hardware can maintain stable framerates during intense 12-player races.
| Platform | Required Subscription | Cross-Play Support | Controller Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | PlayStation Plus | Yes | DualSense Wireless |
| Xbox Series X | S | Game Pass Core / Ultimate | Yes |
| PC (Steam) | None | Yes | Gamepad Highly Recommended |
| PC (Epic Games) | None | Yes | Gamepad Highly Recommended |
For PC players, maintaining a high framerate is critical for online competitive play. Below are the minimum system requirements to ensure your machine can handle the game:
| Component | Minimum Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card | Nvidia RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT |
| Storage | 50 GB available space (SSD Required) |
An SSD is strictly required for both minimum and recommended configurations to prevent loading hiccups during high-speed transitions.
Multiplayer Vehicle Classes and Customization
When entering the online arena, your choice of repulsorcraft and its specific build configuration will dictate your racing strategy. Since you cannot rely on split screen testing, mastering these vehicle classes in single-player or Arcade mode is essential before taking them online.
Each vehicle class features unique handling profiles, drift mechanics, and boost behaviors:
- Landspeeder: Weightier handling with a strong focus on drifting. Excellent for tight corners and surviving heavy contact in aggressive lobbies.
- Speeder Bike: Fast in a straight line but highly demanding when cornering. Features a kinetic burst mechanic for rapid acceleration.
- Skim Speeder: Built for hard banking turns using the knife-edge technique. Highly technical but rewarding for experienced pilots.
- Podracer: The ultimate high-speed racing machine. Offers extreme velocity but carries a high risk of catastrophic crashes if you misjudge a corner.
Before jumping into your first online lobby, use this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared:
Multiplayer Readiness Checklist:
- Complete early Campaign chapters to unlock advanced chassis upgrades
- Practice drifting mechanics with the Landspeeder in offline Arcade mode
- Test your network connection to ensure low latency for online matchmaking
- Configure your custom Player Banner and vehicle livery to stand out on the grid
- Familiarize yourself with track hazards on Jakku and Tatooine
Pre-ordering the game grants access to an exclusive repulsorcraft livery and Player Banner, allowing you to customize your visual identity on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about the multiplayer structure or setup options, consult this FAQ compiled from official platform data.
Q: Does Star Wars Galactic Racer support local split screen?
No. Official storefront listings confirm that the game is single-player for local offline play, meaning there is no local split screen or couch co-op support.
Q: Can I play Star Wars Galactic Racer multiplayer across different platforms?
Yes. Cross-platform multiplayer is fully supported, allowing PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players to compete in the same online lobbies.
Q: How many players can join an online race?
Online multiplayer supports up to 12 players per race. Lobbies can be filled with a mix of friends, public players, or AI bots depending on host settings.
Q: Do I need an active subscription to play online on consoles?
Yes. PlayStation 5 players require an active PlayStation Plus subscription, and Xbox Series X|S players require a Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription to access online multiplayer features.