Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the galaxy far, far away with your friends right next to you? Let's talk about Star Wars Battlefront and how you can get your local co-op fix. While the original Star Wars Battlefront (the 2015 version) didn't fully embrace local co-op in the way many of us hoped, there are still ways to enjoy some awesome multiplayer action together. So, buckle up, and let’s explore the possibilities and get you gaming with your buddies in the same room!

Understanding Local Co-op in Star Wars Battlefront (2015)

When we talk about local co-op in Star Wars Battlefront (2015), it's important to manage expectations. The game didn't offer a traditional split-screen campaign or a dedicated co-op mode that many players were yearning for. Instead, the primary focus was on online multiplayer experiences. However, there are still a few options to get some cooperative gameplay going locally.

Missions Mode: Your Best Bet for Local Play

The Missions Mode is where you’ll find the most cooperative action available for local play. This mode allows you to team up with a friend in split-screen to tackle various challenges and scenarios. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Survival Missions: In Survival Missions, you and your buddy will face waves of increasingly difficult Imperial forces. Think of it as a Star Wars-themed horde mode. You’ll need to coordinate your strategies, utilize your Star Cards effectively, and watch each other's backs to survive. These missions are a blast because they require teamwork and communication, making them perfect for a local co-op experience.
• Battles: Battles mode pits you against AI opponents in a team deathmatch style. You can customize the parameters of the match, such as the number of enemies and the difficulty level, to create a tailored experience. While it’s not as engaging as playing against real players, it’s a solid way to enjoy some competitive action together on the same screen.
• Hero Battles: Hero Battles are similar to regular Battles, but with a twist. You and your partner get to play as iconic Star Wars heroes and villains, such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, and Boba Fett. This mode adds a fun layer of strategy and excitement as you unleash the unique abilities of these powerful characters against waves of enemies.

Setting Up Split-Screen

To get your split-screen action going, simply navigate to the Missions Mode from the main menu and select your desired mission. The game will then prompt you to add a second player. Keep in mind that split-screen is only available on consoles (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) and not on the PC version of the game. Once the second player joins, you’ll be ready to jump into the action and start blasting those Rebel scum or Imperial dogs, depending on which side you choose!

Star Wars Battlefront II: A More Robust Co-op Experience

Now, if you're really craving a more comprehensive co-op experience, you might want to consider Star Wars Battlefront II (the 2017 version). This installment significantly expanded the co-op offerings, providing more ways to play together locally and online.

Arcade Mode: The Highlight for Local Co-op

The Arcade Mode in Star Wars Battlefront II is a major improvement over the Missions Mode in the previous game. It offers a variety of scenarios and challenges that are specifically designed for cooperative play. Here’s what makes Arcade Mode so great:

• Custom Scenarios: Arcade Mode allows you to create your own custom scenarios with adjustable parameters. You can choose the map, the number of enemies, the difficulty level, and even the heroes and villains that appear. This level of customization lets you tailor the experience to your liking and create unique challenges for you and your co-op partner.
• Team Battles: In Team Battles, you and your friend can team up to take on AI opponents in objective-based missions. These missions often involve capturing control points, escorting vehicles, or defending key locations. Team Battles require coordination and communication, making them a fantastic way to test your teamwork skills.
• Hero vs. Villains: This mode lets you and your friend play as iconic Star Wars heroes and villains in head-to-head battles. You can choose your favorite characters and duke it out in epic duels. Hero vs. Villains is a thrilling and action-packed mode that’s perfect for settling those age-old Star Wars debates.

Online Co-op: Expanding Your Galactic Adventures

In addition to local co-op, Star Wars Battlefront II also offers online co-op modes that allow you to team up with friends from around the world. This opens up even more possibilities for cooperative gameplay.

• Co-op Missions: The online co-op missions in Battlefront II are a blast. You and up to three other players can team up to tackle challenging scenarios that require teamwork and coordination. These missions often involve defending against waves of enemies, completing objectives, and working together to achieve victory. The online co-op missions add a ton of replay value to the game and provide a great way to connect with other Star Wars fans.

Tips and Tricks for a Great Local Co-op Experience

To make the most of your local co-op experience in either Star Wars Battlefront (2015) or Star Wars Battlefront II, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

Communication is Key

Whether you're playing Survival Missions, Battles, or Arcade Mode, communication is essential. Talk to your partner about your strategies, coordinate your movements, and let each other know when you need help. Clear and concise communication will significantly improve your chances of success.

Coordinate Your Loadouts

In both games, you can customize your loadouts with different weapons, Star Cards, and abilities. Coordinate your loadouts with your partner to create a well-rounded team. For example, one player can focus on dealing damage while the other provides support with healing or crowd control abilities.

Utilize Cover and Flanking Maneuvers

Don't just run and gun. Utilize cover to protect yourself from enemy fire and coordinate flanking maneuvers to take down enemies more effectively. Flanking can be especially effective in Battles and Arcade Mode, where enemies tend to group together.

Learn the Maps

Knowing the maps inside and out will give you a significant advantage. Learn the locations of key objectives, power-ups, and chokepoints. This will allow you to anticipate enemy movements and plan your attacks more effectively.

Have Fun!

Most importantly, remember to have fun! Local co-op is all about sharing the experience with your friends. Don't take things too seriously and enjoy the camaraderie. Whether you're winning or losing, the most important thing is that you're having a good time together.

Other Star Wars Games with Local Co-op

If you’re still looking for more local co-op Star Wars action, don’t worry; there are other games in the galaxy far, far away that offer great experiences. Here are a couple of noteworthy mentions:

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a fantastic option for some lighthearted co-op fun. This game covers the events of the first six Star Wars movies with LEGO humor and charm. It features simple, accessible gameplay that’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Plus, who doesn’t love smashing LEGO bricks?

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Wii Version)

The Wii version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed includes a local multiplayer mode where you can duel with a friend using the Wii Remote as a lightsaber. While it’s not a full co-op campaign, it’s a fun way to engage in some Star Wars-themed combat together.

Conclusion: The Force is Strong with Local Co-op

While Star Wars Battlefront (2015) might not have been the ultimate local co-op experience we all dreamed of, it still offers some fun ways to play with friends in the same room. And with Star Wars Battlefront II expanding the co-op offerings, there are even more opportunities to team up and take on the galaxy together. So gather your friends, fire up your consoles, and may the Force be with you as you embark on your local co-op adventures in the Star Wars universe! Whether you're blasting Stormtroopers, piloting X-wings, or engaging in epic lightsaber battles, the possibilities are endless. Happy gaming, and may your teamwork always lead to victory!