How to Play Fortnite Split Screen on the Xbox Step 1: Make sure you have two Xbox controllers and two accounts. It might sound obvious, but you need two Xbox controllers to play Fortnite split screen. Step 2: Start Fortnite in Duos, then add a second player via your friend list or by accepting a Duo invite with another gamer at that has an extra controller plugged in. Step 3: Turn on the second controller for second player and sign them into their own account as well as your own. You can't just go drop-in with someone unless they're also playing from game console plus have joinable settings enabled.