To achieve the Keyboard and Controller split-screen setup, follow these general steps:
: The game will divide the screen. Use the mouse/keyboard to click "Ready" on the left side and the controller’s button on the right side to begin. Key Technical Details Version Requirement : Ensure your game is updated to at least . This update also removed the legacy Games for Windows Live (GFWL) requirement. Input Separation
Note: As of late 2023, the native steam version allows two controllers natively without mods, but the "keyboard + controller" combo often requires this exclusive mapping tool. 3. Why This Exclusive Combo is Essential
If you experience frame rate dips or stuttering on either half of the screen, open the graphics settings menu in each instance and lower the anti-aliasing (AA) and shadow quality options. Capping the framerate to 60 FPS in your GPU control panel can also prevent screen tearing and keep performance perfectly synchronized between both players.
This happens when Windows binds the controller as a global device. If using Nucleus, make sure you check the "Status" window to ensure the controller hook was successfully injected. If using Steam Input, try disabling Steam Input in the game's properties so the mod can handle the gamepad directly. Issue 2: Keyboard player loses mouse cursor focus
The most popular way to play is by using a combination of a keyboard/mouse and a controller (or two controllers). Here are the primary methods: 1. The Official Steam Patch (2023) To achieve the Keyboard and Controller split-screen setup,
The most recent Steam versions of Resident Evil 5 have restored the local split-screen functionality that was previously removed.
As of 2026, Resident Evil 5 on PC officially supports local split-screen co-op through a native update, making it much easier to set up a keyboard and controller mix without complex mods. Native Setup (No Mods Required)
This method effectively bypasses the game's traditional menu options and forces the second player to "join" as the partner character. If it doesn't work on your first attempt, simply exit the chapter and try the steps again.
Disclaimer: Some community patches and mods require technical skill and are used at your own risk.
Nucleus Co-op will now launch two distinct instances of the game, partition your monitor, and lock the keyboard to Chris and the controller to Sheva. Method 2: The RE5 Quality of Life (QoL) Mod This update also removed the legacy Games for
For on PC, native split-screen functionality was officially restored in the February 28, 2023 update (v1.2.0) , though it primarily focuses on dual-controller support. Using a keyboard and controller combination is still often a "mod-heavy" or workaround-based process because the game traditionally groups the keyboard/mouse and the first controller as Player 1. Native Method (Updated Version)
An Xbox 360, Xbox One, or PlayStation controller (using DS4Windows or Steam Input). Keyboard and Mouse: Your primary PC peripherals.
Using the keyboard for Player 1 and a controller for Player 2 is not just a preference; it is a strategic advantage and a logistical necessity in a PC environment.
A common issue is the controller and keyboard both trying to control Player 1. To ensure "exclusive" control for each:
Optional: Using a single controller via input emulation Why This Exclusive Combo is Essential If you
Imagine this: A rainy Friday night. You take the keyboard and mouse—sniping enemies from a distance with the S75 rifle. Your friend grips the controller, managing the aggressive melee combat and healing items. The screen is vertically split. On the left, your crosshair; on the right, their panicked dodges. You shout, "Behind you!" They spin just in time for a Ndesu (giant axe-wielding executioner) to crush the ground where they stood.
The hero of our story is a community mod known as the (often found on Nexus Mods or GitHub). This small .dll injection or modified executable does three critical things:
Right-click NucleusCoop.exe and select . Step 3: Download the Resident Evil 5 Script Inside Nucleus Co-Op, click on Download Game Handlers . Search for Resident Evil 5 .
So download the mod, plug in that old Xbox controller, and tell your friend: "You take the keyboard. I’ve got the controller. Let’s kill some Majini."