Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 split-screen with Nucleus Co-Op
Nucleus Co-Op 2-4 Players Steam / Plutonium Medium Setup

Black Ops 2 Nucleus Co-Op Guide

Play Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 in local split-screen with Nucleus Co-Op. Supports multiplayer and zombies modes via both Steam and Plutonium versions.

Get game setup in Nucleus

Requirements

Players: 2–4
Platform: Steam or Plutonium
Handler: BO2 / BO2 Plutonium (Hub)
Plutonium: Optional (separate handler)
Controllers: Xbox-style controller recommended
Difficulty: Medium

How to Set Up Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Split-Screen

Black Ops 2 is one of the most searched Nucleus Co-Op games. There are two handler options: one for the Steam version and one for the Plutonium modded client. The Plutonium version offers additional features and is often recommended.

  1. 1.

    Choose Your Version

    Decide between Steam BO2 or Plutonium. Plutonium is a free mod platform that improves BO2's PC experience significantly. Download Plutonium from plutonium.pw if using the Plutonium handler.

  2. 2.

    Install the Correct Handler

    In Nucleus, search for 'Black Ops 2' and install the appropriate handler (Steam or Plutonium). Point to t6mp.exe (Plutonium) or BlackOps2.exe (Steam).

  3. 3.

    Configure Plutonium (if using)

    Make sure Plutonium is installed and you are logged into your Plutonium account. The handler requires Plutonium to be configured and working standalone before using with Nucleus.

  4. 4.

    Assign Controllers

    Assign Xbox-style controller controllers in the Nucleus UI. BO2 handles controller input well with the handler.

  5. 5.

    Launch and Connect

    Click Play. Once instances launch, use the LAN multiplayer or zombies lobby to connect instances. In Plutonium, use the LAN browser.

Tips

The Plutonium handler is generally more stable than the Steam handler for BO2.

BO2 Zombies maps work with the split-screen handler — set up a private lobby and connect via LAN.

Disable any overlays (Discord, Nvidia) before launching to avoid conflicts with the handler hooks.

If instances disconnect frequently, set both instances to the same Plutonium region server.

For 4-player zombies, make sure your PC has at least 16GB RAM and a dedicated GPU.

Common Issues

BO2 Nucleus not working after a Plutonium update +
Plutonium updates can break handlers. Check the Nucleus game library for an updated handler version. The community usually updates within 1-3 days of a Plutonium release.
BO2 zombies maps are broken or crash in Nucleus +
Some DLC zombie maps have compatibility issues with certain handler versions. Try the base maps first (TranZit, Town) to confirm the setup works, then test DLC maps.
Second BO2 instance shows a black screen +
Run Nucleus as Administrator. Also ensure the handler path points to the correct executable. For Plutonium, it should be t6mp.exe not BlackOps2.exe.

About Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Split-Screen

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was released in 2012 and remains enormously popular due to its balanced multiplayer and iconic zombies mode. Despite its age, it consistently ranks among the most searched Nucleus Co-Op configurations.

The game supports both a Steam version and the Plutonium modded client, which adds dedicated servers, mod support, and improved anti-cheat. Both versions have Nucleus handlers, with the Plutonium handler generally considered more reliable.

BO2 zombies in split-screen is one of the most requested features by the community. The Nucleus handler supports this, allowing two or more players to work through zombie maps together on a single PC.

Black Ops 2 is a relatively lightweight game by modern standards, meaning most modern PCs can run multiple instances with solid performance. Even integrated graphics laptops can often manage 2-player split-screen at reduced settings.