Elden Ring Nucleus Co-Op Guide
Play Elden Ring in local split-screen with Nucleus Co-Op using the Seamless Co-op mod. Two players can explore the Lands Between on a single PC with separate controllers.
Get game setup in NucleusRequirements
How to Set Up Elden Ring Split-Screen
The Elden Ring Nucleus setup requires the Seamless Co-op mod in addition to Nucleus Co-Op. This mod replaces the base game's multiplayer system with a seamless, always-on co-op mode that Nucleus can then split across two windows.
- 1.
Download Seamless Co-op Mod
Download the Elden Ring Seamless Co-op mod from Nexus Mods (search 'Elden Ring Seamless Coop'). Extract the mod files into your Elden Ring game directory — the same folder as eldenring.exe.
- 2.
Set a Seamless Co-op Password
Open the SeamlessCoop.ini file in your Elden Ring folder. Set a co-op password under [SETTINGS] — both instances must use the same password to connect.
- 3.
Install the Elden Ring Handler
In Nucleus Co-Op, search for 'Elden Ring Seamless' and install the handler. When prompted, point it to eldenring.exe in your Steam game folder.
- 4.
Disable Easy Anti-Cheat
The Seamless Co-op mod requires EAC to be disabled. The mod installer usually handles this automatically by creating a separate launcher. Do not launch from the regular Steam play button.
- 5.
Assign Two Controllers
Connect two Xbox-style controller controllers. Press a button on each in the Nucleus UI to assign them. Drag one to each screen half.
- 6.
Click Play and Connect
Click Play in Nucleus. Once both instances load, in each instance start the game via the Seamless Co-op launcher. Both players enter their Elden Ring saves. Use the Seamless Co-op summon pool to join each other.
Tips
Each player needs their own Elden Ring save file — the mod creates separate save files per instance automatically.
Use the same Seamless Co-op password in SeamlessCoop.ini for both instances so they can find each other.
Lower Elden Ring shadow quality and reduce draw distance — running two instances simultaneously is very demanding.
If you get a 'failed to initialize EAC' error, make sure you are launching via the Seamless Co-op launcher, not the standard Steam play button.
The Convergence mod and other major overhaul mods may conflict with the Seamless Co-op mod. Use a clean mod list.
Common Issues
Elden Ring Nucleus instances won't connect to each other +
Black screen when launching Elden Ring via Nucleus +
Elden Ring crashes after a few minutes in split-screen +
About Elden Ring Split-Screen
Elden Ring, FromSoftware's 2022 open-world action RPG, does not include native split-screen or local co-op. Its online co-op is limited to temporary summons via signs on the ground. The Seamless Co-op mod fundamentally changes this by enabling persistent online co-op through the entire game.
When combined with Nucleus Co-Op, two players can experience the full Elden Ring campaign together in local split-screen on one PC. Each player has their own character, their own inventory, and their own screen.
The setup is more complex than most Nucleus configurations because it requires the Seamless Co-op mod, EAC bypass, and careful .ini configuration. However, the result is one of the most impressive Nucleus Co-Op experiences available — a full FromSoftware souls game in local co-op.
Note that using mods in Elden Ring can result in a soft ban from FromSoftware's online servers. The Seamless Co-op mod uses a separate server pool to avoid this, but always check the mod's current status on Nexus Mods for the latest information before playing.
