FIFA 23: Play With 2 Controllers On PS5 - Easy Guide
Hey guys! Getting ready to dive into some FIFA 23 action on your PS5 with a friend? Awesome! Playing with two controllers is super easy and adds a whole new level of fun to the game. Whether you’re planning to team up against the AI, challenge each other in a friendly match, or even create your dream team in Ultimate Team, I’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your dual-controller setup going in FIFA 23 on your PlayStation 5.
Setting Up Your PS5 for Two-Player FIFA 23
First things first, let's make sure your PS5 is ready to handle two controllers. This part is actually pretty straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re not a tech whiz. We’ll start with the basics and then move on to getting you into the game.
Initial Setup
Before you even think about FIFA, ensure both of your DualSense controllers are paired with your PS5. Usually, one controller is already paired when you first set up your console. For the second controller:
- Turn on your PS5: Make sure your PlayStation 5 is powered on and you're on the home screen.
- Turn on the second controller: Press the PlayStation button (the one with the PS logo) on the second controller. If it’s not already paired, the light bar will blink.
- Pair the controller: If the light bar is blinking, go to Settings > Accessories > Controller > Communication Method and select “Use USB Cable.” Connect the controller to the PS5 with a USB cable. Once connected, it should pair automatically. You can then disconnect the cable.
- Assign Users: The PS5 will ask you to assign a user to the second controller. Choose an existing user or create a new one if needed. This step is crucial because the game needs to know which profiles are playing.
Navigating to FIFA 23
Now that your controllers are connected and assigned, it’s time to fire up FIFA 23. Scroll through your games or use the search function to find FIFA 23 and launch it. Wait for the game to load to the main menu. This might take a minute, so grab a quick snack or stretch your legs while you wait. Once you're at the main menu, you're halfway there!
In-Game Controller Settings
Sometimes, FIFA 23 might not automatically recognize both controllers. Here’s how to make sure the game knows you’ve got two players ready to go:
- Go to Customize: In the FIFA 23 main menu, navigate to the “Customize” tab. This is where you can tweak various game settings.
- Controller Settings: Look for “Controller Settings” within the Customize menu. Here, you can adjust settings like button configurations, vibration feedback, and more. The important thing here is to make sure both controllers are recognized. Usually, the game does this automatically, but it’s good to double-check.
By following these initial steps, you ensure that your PS5 and FIFA 23 are correctly set up to recognize and use both controllers. This foundational work is key to avoiding frustrating issues later on. Once this setup is complete, you're ready to jump into the exciting part: playing the game!
Playing Kick-Off Mode with Two Players
Okay, now for the fun part – getting into a match! Kick-Off mode is the quickest way to jump into a game with your friend. Here’s how to set it up:
Selecting Kick-Off Mode
From the FIFA 23 main menu, select “Kick-Off.” This will take you to the Kick-Off mode selection screen, where you can choose different types of matches. This is the simplest way to get a quick game going without worrying about complicated settings or team management.
Choosing Your Teams
Once you’re in Kick-Off mode, you’ll see the team selection screen. Here’s how to get both of you playing:
- Player 1 Selection: The first controller will automatically be assigned to Player 1. Use the left stick to navigate through the teams and press X to select your team. Take your time to choose wisely – this is where the bragging rights begin!
- Player 2 Activation: This is where the second controller comes into play. Have the second player press the Options button on their controller. This will activate the second player and assign them to the other side. You should now see two separate cursors on the team selection screen.
- Player 2 Selection: The second player can now use their left stick to choose their team. Again, press X to confirm the selection.
- Match Settings: After both players have selected their teams, you can adjust match settings like difficulty, match length, and rules. Customize these to your liking for the perfect gaming experience.
Starting the Match
Once you’re happy with your team selections and match settings, press the Triangle button to advance to the pre-match screen. Here, you can review your team lineups and make any last-minute adjustments. When you’re ready, press X to start the match. Get ready for some intense FIFA action!
Kick-Off mode is fantastic because it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any long-term commitment. It’s perfect for settling scores, trying out new teams, or just having a casual game with a friend. Plus, it's a great way to warm up before diving into more competitive modes like Seasons or Ultimate Team.
Playing Co-Op Seasons with a Friend
Want to take your partnership to the next level? Co-Op Seasons is where it’s at! This mode lets you and your friend team up to climb the divisions together. Here’s how to get started:
Navigating to Seasons
From the FIFA 23 main menu, navigate to the “Online” tab and select “Seasons.” This will take you to the Seasons menu, where you can choose between single-player and co-op seasons. Seasons mode offers a more structured and competitive experience compared to Kick-Off, with promotion and relegation based on your performance.
Setting Up Co-Op Seasons
- Select Co-Op Seasons: In the Seasons menu, choose “Co-Op Seasons.” This will initiate the co-op setup process.
- Invite Your Friend: The game will prompt you to invite a friend. Use your PSN friends list to send an invitation to the player you want to team up with. Make sure your friend is online and ready to accept the invite.
- Accept the Invitation: Your friend will receive a notification on their PS5. They need to accept the invitation to join your Co-Op Seasons team. Once they accept, they’ll be added to your lobby.
- Team Selection: Once your friend is in the lobby, you can choose your team. Both of you will be playing for the same team, so coordinate your selection to pick a team you both enjoy playing with. Communication is key here!
Playing Matches Together
After selecting your team, you’re ready to start playing matches. The Co-Op Seasons mode works just like regular Seasons, but with the added benefit of having a teammate. Work together to build your team’s chemistry, strategize your gameplay, and climb the divisions. Communication and coordination are crucial for success in this mode. Use headsets to talk to each other during the game and plan your moves.
Co-Op Seasons is an awesome way to experience FIFA 23 with a friend. It adds a layer of teamwork and strategy that you don’t get in single-player modes. Plus, the thrill of climbing the divisions together and achieving shared goals makes the game even more rewarding.
Ultimate Team with Two Controllers (Sort Of)
Okay, here’s the deal: Ultimate Team (FUT) doesn’t fully support two controllers in the traditional sense. You can’t both control players on the field at the same time in a single match. However, there are still ways to enjoy FUT with a friend:
Playing FUT Friendlies
FUT Friendlies allow you to play casual matches against your friend’s Ultimate Team. While you can’t control the same team simultaneously, you can still compete against each other using your custom-built squads.
- Navigate to FUT Friendlies: From the FIFA 23 main menu, go to “Ultimate Team” and then select “Play.”
- Choose FUT Friendlies: In the Play menu, select “FUT Friendlies.” This will take you to the Friendlies options.
- Invite Your Friend: Choose the type of Friendly match you want to play and then invite your friend from your PSN friends list. Once they accept the invitation, you can start the match.
Squad Building and Strategy
Even though you’re not playing on the same team, you can still collaborate on squad building and strategy. Share tips and tricks for improving your teams, discuss player recommendations, and even trade players if you’re feeling generous. This can be a fun way to enhance your FUT experience and learn from each other.
Sharing the Experience
One of the best ways to enjoy FUT with a friend is simply to share the experience. Watch each other play matches, offer advice, and celebrate victories together. Even though you’re not controlling the same team, you can still enjoy the excitement and drama of Ultimate Team as a team.
While Ultimate Team may not offer full two-player support, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the mode with a friend. Whether you’re competing in Friendlies, collaborating on squad building, or simply sharing the experience, there’s always something fun to do together.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
Controller Not Recognized
If your PS5 isn’t recognizing the second controller, try these steps:
- Check the Connection: Make sure the controller is properly paired with the PS5. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller and check if both controllers are listed.
- Restart the PS5: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix the issue. Turn off your PS5 completely and then turn it back on.
- Update Controller Firmware: Outdated controller firmware can cause connectivity issues. Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller > Software Update to check for updates.
Game Not Recognizing Second Player
If the game isn’t recognizing the second player in the team selection screen, try these steps:
- Press Options Button: Make sure the second player presses the Options button on their controller to activate their cursor on the team selection screen.
- Restart the Game: Sometimes, the game needs a fresh start to recognize both players. Close FIFA 23 completely and then relaunch it.
- Check Controller Settings: Go to Customize > Controller Settings in the FIFA 23 main menu and make sure both controllers are recognized.
Lag or Input Delay
If you’re experiencing lag or input delay, try these steps:
- Check Your Internet Connection: A poor internet connection can cause lag, especially in online modes. Make sure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
- Close Background Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running on your PS5 to free up resources and improve performance.
- Restart Your Router: Sometimes, restarting your router can improve your internet connection and reduce lag.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve most common issues and get back to enjoying FIFA 23 with your friend. Don’t let technical problems ruin your gaming session!
Final Thoughts
Playing FIFA 23 with two controllers on your PS5 is an awesome way to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re teaming up in Co-Op Seasons, competing in FUT Friendlies, or just having a casual game in Kick-Off mode, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Just make sure your controllers are properly connected, your settings are configured correctly, and you’re ready to work together (or compete fiercely) with your friend.
So, gather your friends, grab your controllers, and get ready for some epic FIFA 23 battles on your PS5. With this guide, you’ll be scoring goals and celebrating victories in no time. Happy gaming, guys!