Split-screen on PC

Pixel Sand

Up to 8 players on one PC, with controllers or keyboard and mouse.

8Verified handler

Handler “Pixel Sand” by birden, version 1

P4+4 more players

What works

With Nucleus Co-op, up to 8 players can play Pixel Sand together on one PC, each in their own part of the screen, with controllers or keyboard and mouse. The free community handler “Pixel Sand” by birden does the setup and was checked by hub moderators: version 1, updated 26 Apr 2026. Pixel Sand is a simulation and adventure game from 2017.

Players8
ControllersSupported
Keyboard and mouseSupported
Several keyboards and miceNot supported
Hub moderatorsVerified

How to play Pixel Sand split screen on PC

Get Nucleus Co-op
Download Nucleus Co-op, free for Windows 10 and 11, and unzip it into its own folder, for example C:\NucleusCo-op. There is no installer.
Keep it out of Program Files, your user folder and OneDrive.
Download Nucleus Co-op
Install the Pixel Sand handler
In Nucleus Co-op, search the Hub for Pixel Sand and install its handler, or download the handler file from this page and drop it on the Nucleus window. Then show Nucleus where Pixel Sand is installed.
Download the handler file (.nc)
Take a seat
Each player presses a button on their own controller to join and takes a spot on the screen. Pick a layout that fits your players.
Launch and connect
Press Launch: Nucleus opens one copy of Pixel Sand per player and lays the windows out on your screen. Then link them in game, usually one player hosts a LAN or online session and the others join it. The handler notes say how.

What you need

A Windows 10 or 11 PC
Nucleus Co-op runs on Windows only. System requirements
Pixel Sand for Windows
Installed on that PC. Nucleus starts every player's window from that one install.
Nucleus Co-op, free
With .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later and the Visual C++ 2015–2022 runtimes (x86 and x64). Download
Something to play with
One controller per player; one player can use the keyboard and mouse. Controllers
A PC that can run 8 copies
Each player runs their own copy of Pixel Sand, so the PC carries several times the usual load. Lower the graphics settings if it struggles. Performance tips
A multiplayer mode
Nucleus links the windows through the game's own LAN or online mode; the handler takes care of it.

Handler notes

IMPORTANT: run your main game once first.

Multiplayer has 2 modes: on the infinite level you can interact with each other. On the campaign, players will be a ghost on the other players lobby (each player does their own level, no interaction).

About Pixel Sand

Mix elements like a mad scientist on a particularly spicy date with destiny! Embark on a journey through the mystical caves of Dormacom with our hero Vurhne as he seeks out the ultimate power for no good reason at all!

Summary from IGDB