Halo: Campaign Evolved, the upcoming reimagining of the 2001 classic, will require PlayStation Plus subscriptions for both players attempting split-screen co-op on PS5, Halo Studios confirmed this week. The revelation has already sparked backlash from fans accustomed to enjoying the original game's couch co-op at no extra cost.
The studio laid out platform-specific account requirements in a Waypoint Q&A. On PlayStation 5, each player needs an active PlayStation Plus subscription and a linked Microsoft account to play split-screen locally. Both accounts must also maintain their PlayStation Plus memberships to access online co-op as well.
The demand stands in contrast to how other platforms handle the game. Xbox Series X and S players need only a unique Microsoft account for split-screen play, with Xbox Game Pass required only for online sessions. PC players via Steam simply link to a Microsoft account.
PlayStation Plus carries a monthly cost ranging from $10.99 to $19.99 depending on the tier selected. The service is typically reserved for online multiplayer on paid games, while offline and free-to-play titles remain accessible without a subscription.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is not free-to-play, making the PlayStation requirement for offline split-screen play especially controversial. Social media erupted with player frustration over the decision. One user on X called it "some next level insanity" to require online payment for local couch co-op, while Reddit users expressed hesitation about purchasing the game if it meant paying for an additional subscription simply to play with household members.
The original Halo: Combat Evolved shipped with robust split-screen co-op that required nothing beyond owning the game and a controller. That feature helped cement the franchise's reputation and has remained a hallmark of the series for over two decades.
Halo: Campaign Evolved launches July 28, 2026 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Sony has not yet publicly addressed the PlayStation Plus requirement.
Author Emily Chen: "Charging for split-screen on your own couch contradicts everything that made Halo's co-op legendary in the first place."
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