Halo: Campaign Evolved on PS5 Criticized for Odd Split-Screen PlayStation Plus Rules: ‘Mandatory Online DRM for Local Co-Op’

Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to make its debut on PlayStation 5, but it comes with some surprising PS Plus requirements. A recent update revealed that players will need to have both PlayStation Plus and a linked Microsoft account, even for offline missions played together.

In a community Q&A shared by a senior community manager, the online requirements for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 were outlined separately, raising concerns for those hoping to enjoy the remake without unnecessary complications.

The Xbox Series X/S setup is relatively simple: both players need Microsoft accounts for local split-screen, but only one requires Game Pass Core for online play. In contrast, the PS5 version appears to mandate that both players have Microsoft accounts and individual PS Plus subscriptions to engage in split-screen co-op, whether online or offline.

One gaming advocacy account expressed frustration, stating, “Next Halo has forced DOUBLE ONLINE DRM even for couch co-op. We used to just take our saves with us on a thumb drive, but they don’t even allow that anymore. Well, guess we need to look at the positives. Our test won’t take long.”

While linking a Microsoft account is one thing, the requirement for an active, paid PlayStation Plus subscription to access an offline co-op campaign is puzzling. It’s unclear whether this decision came from Sony or Microsoft, but it certainly raises eyebrows among the gaming community.