Halo remake eases local co-op restrictions on PS5

Next month, Halo: Campaign Evolved will make its debut on PlayStation 5, marking the first time a Halo title is available on this console. However, the launch has already sparked confusion and controversy, particularly after Halo Studios had to retract a statement regarding the necessity of PlayStation Plus for local split-screen co-op play.

In a recent community Q&A session about Halo: Campaign Evolved, several player inquiries were addressed. One notable question was whether Xbox account requirements existed for solo or co-op gameplay. Senior community manager John Junyszek initially stated that both accounts would need PlayStation Plus for split-screen co-op on PS5.

“If you’re playing split-screen on PlayStation 5, both accounts will need to have PlayStation Plus and be linked to a Microsoft account,” Junyszek explained. “Having these active PlayStation Plus subscriptions will also provide access to online co-op play.” This announcement frustrated many PS5 players, who felt they would have to spend over $70 just to enjoy split-screen co-op with a friend at home.

Eventually, the official Halo account clarified on X that this information was incorrect and that only one PlayStation Plus subscription is necessary for local co-op.

In practice, the split-screen functionality in Halo: Campaign Evolved resembles that of games like Fortnite, where separate PlayStation accounts are needed for local co-op. While it’s somewhat inconvenient that players must create a second account on their PS5 for a non-competitive multiplayer experience, it’s a relief that this essential Halo feature isn’t tied to a subscription as initially thought.

However, PlayStation players will still need to set up four free accounts—two PlayStation accounts and two Microsoft accounts—to fully enjoy local co-op in Halo: Campaign Evolved. Linking to a Microsoft account allows each player to utilize cross-progression across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, while the PlayStation accounts are a system-level requirement for PS5 users.

On the other hand, players on Xbox or PC will only need to create free Microsoft accounts for local co-op. To engage in online play with up to four players, a subscription to the Essential tiers of PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass is still required. Local co-op supports split-screen for two players.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X on July 28.

Update (June 20): Following the initial reports about the PlayStation Plus requirement, Halo Studios acknowledged on X that it had mistakenly indicated a PlayStation Plus requirement for local split-screen co-op in Halo: Campaign Evolved. This article has been updated to reflect that correction.