Halo: Campaign Evolved Split-Screen Co-Op on PS5 Requires PlayStation Plus for Both Players

If you're planning to dive into Halo: Campaign Evolved split-screen co-op when it launches on PS5 next month, be prepared: both players will need an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Halo Studios clarified the account requirements in a Halo Waypoint Q&A yesterday, addressing hot topics since the game was announced for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5 in October 2025. Not everyone is thrilled with the news.

The breakdown reveals different requirements per platform. All players need a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag for cross-play and cross-platform progression. However, PS5 split-screen co-op demands more: "If you’re playing split-screen on PlayStation 5, both accounts will need to have PlayStation Plus and be linked to a Microsoft account," Halo Studios said. "Having these active PlayStation Plus subscriptions will also provide access to online co-op play."

This means even couch co-op requires a subscription for each player, which is unusual since PlayStation Plus is typically needed only for online multiplayer. For comparison, Xbox Series X|S split-screen only needs a unique Microsoft account, and online co-op requires Xbox Game Pass. Steam players just need a Microsoft account link.

Halo: Campaign Evolved isn't free-to-play, making the split-screen requirement particularly controversial. Fans have reacted strongly on social media, with one X/Twitter user calling it "next level insanity." Another added, "Player 2 on your couch needs PS Plus and a Microsoft account. Halo: Combat Evolved 2001 is laughing."

The original Halo: Combat Evolved launched in 2001 and became iconic for its free co-op. The remaster, Halo: Campaign Evolved, supports up to four players online, but local co-op on PS5 requires extra steps. IGN has reached out to Sony for clarification. One Reddit user summed it up: "This went from a day-1 buy to a not-buy honestly. I was gonna play with my wife, but it's not worth paying for another subscription."

PlayStation Plus tiers are Essential ($10.99/month), Extra ($16.99/month), and Premium ($19.99/month), with prices increased in May. Halo: Campaign Evolved releases July 28, 2026, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.