Halo Studios says PlayStation Plus is not required for local split-screen
Summary
– Halo Campaign Evolved does not require PlayStation Plus for PS5 split-screen local co-op
– Halo Studios corrected an earlier announcement that said both players needed active subscriptions
– Players will still need Microsoft accounts linked to play the remake across supported platforms
Halo Campaign Evolved sparked quick backlash after an early announcement claimed PS5 players would need PlayStation Plus for split-screen local co-op.
That detail stood out because local couch co-op usually does not require a paid online subscription. The original report said both players on PlayStation 5 would need active PlayStation Plus accounts, even when playing together on the same console.
Halo Studios later corrected the information and said the announcement was made in error. PlayStation Plus is not required for split-screen co-op on PS5.
The correction removes one of the biggest concerns around the remake’s PlayStation debut. Halo coming to PlayStation is already a major moment for the franchise, and a paid subscription requirement for local co-op would have created an unusual barrier for players.
Players will still need to link a Microsoft account to play Halo Campaign Evolved. That requirement applies across platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam.
Online co-op will still follow each platform’s normal online subscription rules. Local split-screen on PS5, however, will not be locked behind PlayStation Plus.
The mix-up caused frustration because Halo has a long history with couch co-op. Many fans remember the original Halo: Combat Evolved as a game built around local multiplayer, so any added restriction to that experience was always going to draw attention.
With the correction now made, the PS5 version has one less controversy attached to it. The remake can now shift the focus back to the bigger story: Halo’s first arrival on PlayStation.
