Halo: Campaign Evolved lands on PC and Xbox Series X|S next month, and for the first time, on a PlayStation console. Ahead of its launch, some confusion has arisen regarding how local split-screen co-op will work on PS5, with many assuming that PS Plus subscriptions would be required for both players. Fortunately, there is some good news as Microsoft has clarified what will be required from players exactly. In an update, the official Halo Studios social media channel clarified that while local splitscreen co-op does require a PlayStation account for each player, it does not require two PlayStation Plus accounts to function.
Originally, senior community manager John Junyszek claimed in a community Q&A that both accounts would each need a PlayStation Plus account and be linked to a Microsoft account. “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 wrote at the time. “Having these active PlayStation Plus subscriptions will also provide access to online co-op play.”
Naturally, PS5 players weren’t too pleased with this statement, believing that it would cost extra on top of Halo: Campaign Evolved’s $50 price tag to join a friend for some couch co-op. As for the Microsoft account requirement, this will allow for cross-progression across PC and consoles. PC and Xbox owners will only need to create a Microsoft account for local co-op.
Halo: Campaign Evolved will be released on July 28, and Microsoft has already revealed the global launch times more than a month in advance for the game. A complete remake of the very first Halo, the game celebrates the 25th anniversary of the franchise and includes extra content, like improved graphics, new prequel missions, and quality-of-life updates. If you’re planning on hopping in, you can check out GameSpot’s Halo: Campaign Evolved buying guide and read up on how the game looks great in third-person.
