Halo: Campaign Evolved Split-Screen on PS5 Requires Two PS Plus Subs, Sparking Backlash

Halo: Campaign Evolved brings Master Chief's classic adventure to PlayStation 5 for the first time on July 28, 2026. But for PS5 owners hoping to play split-screen co-op with a friend on the same couch, the fine print carries a sting: both players need their own paid PlayStation Plus subscription. Here's how the requirements break down across every platform, why the PS5 policy has drawn fierce criticism, and everything else you need to know about the launch.

Platform-by-Platform Requirements for Split-Screen Co-Op

According to the official June 2026 Community Q&A from Halo Waypoint, every platform requires a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag to play—solo or co-op—to enable cross-platform progression . The split-screen specifics differ sharply by platform :

• PlayStation 5: Both players need their own active PlayStation Plus subscription, and both accounts must be linked to a Microsoft account. Sony's usual "console sharing" feature does not bypass this requirement; each local player needs an independent PS Plus subscription .
• Xbox Series X|S: The second player needs a unique (free) Microsoft account. For online co-op, an active Xbox Game Pass subscription is required, but local split-screen does not require Game Pass .
• PC: No subscription is needed for any co-op mode, but a Microsoft account is still mandatory. Note that split-screen co-op is console-only; PC co-op is online-only .

Criticisms of the PS5 Requirements

The PS5 policy has drawn heavy backlash from players and gaming outlets, centering on three main points:

• An offline feature requiring online subscriptions: Split-screen is a local, offline feature, yet it demands that both players have paid PS Plus accounts. Vice described this as "not pretty" and "counterintuitive" for a feature that doesn't use online services .
• No console sharing workaround: Unlike most PS5 games, where a primary account's PS Plus can be shared with local users, Campaign Evolved checks each account individually, forcing a second paid subscription for the second player .
• Perceived unfairness between platforms: Critics note that Xbox and PC players face no paid-subscription barrier for local co-op—only a free Microsoft account—making the PS5 requirement feel uneven and punitive to PlayStation fans .

Launch Details at a Glance

Detail	Info
Release date	July 28, 2026
Early access	July 23, 2026 (5 days early for Premium and Collector's Edition buyers)
Platforms	PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
Game Pass	Day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
Key features	Ground-up remake of Halo: Combat Evolved campaign in Unreal Engine 5; 2-player split-screen (console only); 4-player online co-op with crossplay and shared progression; three new bonus missions (Operation: METEORITE); remastered visuals, cinematics, and soundtrack; no original competitive multiplayer included

Collector's Edition Status

The $199.99 / €200 Collector's Edition sold out within hours of pre-orders going live on June 7, 2026 . Halo Studios confirmed in the June Community Q&A that the Collector's Edition was "always intended to be a limited run" and that no restock is planned . Resellers are flipping the bundle for $600–$700 on eBay and other marketplaces, and multiple gaming outlets reported that bots and scalpers grabbed inventory within seconds, leaving many fans empty-handed .