Halo Studios Backtracks on PS Plus Requirement for Local Co-Op, but Players Remain Unhappy

Halo Studios ignited a firestorm on June 20, 2026, when a Halo Waypoint Q&A stated that local split-screen co-op in Halo: Campaign Evolved on PS5 would require both players to have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions — a demand widely seen as absurd for a local, offline feature . The studio corrected the record within 24 hours, but players remain frustrated over mandatory Microsoft account linking, the game's pricing, and broader concerns about Microsoft's multiplatform strategy.

The original (erroneous) statement

The June 2026 Halo Waypoint community Q&A originally said that on PlayStation 5, both local split-screen players would need individual PlayStation Plus subscriptions in addition to having their PSN accounts linked to Microsoft accounts . Multiple outlets reported this as "both accounts need PlayStation Plus" for a feature that is entirely local .

The correction

On June 21, 2026, Halo Studios issued a retraction via the official Halo social media channels:

"We incorrectly stated that PlayStation Plus is required for local cooperative splitscreen play. Local splitscreen co-op requires a PlayStation account for each player but does not require a PlayStation Plus account."

The studio characterized the original FAQ entry as a mistake and updated the official Q&A page accordingly .

Remaining player frustrations

Even after the PS Plus paywall was walked back, several grievances persist.

Mandatory Microsoft account linking

Every player — on PS5, PC, or Xbox — must create or sign into a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag to play Campaign Evolved at all, even for single-player . The official FAQ confirms this is required for cross-platform progression and cross-play . Many PS5 players view this as an unnecessary friction point on a rival platform .

Pricing and edition structure

The Standard Edition is $49.99 on Steam / €60 on PlayStation Store, while the Premium Edition (offering 5-day early access starting July 23) is $69.99 . Critics note that paying $70 for "advance access" to a remake of a 2001 game feels steep, especially when the game is included day one with Xbox Game Pass .

Microsoft's multiplatform strategy concerns

Some players see the mandatory Microsoft account requirement as a data- and ecosystem-grab — forcing PlayStation users into Microsoft's login system to play a formerly exclusive Xbox franchise . This feeds a broader unease about how Microsoft will handle future Halo titles on competing platforms: whether they will remain full-fledged ports or be used to pull users into the Microsoft ecosystem .