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

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 .