Halo: Campaign Evolved will require both players to maintain active PlayStation Plus subscriptions for local split-screen play on PS5, even during offline missions. The requirement was detailed in a community Q&A published June 19 on Halo Waypoint. Players must also link Microsoft accounts regardless of platform.
The announcement from Halo Studios senior community manager John Junyszek specifies separate rules by platform. On PS5 both accounts need PlayStation Plus and Microsoft account links to access split-screen, which also unlocks online co-op. Xbox Series X|S requires only one Game Pass subscription for online features after both players sign in with Microsoft accounts.
Steam users must link a Microsoft account but face no additional subscription mandates for local play. The game is scheduled to launch July 28. The Q&A also confirmed no plans to restock the Collector's Edition.
Community reaction has focused on the PS5 rules. Advocacy account Does It Play called the setup double online DRM for couch co-op and noted the loss of simple save transfers.