Halo Studios recently addressed player concerns regarding the technical requirements for the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved remake. In a comprehensive FAQ released this past Friday, the developer initially suggested that local split-screen co-op on PlayStation 5 would necessitate both an active PlayStation Plus subscription and a linked Microsoft account. This claim sparked immediate backlash from the community, who viewed the potential paywall for couch co-op as an unnecessary hurdle.
Responding swiftly to the criticism, Halo Studios issued a correction via their official X (formerly Twitter) account. The studio clarified, “We incorrectly stated that PlayStation Plus is required for local co-op splitscreen play. Local splitscreen co-op requires a PlayStation account for each player but does not require a PlayStation Plus account.” The official FAQ has since been updated to emphasize that a PlayStation Plus subscription is not mandatory for local multiplayer.
We incorrectly stated that PlayStation Plus is required for local co-op splitscreen play. Local splitscreen co-op requires a PlayStation account for each player but does not require a PlayStation Plus account.
— Halo (@Halo) June 21, 2026
While the studio has walked back the PlayStation Plus requirement for local play, it remains a prerequisite for online co-op sessions. Furthermore, regardless of the mode, users on both PlayStation and Steam will still need to link their respective profiles to a Microsoft account to play.
It is worth noting that the seamless “plug-and-play” simplicity of the original 2001 Halo: Combat Evolved is a relic of the past. Today’s landscape, defined by account ecosystems and digital verification, often makes local play feel unnecessarily convoluted. While this specific instance was a technical error that the studio corrected, it highlights the growing frustration among gamers regarding the complex hoops required to enjoy traditional couch co-op in the modern era.
In lighter news, Halo Studios has treated fans to an immersive six-hour video showcasing the game’s atmospheric start screen, which you can view below:
Halo: Campaign Evolved is our current cover story. For more insights—including our interview regarding why the PlayStation 5 Pro may offer the definitive way to experience the campaign—be sure to explore our full collection of coverage here.
