Halo: Campaign Evolved’s PS5 Split-Screen Requires Two PS Plus Accounts

Halo Studios has confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved will require a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag to play, even if you only intend to experience the campaign solo.

The requirement applies across Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and Steam. According to the developer, signing in with a Microsoft account is necessary to support cross-platform play and cross-platform progression.

While mandatory Microsoft account linking has become familiar in cross-platform Xbox releases, the requirements become more complicated when a second player joins - particularly on PS5.

PS5 split-screen requires two PlayStation Plus accounts

Players using split-screen on PS5 will need two separate accounts, and both must have action PS Plus subscriptions. Each PS account must also be linked to its own Microsoft account.

Those PS Plus subscriptions will additionally provide access to online co-op, but the wording means that even local split-screen players cannot simply add a second offline profile without a subscription.

The requirement is notably stricter than the arrangement on Xbox Series X/S. Halo Studios did not state that PS Plus is needed when playing the PS5 campaign solo, although a linked Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag will still be mandatory.

Xbox split-screen players also need separate Microsoft accounts

On Xbox Series X|S, the second player joining a split-screen session must have a unique Microsoft account. The developer only lists an active Xbox Game Pass subscription as a requirement for online co-op, rather than local split-screen play.

Halo Studios has not specified which Xbox Game Pass tiers will qualify, only that an active subscription will be needed to play cooperatively online.

Steam players will similarly need to link the game to a Microsoft account before playing. This applies whether the player is using solo campaign features or joining a cross-platform co-op session.

Players are advised to create an Xbox account before launch

Halo Studios recommends creating the necessary Xbox account and Gamertag before launch to avoid spending time on account setup when first loading the game.

Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on July 28, 2026, while those who pre-order the Digital Premium Edition can receive up to five days of early access beginning July 23.

FAQ

Does Halo: Campaign Evolved require a Microsoft account for solo play?

Yes. A Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag are required regardless of whether you play solo or cooperatively, and regardless of whether you are playing on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 or Steam.

Does PS5 split-screen require PlayStation Plus?

Yes. Both players participating in PS5 split-screen must have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and both PlayStation accounts must be linked to Microsoft accounts.

Does Xbox split-screen require Game Pass?

Halo Studios only states that the second split-screen player needs a unique Microsoft account. An active Xbox Game Pass subscription is required for online co-op.

When does Halo: Campaign Evolved launch?

Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on July 28, 2026. Digital Premium Edition pre-orders can receive up to five days of early access from July 23.

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