Campaign Evolved has ridiculous local co-op requirements on PS5

“If you’re playing split-screen on PlayStation 5, both accounts will need to have PlayStation Plus and be linked to a Microsoft account,” Junyszek explained. “Having these active PlayStation Plus subscriptions will also provide access to online co-op play.”

The PS Plus subscription will give the account access to online features on PS5, while connecting to a Microsoft account means each player can independently use cross-progression. These requirements make sense for those who want to play this remake online with others, but it’s much more baffling that they also restrict how local split-screen gameplay works.

In practice, Halo: Campaign Evolved‘s split-screen works similarly to titles like Fortnite, where separate PlayStation accounts are required for co-op. This isn’t an online-focused competitive game, though, and Fortnite actually lets you play without a PS Plus subscription. For Halo: Campaign Evolved’s local co-op, each of the two players will need a $10.99 monthly PS Plus Essential subscription, even after buying the game for $49.99. When all is said and done, PS5 players will pay at least $71.97 for split-screen co-op.

Meanwhile, those on Xbox or PC will only need to create free Microsoft accounts to play local co-op, making those feel like the superior versions of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Although this remake may not be an Xbox console exclusive like Gears of War: E-Day, this frustrating feature makes it seem as if Xbox wishes it were.

Halo: Campaign Evolved launches for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X on July 28.