Online co-op supports four players and crossplay; local split-screen supports two players on Xbox Series and PS5, with the fireteam leader controlling mission access.
Halo: Campaign Evolved supports online campaign co-op for up to four players across Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. It also supports two-player split-screen on Xbox Series and PS5. PC split-screen is not listed.
Online versus local co-op
| Mode | Players | Platforms | Account requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online campaign | Up to 4 | Xbox Series, PS5, PC | Cross-platform play uses linked Microsoft accounts |
| Console split-screen | 2 | Xbox Series, PS5 | Second console profile must sign in; PS5 profile must already link a Microsoft account |
| PC split-screen | Not supported in the official guide | — | — |
For cross-platform invitations, players need to be Xbox-network friends by Gamertag. Same-platform friends can also appear through PlayStation Network, Xbox network, or Steam, depending on the platform.
Whose progress controls the session?
The fireteam leader's mission and Skull progress determines which campaign content the group can select. If the expected mission is missing, check who is leader before assuming a save is broken. Changing the leader can expose a different mission list.
Cross-progression uses the linked Microsoft account, but platform ownership and online subscriptions still apply. Crossplay does not mean one purchase grants every platform license.
Official troubleshooting decision tree
Start with the branch that matches how you are trying to play. These checks apply to the Halo Support guidance reviewed on September 3, 2026.
Local second player on Xbox Series or PS5
- Start the game with Player 1 signed in and reach the Main Menu on an Xbox Series X|S or PS5. PC split-screen is not supported.
- Connect the second controller. If it is not connected, the Player 2 Join option will not appear.
- On the second controller, press A on Xbox or Cross on PS5.
- When the profile prompt appears, choose and sign in to a console profile. Guest accounts are not supported; both players must use a signed-in Xbox or PlayStation Network account.
- On PS5, Player 2’s PlayStation Network account must already be linked to a Microsoft account before signing in for split-screen.
If Player 2 still cannot join, return to the profile step: a guest cannot be used, and the PS5 account link must be completed first.
Online session or invitation
- Begin from the Main Menu: select Play Co-Op, or open the Friends menu with View on Xbox, the touchpad on PS5, or Tab on keyboard.
- Choose the correct list:
- Platform Friends uses the platform’s native friend system: Xbox network, PlayStation Network, or Steam.
- Cross-platform Friends uses Xbox-network friendships. Add the player by their Xbox Gamertag; searching a PlayStation Network ID or Steam username is not supported.
- For cross-platform play, make sure the participating Microsoft/Xbox accounts are linked. Steam and PS5 players sending invitations must also have the linked Xbox account set to Online; an offline linked account can make invites fail.
- Open Settings → Account and confirm Cross-play is toggled on. If an account or fireteam member has cross-play disabled, cross-platform play will be blocked.
- Check platform and Microsoft account privacy settings: multiplayer, cross-platform multiplayer, and online interactions must be allowed.
- If joining directly fails, check the host’s fireteam: a full session cannot accept another player, and Invite Only requires the host to send an invitation. The host can change this at Settings → Account → Fireteam Settings → Friends Can Join.
If a newly accepted friend does not appear, close and reopen the Friends menu. If the name is still missing, restart the game and check again.
PC Game Bar invitations
If a PC player is not receiving a Game Bar invitation, press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar and have the friend send the invitation while the Game Bar is open. For Microsoft Store or Xbox App PC, accept the notification in the Xbox Social widget. If a friend was just added but is missing in-game, close and reopen the Friends menu; if that does not refresh it, restart the game.
If the problem remains, use the official Halo Campaign Evolved error guide. Follow the entry for the displayed message or phonetic error code, then submit a Halo Support ticket with the exact error code or on-screen message and the relevant sign-in/invite details.
Sources & evidenceOpen the references used for this page
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions players ask next
How many players can play Halo Campaign Evolved online?
Up to four players.
Is split-screen available on PC?
No. The official guide lists two-player split-screen only for Xbox Series X|S and PS5.
Does co-op support crossplay?
Yes, across Xbox Series, PS5, and PC through linked Microsoft accounts.
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Missing an answer—or found something outdated?
Send the exact game problem, platform, and version. Corrections are reviewed before expansion requests.