Summary
Halo Infinitehas brought back several classic game types and features throughout its numerous updates and lifespan over the years, including split screen multiplayer. However, there’s one element inHalo Infinitethat’s still missing but could possibly return: split screen campaign co-op.
Halo’s Couch Co-op Lineage
Ever since 2001’sHalo: Combat Evolved,split screen co-op has been an integral part of theHaloexperience. Gamers were able to play with up to one other player inCE’scampaign, while four players in total could play split-screen multiplayer. Split-screen was integral forCE, as Xbox Live hadn’t yet launched and the only way to play with friends was through couch co-op and system linking multiple Xboxes consoles for larger multiplayer gametypes such as Capture the Flag.
CE’ssplit screen system would continue forHalo 2,but byHalo 3’s campaign, split screen co-op was expanded to four players, with each player embodying unique characters instead ofmultiple Master Chiefs or Arbiters running around.This would remain the classic formula for split screen co-op in both campaign and multiplayer in mainlineHalogames up through 2012’sHalo 4. However, unique split screen campaign co-op characters would only return inHalo: Reach,withHalo 3: ODSThaving multiple Rookies running around andHalo 4returning to have multiple Master Chiefs.
None of the spinoffHalogames, includingHalo: Spartan Assault,Halo: Spartan Strike,Halo Wars, andHalo Wars 2have split screen co-op and can only be played with others online.
The Loss of Halo Split Screen Co-Op
This formula would see its last days with the dawn of the Xbox One. While split screen campaign and multiplayer co-op returned forHalo: The Master Chief Collection, originally composed ofHalo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,Halo 2: Anniversary,Halo 3, andHalo 4, anysplit screen capabilities were removed with 2015’sHalo 5: Guardians.The only way for gamers to play together inHalo 5was via Xbox Live, requiring households to own multiple Xboxes to play campaign or multiplayer together.
Halo 5 Squads Without Split Screen
The decision to eliminate campaign split screen co-op was ironic at the time, givenHalo 5’sreturn to unique co-op characters and emphasizing squad mechanics. Hosts of campaign matches wouldplay as Spartan-IV Jameson Lockeor Master Chief. All other players had options to play as either Spartan-IVs Edward Buck, Holly Tanaka, or Olympia Vale for Fireteam Osiris or Spartan-IIs Frederic-104, Kelly-087, or Linda-058. These characters would still appear throughout the campaign no matter if other players weren’t playing alongside them, asHalo 5introduced a revive mechanic instead of instantaneous death when receiving too much fire.
Fans were widely upset about the loss of split screen co-op inHalo 5, with many believing this decision was a way for Microsoft to sell more Xbox consoles. 343 Industries heard players' complaints and, at the 2017 DICE Summit, thenHead of 343 Industries Bonnie Rossdeclared that every futureHaloFPS game would have split screen co-op for now on. However, by the timeHalo Infinitelaunched in 2021, players could only play a limited version of multiplayer split screen and no campaign co-op was to be found.
Halo Infinite’s Split Screen Co-Op
Infiniteplayers on Xbox Series X or S consoles can have up to four gamers play on split screen multiplayer, while Xbox One players are restricted to two player multiplayer split screen. However, no matter what console people play on,larger matches such as Big Team Battleare restricted to two player split screen. Players are further restricted to playing split screen multiplayer with other Xbox accounts, meaning people can’t sign in as guests to play split screen co-op inInfinite. This is currently the only way to play split screen co-op inInfiniteofficially.
How to Glitch Into Infinite Campaign Split Screen
Xbox Live campaign co-op was later added toInfinitein 2022, but it was limited to four players, each playing once again as multiple Master Chiefs. However, gamers have found a way for players to play campaigns with split screen co-op. As a campaign mission loads, the host can join another player as the mission is loading. The host can then leave the fireteam, go to custom games, add up to four split screen accounts (on Series X or S consoles), and switch their server to LAN (Local Area Network).
This method of playing campaign co-op is a glitch in which players could access an unfinished form of campaign split screen co-op that 343 was working on. In late 2022,Head of Product Performance and Insights at 343 Industries Sean Baronexplained that 343 was working on adding campaign split screen co-op toInfinite,but scrapped the project to invest more resources towards the game’s live service.
Halo’s Spilt Screen Future
AsHalo Infinitenears its three-year anniversary, many expect its life cycle to end soon, especially following the conversion of large seasons to smaller content operation events. It would be a nice farewell gift for 343 to complete split screen campaign co-op before transitioning to work onHalo 7or otherHalotitles. Completing campaign split screen would offer a great newInfiniteexperience to play while the nextHaloproject gets made.
If 343 Industries is working onHalo 7or will begin working on it soon, thenext mainlineHalogame must launch with campaign and multiplayer split screen co-op. Split screen multiplayer is a classic and well-renowned element of theHalofranchise. It helps spread positive reviews ofHalogames from person to person, as people who have never played aHalogame could play it with friends at parties or other gatherings and this could inspire them to buy their own copy of the game.
Halois a 23-year-old franchisewith many longtime fans having families of their own, and there’s no better way to get the next generation of gamers to playHalothan through split screen co-op with family and friends. Split screen co-op is aHalotradition that should never be abandoned ever again andHalo Infiniteplayers deserve to have the feature completed.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you can relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
