Co-op & Crossplay Guide
4-player co-op across PS5, Xbox, and PC — set up right the first time
The Basics
- Up to 4 players online, full crossplay across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, on all 13 missions.
- Progress follows the Fireteam Leader- sessions continue from the leader's campaign progress. Unlocks are shared: missions, rally points, skulls, and terminals found in co-op count for everyone.
- Subscriptions: online co-op needs PS Plus (PS5) or Game Pass Core+ (Xbox). Local split-screen needs no subscription.
- If the leader quits, the session dissolves and everyone returns to the main menu - pick your host accordingly.
Cross-Platform Setup, Step by Step
- Everyone links a Microsoft account. All platforms - including PS5 - require signing into a Microsoft account with an Xbox gamertag in-game. This is what crossplay runs on.
- Enable crossplay: Settings (Menu / Options / F1) → Account → Cross-play → On.
- Add friends via the Xbox friends system: send requests through the Xbox mobile app, Xbox Game Bar (Win+G), or xbox.com. A PS5 player and a Steam player add each other's gamertags, not PSN IDs or Steam names.
- Invite: main menu → Play Co-Op → friends list shows Platform Friends and Cross-Platform tabs → invite → leader hits Start Campaign.
- Or join directly: open the friends menu (View on Xbox / touchpad on PS5 / Tab on PC), pick the friend, choose Join.
Split-Screen Rules
Where it works
2 players, consoles only(PS5 and Xbox Series X|S). PC has no split-screen. Player 2 connects a second controller and presses A (Xbox) / X (PS5) to join; player 2 can't customize armor or weapon skins.
PS5 account requirements (officially clarified)
After early confusion, Halo Studios clarified: local split-screen requires a PSN account per player (each linked to a Microsoft account) but does NOT require PS Plus. On Xbox, player 2 just needs a Microsoft account.
Split-screen combines with online play: two consoles running 2-player split-screen each can form a full cross-platform 4-player fireteam.
Achievements Warning
If anyone in the session has a Difficulty Modifier preset enabled (damage resistance, shield recharge, damage, melee, ammo), 11 high-value achievements - including the Legendary and LASO completion rewards - are disabled for everyone. Every player must set Settings → Gameplay → General → Modifier Preset → None. Details in the LASO guide.
Invites Not Working?
- Friends can't join: in the Social menu, change Fireteam privacy from Invite Only/Closed to Open or Friends Only.
- "Cross-play settings don't allow joining": enable cross-platform play in your Xbox/Microsoft account privacy settings (allow multiplayer and cross-network play), then retry.
- No invites arriving on PC: open Xbox Game Bar (Win+G) first, then have the friend re-send; or invite by gamertag from the in-game social list.
- Random disconnects:sync your PC clock (Settings → Time & Language → Sync now), then dissolve and rebuild the fireteam.
Q: How do I play with friends on other platforms?
A: Everyone (including PS5 players) signs into a Microsoft account with an Xbox gamertag in-game. Add each other as Xbox friends (via Xbox app, Xbox Game Bar, or xbox.com), then in the main menu choose Play Co-Op and invite from the Cross-Platform friends tab.
Q: Whose campaign progress is used in co-op?
A: The Fireteam Leader's. However, missions, rally points, skulls, and terminals unlocked during the session count for every player's own progress. If the leader quits, the session ends for everyone.
Q: Do I need PS Plus or Game Pass Core for co-op?
A: Online co-op: yes - PS Plus on PS5, Game Pass Core (or higher) on Xbox. Local split-screen: no subscription needed on either console, though each PS5 player needs a PSN account linked to a Microsoft account.
Q: Is there split-screen on PC?
A: No. Split-screen is 2 players and console-only (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S). You can combine it with online play - two consoles with 2 players each makes a full 4-player fireteam.
Sources: official Co-op support page (support.halowaypoint.com), GameSpot crossplay explainer, Kotaku / GamesRadar (PS5 split-screen clarification), GameRant, TrueAchievements. Friendly-fire rules in co-op are not officially documented yet. Last updated July 28, 2026.