Halo Infinite does not have split screen multiplayer on any platform

Halo Infinite removed split screen entirely, even though earlier Halo games included it. You cannot play split screen on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PC — the feature is not available in any version of the game. If you want to play Halo Infinite with someone else in the same room, you both need your own console or PC and your own copy of the game.

This was a deliberate choice by 343 Industries, the studio that develops Halo Infinite. The developers prioritized online multiplayer features and campaign co-op over local split screen. Campaign co-op (playing the story mode together online) is available, but that requires both players to be connected to the internet and playing remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • Halo Infinite has no split screen mode on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PC.
  • You can play the campaign together online with up to four players, but not in the same room on one screen.
  • If you want to play multiplayer matches with someone in your home, each person needs their own console or PC and their own copy of the game.
  • Earlier Halo games like Halo 5 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection included split screen, but Halo Infinite does not.
  • The Master Chief Collection remains the best option if local multiplayer is important to you.

Campaign co-op is online only, not local

Halo Infinite does have co-op multiplayer for the campaign, but it works only over the internet. You can invite up to three other players to join you through the game's matchmaking system or by sending a direct invite. All players must be online and connected to Xbox Live or a PC gaming account.

Campaign co-op lets you play through the story together, but you cannot do this with someone sitting next to you on the same screen. If you want to play the campaign with a friend who is in your home, you need two separate setups — two consoles or two PCs, two copies of the game, and two internet connections. This is a significant limitation compared to earlier Halo titles, where you could experience the entire campaign side by side on a single display.

Why 343 Industries dropped split screen

343 Industries stated that removing split screen allowed them to focus development on other features. The studio chose to invest in online co-op, seasonal multiplayer content, and the free-to-play multiplayer mode instead. Split screen requires the game to render two separate camera views at once, which is more demanding on hardware and takes development time to implement and maintain across updates.

The decision disappointed players who grew up with split screen Halo games and expected the feature to continue. However, the studio has not announced any plans to add split screen back in future updates. If local multiplayer is important to you, the Master Chief Collection (which includes Halo 5 and earlier games) still supports split screen on Xbox and PC, and those versions remain playable today.

Playing Halo Infinite multiplayer in the same room

If you want to play multiplayer matches with someone in your home, you need two separate gaming setups. Each player needs their own Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PC, plus their own copy of Halo Infinite. Both players then log into their own accounts and join a multiplayer match together through the game's matchmaking system or by inviting each other directly.

You can sit next to each other and play, but you are each looking at your own screen. This is different from split screen, where both players share one screen and one display. It is more expensive because it requires duplicate hardware and software, but it is the only way to play Halo Infinite multiplayer together in person. Many players find this setup less convenient than the split screen experience they remember from earlier games.

Halo games that do have split screen

If split screen is important to you, the Master Chief Collection includes several Halo games with local multiplayer support. Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo 5 all have split screen modes. The Master Chief Collection is available on Xbox and PC, and you can play split screen on either platform without needing two separate setups.

The Master Chief Collection also includes campaign co-op with split screen in some titles, so you can play the story mode together on one screen. This is a good alternative if you want the Halo experience with local multiplayer and do not want to buy two separate consoles or PCs. The older games run well on current hardware and provide the couch co-op experience that Halo Infinite removed.

What to expect when playing online instead

If you decide to play Halo Infinite online with friends instead of in the same room, the experience is smooth and stable. The game's matchmaking system pairs you with other players quickly, and you can also create custom matches with friends you invite directly. Online multiplayer works on Xbox, PC, and through Xbox Game Pass, which gives you access to the full game without purchasing it separately.

Online play does require a stable internet connection and an active Xbox Live subscription (on Xbox) or a free account (on PC). The trade-off is that you lose the local experience but gain access to a much larger player base and more frequent content updates. Many players find online multiplayer satisfying even without the option to play locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Halo Infinite split screen on Xbox Series X or S?

No. Halo Infinite does not support split screen on any Xbox console, including Series X and Series S. You need two separate consoles and two copies of the game to play together in the same room.

Is split screen available on PC for Halo Infinite?

No. The PC version of Halo Infinite also does not have split screen. Online campaign co-op is available on PC, but local split screen is not supported on any platform.

Can I play campaign co-op with someone in my home?

Only if you have two separate PCs or consoles. Campaign co-op requires an internet connection and works only online. You cannot play the campaign together on one screen.

Which Halo games have split screen?

Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, and Halo 5 all have split screen. These are available in the Master Chief Collection on Xbox and PC. Halo Infinite is the first mainline Halo game without split screen support.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Halo Infinite multiplayer?

No. Halo Infinite's multiplayer mode is free-to-play and does not require a Game Pass subscription. You do need an Xbox Live account on Xbox or a free Microsoft account on PC to play online.