Halo Infinite split screen is available, but only in campaign mode

Halo Infinite supports split screen for two players in campaign, but not in multiplayer matches. If you want to play the story with a friend on the same couch, you can do that on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PC. The multiplayer modes — Slayer, Capture the Flag, Big Team Battle, and others — do not have split screen on any platform.

This is a significant change from older Halo games. Halo 5 removed split screen entirely, and Infinite brought it back for campaign only. If you and a friend want to play multiplayer together, you will each need your own device and your own copy of the game (or Game Pass).

Key Takeaways

  • Campaign split screen works on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, but supports only two players.
  • Multiplayer modes have no split screen option on any platform or console generation.
  • Both players need their own Xbox Live or Microsoft account to play campaign together, even on the same console.
  • If you want to play multiplayer with a friend, you both need separate devices and separate copies of the game or Game Pass subscriptions.

How to start a split screen campaign

To play campaign split screen, start a new campaign or load an existing one. When the game loads, press the Menu button (on Xbox) or the equivalent on your platform. Look for the option to add a second player. The second player will need to sign in with their own account before joining.

Both players need active Xbox Live accounts, even if you are playing on a single console. If the second player does not have an account, you will need to create one before you can start. The game will not let you proceed without both accounts signed in.

Split screen campaign runs at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X and Series S. On PC, performance depends on your graphics card and processor, but the game will adjust settings automatically to maintain a playable frame rate for both players.

Why multiplayer does not have split screen

Halo Infinite's multiplayer matches are designed around fast-paced gameplay with large maps and many players at once. Split screen multiplayer would cut the frame rate in half and reduce the resolution significantly, making competitive play difficult. The developers chose to focus on a smooth, stable experience for online multiplayer instead.

Campaign split screen works because the story mode is slower-paced, the maps are smaller, and you are only managing two players instead of twelve or more. The performance hit is manageable in that context, but would be noticeable and frustrating in a competitive match.

Playing multiplayer together on one console

If you want to play multiplayer with someone else on the same console, you will need to take turns or use a second device. Halo Infinite does not support local multiplayer on a single screen. This means one person plays a match while the other watches, or you both need separate consoles and separate internet connections.

Game Pass makes this easier if you both have subscriptions, because you can download the game on multiple devices without buying it twice. If you only have one copy, you will need to share it by taking turns or signing in on different consoles.

Split screen on PC

PC split screen works the same way as console split screen — campaign only, two players maximum. You will need two controllers connected to your PC, or one controller and a keyboard and mouse. Both players must sign in with separate Microsoft accounts before the game starts.

Performance on PC depends on your hardware. A high-end graphics card and processor will run split screen smoothly, but older or mid-range systems may struggle. The game will lower graphics settings automatically to keep the frame rate stable, but you may notice a difference in visual quality compared to single-player.

Game Pass and split screen

Halo Infinite is included with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. If you have a Game Pass subscription, you can download and play the game without buying it outright. Both players in split screen campaign need their own account, but they do not both need their own Game Pass subscription if you are playing on the same console.

On PC, the situation is different. If you want to play split screen with two separate accounts on the same PC, both accounts need access to the game. This usually means both need Game Pass, or one person owns the game and the other has Game Pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play split screen multiplayer in Halo Infinite?

No. Split screen is only available in campaign mode. Multiplayer matches do not support local split screen on any platform. To play multiplayer with a friend, you both need separate devices.

How many players can play split screen campaign?

Only two players can play campaign split screen together. Halo Infinite does not support three or four-player local co-op like some older Halo games did.

Do both players need Xbox Live to play split screen?

Yes. Both players need their own Xbox Live account or Microsoft account to sign in, even if you are playing on the same console. You cannot play split screen with a guest account.

What resolution and frame rate does split screen run at?

On Xbox Series X and Series S, split screen runs at 1080p and 60 frames per second. On PC, performance depends on your graphics card and processor. The game adjusts settings automatically to maintain a stable frame rate.

Can I play split screen on Xbox One?

Halo Infinite is not available on Xbox One. The game only runs on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. If you have an older Xbox console, you cannot play Infinite at all.