Halo PS5 Is Great, But Why Doesn’t It Have Competitive Multiplayer?

Halo: Campaign Evolved, making its first appearance on PS5, will incorporate two-player split-screen and four-player online campaign co-op – however, it will not feature competitive multiplayer.

Clearly, the LAN competitions in the original Halo: Combat Evolved were a crucial element of the franchise’s allure, so it feels peculiar to witness any form of PvP missing here.

In a conversation with Windows Central, executive producer Damon Conn clarified it’s part of developer Halo Studios’ choice not to “replace” the original.

He remarked:

“We’re not aiming to substitute what is a masterpiece in the original. We’re basically trying to create something that stands side by side with it, utilizing new tools, fresh energy, to offer a new perspective on certain aspects, while honoring the legacy.”

Conn emphasized the importance of getting the game’s new four-player online component right, and significant effort has been devoted to that.

He continued:

“Halo has always been about reconnecting, promoting a solid sense of community, and narrating those stories while sharing those experiences together. We believe that’s the key to bringing people together with this new release.”

It’s a rather vague statement indeed, and it doesn’t particularly clarify Halo Studios’ stance.

There are whispers that the developer is also pursuing some type of independent live service multiplayer spin-off, so perhaps it plans to deliver the series’ signature competitive gameplay in a distinct format.

Regardless, the studio has stated to anticipate more Halo titles on PS5 in the future, so whatever follows is at least assured to debut on Sony’s platform.