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CO-OP SETUP GUIDEBuying Guide

Split Fiction: Who Needs to Buy It?

Split Fiction supports cross-play and Friend’s Pass. See who needs a copy, what your duo must set up and whether it fits your next co-op night.

Oruvai Editorial4 min read
Official Split Fiction artwork showing the co-op game world
Official game mediaHazelight Studios and Electronic Arts

01 / The short answer

The short answer

One copy is enough for the full online campaign when the owner invites the other player through Friend’s Pass. Local couch co-op also works with one copy. If neither person owns Split Fiction, EA says two players can try the opening together through Friend’s Pass, then carry that progress into the full game later. Cross-play works across supported platforms and requires an EA Account. Console online access and account privacy rules still apply, so both players should finish setup before the session.

Best forChoose Split Fiction when you have one person you genuinely want to play with for more than a single round.

Think twice ifFriend’s Pass and cross-play are practical benefits, not a substitute for checking the details.

Split Fiction at a glance

Friend’s Pass
EA says one owner can invite a friend to play the full...
Cross-play
EA confirms cross-play across supported platforms and says it requires a free...
Local co-op
Two players can share the campaign on one supported device with one...
Free opening trial
EA says two players can try the opening together even when neither...

02 / What is confirmed

What is confirmed

Split Fiction is built around two players, not a large party that can drift in and out. Hazelight and EA present it as a shared science-fiction and fantasy adventure. That makes it a strong choice for two people who can agree on a single campaign and play at a similar pace. It is a weaker fit for a group of three, for players who want independent progress, or for anyone hoping to use it as a flexible multiplayer lobby. The structure is a feature when your duo wants a shared story. It is a limitation when schedules are uncertain.

03 / The decision signals that matter

The decision signals that matter

Use confirmed facts to decide whether this game matches the way you actually play.

Friend’s Pass

Confirmed

EA says one owner can invite a friend to play the full experience online.

Cross-play

Confirmed

EA confirms cross-play across supported platforms and says it requires a free EA Account.

Local co-op

Confirmed

Two players can share the campaign on one supported device with one copy.

Free opening trial

Confirmed

EA says two players can try the opening together even when neither owns the full game.

Progress carryover

Confirmed

Progress from the Friend’s Pass trial carries into the full game after one player buys it.

Best group size

Confirmed

The game is designed for two players sharing one adventure.

04 / Who Split Fiction fits

Who Split Fiction fits

Play it if

  • Choose Split Fiction when you have one person you genuinely want to play with for more than a single round.
  • The best sessions come from treating it as a shared appointment: use a voice call if you are online, decide how long you have and let both people react to the same surprises.
  • Friend’s Pass is particularly useful when one player is curious but not ready to buy.

Think twice if

  • Friend’s Pass and cross-play are practical benefits, not a substitute for checking the details.
  • EA says cross-play requires a free EA Account.
  • Console players also need to consider their platform's online rules, and child or restricted accounts can have privacy settings that affect invites.

05 / Before you commit

Before you commit

  1. 01

    Choose the owner

    One player buys the game and the other downloads the appropriate Friend’s Pass option.

  2. 02

    Check accounts before the session

    Set up the required EA Account and confirm cross-play invitations are allowed.

  3. 03

    Protect the first hour

    Plan a real two-player session instead of treating a story co-op game as a casual drop-in lobby.

06 / Common questions

Common questions

Do both players need to buy Split Fiction?

For an online Friend’s Pass session, EA says one owner can invite a friend to play for free. Check the current official setup instructions for your platforms.

Does Split Fiction support cross-play?

Yes. EA confirms cross-play across supported platforms and says a free EA Account is required.

Can two people try Split Fiction if neither owns it?

Yes. EA says two players can use Friend’s Pass to try the opening together, and their progress carries into the full game if one person buys it.

Can Split Fiction be played on one screen?

Yes. Split Fiction supports local couch co-op for two people sharing one supported device.

Is Split Fiction for more than two players?

Split Fiction is designed around a two-player shared adventure, so it is best planned as a duo game.