Split Fiction

One level you're a dragon tamer, the next a cyber ninja — Split Fiction never plays the same move twice.

Last reviewed: August 5, 2026 Patched 1y ago

Released Mar 2025 Multiplayer / Fantasy / Story Rich

A fresh mechanic every ten minutes and a sci-fi/fantasy split worth two playthroughs — the best co-op game Hazelight has made, but there's no solo mode at all.

9.1 /10

Mighty

Previously an Editor's pick

For you if

You've finished It Takes Two with someone and crave more Hazelight co-op magic.
You love games that constantly swap mechanics, like a new mini-game every ten minutes.
You want a couch co-op experience that works for mixed-skill pairs.

Not for you if

You play solo exclusively — there's no single-player mode.
You hate games that require a partner for every second of playtime.
You're expecting a serious, grounded narrative — this is pure creative spectacle.

What players love

The constant mechanic rotation is the hook — every chapter drops a fresh twist, and long-time players say the sci-fi/fantasy blend keeps both playthroughs lively.

What frustrates them

A few puzzles miss and require trial-and-error, but the occasional stumble is easy to forgive next to the near-constant inventiveness.

See the reviews behind this →

Latest patch

Patched 1 years ago

Split Fiction - Update Notes 17/03

What critics say

5/5Eurogamer
Fantastic from start to finish, Split Fiction is one of the most inventive and joyful co-op games to date
Katharine Castle Read review →
87/100PC Gamer
An incredibly inventive, rapid-fire co-op adventure that never breaks its stride
Fraser Brown Read review →
10/10GameSpot
Split Fiction is a remarkable love letter to creativity, video games, and companionship
Jessica Cogswell Read review →

Before You Play

Refreshed monthly

Can Split Fiction be played solo?

No. Split Fiction is exclusively designed for two-player co-op — there's no solo or single-player mode, no AI partner, and no offline solo workaround. Both characters (Zoe and Mio) are required to traverse the split-screen levels, with constant timing-based actions, mechanical synergies, and shared puzzle solutions. If you want to try the game without a partner, the only option is to play both halves yourself with two controllers (technically possible but exhausting) or use the Friend's Pass to invite someone.

Source: Dexerto Solo/Friend's Pass Guide

Does Split Fiction support cross-play between PC and console?

Yes — Split Fiction is the first Hazelight game with full cross-play. PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players can co-op together regardless of platform. The Friend's Pass system pairs with cross-play perfectly: one person buys the game, the other downloads the free Friend's Pass on their platform, and you can play start-to-finish together. There's also a free demo Friend's Pass Trial for the opening stages if you want to test compatibility first.

Source: Steam Friend's Pass Page

How many players is Split Fiction designed for?

Exactly two — no more, no less. It's designed-for-2 from the ground up, with every level, mechanic, and set-piece built around split-screen coordination between Zoe (the fantasy writer) and Mio (the sci-fi author). Larger groups can't join; you can't add a third player or run 3v3 multiplayer. If you have multiple friends who want to play, plan to take turns or run multiple separate sessions. The 10-12 hour main campaign is one cohesive co-op experience for one pair.

Source: Wikipedia

How forgiving is Split Fiction for new co-op players?

Very. Hazelight's accessibility design includes adjustable difficulty, skippable puzzles for sections that hard-stall a pair, simplified Quick Time Event modes, manual save points, control reminders, and a practice mode for tricky timing sections. The co-op design is also forgiving — most failures don't end the run, and revives are usually generous. If your partner is less experienced, the game adapts well; if you're both newcomers to co-op platforming, the difficulty options keep frustration low.

Source: PlayStation Store Page

Does Split Fiction have meaningful progression beyond the core campaign?

Not in the traditional sense — there's no XP, gear, levels, or replayable progression loop. The 10-12 hour campaign is the experience, with each level unlocking a new mechanic or ability that's used for that section and then replaced. Optional side stories (mini-levels with their own gimmicks) add a couple hours of bonus content. Replay value comes from playing again with a different partner; there's no New Game Plus or post-credits free-roam. This is a contained co-op story, not a live-service loop.

Source: Wikipedia