9.5 /10 21

Split Fiction stands as Hazelight Studios’ boldest cooperative experiment, earning universal acclaim with a 92 Metacritic score and 4 million copies sold within months of launch. As a mandatory two-player adventure that traps two writers inside their own fictional stories, Split Fiction transforms the co-op genre by committing fully to asymmetrical gameplay where each level introduces radical genre shifts—from dragon-riding fantasy sequences to high-speed sci-fi chases. Players will discover how consistent mechanical innovation, split-screen storytelling techniques, and genuinely clever puzzles create moments that land harder together than apart. This review examines why Split Fiction becomes a benchmark for how cooperative games should reward both players equally while maintaining relentless forward momentum.

How to Play Split Fiction

Split Fiction demands coordination across constantly evolving mechanics tied to each protagonist’s creative universe. Players control Mio (sci-fi writer) and Zoe (fantasy writer) as they navigate 11+ distinct level types, where each mechanic appears once then vanishes forever. The game never outstays its welcome with repetition; instead, it barrel-rolls from detective work to combat encounters to precision platforming without warning, keeping both players alert and engaged throughout the six to twelve hour campaign.

1. Controls – Standard controller layout with adaptive complexity; early levels teach fundamentals while later sequences demand tighter timing. The learning curve climbs steeply mid-game, then levels off for the finale.
2. Progression – Linear story chapters broken into shorter segments, with interstitial “Voxel Side Stories” offering puzzle respites and character moments. Completing the main story unlocks New Game Plus with enhanced difficulty and cosmetic rewards.
3. Combat/Mechanics – Asymmetrical roles dominate: one player operates weapons or special abilities while the other handles environmental interaction or defensive tasks. Genre mechanics flip constantly (sci-fi drones, fantasy dragons, vehicle sequences, portal puzzles) ensuring no two chapters feel identical.
4. Tips – Communication matters more than reflexes; design favors coordination over skill. Use split-screen positioning to anticipate partner needs. Don’t rush cutscenes; replay chapters to hunt collectible story fragments that flesh out the narrative.

Who Should Play Split Fiction

Split Fiction targets players who value narrative coherence and mechanical freshness equally, requiring a patient cooperative partner and willingness to embrace both sci-fi and fantasy aesthetics without cynicism. The game respects your time but demands respect in return—it’s not casual content, yet remains approachable for players with moderate skill levels who communicate effectively.

• Co-op Enthusiasts – Players who loved It Takes Two and want a shorter, tighter experience with sharper genre transitions. The friend’s pass model ensures both players invest equally.
• Story-First Gamers – Those seeking narrative-driven adventures where gameplay reflects character development. The sci-fi/fantasy duality mirrors the writers’ creative tension, creating metaphorical resonance.
• Mechanical Novelty Seekers – Designers and players who study game design will appreciate how each level teaches then discards mechanics, maximizing cognitive engagement without tutorial fatigue.
• Skip If – Solo players, those seeking 30+ hour campaigns, or gamers who demand persistent progression systems. Single-player solo control is impossible; the mandatory co-op frame is non-negotiable.

Split Fiction Platform Performance

Split Fiction runs exceptionally clean across all platforms, demonstrating exceptional optimization. PC players enjoy the highest fidelity, while console versions target 60 fps with optional performance modes trading resolution for frame rate stability. The game launches as Steam Deck Verified, guaranteeing handheld performance parity with console versions under identical settings.

Split Fiction System Requirements

PC requirements prove moderate, enabling play on five-year-old mid-range hardware at acceptable settings. The friend’s pass system allows one player to use minimum specs while the other runs recommended settings, creating flexible accessibility. SSD installation strongly recommended for under two-second load times between checkpoints.

Similar Games to Split Fiction

Split Fiction inherits DNA from Hazelight Studios’ previous co-op work while pushing genre-blending further. The closest spiritual relatives share mandatory two-player design and mechanical novelty, though few match the sci-fi/fantasy synthesis or radical difficulty scaling that characterizes Split Fiction’s mid-game spike.

• It Takes Two – Same developer, deeper emotional narrative about marriage. Slightly longer (10-12 hours), more whimsical tone, better difficulty scaling for casual players. Ideal if you want predecessor context.
• Portal 2 – Co-op campaign focuses on communication-heavy puzzle design rather than action sequences. Slower pacing, sharper puzzle logic, Valve’s signature dark humor. Best for puzzle-first players.
• Unravel Two – Tethered co-op platformer with gentler difficulty curve and painterly art style. Shorter runtime (5-7 hours), stronger visual identity, cozy tone. Perfect for non-gamers or casual pairs.
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure – Four-player co-op platformer with handcrafted levels and optional challenge content. Longer campaign (10-12 hours), family-friendly aesthetic, stronger progression mechanics than Split Fiction.

Split Fiction vs Competitors

Split Fiction competes in a narrow market: mandatory two-player cooperative adventures with strong narrative frames. Its primary rivals share Hazelight’s previous output and a handful of indie darlings. The comparison reveals Split Fiction’s positioning as the fastest-paced, genre-heaviest entry in this space, trading emotional depth for mechanical surprise.

Split Fiction Story and World

Split Fiction constructs a narrative prison: authors Mio and Zoe are kidnapped by Rader Publishing’s antagonistic CEO and jacked into a virtual reality where their completed manuscripts become playable universes. The pair must navigate each other’s creative worlds—Mio’s sleek sci-fi cities clashing against Zoe’s fantasy kingdoms—while uncovering a conspiracy about stolen creative ideas. The storytelling refuses sentimentality; instead, it explores how different artistic voices strengthen collaboration, how technology threatens creative autonomy, and how two people learn each other’s worldviews through adversity. Tone shifts between irreverent humor, genuine peril, and moments of creative synergy where the game’s mechanics mirror narrative themes. The world-building emphasizes environmental storytelling: both writers’ universes contain visual shorthand revealing their creative philosophies, making each biome feel authored rather than procedurally generated.

Split Fiction Multiplayer and Online

Split Fiction enforces mandatory multiplayer with elegant accessibility features. Cross-platform play allows PC players to team with console partners seamlessly, while the revolutionary Friend’s Pass system lets one person purchase the game while inviting a second player to access the entire campaign online—no purchase required. This radical generosity transforms the pricing model: two people effectively pay $20 each for a complete experience, undercutting typical AAA pricing.

• Online Co-Op – Full campaign playable with remote partner using Steam’s P2P networking. Cross-platform enabled (PC/PS5/Xbox/Switch); split-screen preserved even in online mode.
• Friend’s Pass – Second player joins free; no trial limitations or time gates. Both players unlock achievements independently, encouraging multiple playthroughs in different roles.
• Local Co-Op – Couch-sharing mode with full split-screen implementation. No frame rate penalties compared to online play; input lag negligible.
• Cross-Play – Full cross-platform support (Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2). Matchmaking region-locked to prevent latency issues.

Split Fiction DLC and Expansions

Hazelight Studios has not announced post-launch DLC for Split Fiction, distinguishing it from It Takes Two’s aggressive cosmetic shop approach. The base purchase includes the complete story and all mechanical content; no progression-gating, battle passes, or season systems exist. This consumer-friendly stance reflects EA Originals’ philosophy of delivering finished products rather than live-service fragments, contrasting sharply with modern AAA expectations.

• Story DLC – None announced; developer has committed to supporting existing content rather than fragmenting the narrative.
• Cosmetic Packs – Not implemented; character skins and vanity items remain absent from roadmap discussions.
• Free Updates – Performance patches and balance adjustments expected through 2025. Developer livestreams suggest potential challenge modes or New Game Plus modifiers in future updates.
• Seasonal Content – No seasonal structure planned; the game’s narrative framing (trapped in stories) prevents live-service rotation mechanics.

Split Fiction Community and Support

Split Fiction benefits from EA Originals’ boutique support model, avoiding the sprawling corporate infrastructure that hampers other EA properties. Developer communication occurs through official channels rather than Reddit, creating a curated community conversation. Fan communities coalesce around challenge speedruns and role-play variations (intentionally bad choices during cutscenes), generating organic engagement without manufactured seasonal events.

• Official Channels – EA and Hazelight maintain forums and Discord communities; weekly developer posts address bug reports and design philosophy questions.
• Fan Communities – Reddit communities r/SplitFiction maintains active discussion; TikTok creators generate clip compilations of mechanical surprises and narrative moments.
• Mod Support – PC version allows cosmetic mods and UI adjustments through Unreal Engine 5’s standard modding pipeline (non-invasive, cosmetics-only).
• Updates – Patches arrive monthly; hotfixes deployed within 48 hours of critical bug reports. Three-month roadmap published publicly; community feedback directly influences priority weighting.