Does Split Fiction Support PS4? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Hazelight Studios built their reputation on co-op experiences that push the boundaries of what multiplayer storytelling can do. After the massive success of It Takes Two, expectations for their next project were sky-high. Split Fiction delivered on that promise when it launched on March 6, 2025 — but if you're still gaming on a PS4, you're probably wondering whether you can join in.

The short answer: No, Split Fiction does not support PS4.

Let's go deeper on what that means, why it matters, and what your options are.

Split Fiction Platform Availability

Split Fiction is available on exactly three platforms:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC (Steam, Epic Games Store)

There is no PS4 version, no Xbox One version, and no Nintendo Switch version. Hazelight has not announced any plans to bring the game to last-generation hardware.

Why No PS4?

This isn't unusual for 2025 releases. As the PS5 has matured, more studios have moved away from cross-generation development. Supporting PS4 means designing around hardware limitations that constrain level design, visual fidelity, and physics systems — all things that matter in a game built around dynamic co-op mechanics. Hazelight likely made the call early in development to focus exclusively on current-gen hardware to deliver the experience they envisioned.

What Split Fiction Offers on Supported Platforms

Since you'll need a PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC to play, here's what you're getting:

Co-op gameplay — Like It Takes Two, Split Fiction is designed from the ground up as a two-player cooperative experience. You can play locally with couch co-op or online with a friend.

Crossplay — Split Fiction supports crossplay between all three platforms. A PS5 player can team up with someone on PC or Xbox without any barriers. This is a significant quality-of-life feature that removes the platform silo problem.

Free Friends Pass — If your friend doesn't own the game, they can download the Friends Pass for free and join your session. Only one person needs to own a copy. This was a standout feature in It Takes Two and it's back here.

Multiplayer Issues Players Are Reporting

Even on supported platforms, Split Fiction's online co-op isn't flawless. Common issues players have encountered include:

• Lag during co-op sessions — Delayed inputs, rubberbanding characters, and desync between players, especially in crossplay matches.
• Packet loss — Causing stuttering and occasional disconnections mid-level.
• Crossplay connectivity problems — Some players report difficulty connecting across platforms, with failed invites or infinite loading screens.

These are networking issues rather than game bugs, and they're common in peer-to-peer or hybrid multiplayer games. If you're experiencing them, a few things can help:

Use a wired connection — Wi-Fi instability is the most frequent culprit behind co-op lag.

Close background applications — Anything using bandwidth on your network (streaming, downloads, cloud sync) can interfere with your co-op session.

Use GearUP Booster — For persistent lag and crossplay connectivity issues, GearUP Booster optimizes your network path between you and your co-op partner. It's particularly useful for crossplay sessions where the connection between different platforms and regions needs to traverse more network hops.

What If You Only Have a PS4?

If you're committed to playing Split Fiction and only have a PS4, your realistic options are:

1. Upgrade to PS5 — The most straightforward path. PS5 prices have stabilized, and Split Fiction is far from the only game skipping PS4 at this point.
2. Play on PC — If you have a gaming PC that meets the system requirements, this is a viable alternative. The PC version supports the same crossplay and Friends Pass features.
3. Wait and hope — There's always a small chance Hazelight announces a last-gen port down the line, but based on the studio's track record and the industry trend away from PS4, this seems unlikely.

The Bottom Line

Split Fiction is a current-gen-only title. PS4 owners will need to upgrade or switch platforms to play it. The good news is that crossplay and the Friends Pass mean you don't need to match your friend's platform — and if multiplayer lag is your concern once you do get into the game, network optimization tools like GearUP can smooth out the experience.