Split Fiction Review: Why This 2025 Co-Op Gem Has Gamers Obsessed

Among the hottest games of 2025, Split Fiction has exploded onto the scene, selling 2 million copies in its first week and hitting 258,000 peak players on Steam. With a 91 Metacritic score and “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews (98% on Steam), this co-op adventure by Hazelight Studios is being called “generational.” So, what’s the hype about? From its wild gameplay to its heartfelt story, Split Fiction delivers an experience that’ll keep you and a friend hooked for hours. Let’s dive in and see if it’s worth your $59.99 — and what gear you’ll need for the best co-op vibes.

Gameplay That Keeps You on Your Toes (91/100 Metacritic)

Split Fiction follows Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped in a simulation by Rader Publishing, a shady corporation stealing their ideas. You’ll alternate between Mio’s sci-fi worlds (think dystopian cities and laser battles) and Zoe’s fantasy realms (dragons, puzzles, cozy vibes). The gameplay is a rollercoaster: one minute you’re taming acid-spewing dragons, the next you’re a cyber ninja with a grappling hook. Levels mix platforming, action, and puzzles, with mechanics changing every 10 minutes to keep things fresh. A two-player pinball sequence — where one controls the paddles and the other the ball while dodging a robot — is pure chaos and fun.

The split-screen setup lets you track your partner’s actions, merging dynamically during key moments. It’s mandatory co-op done right: you’ll need to communicate constantly, but it’s forgiving for different skill levels. The Friend’s Pass feature is a game-changer — just one copy lets two players jump in, with cross-play across PS5, Xbox, and PC.

A Story That Hits Hard

The narrative tackles AI and corporate greed, with Mio and Zoe fighting to protect their creative work. The 15-hour main campaign spans eight chapters, but side stories (like defusing bombs in a robot gameshow or rescuing cats) add another 4 hours. These “Side Stories” aren’t just filler — they reveal Mio and Zoe’s backstories, making them feel alive. Hidden narrative paths (only 5% of players find them) add replay value, with choices and “narrative tokens” unlocking new storylines. It’s a dynamic tale that adapts to your decisions, especially in co-op, where both players’ choices shape the ending.

Why Players Are Spending 80+ Hours

Beyond the 19-hour campaign, Split Fiction keeps you coming back. “Author’s Cut” challenges — like snowboarding through a dying star or navigating a living sketchbook — offer bite-sized, creative missions. The “storylet” system procedurally generates vignettes based on your choices, ensuring no two playthroughs are the same. Add in community buzz (players sharing their unique stories online) and accessibility options (custom key bindings, checkpoints), and it’s easy to see why gamers are logging 80+ hours.

Technical and Artistic Brilliance

Visually, Split Fiction stuns. You’ll go from cyberpunk cityscapes to serene fantasy forests, with art styles shifting seamlessly. The audio — binaural and spatial — makes every dragon roar and laser blast immersive. Performance is rock-solid: 60 FPS across PS5 (4K on Pro), Xbox Series X/S (1800p/1080p), and PC, with no dips even in the epic finale.

Gear Up for Co-Op Glory

Since Split Fiction is co-op only, you’ll need a second controller. I recommend the PS5 DualSense for its haptic feedback — perfect for feeling every dragon stomp. Xbox players can grab the Xbox Wireless Controller for seamless play . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Final Verdict: A Must-Play for 2025

Split Fiction is a co-op masterpiece, blending wild gameplay, a heartfelt story, and endless replay value. Its $59.99 price tag is a steal for the 80+ hours of content, from the main campaign to hidden storylets. Whether you’re gaming with a friend or diving into its community-driven narratives, this 91 Metacritic gem sets a new bar for co-op adventures. Grab it here, gear up, and get ready for a journey you won’t forget.

Originally published on Medium: [https://medium.com/@simplifiai.net/split-fiction-review-why-this-2025-co-op-gem-has-gamers-obsessed-23ae6d42f72b]