Split Fiction makes a convincing argument for keeping a friend free for the evening. Mio and Zoe stumble from one writer's science fiction into the other's fantasy, and agreeing on a plan becomes rather more entertaining when the world keeps replacing the tools you were just getting used to. It is the sort of adventure you want to send a friend, then spend the next few evenings discovering together.
With Split Fiction Friend's Pass, one player owns the full game and the other downloads the free pass on their own platform. That gets both of you into the whole adventure without a second game purchase, and crossplay means a friend on another supported system can join too. Sort out the downloads and accounts first, then the interesting problems can happen inside the game.
How Split Fiction Friend's Pass works
The pass is a separate free download, with the owner inviting its player into an online session. Your friend runs the game on their own device, so the download and system requirements matter just as they would for a purchased copy. Get that installation started before the time you meant to play, especially if one of you is still making space for it.
On Steam, the guest can download the Split Fiction Friend's Pass without buying the full version. They can join an owner through the whole campaign, but the pass does not become an independent copy they can use to host it. Both players need their platform accounts and linked EA accounts for online play, so get those signed in before settling down for the evening.
Download the pass and invite your friend
Decide who is using the full game, then let the other person install the pass from their own platform's store. Once both are ready, the invitation happens inside Split Fiction. EA's getting started guide explains the account and invitation options if either player needs help reaching that point.
- Launch the right version on each device. The owner opens the full game, while the guest opens Friend's Pass.
- Sign into your EA accounts. Complete any account linking the game requests for your platform, then leave it running on both devices.
- Find your friend inside the game. Use its friends list or add their EA account through the EA Friends List, especially when using different platforms.
- Have the owner send the invitation. Start from the online play option and invite the player using the pass.
- Accept it and choose where to begin. The owner can start a new game or continue the adventure they have already begun.
If the invitation is not arriving, check that both games are running, the accounts are signed in and the right friend appears in the list you are using. For a friend on another system, check crossplay next rather than buying another copy to solve an account problem.
Does Friend's Pass work across platforms?
Both the full game and Friend's Pass support crossplay across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch 2. Your guest downloads the pass for the system they are using, then the in game EA Friends List connects you. Keep the game open and signed in to receive the invitation.
EA's current Friend's Pass guide lists the supported platforms and crossplay settings. If the EA Friends List option is missing, check that crossplay is enabled in the relevant game or console settings. Console players should also check their platform's online membership requirements; the free pass removes the second game purchase, rather than any required platform subscription.
Neither of you owns it? Try the opening first
Both players can download Friend's Pass and try the opening together without either buying the full game. It is a limited demo, so one person needs the full version to carry on beyond it, but you can find out whether you enjoy solving its problems together before making that decision. Demo progress carries over when you move into the full adventure.
That first session is also a chance to see how you work together when the answer depends on both players. Split Fiction keeps changing what Mio and Zoe can do, asking you to coordinate movements and abilities as its worlds change around you. Understanding your partner's role becomes as useful as learning your own controls, just in time for the next idea to upset the arrangement.
Continue your save with another friend
Friend's Pass is not a code that gets used up on your first partner. An owner can invite different friends, one at a time, and decide whether to continue the latest save, begin again or use Chapter Select for a section they have reached. If somebody new joins, you do not have to throw away the whole campaign to get them into the game.
For the person using the pass, progress carries over if they later decide to buy the full version. Achievements and trophies are a separate matter: EA says those unlock for players who own the game. Your partner can still experience the whole adventure through the pass, but buying their own copy changes who they can invite into it next.
Your next co op plan might already be in a library
Before deciding what else to buy together, see what one of you already owns. Split Fiction is a good reason to check, but your library may have a completely different evening waiting, from a shared campaign to a kitchen that none of you are qualified to run. Our co op games guide can help you choose the kind of teamwork you fancy next.
VaultShuffle can narrow your own public Steam library around your session, mood and goal, with a co op setting under How you play in the Dashboard's Global filters. Continue with Steam from the VaultShuffle homepage or enter your public Steam profile to bring in your games, with your profile and game details set to public. Once your own list is shorter, check the game's copy and connection requirements before inviting your partner. One game may offer a free pass while another expects you both to own it, so that last check still belongs with the suggestion.