Redfall Is An Always-Online Game, Even In Single-Player

Redfall publisher Bethesda has confirmed that the game will require an always-online connection, even when playing in single-player. On the official Redfall FAQ, the new requirement states that a "persistent online connection is required" for single-player and co-op, and that a Bethesda.net account will also be necessary.

This isn't an unusual move, as many modern games require some form of an online check-in as an anti-piracy measure--or progression fairness to keep the playing field level when joining friends in co-op in Redfall's case--although this form of DRM has drawn criticism for adding extra steps to single-player titles. Back 4 Blood initially required a persistent online connection when it first launched if you were planning to play alongside AI teammates, but a later patch added an offline story mode for the game.

Other games that have also eased off on an always-online requirement include Marvel's Avengers and It Takes Two, with those games offering offline single-player and couch co-op modes, respectively. Arkane games such as Dishonored and Prey have traditionally been focused on single-player first, and while 2021's Deathloop had online modes for its assassin gameplay mechanic, an offline mode was also available.

As revealed in last month's Developer Direct, Redfall will release on May 2 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, and will be available through Xbox Game Pass on launch day as well. Arkane calls Redfall its "biggest, most ambitious" game that it has ever created, and it features co-op play for up to four players. For more details, you can check out GameSpot's feature on everything that we know about Redfall.