PS5 copies of Halo: Campaign Evolved cannot launch the campaign from the disc alone, with players required to sign in and download additional data before playing.
Packaging already warns that an internet connection is needed for initial setup, extending earlier reports of a day-one download into a full authentication requirement.
That means the single-player remake is unusable offline from the outset, sharpening collector concerns that the physical release offers little preservation value if servers fail.
Halo Studios has not said whether the Xbox physical edition will face the same restriction, even as the July 28 launch nears and fans press for an offline option.