The working
| Store | Edition | UK RRP |
|---|---|---|
| Steam (UK) | Standard | £39.99 |
| Nintendo UK eShop | Standard (Nintendo Switch 2) | £44.99 |
| Estimate | Hours | £ per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Finish the main game | 10–15h | £2.67–£4.00 |
| Fuller play | 14–20h | £2.00–£2.86 |
Based on Digital Trends, which estimates a 10-12 hour campaign that can stretch to 12-15 hours depending on both players' skill; the full range is our editorial estimate including optional side stories. Prices are RRPs checked 3 November 2026; sales and editions change the maths.
Our rule of thumb: under £1/hr = bargain, £1–£3 = solid, over £3 = pricey per hour. It's a guide, not a verdict on fun.
What 10 to 15 hours of co-op looks like
Digital Trends estimates a campaign of 10 to 12 hours, stretching to 12 to 15 depending on how quickly both players get to grips with each section. We use 10 to 15 hours.
As with Hazelight's previous game, mechanics change frequently, so the hours feel varied rather than padded. Every section needs both players working together.
The story moves between science-fiction and fantasy settings, and Hazelight uses that to change genres and mechanics often. Digital Trends notes it rarely feels as long as it is, which is a sign the hours are well paced.
The pace is brisk, and sections rarely outstay their welcome. That makes it a good choice for pairs who prefer a varied, focused game over a long one.
Each chapter tends to introduce a fresh mechanic before moving on, which keeps both players learning throughout. That variety is a big part of why the hours feel full.
Optional side stories and the 20-hour ceiling
Beyond the main path there are optional side stories and minigames, though Digital Trends notes there's relatively little extra content. Our full range of 14 to 20 hours assumes you do most of it.
At that length one Steam copy works out at roughly £2.00–£2.86 per hour. This is a game to judge on quality per hour rather than total hours.
If you've played It Takes Two, expect a similar structure: plenty of variety and almost no filler. The trade-off is that there's less to do once the credits roll.
That limited extra content is the main reason Split Fiction's full range is short. It's a game best judged on the quality of its 10 to 15 hours rather than on how long it lasts.
How the Friend's Pass changes the sum
Steam UK lists a free Split Fiction Friend's Pass, which lets a friend join the owner online without buying a copy. If you and a partner share one £39.99 copy this way, the cost per person-hour is around £1.33–£2.00 for the story.
Check the official store listing for your platform to confirm what the pass covers before you plan around it.
If you don't have a regular online partner, local co-op on one screen is the other option, which also means only one copy is needed in a household.
Even if both players buy a copy, the cost per person-hour is the same as for any single-player purchase. The Friend's Pass simply makes one copy go further.
Steam versus Switch 2 pricing
When checked on 3 November 2026, Split Fiction cost £39.99 on Steam UK and £44.99 on the Nintendo UK eShop for Nintendo Switch 2.
- On the Switch 2 price, the story works out at about £3.00–£4.50 per hour for one copy.
- pegi.info also lists PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions.
- Steam UK showed no demo when checked.
If you play on PC and want the lowest entry price, Steam's £39.99 was the cheaper of the two prices we verified on the check date.
Two players, a few weekends: the maths
Like other co-op games, Split Fiction's length in weeks depends on two schedules lining up. On our estimated ranges, using the Steam price:
- 2 hours a week: the main goal takes roughly 5 to 7.5 weeks, and the fuller range 7 to 10 weeks.
- 4 hours a week: the main goal takes roughly 2.5 to 4 weeks, and the fuller range 3.5 to 5 weeks.
If your co-op partner drops out early, the maths shifts. On the £39.99 price:
- Stop after 3 hours and you paid about £13.33 per hour.
- Stop after 6 hours and you paid about £6.67 per hour.
Shared through the Friend's Pass, each player's effective cost is about half of those figures. As with any co-op game, finishing it matters more than the theoretical total.
At two hours a week, the story lasts around five to eight weeks, which suits partners who like a regular co-op night.
Who will get little from Split Fiction
Split Fiction is rated PEGI 16 for violence, a step up from It Takes Two's PEGI 12, which matters for parents planning to play with children.
- Solo players. It requires two players throughout.
- Families with younger children. The PEGI 16 rating may rule it out.
- Players who want long games. The story is complete in an evening or two of long sessions.
For adult co-op partners, though, it remains a strong option, and the Friend's Pass means only one of you needs to pay.
It is also worth checking you both enjoy this style before committing. If one player isn't keen, the shared-cost benefit disappears.
Questions about Split Fiction
How much is Split Fiction in the UK?
£39.99 on Steam UK and £44.99 on the Nintendo UK eShop (Nintendo Switch 2) when checked on 3 November 2026.
Can a friend play Split Fiction without buying it?
Steam UK lists a free Friend's Pass that lets a friend join the owner online. Check your platform's store listing for details.
How long is Split Fiction?
Around 10 to 15 hours for the story and up to about 20 hours with optional side content.
What age rating is Split Fiction?
PEGI 16, for violence, according to pegi.info.