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.