Halo: Campaign Evolved is the Remake Fans Have Been Waiting For – Coming to PlayStation 5
Halo is going back to where it all began—only this time, it’s evolving.
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full Unreal Engine 5 remake of the legendary Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, was officially announced today by Halo Studios. Set to launch in 2026, this modern reimagining brings the franchise’s iconic origin story to a new generation of players with updated visuals, remastered audio, and brand-new gameplay additions—all while staying true to the DNA that made Halo a cultural phenomenon.
Launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, this fully rebuilt experience includes:
- 4K remastered visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5
- Beloved Halo weapons and vehicles from across the franchise
- Three brand-new prequel missions
- Four-player online co-op for the first time
- Classic two-player split-screen on console
- Support for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere
So what exactly is Halo: Campaign Evolved—and how does it aim to honour 25 years of Halo legacy while bringing something fresh to the table?
Rebuilding a Legend: The Campaign That Started It All
"We wanted to start where it all began," says Executive Producer Damon Conn. “Halo: Combat Evolved is how many of us fell in love with the franchise. By rebuilding it with modern technology, we’re giving new players the perfect starting point, and longtime fans a chance to relive those iconic moments like never before.”
That means new animations, re-recorded voice lines, remastered soundtracks, and complete reworkings of mission layouts for improved pacing and modern clarity—especially in areas like The Library, infamous for its maze-like structure.
“We’ve added better wayfinding, more variety in enemy encounters, and even new dialogue for characters like 343 Guilty Spark,” explains Creative Director Max Szlagor. “But we’re not rewriting history—we’re adding context that enhances the original experience.”
What’s New in Halo: Campaign Evolved?
This isn’t just a prettier version of the same game. Halo Studios has taken bold steps to expand the original campaign while preserving its core.
Three Brand-New Prequel Missions
For the first time, the campaign includes new missions set before the events of Combat Evolved, featuring entirely new environments, enemies, and lore.
Nine Classic Weapons, Reimagined
You’ll now be able to use weapons from across the Halo universe—like the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle—within the campaign.
Vehicle Hijacking and Wraith Piloting
These mechanics weren’t present in the original, but now you can hijack enemy vehicles and pilot Covenant Wraiths, adding new layers of combat strategy.
Four-Player Online Co-op
Previously limited to two-player co-op, the campaign now supports up to four players online. Every mission and encounter has been redesigned to scale accordingly.
The Most Skulls Ever in a Halo Campaign
Fans of modifiers will be thrilled to hear that Campaign Evolved includes the largest selection of Skulls to date, giving you more ways to remix the gameplay.
Unreal Engine 5: A New Halo Era
Game Director Greg Hermann explains how UE5 isn’t replacing Halo’s core—it’s enhancing it:
“All the new visuals and environments are powered by Unreal Engine 5, but underneath that, we’re still using foundational legacy Halo code. That’s what gives the game its authentic feel.”
This hybrid approach ensures that longtime fans will feel right at home, even as they’re dazzled by photorealistic lighting, updated character models, and seamless transitions.
Listening to the Community: Built on 25 Years of Feedback
Halo Studios made it clear: the player community helped shape this remake.
Whether through internal research or the Halo Insider program, community feedback has guided everything from design decisions to platform support.
“Halo is about connection,” says Conn. “By launching this on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5, we’re making good on our promise: This is Halo for everyone.”
The first playable build of Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available at the Halo World Championships, giving fans a chance to experience the evolution firsthand.
The Verdict: A Faithful Reinvention
Halo: Campaign Evolved isn’t just a remake—it’s a reinvention that captures what made the original game special while breathing new life into it for a new era. From enhanced visuals and new lore to co-op innovations and expanded gameplay options, this is shaping up to be the definitive way to experience Master Chief’s origin story.
Mark your calendars—Halo: Campaign Evolved launches in 2026, and it might just redefine what a remake can be.