Halo: Combat Evolved Remake Announced for PS5, Xbox, and PC
In a move that sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Microsoft and the newly rebranded Halo Studios have officially unveiled Halo: Campaign Evolved, a ground-up remake of the legendary 2001 classic. The bombshell announcement, dropped during the Halo World Championships, confirms a 2026 release window for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and, in a landmark decision, PlayStation 5. This ambitious project aims to be a "faithful yet modernized" retelling of Master Chief's first adventure, built entirely in Unreal Engine 5.
This is more than a simple remaster; it's a complete reimagining of the single-player experience that started it all. As the name explicitly states, Halo: Campaign Evolved is a campaign-only title, forgoing competitive multiplayer to focus entirely on delivering the definitive version of the story.
A Faithful Yet Modernized Return to the Ring
At its core, Halo: Campaign Evolved is a promise to preserve the magic of the original while leveraging two decades of technological advancement. The development team is rebuilding the entire game from scratch in Unreal Engine 5, a move that signals a dramatic leap in visual and environmental fidelity. Players can expect breathtaking lighting, hyper-detailed character models, and sprawling landscapes that realize the mysterious Halo ring world in ways that were impossible in 2001.
The goal is to modernize the experience without betraying the original's celebrated design and atmosphere. This means the iconic level layouts, enemy encounters, and sandbox-driven combat that defined Halo: Combat Evolved will remain intact. The "30 seconds of fun" gameplay loop is being carefully preserved, ensuring that veterans feel right at home while newcomers experience the game at its absolute best.
What's New in Campaign Evolved?
While preserving the core experience is paramount, Halo Studios is not simply repainting an old masterpiece. The remake will introduce significant new content and gameplay mechanics to enrich the narrative and align the gameplay with more modern standards.
Key new features announced include:
- All-New Prequel Missions: The game will feature brand-new missions that take place before the Pillar of Autumn's fateful arrival at the Halo installation. This new content will expand upon the lore and provide deeper context for the events of the main campaign, offering a fresh experience even for those who know the original game by heart.
- Modernized Movement: In a notable gameplay update, Master Chief will now have the ability to sprint. This brings the movement mechanics more in line with later entries in the franchise and is expected to alter the pacing of exploration and combat encounters in interesting ways.
- Expanded Narrative: Beyond the prequel missions, developers have hinted at expanded story elements and character moments woven into the existing campaign to create a more cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative.
A Campaign-Only Experience
The title Halo: Campaign Evolved is a deliberate and clear statement of intent. This project is laser-focused on the single-player and cooperative campaign experience. It has been explicitly confirmed that the game will not feature any head-to-head, competitive multiplayer modes.
This decision allows the development team to pour all of its resources into creating the most polished and immersive story mode possible. While PvP fans will need to look to other Halo titles, the remake will fully support both online and local split-screen cooperative play for the entire campaign. This ensures that the cherished tradition of battling the Covenant with a friend remains a central part of the Halo experience.
Platforms, Game Pass, and Release Date
One of the biggest surprises of the announcement was the confirmation of a multi-platform release. Halo: Campaign Evolved is officially slated for launch in 2026 on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam and the Xbox app)
- PlayStation 5
The inclusion of the PS5 marks a major strategic shift and opens up the iconic franchise to a massive new audience. As expected for a first-party Microsoft title, Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on day one for all Xbox Game Pass subscribers on both console and PC, continuing to provide incredible value for members of the service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a complete, ground-up remake of the campaign from the 2001 game Halo: Combat Evolved. It is being rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 and includes new story content and modernized gameplay features.
When is the release date for Halo: Campaign Evolved?
The game is scheduled for release sometime in 2026. A more specific date has not yet been announced.
Will Halo: Campaign Evolved be on PS5?
Yes, it has been officially confirmed that the game will be released on PlayStation 5, alongside Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Does Halo: Campaign Evolved have multiplayer?
No, the game does not include any competitive (PvP) multiplayer modes. It is a campaign-focused experience but does support both online and local split-screen co-op for the story mode.
Will Halo: Campaign Evolved be on Game Pass?
Yes, the game will launch day one into the Xbox Game Pass library for both console and PC subscribers.