Microsoft has announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, set to release in 2026. For the first time, the game will launch on PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series S/X and PC, breaking the long-standing exclusivity of the Halo franchise. The remake is being developed in Unreal Engine 5, promising modern visuals, enhanced gameplay, and expanded content for new and returning players.
The remake was officially revealed at the Halo World Championship 2025, held from October 24-26. Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, showcased a 13-minute gameplay demo and released a trailer highlighting the upgraded features of Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Halo Studios executive producer Damon Conn explained that the focus is on preserving the iconic campaign experience while introducing modern enhancements. The remake is designed to help both longtime fans and newcomers understand the story from the very beginning, setting the stage for future Halo narratives.
Halo: Campaign Evolved rebuilds the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign with several upgrades:
4K Remastered Visuals – Stunning updated graphics and animations.
Enhanced Audio – Re-recorded voice lines and remastered music.
Expanded Story Content – Includes three new bonus campaign missions.
Familiar Weapons and Vehicles – Nine additional weapons from the Halo franchise, including the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle.
New Vehicle Options – Players can hijack vehicles and pilot the Covenant Wraith tank for the first time.
Optional Sprint Mechanic – Modern movement feature added for smoother gameplay.
The remake will support the original two-player local split-screen on consoles. Additionally, for the first time, players can experience up to four-player online co-op across Xbox Series S/X, PC, and PS5. These updates aim to enhance the social and collaborative Halo experience, allowing friends to play together seamlessly.
Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on Xbox Series S/X, Xbox app on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5. The game will support Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing cross-platform play. It will also be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one, ensuring easy access for subscribers.
In addition to the remake, Halo Studios confirmed that the Halo franchise will now release on PlayStation beyond Campaign Evolved. Community director Brian Jarrard described the move as a “new era” for the series, expanding access and allowing fans to enjoy Halo with their friends on a wider range of platforms.
This shift is part of Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy, which has already brought legacy titles like Gears of War and Forza to PlayStation. Halo had remained exclusive until now, making this announcement a significant milestone for the franchise.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has hinted that Halo would eventually launch on rival platforms. At last year’s Bloomberg interview, Spencer emphasized that no first-party game is off-limits for cross-platform releases, although timing and development needed to align with the company’s plans.
Earlier in 2025, Spencer teased the return of a classic Halo game during the Xbox Games Showcase, which fans now recognize as Halo: Campaign Evolved. This remake marks the start of a broader initiative to bring Halo to more players while honoring the series’ legacy.
Conclusion
Halo: Campaign Evolved promises a modern evolution of the original Halo campaign, with enhanced visuals, gameplay, and expanded story content. With multiplayer co-op support, PS5 launch, and Game Pass availability, the remake opens the Halo universe to a broader audience than ever before.
This 2026 release represents a major milestone in Microsoft’s strategy to expand Halo beyond Xbox, delivering a fully immersive experience for both longtime fans and new players.