Halo: Campaign Evolved Announced

Halo: Combat Evolved, a cornerstone of the FPS genre, is returning with a complete overhaul of its visuals and content. Halo Studios has announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, a ground-up remake of the legendary campaign, rebuilt entirely in Unreal Engine 5. Scheduled for a 2026 release, the game is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and in a first for the franchise, it will also be available on PlayStation 5.

This announcement puts an end to long-standing rumors and confirms that the project is more than just a simple remake; it’s a tribute to the series’ legacy. The development team aims to create the perfect entry point for newcomers while offering a fresh, yet familiar, experience for the 25-year-strong fanbase.

A Visual and Gameplay Overhaul with Unreal Engine 5

The initial gameplay and reveal trailers showcase the project’s ambition. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts photorealistic visuals, completely revamped cutscenes, and modernized animations.

The footage features the iconic landing on “The Silent Cartographer” mission, reimagined with modern graphics. While the original atmosphere is preserved, the level of detail in water effects, lighting, foliage, and character models appears to push beyond current-gen standards. The interior designs of Forerunner structures and the tense combat encounters with the Flood look far more atmospheric and terrifying, thanks to Unreal Engine 5’s dynamic lighting technology, Lumen.

The development team has stated they are using the original game’s core code and systems as a foundation to preserve the classic “Halo feel,” while building the entire visual layer with UE5. This hybrid approach aims to maintain the game’s nostalgic soul while delivering a visually stunning experience for a new generation.

What’s New in Campaign Evolved?

Halo: Campaign Evolved isn’t just a visual upgrade; it introduces significant new content and gameplay enhancements. Here are the key features announced so far:

• Four-Player Co-op and Cross-Platform Support: For the first time in its history, the original campaign will support up to four players in online co-op. This feature will include full cross-play and cross-progression across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5. The classic two-player local split-screen co-op will also be available on consoles.
• New Missions: Three brand-new bonus missions set before the events of the original campaign have been added, featuring Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. These missions will take players to unseen environments and introduce new enemy types.
• Expanded Arsenal and Vehicles: Players will now be able to wield iconic weapons from later Halo titles, such as the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle, within the campaign. Additionally, the ability to hijack Covenant vehicles, including piloting the Wraith tank for the first time, has been integrated.
• Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: The modern sprint mechanic has been added, but for purists who prefer the classic experience, it can be disabled in the settings.
• More Skulls: The number of “Skulls”—gameplay modifiers that offer unique challenges and fun alterations—will be the largest ever featured in a Halo campaign.
• Reworked Levels: Certain levels, including the notoriously difficult “The Library,” have been redesigned to improve pacing and level design based on modern player expectations. New dialogue has been added for 343 Guilty Spark to improve navigation and enhance storytelling.
• Sound and Music: The original voice cast has reunited to re-record all dialogue, and the iconic musical score has been remastered to modern standards.

From the Developers’ Perspective: “Halo for Everyone”

The development team describes the project with the slogan “Halo for everyone.” They emphasize that their goal is not to replace the original game but to make it more accessible and immersive for a new generation. They specifically mentioned that levels like “The Library” have been reworked with improved player guidance and more balanced enemy encounters to address long-standing fan feedback.

With its release on PlayStation, a new generation of players will have the chance to experience the beginning of the saga. For veteran fans on Xbox and PC, 2026 will mark the rebirth of a legend. The game will also be available on Game Pass from day one.