Halo: Campaign Evolved Remake Brings Classic to 2026

Halo is ready to welcome a new generation of players. Microsoft and Halo Studios have announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full remake of the original 2001 classic, Halo: Combat Evolved, set to launch in 2026. This remake promises to retain the iconic moments that defined the franchise while delivering a modernized, visually stunning experience.

The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC via Xbox and Steam, and PlayStation 5. Players can enjoy full support for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere, with the added benefit of launching day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.

Rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5, Halo: Campaign Evolved delivers 4K visuals, updated animations, re-recorded voice lines, and remastered music. Developers aim to capture the emotion and atmosphere of the original game while enhancing gameplay for modern audiences. The remake does not replace the original but complements it, offering a “modern evolution” that is faithful to its roots.

Expanding the story, the remake introduces three prequel missions exploring events leading up to the classic campaign. These missions feature new environments, characters, and enemies, deepening the Halo universe’s lore. Classic missions are redesigned with improved pacing, richer environmental storytelling, and smoother navigation. The Library, a standout mission, has been reworked to enhance tension while maintaining its iconic atmosphere.

Fans can look forward to nostalgia and innovation combined. Nine new weapons from across the Halo series—including the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle—appear in the original campaign for the first time. Vehicle gameplay has also been upgraded, allowing players to hijack vehicles and pilot the Covenant Wraith tank, a feature missing in the 2001 version.

Gameplay enhancements include optional sprinting, an expanded Skull system with the most modifiers ever in a Halo campaign, full four-player online co-op, and the return of two-player split-screen on consoles. These updates ensure that both veteran fans and newcomers can enjoy the game together.

By starting with the first campaign, Halo Studios aims to create a perfect entry point for new players while respecting long-time fans’ experiences. The remake will be playable at the Halo World Championships, giving attendees an early look at the rebuilt universe.

Halo: Campaign Evolved launches in 2026, marking the start of a new chapter for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises, bridging the gap between nostalgic memories and modern gaming expectations.