Microsoft has officially revealed Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign. The announcement took place during the 2025 Halo World Championships in Seattle, marking the long-awaited return of the game that defined a generation.
The title is set to launch in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, aligning with the 25th anniversary of the Halo franchise. The move is monumental, as it brings the franchise to PlayStation for the first time ever, ending more than two decades of exclusivity.
Halo: Campaign Evolved arrives in 2026.
Experience enhanced gameplay, additional missions, and new features on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Watch our #HaloCE[1] Roundtable Reveal for more:
💫 https://t.co/99KGuxEjyg pic.twitter.com/dUd3I1AQd3[2][3]
— Halo (@Halo) October 24, 2025[4]
A Faithful Yet Expanded Remake
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a ground-up rebuild of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign. Halo Studios promises enhanced visuals, modernised gameplay, and refined controls, all while keeping the soul of the 2001 classic intact.
The remake also introduces three new prequel missions featuring Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson, expanding the backstory leading into the first game. These missions add new enemies, allies, and environments, giving fans a deeper look into the early days of humanity’s fight against the Covenant.
Return to the game that started it all, with a fresh look at a timeless campaign.
See what’s coming with the launch of Halo: Campaign Evolved in 2026.
💫 https://t.co/pSgEuJ7K1W pic.twitter.com/WZfRGhDnjS[5][6]
— Halo (@Halo) October 25, 2025[7]
Fans can learn more through the official Halo Waypoint[8] announcement page.
Expanded Gameplay and Features
Halo Studios confirmed that the remake adds several modern upgrades. Players will experience improved cinematics, re-recorded dialogue, and a fully remastered soundtrack that amplifies the game’s most iconic moments.
The weapon sandbox expands dramatically, featuring nine new weapons from across the Halo universe, including the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle. For the first time, players can also hijack enemy vehicles, pilot new variants, and ride as a full four-player squad in the upgraded Warthog.
The game also includes more Skulls than ever before, offering creative ways to remix gameplay, adjust difficulty, or create chaotic custom runs.
Co-op and Cross-Platform Play
For the first time in the game’s history, Halo: Campaign Evolved will feature cross-platform online co-op between Xbox, PC, and PlayStation. Up to four players can experience the campaign together online, with shared progression across all systems.
Console players will also enjoy two-player split-screen co-op, bringing back the nostalgic couch gaming feel that defined Halo’s early days.
No PvP Multiplayer: A Bold Shift for Halo
In a move that shocked longtime fans, Halo Studios confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved will not include any online PvP multiplayer modes. The remake is strictly campaign-focused, offering both split-screen and online co-op options but no competitive multiplayer maps or modes.
This marks a significant departure from Halo’s roots, as the franchise is widely celebrated for its multiplayer legacy. However, the studio clarified that future game titles will continue to feature full multiplayer support and will also release across all major platforms.
Watch the Reveal
The announcement came alongside a gameplay trailer and roundtable discussion, showcasing footage from “The Silent Cartographer”, one of Halo’s most iconic levels, now rebuilt in stunning 4K with modern lighting and physics.
Halo: Campaign Evolved aims to celebrate the franchise’s 25-year legacy while introducing it to a whole new audience. By focusing purely on the campaign and expanding it with modern visuals, new missions, and cross-play support, Microsoft and Halo Studios are offering both nostalgia and innovation in one package.
Launching in 2026, this remake invites players to return to the ringworld where it all began, but this time, without multiplayer, and with a renewed focus on story and co-op adventure.
References
- ^ #HaloCE (twitter.com)
- ^ https://t.co/99KGuxEjyg (t.co)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/dUd3I1AQd3 (t.co)
- ^ October 24, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ https://t.co/pSgEuJ7K1W (t.co)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/WZfRGhDnjS (t.co)
- ^ October 25, 2025 (twitter.com)
- ^ Halo Waypoint (www.halowaypoint.com)