The iconic shooter from 2001 is getting a full remake as Halo: Campaign Evolved, set for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC and for the first time ever, PlayStation 5. The project, developed by Halo Studios, essentially re-builds the original campaign from Halo: Combat Evolved with modern visuals, refined mechanics and brand-new content.
This remake is powered by Unreal Engine 5 and brings with it high-definition environments, motion-captured cinematics and a modernised control scheme. While it stays true to the core story of the Master Chief’s first mission on the Halo ring, the update adds extra depth: three new prequel missions, a broader arsenal of weapons drawn from later games in the series, and enhanced vehicle and enemy encounters. Online co-op for up to four players is supported across platforms, with split-screen for consoles too.
Perhaps even more significant than the upgrade in tech is the platform change: this marks the first time a mainline Halo campaign will launch on PlayStation. That decision signals a shift in strategy for the franchise — moving away from strict platform exclusivity toward “more Halo for more players.” For longstanding fans, it’s a chance to revisit a seminal experience come refreshed. For newcomers, it offers an accessible entry point into one of gaming’s foundational shooters.
Still, as with any remake of such a revered title, expectations are high. The development team says they aim to capture not just the look of the original but its emotion and pacing — retaining the sense of awe, tension and scale that made the first game influential, while updating frustrating mechanics, modernising navigation and helping the campaign feel at home in 2026. With the 25th anniversary of the franchise around the corner, Halo: Campaign Evolved looks set to both honour the past and pave the way for the future of one of gaming’s most enduring series.
