Halo: Combat Evolved, for consoles, has been synonymous with Xbox since the platform’s inception, with its initial release on the original Xbox. Now that has changed as Xbox Game Studios and the rebranded 343 Industries developer Halo Studios have officially announced a remake of the first game, Halo: Campaign Evolved, for not just PC and Xbox Series X|S but the PS5 and will launch in 2026.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a full, modernized remake of the original game’s campaign, developed from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5 and featuring updated cinematics, re-recorded voice acting with the original cast returning, and refined combat. In addition, the remake will feature crossplay and cross-progression with co-op, while maintaining the classic two-player split-screen experience on console only. Now, in the remake, for the first time ever, up to four players can tackle the story campaign together online.
It’s not just the original content of the first game, but Halo Studios is adding new content to the feature in the form of three brand new missions that see Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson team up before the events of the first game’s narrative. The announcement marks the first time Xbox’s iconic sci-fi first-person shooter franchise will debut on PlayStation. It’s not too surprising, given Xbox’s initiative to bring some of its exclusives to Sony’s platforms, including, most recently, the Reloaded version of the first Gears of War game back in August, so it was only a matter of time before Xbox’s FPS franchise would jump ship.
“After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the Master Chief is tasked with helping the remaining humans survive against overwhelming Covenant forces. Alongside his AI companion Cortana, he uncovers Halo’s dark secrets and fights to avert the annihilation of all life in the galaxy,” a synopsis of Halo: Campaign Evolved on its Xbox listing reads.
Key Features:
- The Complete Campaign, Rebuilt – Battle through the original missions, newly rebuilt with enhanced level design, updated cinematics, and improved wayfinding, refined to keep the pace moving without losing the wonder, tension, or heroism of the original.
- Cinematics and Audio Overhauled – Iconic vistas, alien architecture, and sci-fi wonders are reborn with all-new visuals, cinematics, and animations. The soundtrack has been remastered, the sound design updated for greater immersion, and new voice performances recorded with the primary cast.
- Combat and Weapons Expanded – Classic Halo combat feels instantly familiar yet sharper than ever. Sprint, aim, and engage with refined precision. For the first time in Halo: CE, you can wield 9 additional iconic weapons from across the series, including the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle, giving you more ways to approach every fight. Three New Prequel Missions Join the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson in a brand-new arc set before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, featuring new environments, gameplay, characters, and enemies.
- Play Solo or with Friends – Experience the full campaign in 2-player split-screen co-op (console only) or 4-player online co-op, complete with crossplay and shared progression across console and PC.
- Drive, Hijack, Wreak Havoc – Whether you’re racing across the map in a Warthog or flipping it over with friends, vehicles have always been at the heart of Halo’s fun. Now they go even further: for the first time in Halo: CE, you can hijack enemy rides and pilot a fully drivable Wraith, creating unforgettable chaos.
- Remix Your Campaign for Endless Replayability – Use the campaign remix feature to return to any mission and remix the experience with the most gameplay-modifying “Skulls” ever in a Halo campaign. These optional modifiers add challenge and variety with randomized weapons, enemies, and environments.
