Halo Studios is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Halo with an exciting new project: Halo: Campaign Evolved. This full remake of the iconic Halo: Combat Evolved, which debuted alongside the original Xbox console in 2001, is poised to deliver a fresh experience to both long-time fans and new players. Scheduled for release in 2026, the game will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and, for the first time, the PlayStation 5.
With a fully rebuilt campaign featuring stunning 4K visuals, new weapons, and vehicles, Halo: Campaign Evolved aims to provide a comprehensive upgrade to the beloved original. One of the standout features is the introduction of a four-player online co-op mode, enhancing the multiplayer experience. Recently, I had the opportunity to play a prerelease demo of the The Silent Cartographer mission, which showcases numerous enhancements.
The demo begins with updated cinematics, refined voice lines, and a significant overhaul of visuals and animations. While the mission retains its essence, the addition of a rebuilt Warthog equipped with an extra seat at the rear significantly alters gameplay dynamics. Greg Hermann, the technical director at Halo Studios, noted, “We didn’t just put a coat of paint over the original cinematics; we revisited how they were blocked out and sequenced.” This meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout the game.
To ensure an authentic experience, Halo Studios has brought back the original voice actors from Combat Evolved to re-record their lines, providing a remarkable degree of fidelity. Hermann emphasized that this level of detail was not possible during the development of Halo: Anniversary. The iconic vistas, alien architecture, and environments have also been meticulously rebuilt, blending nostalgia with new-age graphics.
Halo: Campaign Evolved introduces three new bonus missions designed to complement the main storyline. These missions serve as prequels, offering fresh opportunities for character interactions, particularly between Master Chief and Johnson. Max Szlagor, the studio design director, mentioned that these new missions will feature inventive gameplay elements, characters, and enemies, elevating the overall narrative experience.
One of the most noticeable gameplay enhancements is the ability to sprint, transforming the pace of combat and exploration. Additionally, players can now enjoy a new seating arrangement in the Warthog, humorously dubbed the "golf cart seat," perfect for cooperative play. With support for up to four players across platforms, including crossplay and shared progression, the game ensures an inclusive multiplayer experience reminiscent of the original.
All weapons in Campaign Evolved have been remodeled and rebuilt, providing a much higher fidelity in visuals and sound. Players can now aim down sights with every weapon, further enhancing combat mechanics. Moreover, nine additional weapons from the broader Halo universe will be available, including the chance to pick up an Energy Sword after defeating an Elite.
For those seeking a challenge, Halo Studios is emphasizing the use of skulls—gameplay modifiers from Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Szlagor revealed that there will be more skull options than ever before, presenting a significant challenge for players who dare to complete the game on legendary mode with all skulls activated.
Interestingly, Halo: Campaign Evolved does not include a multiplayer component, which has drawn attention from fans. While the original game featured local multiplayer, it lacked online capabilities at launch. Although Halo Studios has made the decision to focus solely on the campaign experience, Hermann assures fans that this approach will serve as a blueprint for future titles. “We will continue to push the boundaries of technology while ensuring that the core Halo gameplay is preserved,” he stated.
Mark your calendars for 2026, as Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5. The game will be available at launch through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, in addition to supporting Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere features. Prepare to experience a reimagined classic that honors the legacy of Halo while embracing the advancements of modern gaming technology.