The whispers were true, and now it’s official: Halo: Campaign Evolved is a complete remake of the original adventure, meticulously rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. Perhaps less surprisingly, it’s also heading to PlayStation – a move that still feels a little surreal. Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, is introducing a host of changes designed to blend classic nostalgia with modern player expectations. This includes overhauls to infamous levels like The Library, the addition of sprinting, and the ability to wield a wider array of Covenant weapons.
My last playthrough of the first Halo campaign in 2021, through the Master Chief Collection, reminded me that despite its age, it absolutely holds its own among the top-tier first-person shooters. It’s fantastic to see that enduring legacy continue, though it’s a bittersweet thought that this remake likely stems from the somewhat underwhelming reception of Halo Infinite. Creative director Max Szlagor revealed that the team has painstakingly recreated nearly every level and encounter with enhanced detail for Halo: Campaign Evolved, even expanding the cooperative play from two to four players.
Executive producer Damon Conn shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re incredibly excited to introduce Halo to a new audience who might have missed it previously. Fundamentally, Halo is about forging connections, and we can’t wait for a new generation of players across various platforms to experience the magic of Halo just as we did. Our goal isn’t to alter Halo’s cherished legacy, but to allow players to immerse themselves in it more deeply than ever before. This truly is Halo for everyone.”
Several new features stand out immediately. Players will discover three entirely new prequel missions, fleshing out the story before the main campaign. The long-requested sprint mechanic is finally here (though it can be toggled off for purists). Furthermore, many iconic weapons previously unavailable to players in the original game, such as the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle, can now be wielded. Halo Studios has also integrated vehicle hijacking and the capability to pilot the Covenant Wraith tank, marking their debut in this campaign.
Veterans will notice numerous significant alterations throughout the game. With support for up to four players in co-op, encounters and level designs have been adapted to suit larger groups. Halo Studios is also focusing on improving “wayfinding, navigation, and diversity in enemy encounters.” They specifically highlighted the notoriously frustrating Library level, infamous for its abrupt shift to relentless Flood combat and its disorienting, labyrinthine structure.
Regarding The Library, Szlagor explained, “Our goal was to re-evaluate the pacing and enrich the environmental storytelling. We’ve incorporated new dialogue from Guilty Spark to better guide players through the level, along with additional narrative exchanges that provide greater context to the unfolding events. We’re not rewriting the core stories, but rather refining and adding depth to this and similar levels, ensuring players remain engaged and on track.”
When it comes to maintaining the game’s signature feel, game director Greg Hermann elaborated that “All the new content built in Unreal Engine 5 rests upon the original game’s core code and systems. This foundational code is crucial for preserving that unmistakable ‘Halo feel’ during gameplay.” He noted that this approach enables the team to “achieve stunning visual fidelity with Unreal’s photorealistic rendering, while the authentic Halo simulation systems pulse underneath.”
For those craving a challenge, exciting news awaits: the remake boasts “the most Skulls ever seen in a Halo campaign.” These classic modifiers allow players to significantly amp up the difficulty, and we can surely anticipate the return of fan-favorite, sillier options like Grunt Birthday Party, where defeated Grunts explode in a celebratory burst of confetti.
Key concerns for fans revolve around three main areas: the scope of the redesigns, the choice of game engine, and the use of generative AI. While improving upon the original is a commendable goal, striking the right balance between honoring the past and embracing innovation is crucial. The decision to utilize Unreal Engine 5 also places the responsibility on Halo Studios to deliver a polished experience, avoiding the performance issues that have plagued other UE5 titles like Borderlands 4 and Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines 2.
Regarding the use of generative AI, Hermann offered a somewhat vague response, stating, “It’s simply a tool in a toolbox.” He drew a comparison to Photoshop’s generative fill feature, suggesting “the boundary lines can get a little fuzzy.” An Xbox representative later clarified, emphasizing that “There is no mandate to use generative AI in our game development, and that includes Halo: Campaign Evolved.” For now, this appears to be the most definitive answer available.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is slated for release in 2026, launching on both Steam and the Xbox app. PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have access from day one. Players interested in receiving launch notifications can add it to their wishlists.
For those feeling nostalgic, explore our curated list of the best classic PC games worth playing in 2025, or discover our current top recommendations for single-player games.
What are your thoughts on this announcement? Share your excitement for Halo’s return, or let us know if you’d rather see something entirely new in our community forum.