Microsoft and 343 Industries have officially announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, a rebuilt and modernized version of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 in 2026. The announcement marks a historic first for the Halo franchise, as it expands beyond Xbox and PC platforms for the first time in its nearly 25-year history.
According to Brian “ske7ch” Jarrard, Community Director at Halo Studios, the decision to bring Halo to PlayStation reflects a broader commitment to connecting players across platforms. Jarrard stated that the series has always been about shared experiences and friendships forged through cooperative play, and the move to PS5 represents a new chapter in that legacy.
Halo: Campaign Evolved revisits the original story that introduced players to Master Chief and Cortana, as well as the Covenant and the mysterious Halo ring. The campaign has been fully rebuilt with high-definition visuals, new cinematics, smoother controls, and updated combat mechanics. The development team has also enhanced the soundtrack and sound design to create a more immersive experience while preserving the tone and atmosphere of the original game.
In addition to visual and technical improvements, the remastered campaign introduces new content and gameplay features. Players will gain access to nine additional weapons drawn from later Halo titles, alongside three new prequel missions that explore events leading up to Halo: Combat Evolved. These missions feature new environments and expand the narrative surrounding Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson, one of the series’ longest-standing characters.
Vehicle gameplay, a signature element of the Halo series, has also been expanded. Players can now hijack enemy vehicles, including the Covenant’s Wraith tank, offering new tactical options during combat. The remaster additionally features the largest selection of “Skulls” ever included in a Halo campaign—optional modifiers that alter gameplay dynamics, difficulty, and aesthetics.
Cooperative play remains central to the experience. Halo: Campaign Evolved will support both two-player split-screen co-op and four-player online co-op, with cross-play and cross-progression enabled between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. This ensures that players across all systems can share progress and play together seamlessly.
While a specific release date has not yet been announced, 343 Industries confirmed that the game will launch simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026. Players can add the title to their wishlist now, with further details expected in the coming months.
The announcement of Halo: Campaign Evolved marks a significant moment in the history of the franchise, as Microsoft continues to broaden the reach of its flagship series. As Jarrard concluded in the official statement, echoing Master Chief’s iconic words: “I think we’re just getting started.”
