A new comparison video by YouTuber ElAnalistaDeBits has showcased the dramatic evolution between the original Halo: Combat Evolved and its upcoming full remake, Halo Campaign Evolved. Built entirely in Unreal Engine 5, this ambitious reimagining of the 2001 classic promises to deliver a modernized yet faithful recreation of one of gaming’s most iconic campaigns. The remake is scheduled to launch in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, with full support for Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Game Pass on day one.
Unlike a traditional remaster, Halo Campaign Evolved has been rebuilt from the ground up, featuring remastered 4K visuals, photorealistic lighting, and environmental detail designed to make every location feel handcrafted and authentic. The developers have incorporated modern rendering techniques powered by Unreal Engine 5 while retaining the original Halo code and simulation systems beneath the surface. This hybrid approach ensures the game preserves its distinctive Halo gameplay feel while benefiting from modern visuals and physics.
The remake also introduces several major gameplay enhancements. Three entirely new missions act as narrative prequels to the main story, expanding the lore with new characters, enemies, and environments. For the first time, players can enjoy up to four-player online cooperative play, in addition to the classic two-player split-screen mode. Among the additions are nine weapons drawn from across the Halo franchise, such as the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle, alongside six others yet to be revealed. Players will also have the ability to hijack vehicles and pilot the Covenant Wraith tank for the first time in the series’ opening campaign.
Additional gameplay updates include the introduction of a sprint ability, which can be toggled off for players seeking a purist experience, and the inclusion of the most Skulls ever seen in a Halo campaign. Mission and level design have undergone substantial reconstruction, with reimagined encounters and rebalanced pacing to accommodate larger co-op groups. One notable overhaul is The Library mission, which now features improved navigation, more dynamic enemy placements, and expanded narrative sequences. Enhanced dialogue from Guilty Spark and additional story lines aim to strengthen the overall lore and player immersion.
Despite these sweeping upgrades, Halo Campaign Evolved remains committed to preserving the tone and spirit that defined the original game. Developers have stated their goal is to make the remake feel “handcrafted” and authentic to memory, ensuring the modernization feels organic rather than transformative. With 25 years of community feedback shaping its design and pacing, the result appears to be a meticulous blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Set to release in 2026, Halo Campaign Evolved will mark the franchise’s return to its roots while demonstrating how far the series has evolved both visually and technically. By balancing respect for its legacy with forward-thinking improvements, this remake could become the definitive way for players to relive — or experience for the first time — the adventure that started it all.
