Master Chief is Back for a New Generation
Lock and load, Spartans. The moment Halo fans have been dreaming of is finally here. During the Halo World Championship 2025, Halo Studios dropped a bombshell announcement that sent shockwaves through the entire gaming industry: a full, from-the-ground-up remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved is in the works. Titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, this isn’t just a simple remaster-it’s a complete reimagining of the iconic 2001 campaign that started it all, and it’s set to launch in 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and for the first time ever, the PlayStation 5[28][30].
Attendees at the Halo World Championship are even getting a hands-on taste, with a playable demo of the legendary ‘The Silent Cartographer’ mission available right on the event floor. This reveal marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, signaling a fresh start and a bold multiplatform future[26][28].
More Than Just a Fresh Coat of Paint
Halo Studios is making it clear that this is far more than the 2011 Anniversary edition. By rebuilding the game in Unreal Engine 5, the team is delivering a modern experience while aiming to preserve the soul of the original[32]. The visual overhaul is stunning, transforming the classic, blocky environments into breathtakingly detailed landscapes, but the changes run much deeper.
Here are some of the key upgrades coming in Campaign Evolved:
- Modern Movement: Master Chief can now sprint, a feature that can be toggled off for purists who prefer the classic pacing[32][33].
- Expanded Arsenal: The weapon sandbox has been expanded with nine new firearms from later games in the series, including fan-favorites like the Battle Rifle, Needle Rifle, and the Energy Sword[33].
- New Gameplay Mechanics: For the first time in this campaign, you’ll be able to hijack vehicles and even pilot the formidable Covenant Wraith[33].
- Expanded Story: The narrative is being fleshed out with three brand-new prequel missions that take place before the events of the original game[33].
These additions aim to modernize the gameplay loop, making it feel fresh for veterans while being approachable for a new generation of players, especially those on PlayStation who will be meeting the Chief for the first time[32].
The Co-op Experience and a Major Catch
Cooperative play, a cornerstone of the Halo experience, is getting a big upgrade. The remake will support up to four-player online co-op with cross-play and shared progression across all platforms. For those who miss the days of couch co-op, a two-player split-screen mode will also be available exclusively on consoles[30][33].
However, there’s one massive piece of news that has the community divided: Halo: Campaign Evolved will not include PvP multiplayer[30]. The focus is entirely on delivering the definitive campaign experience. This means that for your classic Blood Gulch and Hang ‘Em High fix, you’ll need to stick with The Master Chief Collection. While disappointing for some, this decision allows the development team to pour all their resources into perfecting the single-player and co-op modes. Rumors are circulating that multiplayer could be added later, but for now, it’s not part of the 2026 launch package[33].
FAQs About Halo: Campaign Evolved
What is Halo: Campaign Evolved?
It is a full remake of the campaign from the original 2001 game, Halo: Combat Evolved. It is being rebuilt from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5 with new features, missions, and modernized gameplay[32].
When is the release date and what are the platforms?
Halo: Campaign Evolved is scheduled for release sometime in 2026 to coincide with the franchise’s 25th anniversary. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5[30].
Will the remake include PvP multiplayer?
No, the game will launch without any competitive player-vs-player multiplayer modes. The focus is exclusively on the single-player and co-op campaign experience. Players will need to use Halo: The Master Chief Collection for classic Halo 1 multiplayer[30][33].
What new features are being added?
The remake includes sprinting, nine new weapons from other Halo games, the ability to hijack and pilot new vehicles like the Wraith, and three new prequel missions to expand the story[33].
Is there a playable demo?
Yes, a demo featuring the level ‘The Silent Cartographer’ is currently playable for attendees at the Halo World Championship 2025 event[26][28][29].
Will it have co-op?
Yes, the game will feature 4-player online co-op with cross-play and 2-player local split-screen co-op on consoles[30].
Conclusion
The announcement of Halo: Campaign Evolved is a landmark event for the franchise. By rebuilding a classic for modern hardware and, crucially, bringing it to a PlayStation audience, Microsoft is making a bold statement about the future of Halo. While the absence of PvP multiplayer is a significant point of discussion, the prospect of experiencing the legendary campaign with stunning new visuals, expanded gameplay, and new story content is incredibly exciting. This is a chance for veterans to relive the magic and for newcomers to discover why Halo became a legend. The 25th anniversary is shaping up to be a monumental celebration, and the fight is just getting started.