The Rumors Were True: The Halo Remake is Official
For weeks, the gaming community has been buzzing with whispers of a Halo remake. Now, the speculation can finally end. The official Xbox Store page for Halo: Campaign Evolved went live, confirming that a full, ground-up remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign is not just real, but packed with new features and heading to more platforms than ever before[36][39]. This isn’t just a rumor anymore; it’s a reality you can add to your wishlist.
The store listing gives us our first official look at what Halo Studios has been cooking up, and it’s far more than a simple remaster. This is a complete reimagining of the game that started it all, rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 and slated for a 2026 release. And the biggest news of all? It’s launching day-and-date on Xbox, PC, and, for the first time in history, the PlayStation 5[38][41].
What the Official Xbox Store Listing Reveals
The store page is a treasure trove of information, confirming many of the details that had been leaking out and giving us a concrete picture of what to expect from this monumental release. Halo Studios is positioning this as a “faithful yet modernized remake” designed to feel timeless and brand new at the same time[36][42].
Here’s a breakdown of the key features confirmed by the official listing:
- A True Remake: Forget the 2011 Anniversary edition. This is a complete rebuild with high-definition visuals, fully updated cinematics, and refined controls designed for a modern audience[40][43].
- New Prequel Missions: The story is being expanded with three brand-new prequel missions that feature Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson, adding new lore, environments, and enemies to the experience[36][40].
- Modernized Combat: The classic combat loop is being enhanced. The store confirms an expanded arsenal of weapons from across the series, the ability to hijack enemy vehicles, and even a pilotable Wraith. Mechanics like sprinting are also included[36][40].
- Total Audio Overhaul: The iconic soundtrack and sound design are being fully remastered. Even the voice lines have been re-recorded with the primary cast to deliver a more immersive experience[36].
- Expanded Co-op: You can experience the campaign with up to four players in online co-op, which supports full cross-play and cross-progression between PC, Xbox, and PS5. Two-player split-screen co-op also returns for console players[36][42].
A New Era: Halo on Game Pass and PlayStation
Two of the biggest confirmations from the store listing are set to define the game’s launch. First, as expected for a major Xbox title, Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on Game Pass from day one[36][38]. This provides incredible value for subscribers on Xbox and PC, giving millions of players instant access to the remake.
Second, and perhaps more seismic, is the confirmed PlayStation 5 release. This marks a historic strategy shift for Microsoft, bringing its flagship franchise to a competitor’s console. Halo Studios community director Brian Jarrard called it a “new era,” expressing excitement about welcoming a new audience to the Halo universe[35]. This move ensures that one of gaming’s most important stories can be experienced by a new generation of players, regardless of their platform of choice.
FAQs About Halo: Campaign Evolved
Is the Halo remake officially confirmed?
Yes. An official store page for Halo: Campaign Evolved is now live on the Xbox Store, confirming its existence, features, and 2026 release window[36][39].
Is this a remaster or a full remake?
It is a full, from-the-ground-up remake built in Unreal Engine 5. It features completely new visuals, cinematics, audio, and expanded gameplay features, not just upscaled graphics[38][41].
What platforms will Halo: Campaign Evolved be on?
It will be released in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC (via the Microsoft Store and Steam), and PlayStation 5[35][38].
Will it be on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, the Xbox Store listing confirms that Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate on day one of its release[36][40].
Does the remake include multiplayer?
No, the official title and store description confirm this release is focused entirely on the campaign. It will feature single-player and co-op modes but will not include any competitive PvP multiplayer[40][43].
What new content is being added?
The remake includes three brand-new prequel missions, an expanded arsenal with nine additional weapons from the series, new vehicles to pilot like the Wraith, and a campaign remix feature with gameplay-modifying ‘Skulls’ for replayability[36][40].
Conclusion
The official Xbox Store listing for Halo: Campaign Evolved has turned widespread speculation into thrilling reality. This is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a full-scale revival of a masterpiece, thoughtfully updated for today’s hardware and audiences. The confirmation of a day-one Game Pass launch and the groundbreaking release on PlayStation 5 signals a bold and exciting future for Master Chief. While the focus remains solely on the campaign, the sheer scale of this remake-from new missions to modernized mechanics-is enough to make the 2026 release one of the most anticipated gaming events in years. The fight is being reborn, and soon, everyone will be invited to finish it.