After much speculation, the gaming community can finally breathe a sigh of relief as Halo: Campaign Evolved has been officially announced. This ambitious project is a complete remake of the original Halo, crafted using the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. In a move that may raise eyebrows, the game will also be available on PlayStation, a decision that, while not entirely unexpected, still evokes a sense of nostalgia and excitement.
Revamping a Classic
Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, is committed to revitalizing the beloved franchise. The team is making significant adjustments to enhance the gameplay experience while honoring the essence of the original title. Among the most notable changes is the reimagining of the infamous Library level, which has long been a point of contention among players. The new design aims to balance the pacing and improve navigation, ensuring that players can enjoy a smoother experience.
Creative director Max Szlagor emphasizes that the team has meticulously rebuilt nearly every level and encounter, infusing them with greater fidelity. The co-op mode is expanding from two to four players, allowing friends to join forces in a more dynamic way. Executive producer Damon Conn shares the excitement of introducing Halo to a new generation of gamers, stating, “At its heart, Halo is about connection; we’re thrilled to meet a new generation of players on their platforms of choice.”
New Features and Enhancements
Among the fresh additions, players can look forward to three entirely new prequel missions that set the stage for the main storyline. The introduction of sprinting, a feature absent from the original trilogy, adds a modern touch, while the ability to pick up previously inaccessible weapons like the Energy Sword and Battle Rifle enhances gameplay variety. Additionally, vehicle hijacking and the option to pilot the Covenant Wraith tank are exciting firsts for this campaign.
Veterans of the series will notice several changes designed to enrich the gameplay experience. The encounters have been tailored to accommodate up to four players, and the team is focusing on improving wayfinding, navigation, and diversity in enemy encounters. Szlagor notes that the Library level has undergone a reevaluation of pacing and environmental storytelling, with new dialogue added to guide players through the experience.
Preserving the Halo Essence
Game director Greg Hermann assures fans that the remake retains the authentic “Halo feel,” as the new content is layered over legacy code from the original games. This approach allows the team to leverage Unreal Engine 5’s photorealistic rendering capabilities while maintaining the core simulation systems that define the franchise.
For those seeking a challenge, the remake promises to feature the most Skulls ever seen in a Halo campaign, offering players a variety of modifiers to ramp up the difficulty. Classic options like the Grunt Birthday Party, which showers defeated enemies in confetti, are expected to make a return, adding a whimsical touch to the gameplay.
Addressing Concerns
As with any major remake, there are valid concerns regarding the extent of redesigns, the choice of engine, and the role of generative AI in development. Striking a balance between preserving the original’s charm and introducing necessary improvements is crucial. The decision to utilize Unreal Engine 5 places a spotlight on Halo Studios, as they navigate performance expectations and avoid pitfalls encountered by other titles using the same technology.
Regarding generative AI, Hermann describes it as “a tool in a toolbox,” emphasizing that there is no mandate to incorporate it into the game’s development. An Xbox representative further clarified that the use of generative AI is not a requirement for Halo: Campaign Evolved, leaving the door open for traditional development methods.
Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch in 2026 via Steam and the Xbox app, with availability for PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on day one. Players can wishlist the game now to receive notifications upon its release.
As anticipation builds, the gaming community is invited to share their thoughts on the announcement and the return of Halo, or whether they would prefer to see the franchise explore new horizons.
