Master Chief is about to do something he has never done in 25 years. He is landing on a PlayStation.
At the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, Microsoft confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full remake of the game that started it all, launches on July 28, 2026. It is coming to PS5 as well as Xbox and PC. It even adds brand new missions, including space combat. Here is the complete guide, explained simply.
Key Facts at a Glance
Here is the full picture in one quick table, perfect if you just want the essentials.
| Detail | What We Know |
| Full title | Halo: Campaign Evolved |
| What it is | A ground up remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign |
| Release date | July 28, 2026, with early access from July 23 |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X and S, PC, PlayStation 5, Steam, and Xbox Cloud |
| Game Pass | Yes, day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass |
| Price | From 49.99 dollars for the Standard Edition |
| New content | Operation METEORITE, a new three mission arc with space combat |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Developer | Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries |
1. What Is Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a ground up remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, the 2001 game that launched the whole series. As the official Halo Waypoint site explains, it rebuilds the original campaign in Unreal Engine 5, with upgraded visuals, refined controls, and new content.
One important note up front. This is the campaign only, the story mode, not the competitive multiplayer. It is built by Halo Studios, the team formerly known as 343 Industries.
Why This Matters: The original Halo defined the modern shooter and sold the first Xbox. A faithful, modern remake lets new players experience that classic story, while longtime fans revisit it with fresh eyes.
2. Halo: Campaign Evolved Release Date
The big news from the showcase was the date. Per the official Xbox Wire announcement, the game launches globally on July 28, 2026, at 8am Pacific.
There is also an early access window. If you buy the Premium Edition or the Collector’s Edition, you can start playing up to five days early, from July 23, 2026.
3. Platforms: Halo Comes to PlayStation
This is the historic part. For the first time ever, a mainline Halo game is launching on a PlayStation console. The full platform list is wide.
- Xbox Series X and S, plus Xbox Cloud.
- PC, on Steam and the Microsoft Store.
- PlayStation 5, a first for the Halo series.
It launches day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, and supports Xbox Play Anywhere. There is also full cross play and cross progression across Xbox, PC, Steam, and PS5. So you can squad up and keep your progress no matter where you play.
Worth Knowing: Halo on PlayStation would have been unthinkable a few years ago. It shows how serious Microsoft now is about putting its biggest games everywhere, rather than keeping them locked to Xbox.
4. The New Missions: Operation METEORITE
This is what makes the remake more than a fresh coat of paint. The showcase trailer revealed Operation METEORITE, a brand new three mission story arc made just for this game. As IGN reported, at least one of these missions features space combat.
Here is what is confirmed about the new content.
- Operation METEORITE is set one year before the events of the original Halo.
- It stars Master Chief alongside the fan favorite Sergeant Johnson.
- At least one mission adds space combat, something new for this story.
- The game also expands the arsenal with new weapons, vehicles, and enemies.
Beyond these prequel missions, the remake includes the full original ten mission campaign. Each level is rebuilt with enhanced design, updated cinematics, and better wayfinding, so you never feel lost.
5. Editions, Price, and Pre-Orders
Pre-orders are live now. As Engadget and others confirmed, there are three editions to choose from.
| Edition | Price | Highlights |
| Standard | 49.99 dollars | The full game, plus pre-order armor and weapon skins |
| Premium | 69.99 dollars | Game, up to 5 days early access, and an Alpha Halo armory pack |
| Collector’s | 199.99 dollars | Premium content plus physical collectibles, and early access |
Quick Tip: If you have Game Pass, you can play the full game day one at no extra cost. The Premium and Collector’s editions are mainly worth it for the early access and the bonus cosmetic packs.
6. Co-Op and Modern Features
The remake is built for playing together, with the most flexible co-op in Halo history. The confirmed features are generous.
- Two player split screen co-op on consoles, for couch play.
- Up to four player online co-op across console and PC.
- Cross play and cross progression, so friends on different systems can team up.
- Upgraded visuals, refined controls, and modern quality of life touches.
7. How to Get Ready, Step by Step
Want to be set for launch day? Here is a simple plan.
- Pick your platform, since it is on Xbox, PС, Steam, and PS5, then wishlist or pre-order there.
- Decide on an edition. Game Pass covers day one, or choose Premium or Collector’s for early access.
- Mark July 28, 2026 for the main launch, or July 23 if you have early access.
- Line up your co-op crew, since cross play means friends on any system can join you.
8. Why This Is a Landmark Halo Moment
Put it all together and this is a major moment for the series. A beloved classic returns in modern form, with genuinely new missions, right as Xbox turns 25.
The PlayStation launch is the headline shift. By bringing Master Chief to PS5, Microsoft is signaling that its biggest franchises are now for everyone, not just Xbox owners. For Halo fans on any platform, that is great news.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does Halo: Campaign Evolved Release
Halo: Campaign Evolved launches globally on July 28, 2026, at 8am Pacific. Players who buy the Premium Edition or Collector’s Edition get up to five days of early access, starting July 23, 2026.
Is Halo: Campaign Evolved on PS5
Yes. Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on PlayStation 5, the first time a mainline Halo game has come to a PlayStation console. It also releases on Xbox Series X and S, PC, Steam, and Xbox Cloud on the same day.
Is Halo: Campaign Evolved on Game Pass
Yes. The game arrives day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, and it supports Xbox Play Anywhere. So subscribers can play the full campaign at launch with no separate purchase.
Is Halo: Campaign Evolved a Remake
Yes. It is a ground up remake of the 2001 game Halo: Combat Evolved, rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 with upgraded visuals and refined controls. It remakes the campaign story mode only, not the competitive multiplayer.
What New Content Is in Halo: Campaign Evolved
The remake adds Operation METEORITE, a new three mission arc set one year before the original story, starring Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. At least one mission features space combat, and there are new weapons, vehicles, and enemies.
How Much Does Halo: Campaign Evolved Cost
The Standard Edition is 49.99 dollars. A Premium Edition costs 69.99 dollars and adds early access and bonus content. For collectors, a 199.99 dollar Collector’s Edition includes physical items. Game Pass members can play at no extra cost.
Does Halo: Campaign Evolved Have Co-Op
Yes. It supports two player split screen co-op on consoles and up to four player online co-op across console and PC. Cross play and cross progression let friends on Xbox, PC, Steam, and PS5 play together.
Who Is Developing Halo: Campaign Evolved
Halo: Campaign Evolved is developed by Halo Studios, the team formerly known as 343 Industries. The remake is built in Unreal Engine 5, marking the studio’s move to that engine for the series.
