Xbox has officially unveiled Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full-scale remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, rebuilt entirely in Unreal Engine 5. Designed for PC and consoles, this project aims to modernize the classic 2001 experience while maintaining the soul that made it one of the most iconic shooters of all time. The remake will be available on Game Pass at launch, making it easily accessible for both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.

According to Xbox, Halo: Campaign Evolved isn’t just a visual upgrade — it’s a complete reimagining that revisits every level, encounter, and cinematic. Each mission has been reconstructed with modern visuals, detailed lighting, and enhanced atmosphere while preserving the structure and pacing that players remember. The developers emphasized that the goal was to ensure every gunfight, movement, and vehicle interaction still feels like Halo. The remake uses Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities to bring larger environments, smoother transitions, and cinematic cutscenes that rival today’s AAA releases.

Beyond visuals, the remake introduces several major gameplay improvements. For the first time, players will be able to experience the full campaign in four-player online co-op, in addition to the traditional two-player local split-screen. The game also includes new weapon additions such as the Energy Sword, Battle Rifle, and Needle Rifle — gear that didn’t appear in the original 2001 release but has since become fan favorites. Players will even have the ability to hijack vehicles and pilot the Covenant Wraith tank, a first for this campaign.

The developers are also adding three brand-new missions set before the events of the original story, offering a deeper look into the conflict leading up to Master Chief’s fateful landing on Installation 04. These missions promise fresh environments, new enemy types, and expanded lore for fans eager to explore the Halo universe from a different perspective. The soundtrack has been re-recorded with full orchestral arrangements, and voice work has been updated while keeping familiar performances intact for authenticity.

While the team embraces modern design, they’ve also integrated portions of the legacy systems from the original games to retain that classic Halo feel. During development, each change was measured against a single guiding question: “Does this still feel like Halo?” The result is a careful blend of nostalgia and innovation, aiming to appeal to both veterans who know every corner of the Pillar of Autumn and new players who are discovering it for the first time.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch in 2026 across PC and consoles, with full Game Pass support on day one. It stands as both a celebration of gaming history and a bold statement about Halo’s future — showing that even after more than two decades, Master Chief’s first mission can still evolve for a new generation of players.