Halo: Campaign Evolved, the full remake of the 2001 classic Halo: Combat Evolved, is set to launch globally on July 28, 2026, bringing Master Chief's original adventure to a new generation of players. The remake also marks the Halo franchise's first-ever release on PlayStation 5, reflecting Microsoft's ongoing multiplatform strategy.

Players who purchase the Premium Edition can begin playing up to five days early, with Early Access starting on July 23.

Halo: Campaign Evolved release date and early access

Halo: Campaign Evolved launches worldwide on July 28, 2026, at 8:00 AM PDT. Players in Japan and select Asia-Pacific regions will receive the game on July 29 due to time zone differences.

Those who pre-order the Premium Edition will gain Early Access beginning July 23, allowing them to jump into the campaign several days before the official launch.

Halo: Campaign Evolved editions

The remake will be available in multiple editions, including a Premium Edition that offers:

• Up to 5 days of Early Access
• Additional digital content (where applicable)
• Access ahead of the standard release

Physical editions will also be available for collectors.

Will Halo: Campaign Evolved have a disc?

Yes. Halo Studios has confirmed that purchasing the Xbox or PlayStation retail version includes a physical game case and disc, allowing collectors to own a boxed copy of the game.

What's new in Halo: Campaign Evolved?

The remake goes beyond updated visuals by expanding the original campaign with three brand-new prequel missions. These missions introduce:

• New environments
• New characters
• New enemy types

While Halo Studios has yet to reveal story details, the additional missions are designed to provide more background before the events of the original campaign.

New weapons and gameplay features

Halo: Campaign Evolved introduces several weapons that first appeared in later entries of the franchise. Newly added weapons include:

• Energy Sword
• Battle Rifle
• Needle Rifle
• Six additional weapons from later Halo titles

The remake also adds several modern gameplay mechanics, including:

• Vehicle hijacking
• Optional sprint functionality
• Improved movement systems

The story continues to follow Master Chief, who crash-lands on the mysterious ringworld Halo alongside AI companion Cortana. Together, they battle Covenant forces while uncovering the secrets behind Halo and preventing a galaxy-wide catastrophe.

Halo: Campaign Evolved co-op details

While the remake does not include competitive PvP multiplayer, it fully supports cooperative gameplay.

Players can enjoy:

• 2-player split-screen co-op on consoles
• Online co-op for up to four players across supported platforms

Players can also choose whether friendly fire is enabled. In co-op sessions, this setting is controlled by the Fireteam leader.

LASO mode and Skulls return

Halo: Campaign Evolved brings back the popular LASO (Legendary All Skulls On) challenge.

According to Halo Studios:

"After you find the Skulls below in-game, you'll unlock the ability to play through the game using the LASO setting. Completing the entire game on LASO not only earns you tons of respect on the streets of New Mombasa, but it also earns you the 'MYTHIC' Achievement."

Some of the returning Skulls include:

• Iron
• Black Eye
• Fog
• Famine
• Thunderstorm
• Mythic
• Grunt Birthday Party
• IWHBYD
• Boom
• Eye Patch
• Grunt Funeral
• Malfunction
• That's Just Wrong
• Speed Limit
• Pop
• Temperamental
• Johnny Ammo Seed

Each Skull modifies gameplay by increasing difficulty or introducing unique gameplay effects.

Can Halo: Campaign Evolved run on handheld devices?

Yes. Halo Studios has confirmed that the remake has been optimized for handheld gaming devices and will offer its highest ratings for handheld performance, although detailed technical specifications have not yet been announced.

Rumours surrounding the physical edition

Ahead of launch, an X user claimed that an early PlayStation 5 Collector's Edition requires an additional download before play and also prompts users to sign in with another account. Halo Studios has not officially commented on these claims.

Halo: Campaign Evolved at a glance

• Release date: July 28, 2026
• Early Access: July 23 (Premium Edition)
• Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation 5, PC
• PS5 debut: First Halo title released on PlayStation
• Campaign additions: Three new prequel missions
• Multiplayer: Co-op only; no PvP
• Split-screen: 2-player
• Online co-op: Up to 4 players
• Physical disc: Yes
• New gameplay: Sprint, vehicle hijacking, additional weapons
• LASO mode: Confirmed with returning Skulls