Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on PlayStation 5 in 2026, bringing the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign to a new console for the first time. The announcement from Brian “ske7ch” Jarrard, Community Director at Halo Studios, highlights the significance of this release, marking nearly 25 years since Halo first introduced players to the Master Chief and the expansive sci-fi universe of the franchise. Jarrard emphasized that this milestone is not just about revisiting a classic story, but about expanding the Halo experience to more players through PlayStation.
Revisiting the Original Halo Story
The campaign follows the events of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, introducing Master Chief, a super-soldier tasked with defending humanity against the alien Covenant, alongside Cortana, his AI companion. The story unfolds on the mysterious Halo ring, an ancient megastructure with galaxy-altering secrets. For long-time fans, Halo: Campaign Evolved provides a chance to return to a foundational chapter in the franchise with modernized visuals and updated gameplay mechanics. For newcomers on PS5, it offers a first look at the story and characters that have shaped Halo into a landmark sci-fi franchise.
Modernized Gameplay and Visuals
The campaign has been rebuilt from the ground up, with improvements designed to modernize the original while respecting its core design. The missions feature high-definition graphics, updated cinematics, and enhanced audio, including a fully remastered soundtrack. Gameplay has been adjusted for smoother controls, improved combat flow, and better wayfinding, making the experience more accessible to modern audiences. Additional weapons from across the series have been added, and vehicle interactions have been expanded, allowing players to hijack enemy vehicles, including the Covenant Wraith tank. The campaign also introduces the largest set of Skulls to date, offering optional modifiers that alter gameplay and increase replayability.
Halo: Campaign Evolved also includes three new prequel missions that focus on Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. These missions explore events leading up to the original campaign, introducing new environments and characters while expanding the story for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Co-op and Cross-Platform Play
A significant feature of Halo has always been its co-op gameplay, and Halo: Campaign Evolved maintains this focus. Players will be able to engage in two-player couch co-op on PS5, or join up to four-player online co-op with friends. The game supports crossplay and cross-progression between console and PC, allowing players to continue their campaigns regardless of platform. By expanding to PlayStation, Halo Studios aims to broaden the franchise’s player base and ensure that cooperative experiences remain central to the Halo universe.
Release Timeline and Availability
Halo: Campaign Evolved is scheduled for a 2026 release on PS5, with a day-and-date launch alongside other platforms. While full details on gameplay and additional features will be shared closer to release, players can already wishlist the game in preparation for its arrival. The release marks a major step for Halo, bringing a historically Xbox-exclusive franchise to a wider audience while modernizing one of its most iconic campaigns.
Source: Brian “ske7ch” Jarrard Community Director, Halo Studios
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Halo: Campaign Evolved releasing on PS5?
Halo: Campaign Evolved is scheduled to launch in 2026, with a day-and-date release on PlayStation 5.
What platforms will support crossplay?
The game supports crossplay and cross-progression between PS5 and PC, allowing players on different platforms to join together in multiplayer campaigns.
Are there new missions in Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Yes. The game includes three new prequel missions featuring Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson, expanding the story before the events of the original Halo: Combat Evolved.
Can Halo: Campaign Evolved be played in co-op?
Halo: Campaign Evolved supports two-player couch co-op on PS5 and four-player online co-op, keeping cooperative gameplay as a core part of the experience.
How has the gameplay been updated for modern consoles?
The campaign has been rebuilt with high-definition graphics, remastered audio, smoother controls, improved combat flow, and better wayfinding. Additional weapons and vehicle options have also been added.
What are Skulls in Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Skulls are optional modifiers that change gameplay conditions, providing challenges or altering mission mechanics for increased replayability. Halo: Campaign Evolved includes the largest set of Skulls ever implemented in the series.
Is this the first time Halo is available on PlayStation?
Yes. This release represents the first time the Halo franchise will be officially available on a PlayStation console.
