What is Campaign Evolved?

Complete Game Overview

The Classic Reborn

Halo: Campaign Evolved is a complete ground-up remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, the 2001 game that launched the Xbox and defined modern first-person shooters. Built in Unreal Engine 5, it brings the legendary campaign to 2026 with stunning visuals, new content, and modern gameplay features.

Quick Facts

  • Developer: Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries)
  • Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
  • Engine: Unreal Engine 5
  • Genre: First-Person Shooter / Sci-Fi
  • Release Year: 2026
  • Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
  • Players: 1-4 Co-op
  • Multiplayer: Campaign Co-op Only

The Story

Save humanity from extinction on a mysterious alien ringworld

The Main Campaign

After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the Master Chief and his AI companion Cortana must help the remaining humans survive against overwhelming Covenant forces. As they explore the ring, they uncover Halo's dark secrets and fight to prevent the annihilation of all life in the galaxy.

New Content

The Prequel Missions

Three brand-new missions set before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, featuring the Master Chief and Sergeant Avery Johnson. Experience new environments, face new enemies, and discover untold stories from the early days of the war.

Details Coming Soon

The prequel missions have been announced but specific details about locations, enemies, and story have not been revealed yet.

Campaign Missions

10 remastered missions plus 3 brand-new ones

Original Missions (Remastered)

1. The Pillar of Autumn

Escape the doomed ship as the Covenant attacks

2. Halo

First steps on the mysterious ringworld

3. The Truth and Reconciliation

Infiltrate a Covenant cruiser

Demo Available

4. The Silent Cartographer

Storm the beaches to find the map room

5. Assault on the Control Room

Fight through snow and ice to reach Halo's control center

6. 343 Guilty Spark

Encounter the Flood for the first time

Improved

7. The Library

Navigate the Flood-infested facility with enhanced wayfinding

8. Two Betrayals

Destroy Halo's pulse generators

9. Keyes

Return to the Truth and Reconciliation

10. The Maw

Escape the exploding Pillar of Autumn

The Library Improvements

Mission 7: The Library was often criticized as the weakest level in the original game. Halo Studios is addressing this with:

  • Better wayfinding and navigation
  • New dialogue from Guilty Spark to guide players
  • Improved pacing and enemy encounters
  • Enhanced environmental storytelling

New Features & Content

What's been added and enhanced

Expanded Arsenal

In addition to all the original weapons, 9 additional iconic weapons from later Halo games are available for the first time in Combat Evolved:

  • Energy Sword - Covenant melee weapon
  • Battle Rifle - Precision UNSC rifle
  • Needle Rifle - Covenant carbine
  • + 6 more to be revealed

Vehicle Enhancements

New vehicle features that expand tactical options:

  • Vehicle Hijacking - Steal enemy vehicles for the first time
  • Drivable Wraith - Pilot the Covenant tank
  • 4-Seat Warthog - Rear bumper seat added
  • All original vehicles return with enhanced physics

Enhanced Co-op

The biggest co-op upgrade in Halo history:

  • 4-Player Online - Up to 4 players (series first!)
  • 2-Player Split-Screen - Local co-op on consoles
  • Full Crossplay - PS5, Xbox, and PC together
  • Cross-Progression - Shared saves across platforms

Gameplay Modifiers

The most "Skulls" ever in a Halo campaign:

  • Randomized Weapons - Change your loadout
  • Altered Enemy Behavior - New challenges
  • Player Attributes - Modify your abilities
  • Environmental Effects - Change the world

Graphics & Audio

Rebuilt from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5

Visual Enhancements

  • 4K Resolution - Crystal clear visuals
  • HDR Support - Enhanced color and contrast
  • New Cinematics - Motion-captured animations
  • Enhanced Lighting - UE5's photorealistic rendering
  • Detailed Environments - Every surface rebuilt
  • Improved Effects - Explosions, shields, and more
Preserving the "Halo Feel"

While visuals are completely rebuilt in UE5, the original Halo simulation code is preserved underneath. This ensures the physics and gameplay "feel" exactly like the original.

Audio Enhancements

  • Remastered Soundtrack - Enhanced orchestral score
  • Rebuilt Sound Design - Every sound effect recreated
  • Re-recorded Dialogue - Original cast returns
  • New Voice Lines - Additional dialogue for guidance
  • Spatial Audio - Dolby Atmos / Tempest 3D
  • Enhanced Weapon Sounds - Iconic Halo audio, reimagined

Music by Marty O'Donnell

The original iconic soundtrack by Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori has been fully remastered while preserving the unforgettable themes.

Modern Gameplay Features

Contemporary conveniences while staying true to the original

Sprint (Optional)

Sprint functionality can be enabled or disabled based on your preference.

Improved Controls

Modernized control schemes with customizable button layouts.

Enhanced UI

Updated user interface with better readability and information.

Accessibility Options

Modern accessibility features to ensure everyone can enjoy Halo.

Remake vs. Original

How Campaign Evolved compares to previous versions

Feature Original (2001) Anniversary (2011) Campaign Evolved (2026)
Resolution 480p 1080p 4K
Engine Blam! Blam! + Saber3D Unreal Engine 5
New Missions - - 3 Prequel Missions
New Weapons - - 9 Weapons
Co-op Players 2 2 4 Online
Cross-Platform - - ✓
Vehicle Hijacking - - ✓
PlayStation - - ✓ PS5

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