Microsoft to Revive ‘Halo’ with Stunning Unreal Engine 5 Remake, Expanding to PlayStation 5
A full remake of the groundbreaking first-person shooter Halo: Combat Evolved is in development, promising a modern reimagining of the title that launched a franchise. Announced Friday by the Xbox team, Halo: Campaign Evolved will arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and, in a move that continues Microsoft’s shift away from strict console exclusivity, the PlayStation 5 in 2026.
The project represents a significant investment in the Halo universe, aiming to not only update the visuals but also lay the groundwork for future installments. According to a statement, Microsoft’s Halo Studios is leveraging Epic Games’ cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 to rebuild the 2001 classic from the ground up.
Early glimpses reveal a dramatic overhaul of the game’s graphics. Master Chief, the iconic sci-fi environments, and enemy designs have all been reimagined with realistic lighting and shadow effects, running at a crisp 4K resolution. The core gameplay experience, however, will remain faithful to the original, Microsoft assures fans.
Beyond visual enhancements, Halo: Campaign Evolved will introduce several new features. Players can expect three new bonus campaign missions, access to nine additional weapons from across the Halo series, and the option to sprint – a feature that can also be disabled for those who prefer the original pace. Certain missions will also receive improvements and refinements.
The remake also significantly expands the co-operative experience, increasing the player count from two to four in online co-op across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5. This broadened accessibility reflects Microsoft’s evolving strategy regarding platform exclusivity.
The decision to remake Halo: Combat Evolved is strategic, according to Halo Studios Executive Producer Damon Conn. “We wanted to start where it all began, with the original campaign that defined Halo,” Conn explained. “Starting here means people that have never played the game before will be able to understand the story from the very beginning, and that can help us chart a course forward with new Halo stories.”
Halo: Campaign Evolved will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, despite a recent price increase for the subscription service. Sony’s PlayStation team confirmed the game’s arrival on the PS5 in 2026, stating, “We’ll have more to share in the months ahead, but for now, you can wishlist today.”
