Halo: Campaign Evolved doesn’t feature PvP multiplayer — here’s why the developers chose to focus on co-op

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Halo Studios is reimagining and expanding the story of Master Chief on the iconic Installation 04. However, this remake, titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, will not include traditional player-versus-player multiplayer.

During an interview, developers explained their decision to focus solely on the campaign. They aim to create a version that stands alongside the original, with a particular emphasis on improving cooperative play. According to executive producer Damon Conn, the team didn’t want to replace the original’s brilliance, but rather build something equally impressive using modern technology while staying true to the game’s history.

Conn highlighted the importance of adding four-player online co-op with cross-play and cross-progression for the first time. He also emphasized that Halo has always been about community and shared experiences. The team believes this remake will bring players together through its campaign, fostering that sense of connection and allowing them to enjoy the story together.

An understandable, if disappointing decision

I understand many players are disappointed that the new Halo game won’t have multiplayer, but I can see the reasoning behind it. The developers likely want to introduce a new generation to the core Halo experience, building excitement for the next major installment.

This approach allows them to learn Unreal Engine 5 without the added pressure of maintaining a live multiplayer service. It does make you wonder about the future, though. If this remake of Halo: Combat Evolved is successful, will they revisit Halo 2 and Halo 3?

Halo 2 received the ‘Anniversary’ treatment, but Halo 3 has never been remastered. Removing multiplayer was easier this time around, but that might not be the case for future remakes. Many players have fond memories of Halo: Combat Evolved LAN parties, but the multiplayer experiences in Halo 2 and 3, especially with the launch of Xbox Live, were truly groundbreaking. Perhaps a combined multiplayer package for both games could be a possibility.

That’s just speculation, and it’s likely years away, if it happens at all. Ultimately, I hope we don’t have to wait too long for more Halo multiplayer. While post-launch support has been inconsistent in the past, Halo Infinite was excellent, and recent updates have been fantastic. I’d love to see Halo multiplayer become a global phenomenon again, and the fact that the next game will be available on all platforms makes that feel a little more achievable.

In the meantime, I recommend checking out my hands-on preview of Halo: Campaign Evolved. I was initially skeptical, but this remake seems to be addressing my concerns.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is scheduled for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (Steam and Xbox on PC), and PlayStation 5. It will also be available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch.

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2025-10-25 19:39