Halo: Campaign Evolved is bringing some new weapons — here’s my informed speculation about what they could be

by

In 2026, Halo fans can look forward to Halo: Campaign Evolved, a rebuilt version of the original game. It will feature updated graphics, smarter enemies, and three brand-new missions, along with several other improvements to the classic gameplay experience.

During my visit to Halo Studios in October, the team revealed nine new weapons would be added to the game. They specifically showed off a few, including the Energy Sword, Fuel Rod Cannon, and Sentinel Beam – all returning from the original Combat Evolved, but now available for players to find and use.

The Battle Rifle, a classic weapon first appearing in Halo 2, and the Needle Rifle, from Halo: Reach, are also being added to the game. That brings the total confirmed weapons to five, with four more still to be announced.

As the year ends, I’m reviewing other potential weapons to see which ones might be worth considering.

Let’s begin by removing a few things right away. We won’t include any Promethean weapons or guns used by the Banished because neither of those groups appeared in the original Halo trilogy – not even in Halo: Combat Evolved.

I’m also leaving out the special weapon variations from Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite – there are just too many to reasonably include. Plus, since the original Halo: Combat Evolved didn’t have multiplayer, it’s very unlikely those weapons would appear at all.

Brute Weapons

• Odds: Low

I’m grouping several Brute weapons together for simplicity. Weapons like the Brute Plasma Rifle, Brute Shot, Gravity Hammer, Spiker, and Mauler are all relatively rare finds, meaning they don’t appear very often.

Since this campaign doesn’t include Brutes and there’s no player-versus-player combat, it’s unlikely we’ll see any weapons designed to fight them added to the game.

The addition of three new prequel missions in Campaign Evolved is the only reason this could technically work. While it seems like a lot of effort to include Brutes and their weapons for just three levels, it’s not entirely out of the question.

Covenant Carbine

• Odds: Low

The Covenant’s semi-automatic precision weapon debuted in Halo 2, designed to be similar to the human Battle Rifle. While it would make sense for some Elites to have a long-range option in certain missions, the Needle Rifle already fills that role. Another long-range weapon, which we’ll discuss later, is a better fit.

DMR

• Odds: Low

The Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR), first appearing in Halo: Reach, is a lot like the Battle Rifle, but fires single, accurate shots instead of three-round bursts. While it would be a welcome option for players, with the Battle Rifle and Needle Rifle already planned, it risks overlapping in function – much like the Covenant Carbine.

Flamethrower

• Odds: High

I remember reading that the flamethrower was very nearly in the first Halo game, *Combat Evolved*. Apparently, it was intended for a key scene where you’d use it to clear away the Flood’s… well, gunk. It did eventually show up in Halo 3, also as a Flood-fighting weapon. Now that they’re revisiting the original game with the Master Chief Collection, adding it in feels like a really obvious and good idea.

Grenade Launcher

• Odds: High

The Grenade Launcher in Halo: Reach is special because it can fire normally, or, by holding the trigger, act like an EMP. Considering the Plasma Pistol in the original Halo also had EMP capabilities, adding this feature to the Grenade Launcher feels like a natural fit.

Particle Beam Rifle

• Odds: High

The Particle Beam Rifle, first appearing in Halo 2, quickly became notorious for being devastatingly powerful when wielded by Jackal Snipers. While it deals massive damage, it heats up quickly, limiting its use. It would be exciting to see Jackals and a few Elites using these rifles in the ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ mission, adding a unique challenge and dynamic to the gameplay.

Spartan Laser

• Odds: Medium

The Spartan Laser, first appearing in Halo 3, is a powerful human weapon that instantly vaporizes its targets. However, it has limited power, so each shot needs to be carefully aimed. Even though there are other explosive weapons like the Rocket Launcher and Fuel Rod Cannon, adding the Spartan Laser to certain missions could be a good option.

Submachine Gun

• Odds: Medium

As a researcher studying Halo weaponry, I’ve observed that the Submachine Gun, often called the “bullet hose,” debuted in Halo 2 as a direct replacement for the Assault Rifle. Interestingly, later versions of the Assault Rifle – those seen in games like the original Combat Evolved – were redesigned to be more effective at medium range. This created an opportunity for the Submachine Gun to take on the role the *original* Assault Rifle played in Combat Evolved – a weapon for close-quarters, rapid fire.

What do you think of my opinion? Also, what new weapons would you like to see added to Halo: Combat Evolved? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read More

2025-12-30 01:10