Halo: Campaign Evolved devs say its first-ever PS5 release of Xbox’s flagship is a chance to grow its community — “We don’t and we won’t take it lightly”

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For almost 25 years, the popular Halo shooting game series has only been available on Xbox and PC. But in 2026, that will change! A remake of the very first Halo game, called Halo: Combat Evolved, built with Unreal Engine 5, is coming to PlayStation 5, in addition to Xbox and PC.

This new release is a major moment for Microsoft and Xbox, considering Halo has been the defining exclusive game for the console for most of its existence. The team at Halo Studios sees it as a way to expand the Halo universe and bring both new players and long-time fans together.

Executive producer Damon Conn told GamesRadar+ they’re aiming to connect longtime Halo fans – those who’ve played for the past 25 years – with a new generation of players. They also want to reach people who may not have experienced Halo before, perhaps because they’ve used other consoles or simply missed it when it first came out, and create a unified player base.

We believe bringing Halo to PlayStation is a great opportunity to grow the Halo community, celebrate its history, and broaden the Halo universe. It’s a significant step, and we understand the responsibility that comes with it. We’re taking it very seriously and are aware of how much it means to fans.

Bringing Halo to PlayStation 5 is a surprising and potentially divisive decision, with some believing it could diminish the Xbox brand. However, Max Szlagor, the creative director, explains that Halo is most enjoyable with a large and active player base. This move aligns with Microsoft’s wider strategy of releasing Xbox games on other platforms when it benefits everyone. The success of Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded on PS5 demonstrates this approach can work well.

Halo: Combat Evolved will let players team up in four-player co-op mode, regardless of what platform they’re playing on. The updated game will also include several changes and additions to the original 2001 release. Players can now use weapons like Energy Swords, Fuel Rod Guns, and Sentinel Beams, as well as drive Covenant Wraith tanks. Sprinting will also be an option, and new weapons are being added to the game.

Conn explains that these additions feel natural, but Halo Studios is also significantly expanding the game with three new levels starring Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. These levels will serve as a prequel, happening before both *Combat Evolved* and *Halo: Reach*, and will introduce players to completely new locations, enemies, characters, and weapons.

Even with the new features, the developers assure fans that Campaign Evolved will be a respectful and updated version of the original, and a tribute to Combat Evolved. They’ve worked hard to maintain the same mood, atmosphere, and emotional impact as the first game. This is good news, though some players are still cautious, remembering how the 2011 remaster, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, changed the game’s visual style in ways many disagreed with.

Halo Studios sees the remake as a chance to set the direction for future Halo games, all of which will now be created using Unreal Engine 5. According to Conn, they’re developing a game on a new platform with more ways for players to connect than ever before, and are eager to recapture the original excitement of the series.

This hints that future Halo games might also appear on PlayStation. If the initial release of Halo: Combat Evolved performs well on PS5, that wouldn’t be a surprise, especially considering the franchise’s strong history and the fact it’s never been available on PlayStation before. However, even after its release later this year, access through Xbox Game Pass will remain exclusive to Xbox and PC.

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2026-01-22 02:39