Microsoft confirms Halo: Campaign Evolved release date and pricing ahead of July launch
New details revealed during Xbox Games Showcase include a prequel story arc, Unreal Engine 5 visuals, and tiered pricing for early access and collector’s editions.
Microsoft has confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved will launch on July 28 across Xbox Series S/X, PC, and PlayStation 5. The announcement was made during the company’s Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, providing the first concrete release window for the remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign. Preorders opened immediately following the presentation, with a premium edition priced at $69.99 offering players early access to the title on July 23.
The project, initially announced last year as a “modern evolution” of the foundational franchise entry, is built on Unreal Engine 5. Microsoft highlighted technical upgrades including 4K visuals, updated animations, remastered music, and re-recorded voice lines. A new three-mission story arc titled Operation: Meteorite was also unveiled. Set one year before the events of the original game, the prequel arc features Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson and was showcased in a mission trailer released alongside the announcement.
In addition to the core campaign, Halo Studios is integrating weapons from later titles in the series, such as the energy sword and battle rifle. The update also expands cooperative play options, supporting two-player local split-screen co-op and up to four-player online co-op. Tom Warren, who reviewed a demo of the game, noted that while the title retains its distinctive Halo identity, it offers significant depth beyond its graphical overhaul.
Pricing tiers extend beyond the standard premium edition, with a collector’s edition available for $199.99. This high-tier package includes a 12-inch Dark Horse Master Chief statue and a light-up LED Cortana chip, targeting dedicated fans of the franchise. The inclusion of these physical goods underscores Microsoft’s strategy to monetise the remake through both digital access and tangible merchandise.
The release marks a significant cross-platform expansion for the Halo franchise, which has historically been a console exclusive for Microsoft. By launching on PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox and PC, the company is broadening its addressable market for the title. Investors and industry observers will be watching sales performance closely, particularly given the competitive landscape of the action-adventure genre and the legacy weight of the original Combat Evolved title.
