Halo: Campaign Evolved Launches July 28, 2026: Release, Prices, and Gaming Accessories
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a remake of the original 2001 Halo: Combat Evolved, rebuilt on Unreal Engine 5 by 343 Industries. The global release is July 28, 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and, for the first time in the series, PlayStation 5. The Standard Edition costs 59.99 € in Europe.
Key Facts
- Release date - July 28, 2026, with early access from July 23 for Premium and Collector's Edition owners.
- For the first time, a Halo story campaign launches on PlayStation 5.
- Graphics fully rebuilt on Unreal Engine 5, with updated cutscenes and controls.
- New storyline Operation: Meteorite - three extra missions about Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson.
- Co-op for up to 4 players with cross-play and cross-progression between Xbox, PC/Steam, and PS5.
When does Halo: Campaign Evolved release and how much does it cost in Europe?
The game launches on July 28, 2026 simultaneously on Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Windows), and PlayStation 5, and is available on Game Pass from day one. Premium and Collector's Edition owners got access five days early, on July 23. Three editions are sold in Europe:
| Edition | EU Price | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | 59.99 € | Base campaign + Operation: Meteorite |
| Premium Edition | 79.99 € | Early access, extra cosmetics, soundtrack |
| Collector's Edition | 199.99 € | Physical collectibles (sold out, no reprint planned) |
How does the remake differ from the original Halo: Combat Evolved?
Besides the Unreal Engine 5 graphics, Campaign Evolved adds nine weapon types from across the series and a Skulls modifier system for extra difficulty. For the first time in the series, you can hijack enemy Wraith tanks, and the Campaign Remix mode randomizes enemies and weapons on replay.
How do co-op and cross-play work?
The campaign can be played with up to four players online, with difficulty and enemy count scaling to group size. Cross-play and cross-progression work across all platforms - Xbox, PC/Steam, and PlayStation 5 - so progress and achievements carry over regardless of which platform each player uses.
Xbox, PC, or PlayStation 5: which should you play on?
The price difference between platforms is small: PS5 requires one of the three editions, while Xbox and PC play through Game Pass at no extra cost. For players trying the series for the first time, the PS5 release removes the need to buy an Xbox console.
Which accessories are worth getting for the campaign?
For a shooter with long co-op sessions, cybermarket.ee has suitable mice, gamepads, mouse pads, and speakers:
| Product | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Razer DeathAdder Essential, optical, 6400 DPI | Mouse | 17.88 € |
| Trust GXT 923W YBAR, wireless, 7200 DPI | Mouse | 21.54 € |
| Sony DualSense Wireless Controller, Midnight Black | Gamepad (PS5) | 63.71 € |
| Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller, Mineral Camo | Gamepad (Xbox) | 47.58 € |
| Deltaco Gaming GAM-081 | Mouse pad | 31.10 € |
| SteelSeries QcK | Mouse pad | 19.70 € |
| Logitech G G560 LIGHTSYNC PC Gaming Speakers | Speakers | 150.47 € |
| Onikuma L2 Gaming Speakers | Speakers | 15.36 € |
The campaign is more comfortable with a gamepad than a keyboard and mouse, so PC players should consider a DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller. A mouse and pad still come in handy for menus, graphics settings, and other games between missions. The Logitech G G560 speakers light up in sync with on-screen events, while the Onikuma L2 is a budget option if you just want loud, clean co-op sound.
FAQ
How much does Halo: Campaign Evolved cost in Europe?
Standard Edition - 59.99 €, Premium Edition - 79.99 €, Collector's Edition - 199.99 € (sold out, no reprint planned).
When exactly does Halo: Campaign Evolved release?
The global release is July 28, 2026. Early access for Premium and Collector's Edition owners opened on July 23.
Can you play co-op between Xbox and PlayStation?
Yes, cross-play and cross-progression are supported between Xbox, PC/Steam, and PlayStation 5.
How does the remake differ from the 2001 original?
A new Unreal Engine 5 engine, three extra Operation: Meteorite missions, nine new weapon types, the Skulls modifier system, the ability to hijack enemy Wraiths, and the Campaign Remix mode.
Do you need a gamepad to play on PC?
Not required, but an Xbox or DualSense controller matches the console control layout built into the remake by default, and is often more comfortable than mouse and keyboard for cover-based aiming.
If you've already played Halo: Combat Evolved, the remake gives you a reason to return for the new missions and co-op. If you're new to the series, the PS5 release removes the last platform barrier.