In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the gaming world, Microsoft has officially confirmed that the Halo series — once the crown jewel of Xbox exclusives — is making its debut on PlayStation 5.
The upcoming title, Halo: Campaign Evolved, is a full remake of the legendary 2001 game Halo: Combat Evolved, rebuilt completely in Unreal Engine 5 and set for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and, for the first time ever, PlayStation 5.
A First in Halo’s 24-Year History
For more than two decades, Halo has been synonymous with Xbox. From the original console launch in 2001 to the present, it’s been a flagship franchise — the series that defined Microsoft’s gaming identity.
But that’s about to change. In a surprise announcement covered by The Washington Post and GamesRadar, Microsoft confirmed that it’s bringing the franchise to a rival console for the first time, calling the new game “Halo for everyone.”
“We believe it’s time for the world of Halo to expand,” said community director Brian Jarrard, who appeared at the announcement event wearing a PlayStation T-shirt — a symbolic moment that fans immediately noticed.
What’s New in the Remake
Unlike a simple remaster, Halo: Campaign Evolved is being rebuilt from the ground up. Here’s what’s coming:
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Three brand-new prequel missions expanding the original story.
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4-player online co-op and 2-player split-screen support.
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Cross-play and cross-progression between Xbox, PC, and PS5.
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Completely overhauled graphics, physics, and lighting thanks to Unreal Engine 5.
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A revamped campaign that blends nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics.
The developers say the focus is on the story experience rather than multiplayer, though fans are hopeful a multiplayer mode could follow later.
Microsoft’s Changing Strategy
The decision marks a huge shift in Microsoft’s approach to exclusives. Once fiercely guarded, titles like Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, and Grounded have already made their way to other platforms this year. But Halo is different — this is the game that built the Xbox brand.
By opening it up to PlayStation players, Microsoft seems to be embracing a new era of platform-agnostic publishing, focusing on building its franchises as global properties rather than console-locked exclusives.
It’s also a smart business move: Halo remains one of gaming’s most recognizable names, and tapping into the PlayStation audience means millions of new potential players.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another cross-platform release — it’s a cultural moment for gaming.
For Xbox loyalists, it’s bittersweet: the franchise that once defined “Team Xbox” is now crossing the console divide. For PlayStation fans, it’s a long-awaited invitation into one of gaming’s most iconic universes.
And for the industry as a whole, it’s a sign that the old “console wars” are starting to fade, replaced by a future where great games are available everywhere — regardless of the logo on your controller.
When and Where
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Title: Halo: Campaign Evolved (Full Remake of Halo: Combat Evolved)
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Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), PlayStation 5
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Engine: Unreal Engine 5
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Release Window: 2026 (exact date TBA)
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Mode: Campaign-focused with co-op support
Microsoft hasn’t revealed whether future Halo entries — like Halo Infinite 2 — will also come to PlayStation, but Jarrard hinted that “Halo is on PlayStation going forward,” suggesting this may not be a one-time event.
If that’s true, the once-unthinkable might just become the new normal.
