Halo’s Big Moves: Redefining Xbox’s Flagship

Halo has been a fundamental part of Xbox’s identity for many years. In 2025, the franchise is making bold moves that indicate both creative reinvention and strategic ambition.

Leading the charge is Halo: Campaign Evolved, a complete remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved scheduled for 2026. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the remake offers more than just updated visuals: it introduces a three-mission prequel arc, enhanced AI, environmental enhancements, new weapons, and refined gameplay mechanics like sprinting and vehicle hijacking. The focus is on narrative-driven co-op, excluding competitive multiplayer to emphasize the story and player collaboration.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking change is the game’s availability on PlayStation 5. For the first time, Halo is moving away from its Xbox-exclusive origins, adopting a multiplatform approach. Shared progression and crossplay between Xbox, PC, and PlayStation players bring fans together across systems, redefining the idea of exclusivity.

Beyond the game itself, Halo Studios—formerly known as 343 Industries—has fully transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, marking a new beginning for the franchise and its development process.

Ultimately, Halo’s latest initiatives focus on accessibility and ecosystem strength rather than hardware loyalty. By bringing one of gaming’s most iconic series to more players than ever before, Microsoft is wagering that Halo’s appeal lies not in exclusivity, but in being a unifying, cross-platform experience that will define the next decade of the franchise—and the identity of Xbox itself.