The wait is almost over. After months of anticipation, Microsoft has finally locked in the date: Halo: Campaign Evolved launches July 28, 2026. And if you’re willing to put your money down early, you can get in even sooner — Premium and Collector’s Edition owners get up to five days of early access starting July 23.
Mark your calendars.
Operation: METEORITE — The New Story Arc Nobody Saw Coming
Sure, remaking the game that defined a generation of console shooters was already enough to get fans hyped. But Halo: Campaign Evolved isn’t just a nostalgia trip — it’s bringing something brand new to the table.
Every edition of the game includes Operation: METEORITE, a three-mission story arc set one year before the events of the original game. You’re playing as Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson, dropped behind enemy lines on a clandestine UNSC mission aboard a Covenant research vessel. What starts as a quick smash-and-grab goes sideways fast.
New locations. New enemy variants — including a terrifying new threat called the Brute Berserker. More weapons pulled from across the Halo universe. And yes, you’re taking the fight into space.
The story was co-written with Troy Denning, the award-winning sci-fi author behind some of Halo’s most beloved novels. This isn’t filler content bolted onto a remake — it’s a genuine expansion of the lore, and it’s included with every single edition.
Which Edition Should You Buy?
Three options, three price points — here’s the full breakdown:
Standard Edition — $49.99
The full game. Original 10-mission campaign plus Operation: METEORITE. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.
Premium Edition — $69.99
Add five days of early access (July 23), the Alpha Halo Armory Pack with five Master Chief armor skins and six weapon skins, plus a Digital Story & Art Collection — including a brand new short story by Troy Denning that leads directly into Operation: METEORITE.
Collector’s Edition — $199.99
This is the one for the die-hards. On top of everything in the Premium Edition, you’re getting a 12-inch Dark Horse Master Chief statue, a light-up LED Cortana chip, a Steelbook, three original concept art prints, and a physical reimagined game manual. Pre-order exclusively at HaloWaypoint.
Pre-order any edition right now and you’ll receive the Foundry Armory Pack — Classic 2001 Mark V Armor skin, Classic Assault Rifle skin, and the Gilded Onyx set.
Platforms, Game Pass, and Cross-Play
Halo: Campaign Evolved is coming everywhere — and yes, that includes PlayStation 5 for the first time. Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, PS5, and Cloud Gaming. It’s also included day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at no extra cost.
Cross-play and cross-progression work across all platforms. Xbox Play Anywhere means one purchase covers both Xbox and PC. No double dipping required.
Global Launch Times
Early Access: July 23, 2026 at 8am PDT (Premium & Collector’s Edition only)
Global Launch: July 28, 2026 at 8am PDT
Japan and select Asia-Pacific markets launch one day later on both dates.
The Ring is calling. Time to answer.
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