Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch a remastered version of *Halo: Combat Evolved* in 2026, bringing the iconic first entry in the legendary shooter series back into the spotlight. This news was teased during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, who highlighted several upcoming titles slated for release in 2026, including *Fable*, the next *Forza*, and *Gears of War: E-Day*. He also hinted at “the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning,” which many took as a direct nod to the original *Halo* experience.
According to The Verge reporter Mark Warren, this tease specifically refers to a new remaster of *Halo: Combat Evolved*. While this would not be the first time the game has been revisited—*Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary* launched in 2011 as part of *Halo: The Master Chief Collection*—this appears to be a more modernized update intended for current-gen platforms. There have even been rumors suggesting the possibility of a PlayStation 5 release, expanding the franchise’s reach beyond Xbox ecosystems.
It's important to note that this remaster is separate from the brand-new *Halo* title currently in development at Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). That project is being built on Unreal Engine 5 and follows the release of a seven-minute tech demo titled *Project Foundry* in 2024. While still experimental in nature, that demo offered a promising look into the future of the franchise after the mixed reception of *Halo Infinite* in 2021.
The potential 2026 release of a *Halo: Combat Evolved* remaster could serve as both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and an introduction to the series for newer players. As anticipation builds, gamers are encouraged to revisit the full announcements made during the Xbox Games Showcase June 2025 for more details on what’s coming next.
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