Halo: Campaign Evolved brings the original Halo campaign to PlayStation 5 on July 28, with a long list of gameplay changes built around modern controller layouts, faster movement, revised combat systems, and expanded co-op. PlayStation’s breakdown covers 13 changes spread across the campaign’s 10 returning missions and three bonus missions.
The remake keeps the core identity of Halo: Combat Evolved while adding features that have become familiar across later entries in the series. Its official PlayStation 5 game page confirms the upcoming release on Sony’s console.
Controls are built for current controllers
Halo: Campaign Evolved uses a control layout closer to what players expect from a present-day console shooter. Grenades are assigned to L1, weapon swapping uses Triangle, and reloading uses Square. Every control can still be changed through the customization options.
Sprinting gives Master Chief more movement control
Pressing L3 activates a sprint that helps Master Chief reach cover or leave a dangerous fight more quickly. The speed is not dramatically higher than his original movement, but the option gives players more control over the pace of each encounter.
The Warthog gets a more familiar driving setup
The default Warthog controls use the left stick for steering, the right stick for the camera, R2 for acceleration, and L2 for braking and reversing. Classic look-based steering and analog-stick acceleration remain available. The Ghost, Scorpion Tank, and other vehicles retain controls that stay close to the original game.
Health now recharges alongside shields
The original campaign made players search for health packs after their shields went down. Campaign Evolved removes those pickups and allows both health and shields to recover, though health returns at a much slower pace. Players still need to protect their shields during firefights, but they will not have to leave the action to search for a medical pickup.
Enemy groups no longer play out exactly the same
Several encounters feature revised enemy deployments. During the search for escape pods after arriving on the Ring World, Covenant forces can include Jackals carrying Beam Snipers, a weapon and enemy combination associated with Halo 2. Later missions also add Flood-infected Hunters. These changes keep familiar battles from following the exact same pattern.
Power-ups can be saved for the right moment
The Covenant Overshield and Active Camouflage are no longer triggered as soon as they are collected. Instead, they are stored until R1 is pressed, letting players hold onto either power-up and activate it when the situation calls for it.
Vehicles and arenas receive new surprises
Some locations now contain vehicles or objects that were not present in the original campaign. When players board the Truth and Reconciliation through its gravity lift, a Wraith tank waits inside the hangar. Its turret can be used against Covenant defenders, adding another option to that battle.
Campaign Evolved also adds vehicle hijacking to the original campaign. Players can take control of enemy Ghosts and Banshees, though Elites can attempt to steal the player’s vehicle in return.
Every weapon supports aiming down sights
All weapons now allow players to aim down sights for added precision. Their handling remains recognizable, including the Assault Rifle’s characteristic bullet spread, but the option brings the shooting controls closer to later entries and other console shooters.
Weapons have heavier audio and controller feedback
Reworked sound effects give the arsenal more punch, while DualSense haptics add physical feedback to each shot. The Plasma Rifle benefits from the extra weight, and the shotgun is designed to feel especially forceful when used against the Flood.
The arsenal includes weapons from later Halo games
The campaign adds the SMG, Needle Rifle, Fuel Rod Cannon, and Beam Rifle to the available weapons. Flood combatants can carry SMGs, creating new threats in close-range encounters. Energy Swords can also be picked up from Elites and used against the Covenant.
Three bonus missions fill in part of the backstory
The three bonus missions take place roughly one year before the events of the original Halo. They feature Master Chief and Sgt. Major Johnson, along with the Battle Rifle, Brute Plasma Rifle, and Spike Rifle. Brutes also appear in these missions, giving players an early encounter with the gorilla-like enemies introduced in Halo 2.
Co-op and collectibles add more reasons to return
Campaign Evolved retains two-player couch co-op and adds four-player online co-op. A full fireteam can take on the Covenant and Flood together across the campaign.
New terminals expand the story, while collectible Skulls unlock gameplay modifiers. Some remove the heads-up display to raise the difficulty, while others make Grunts explode into confetti. Heroic and Legendary difficulties remain available for players looking for a tougher run.
Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on PlayStation 5 on July 28. Share your thoughts on the remake’s changes in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
