Microsoft is reportedly preparing to launch a remastered version of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2026.
At the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer revealed several upcoming titles for next year, including Fable, the next Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and a nod to "a beloved classic returning from our origins."
Although the hint clearly points to Halo, The Verge’s Mark Warren clarified that it specifically refers to a Halo: Combat Evolved remaster.
here's Xbox chief Phil Spencer announcing Gears of War: E-Day for 2026, and in the same year "the next Forza" and a tease of a Halo CE remaster pic.twitter.com/tTueF3YQcR
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) June 8, 2025
Warren previously reported on this project, noting it may also launch on competing platforms like PlayStation 5. Microsoft previously remastered Halo: Combat Evolved with 2011’s Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, included in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
This remaster is distinct from a new Halo game in development at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, using Unreal Engine 5. In 2024, Halo Studios shared a seven-minute video on Project Foundry, a prototype demonstrating Halo built on Unreal Engine. Though a tech demo, it signaled a new chapter for Xbox’s iconic franchise following 2021’s Halo Infinite.
For more, explore all announcements from the Xbox Games Showcase June 2025.
