Halo: Campaign Evolved Early Access begins today, July 23, 2026. Premium Edition and Collector’s Edition pre-orders unlock up to five days of play before the Global Launch on July 28. Halo Studios published the full Early Access primer on Halo Waypoint, covering the launch schedule, platform-specific pre-load windows, PC specs, cross-platform co-op setup, Twitch Drops, and modding guidelines.
This is the complete guide to everything you need to know before dropping onto Alpha Halo.
What Is Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Halo: Campaign Evolved is the definitive reimagining of Halo: Combat Evolved, developed by Halo Studios for Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC (Steam), and PlayStation 5. It includes:
- The fully rebuilt Halo: Combat Evolved campaign (timeless and lovingly reconstructed)
- Operation: METEORITE: new recon missions with original story content
- 42 collectible Skulls spread across the campaign
- Campaign Remix: an endlessly variable way to replay missions
- Two-player split-screen co-op on consoles
- Four-player cross-platform co-op across Xbox, PC, and PS5
- LASO challenge: the hardest difficulty configuration in franchise history
Early Access Launch Schedule
Early Access is live now for Premium Edition and Collector’s Edition players. The start time is July 23 at 8:00 a.m. PDT. Localized times for major regions:
| City / Region | Early Access Start |
|---|---|
| Seattle (PDT) | July 23, 8:00 a.m. |
| Mexico City (CST) | July 23, 9:00 a.m. |
| New York (EDT) | July 23, 11:00 a.m. |
| São Paulo (BRT) | July 23, 12:00 p.m. |
| London (BST) | July 23, 4:00 p.m. |
| Berlin (CEST) | July 23, 5:00 p.m. |
| Riyadh (AST) | July 23, 6:00 p.m. |
| New Delhi (IST) | July 23, 8:30 p.m. |
| Hong Kong (HKT) | July 23, 11:00 p.m. |
| Tokyo (JST) | July 24, 12:00 a.m. |
| Sydney (AEST) | July 24, 1:00 a.m. |
| Auckland (NZST) | July 24, 3:00 a.m. |
Global Launch: July 28, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. PDT. All editions, all platforms, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass subscribers all get access simultaneously at that time.
Pre-Load Schedule by Platform and Edition
Pre-load availability varies by platform and edition. All Early Access players (Premium and Collector’s) can play starting July 23 at 8:00 a.m. PDT regardless of platform.
| Pre-Load Date | Platform | Editions |
|---|---|---|
| July 22, 8:00 a.m. PDT | Xbox Series X/S | Collector’s, Premium, Standard |
| July 22, 8:00 a.m. PDT | Windows PC | Premium, Standard |
| July 22, 8:00 a.m. PDT | PlayStation 5 | Collector’s, Premium |
| July 23, 8:00 a.m. PDT | Steam | Standard Edition only* |
| July 26, 8:00 a.m. PDT | PlayStation 5 | Standard Edition |
*Early Access players on Steam (Premium and Collector’s Edition) can download the game when Early Access begins at 8:00 a.m. PDT on July 23.
Editions and Early Access Eligibility
- Collector’s Edition: Early Access included
- Premium Edition: Early Access included, up to 5 days (July 23 to 28), also includes the Foundry Armory Pack pre-order bonus
- Standard Edition: No Early Access, Global Launch access on July 28
Pre-order bonuses (Foundry Armory Pack) are available through July 28, 2026. There is still time to pre-order the Premium Edition to unlock Early Access before the window closes.
PC Minimum Specifications
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-10700K |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super / AMD Radeon RX 6600 / Intel Arc A580 |
| VRAM | 8 GB |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 100 GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 22H2 64-bit or Windows 11 |
Halo Support has published a full PC specifications guide with recommended specs for higher graphics settings and driver update links for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel at support.halowaypoint.com.
Microsoft Account and Cross-Platform Setup
Halo: Campaign Evolved requires a Microsoft account and Gamertag to play on all platforms. The account tracks shared story checkpoints, collectibles, Skulls, and customizations across Xbox, PC, and PS5.
If you already have an Xbox account: log in with your Microsoft account when prompted on first launch.
If you are new to Halo or do not have a Microsoft account: create a free account at aka.ms/HaloCEAccount before launching the game. Choose a Gamertag during setup for cross-platform party invites.
PS5 and Steam players: on first launch, you will be prompted to link your PlayStation or Steam ID to your Microsoft account. This step is required to access your friends list and join cross-platform co-op sessions.
Setting Up Cross-Platform Co-Op
Four-player cross-platform co-op is one of Halo: Campaign Evolved’s headline features. Here is how to find and add friends across platforms:
Finding friends on the same platform:
- Go to the Play Co-Op menu
- Open the Platform Friends pane
- Friends playing on the same platform (Xbox, PS5, or Steam) will appear here
Adding cross-platform friends:
- Get your friend’s Xbox Gamertag
- Add them through Xbox.com, the Xbox Game Bar on Windows PC, or the Xbox mobile app
- Once added to your Xbox friends list, they will appear in the Cross-Platform Friends pane of the Play Co-Op menu when they are online
Joining a Fireteam:
When friends are online, a blinking indicator appears next to “Play Co-Op” in the main menu. Select a friend from either friends list to join their session or invite them as session host.
Twitch Drops: Stream of the Crop Armor
Halo Studios has confirmed a Twitch Drops campaign tied to the Early Access launch. The reward is the Stream of the Crop Mark V Armor Style, an exclusive cosmetic for the campaign.
To be ready to claim drops:
- Link your Twitch account to Halo Waypoint ahead of any Twitch Drops event
- Follow @Halo on social channels for exact stream dates and eligible channels
- Claim rewards through Halo Waypoint once earned
Specific Twitch Drops dates and participating channel details will be shared on Halo’s social accounts shortly.
Modding Guidelines
Halo Studios has confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved is open to the modding community, with no official blockers put in place. However, no official modding tools, support, or Steam Workshop integration will be provided.
Key rules for modders:
- Halo Studios and Microsoft do not approve, endorse, or accept liability for modded content
- You may not distribute mods containing a substantial part of copyrightable code or content
- Mods must not circumvent game entitlement checks, authentication requirements, or access to locked premium content
- Only non-commercial mods are permitted. Selling or monetizing Halo content is not allowed
- Microsoft reserves the right to shut down modded experiences that conflict with commercial interests
- No inappropriate or offensive content
- No third-party IP use without permission
- All modders must abide by the Xbox Game Content Usage Rules at xbox.com/developers/rules
Early Access Preparation Checklist
Before launching Halo: Campaign Evolved for the first time:
- Confirm your edition (Premium or Collector’s) qualifies for Early Access
- Pre-load completed on your platform (Xbox/PC: July 22, PS5 Collector’s/Premium: July 22, Steam EA: July 23)
- Microsoft account created and Gamertag chosen
- PS5 or Steam account linked to Microsoft account (if applicable)
- Cross-platform friends added via Xbox.com, Xbox Game Bar, or Xbox app
- Twitch account linked to Halo Waypoint for Drops eligibility
- PC specs verified against minimum requirements (RTX 2060 Super / 16 GB RAM / 100 GB SSD)
- GPU drivers updated (links available on Halo Support PC specifications guide)
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Pro Tips: Getting the Most Out of Halo: Campaign Evolved Early Access
- Link your cross-platform accounts before July 23: The Microsoft account linking step for PS5 and Steam players is required before you can access your friends list. Doing it before launch means you drop into co-op immediately rather than spending your first session in an account setup screen.
- Link your Twitch account to Halo Waypoint now: Twitch Drops require the link to be established before a drop-eligible stream begins. Setting it up today ensures you will not miss the Stream of the Crop Mark V Armor if you watch an eligible stream on launch day.
- Start with Campaign Remix after your first playthrough: Campaign Remix is designed for replayability. On your first run through the rebuilt Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, play it straight. Campaign Remix’s variable configuration is best appreciated when you already know the missions well.
- LASO is end-game content: LASO (Legendary All Skulls On) is described by Halo Studios as the most humbling challenge yet in franchise history. First-time players and returning veterans should complete the standard campaign and understand the skull system before attempting it.
Common Questions About Halo: Campaign Evolved Early Access
- Can Standard Edition players join Early Access co-op sessions with Premium players? No. Early Access is exclusive to Premium and Collector’s Edition owners. Standard Edition players access the game at Global Launch on July 28. Cross-platform friends can play together once everyone has access.
- Does progress made during Early Access carry over to Global Launch? Yes. Shared story checkpoints, collectibles, Skulls, and customizations are tied to your Microsoft account and persist across all platforms and sessions regardless of when you started playing.
- Is a Nintendo Switch 2 version available at Early Access? The Early Access primer confirms Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5 as the supported platforms. No Switch 2 version was mentioned in the official Early Access documentation.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Quick Reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Developer | Halo Studios |
| Publisher | Xbox Game Studios |
| Early Access Start | July 23, 2026, 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| Early Access Editions | Premium and Collector’s |
| Early Access Duration | Up to 5 days |
| Global Launch | July 28, 2026, 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, Steam, PS5 |
| Game Pass | Day one (Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass) |
| Campaign Co-op | 4-player cross-platform |
| Split-screen | 2-player (consoles only) |
| PC Storage | 100 GB SSD required |
| PC GPU minimum | RTX 2060 Super / RX 6600 / Arc A580 |
| Modding | Open, no official tools, non-commercial only |
| Twitch Drops | Stream of the Crop Mark V Armor (dates TBA) |
Play Halo: Campaign Evolved co-op with ExitLag for a stable, low-latency connection.
Halo: Campaign Evolved, Halo Studios, Xbox, and related marks are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Steam is a trademark of Valve Corporation. Used for informational and educational purposes only.
Got questions or want to connect with other players? Join the conversation at the ExitLag Forum!
