Phil Spencer Hints at Halo's 2026 Return with Combat Evolved Remaster

Microsoft is reportedly planning to release a remastered version of Halo: Combat Evolved in 2026. During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer unveiled a lineup of highly anticipated titles set for release the following year, including the next Fable, a new Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and a cryptic tease about “the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning.” While the reference strongly points to Halo, The Verge’s Mark Warren confirmed that the tease specifically hints at 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 that the remaster is not only in development but is also under consideration for release on non-Xbox platforms, potentially including the PlayStation 5—an unusual but strategic move. This wouldn’t be the first time Halo: Combat Evolved received a visual overhaul; it was previously remastered in 2011 as Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, later integrated into Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

However, this upcoming release is distinct from the next mainline Halo title currently in development by Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). That new game, built using Unreal Engine 5, was previewed in 2024 through Project Foundry—a tech demonstration showcasing a reimagined vision for the franchise. Though still in early stages, the demo signaled a fresh creative direction following the mixed reception of Halo Infinite in 2021.

For more details on all the announcements, check out the full coverage of the Xbox Games Showcase June 2025.

Xbox Games Series Tier List