Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Teases Return of Halo in 2026 — and It’s Reportedly a Halo: Combat Evolved Remaster

Microsoft is reportedly planning to release a remastered version of *Halo: Combat Evolved* in 2026, according to recent reports. During the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer unveiled several upcoming titles slated for next year, 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"—a clear nod to the iconic *Halo* franchise.

While the mention of a classic could apply to multiple titles, The Verge’s Mark Warren confirmed that this tease specifically points to a *Halo: Combat Evolved* remaster. This aligns with earlier speculation and builds on Microsoft’s history of revisiting its foundational titles. Notably, this new remaster could potentially launch not only on Xbox but also on rival platforms such as the PlayStation 5, expanding its reach beyond Microsoft’s ecosystem.

It's important to note that this project is distinct from the all-new *Halo* game currently in development at Halo Studios—formerly known as 343 Industries. That title is being built using Unreal Engine 5 and represents the future direction of the franchise following the release of *Halo Infinite* in 2021. In 2024, Halo Studios shared a seven-minute video showcasing Project Foundry, a tech demo exploring what a modern *Halo* game might look like using Unreal Engine. While still experimental, it offered fans a promising vision for the series’ evolution.

The upcoming *Halo: Combat Evolved* remaster follows in the footsteps of *Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary*, which was released in 2011 and later integrated into *Halo: The Master Chief Collection*. This new version promises an updated visual experience while preserving the gameplay that made the original a landmark title in console shooters.

For more details on everything announced during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, be sure to explore the full list of reveals and updates directly from the event.