Phil Spencer Teases Halo: Combat Evolved Remaster for 2026 Release

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 highlighted several upcoming titles for next year, including a new Fable, the next Forza, Gears of War: E-Day, and a nod to “the return of an iconic franchise from our origins.”

Although clearly referencing Halo, The Verge’s Mark Warren clarified that this points specifically 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 project 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 showcasing a Halo game built with Unreal Engine. Though primarily a tech demo, it hinted at a bold new direction for Xbox’s flagship series following 2021’s Halo Infinite.

For more, explore all announcements from the Xbox Games Showcase June 2025.