There are numerous changes in Halo Campaign Evolved compared to the original game, including entirely new missions and weapons, the addition of sprinting, and new accessibility options. The developers have made several updates to modernize the game, but some smaller tweaks might go unnoticed by even seasoned Halo fans. Here’s a rundown of what’s new and different from the original.
New Features in Halo Campaign Evolved
This version introduces several significant gameplay additions not found in the original or the Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary edition in The Master Chief Collection:
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Operation Meteorite Bonus Missions: In addition to the main campaign, there are three prequel missions that explore Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson’s story during Operation Meteorite. These missions add a few extra hours of gameplay and are set one year before the main events. They feature exclusive appearances by Brutes armed with Spikers and Plasma Rifles.
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Campaign Remix Mode: This new mode allows players to replay missions with randomized elements such as weapon availability, enemy types, and active Skulls. It becomes available after collecting three Skulls.
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Four-Player Online Co-op: Halo Campaign Evolved is your only official way to play Halo 1 cooperatively with three friends online. It supports crossplay and cross-progression, so you can play with friends on any platform and keep your progress intact. Additionally, for console players, it supports split-screen multiplayer for two players.
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Difficulty and Accessibility Options: Besides the traditional Easy, Normal, Heroic, and Legendary settings, you can create custom difficulty presets by adjusting factors like friendly fire, damage resistance, and shield recharge rate—on top of Skulls. For accessibility, options are available to customize aim assist, HUD, subtitles, input controls, and more.
New Weapons, Vehicles, and Enemies
The game’s weapon and vehicle lineup, along with enemy types, have expanded significantly:
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Expanded Weapon Sandbox: New additions include the Energy Sword, Sentinel Beam, Fuel Rod Gun, SMG, and Needle Rifle. The bonus missions feature exclusive use of weapons like the Battle Rifle, Brute Plasma Rifle, and Spiker, with the Needle Rifle being more common in these sections.
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Controllable Vehicles: You can now pilot Wraith tanks in certain missions, like Assault on the Control Room. Most enemy vehicles can also be hijacked, though the Covenant can hijack you back.
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Stored Equipment Usage: Unlike the original, where pickups like Overshields and Active Camo activated immediately, Halo Campaign Evolved lets you deploy these items using a button, similar to Halo 3’s system.
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Added Enemies: Jackal snipers, infamous for their deadly accuracy, are now included in many missions. Large Flood Tank Forms from Halo 3 also appear—rare but a serious threat.
Gameplay Changes
Some key gameplay updates help bring the game into the modern era:
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Sprint: Master Chief now has a dedicated sprint button, letting you move faster on foot.
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Smart-Link Aiming: Weapons like the Magnum and Sniper Rifle benefit from a zoom feature introduced in Halo 5, improving accuracy for enemies at longer ranges.
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Health Regen: The health system has shifted to regenerative shields, eliminating the need for health kits found in the original game.
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Better Objectives and Waypoints: Mission markers and objectives are more visible on-screen, making navigation easier. You can modify how these indicators appear for your comfort.
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Level Adjustments: Some levels have been slightly redesigned. For example, The Library has been made more navigable with new sections and mechanics like light bridges. The Forerunner cave that you drive through has been simplified to a direct path, removing previous ramps.
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Skulls and Terminals: More collectibles are available, including 42 Skulls (three per level in the main campaign and additional for the Remix mode) and 13 Terminals, all placed differently than in the Anniversary remaster, adding new discovery potential.
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No Multiplayer PvP: As the game focuses on the campaign, there is no arena multiplayer mode.
Visual and Audio Updates
Visually, Halo Campaign Evolved gets a complete makeover using Unreal Engine 5, which offers stunning real-time lighting and textures. However, some performance issues common with UE5 might occur.
Narratively, the game mostly stays true to the original with some updates to dialogue and cutscenes. Many new lines help with tutorials and explanations, while some existing lines have been cut. Voice actors for Master Chief and Cortana—Steve Downes and Jen Taylor—re-recorded their lines, including new dialogue. However, Captain Keyes and Sergeant Johnson have been recast with new voice talent.
The Covenant enemies now speak in English, with some combat barks and reused dialogue from earlier titles, making their language less alien and more understandable.
Overall, Halo Campaign Evolved offers a fresh take on the classic, blending modern graphics, gameplay mechanics, and expanded content, all while maintaining the core experience fans love.