Category: XBOX Games ShowcaseJune 8, 2026Halo: Campaign Evolved – Creating New Cosmetics for Master Chief That Honor the Halo LegacyDanielle Partis, XBOX Wire EditorHalo: Campaign Evolved takes us back to where it all began – those first pivotal memories of becoming Master Chief and taking on the Covenant for the first time in Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s a formative moment for many XBOX fans, and soon, for the first time ever, players across XBOX, PC and PlayStation platforms will get to share in that experience together, with a few extra treats.While you’ll be able to experience a fully rebuilt version of the original campaign with modern visuals, updated cinematics and refined controls, that’s not all Campaign Evolved has to offer. This time around, you’ll be able to play through the entire story in network co-op mode with up to three other players. Four identical Master Chiefs all working together to save humanity.Except, they don’t have to be identical at all. Halo Studios has created a series of brand-new skins for the Chief, all deeply inspired by fan favorite aspects of the series’ history. From the blocky, nostalgic Mark V armor of the original XBOX game, to a striking pink suit made from the Blamite found in the iconic Needler weapon – each skin is expertly designed to honor how far the series has come, and of course, give you a cool new way to look while playing the campaign.We also had the chance to chat to Halo Studios’ Art Director, Chris Matthews, and Characters, Vehicles, and Weapons Art Director Bryan Repka, about each cosmetic, how they were made, and how it feels to be reskinning the Master Chief for the first time.Players can unlock two armor and weapon skins at launch by pre-ordering any edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved. To unlock the Alpha Halo Armory pack, which includes five additional Master Chief Armor skins and six weapon skins – players will need to purchase the Premium or Collector’s Editions. These cosmetics will also unlock at launch.Foundry Armor Pack Pre-Order BonusClassic 2001 Mark V – The Original VisionPre-ordering any version of Halo: Campaign Evolved will grant players two new armor cosmetics for Master Chief at launch, alongside two matching weapon skins. The first, and perhaps most evocative of them all, is the Classic 2001 Mark V Armor – a recreation of Chief’s iconic green armor from the original game, and an accompanying Classic 2001 Assault Rifle skin, almost identical to the trusty primary weapon.This was a particularly special project for Halo’s design team – taking that armor made 25 years ago and rebuilding it to work inside the modern remake, without losing the original look.“It’s the OG skin, that’s what everyone remembers Halo as,” says Repka. “But we went back and forth a lot with this one wondering how an older low-polygon skin is going to fit within this hyper-realistic world, how’s it going to contrast? But when we started playing with it in-game, we realized there’s something comforting and nostalgic about walking around those levels with this armor on. You look down at yourself and you’re like ‘oh, OG Chief is still with us’ – and we love that feeling.”Gilded Onyx – An Anniversary CelebrationThe second cosmetic you’ll unlock with a Halo: Campaign Evolved pre-order is the Gilded Onyx style, a black and gold-accented style inspired by the Halo Forerunner design, with a matching Gilded Onyx Assault Rifle. This colour palette also ties into The Master Chief Collection, and the limited-edition Halo 20th anniversary XBOX Series X|S console, an era that feels just as important to commemorate for Halo Studios. “We’ve taken the gold Forerunner design elements running through it, and matched it with the starry, galaxy landscape of the anniversary XBOX design.” Repka says. “That for us, speaks to the mysteries that shape Halo, and also the legacy XBOX designs that we love.”Chris Matthews adds: “We’ve really gone all-in on this current generation’s iteration of Forerunner materials, so to see those designs replicated on armor that you can take into combat with you is really awesome.”Alpha Halo Armory PackFor those that opt for the Premium or Collector’s Editions, you will get the Alpha Halo Armory Pack, featuring five additional Master Chief Armor skins and six weapon skins that can be used throughout the campaign. Similar to the pre-order cosmetics, these skins are either inspired by a memorable component of the Halo series, or a playful take on a new theme that fits into the universe.“It really was a labor of love looking at all of the different parts of Halo that have resonated with fans over the years,” Matthews tells us. “Halo is a serious shooter but it also has a little humor, it has lighter moments, and so we wanted to give players cool, different ways to play and experience these levels together.”Lochagos Armor Skin + Laconian Lance Battle Rifle SkinThe Lochagos skin, or the “Spartan Spartan” as it has been dubbed by the team – is a Roman-inspired cosmetic with sci-fi twist, complete with a matching metallic red and gold Battle Rifle skin, the Laconian Lance.The Roman Spartan is also the literal and figurative representation of our Halo Spartans, according to Matthews. Both share core traits – military excellence, extreme discipline, and an inherent sense of honor and duty. The Lochagos skin is more than a fun play on words – it’s an homage to some of history’s most powerful warriors.“We just loved the early concept of it” Repka says. “One of our core design pillars is just to make something a little fun. Obviously it’s a play on words, but outside of that, this immediately felt right to bring to Campaign Evolved.”Splintered Warden Armor Skin + Subanese Fang Energy Sword SkinPossibly the most vibrant cosmetic of the pack – the Splintered Warden skin gives Master Chief a vivid crystaline suit inspired by the ‘Blamite crystals’ seen poking out of the top of the Needler weapon, a popular Halo staple.This fantastic outfit is complemented by Subanese Fang, a matching Energy Sword skin, with that same eye-popping hue, spiky exterior and smooth purple covenant handle. It’s a striking look – combining a recognizable favorite with a new way to play.“The Needler is such an iconic weapon for us in Halo, and we instantly loved how cool the idea of a Sword would be,” Repka says. “From there, we wondered how it would look on Chief, and really had fun putting it together. Especially now we’re in Unreal, we can really get some depth into the Blamite and make it shine.”Timberwolf Armor Skin + Savage Tooth Sniper SkinThe Timberwolf Armor skin is perhaps a more subtle setup than the previous two, but this sleek, charcoal design boasts some recognizable details. The shoulder pad features a Brute skull, and the cape accessory is a sly nod to Halo Infinite’s ‘Poncho Chief’ reveal trailer. The matching sniper rifle skin also features a jawbone – it’s a slick ensemble for the Chief that prefers a stealthier approach.“This follows the lone wolf theme,” Repka says. “Chief is suited up and kitted out ready for a long journey, he’s got a knife on his leg, lots of electronics, and the cape, which we wanted to lean into, which also let us add lots of cool secondary animation to the armor.”Mobile Armor Type 117 Armor skin + Proto Type SPNKr skin What if Master Chief was actually a mech? The question that the Halo team dared to ask resulted in a very cool new skin – the Mobile Armor Type 117. Here, Chief is essentially a full-on mech – still with his iconic green hue, but with a few smart tweaks to make him less human, and more robot. The matching Proto Type SPNKr skin also works perfectly with this skin – looking like a real rocket launcher attached to Chief’s shoulder.“We thought this would be a fun fantasy for a lot of players,” Repka says. “We took the inspiration from the Mark 1 prototype in Halo lore, which was an exosuit, and ran with it.”“There’s five thrusters on the back, with effects firing out – it’s a real spectacle to look at as you’re running through these levels, you feel powerful. We wanted you to feel big, but also had to work within the boundaries of Chief’s rig, so our artists creatively adjusted all of his proportions, which accomplishes the goal of making him feel more like a massive mech.”Gestalt Armor skin + Colossus Fuel Rod Cannon skin Much like the Needler-inspired skins above, these two cosmetics take inspiration from an iconic Covenant enemy (or ally, depending). The Gestalt Armor features the cobalt plating of the Hunters, complete with massive back spikes, and wriggly orange worms connecting it together. The Colossus skin is a matching Fuel Rod Cannon cosmetic, with that same plate and worm combination, and it also fires neon green rounds, just like the Hunters do when they’re attacking you in Halo games.“This one is one of our favorites,” Repka says. “The moment we got those worms to feel alive on the Hunters, we wanted to see if it could work on Chief. Would it be fun for players to hop into the suit and almost live that enemy life? It casts such a cool silhouette, and looks like a Hunter in almost every aspect – we’ve even put the lava lamps on the forearms as well.”As well as looking cool, it creates some hilarious moments in co-op when you’re in the middle of a heavy firefight, according to Matthews: “Suddenly you see a Hunter barrelling into a bunch of Covenant and you’re like, oh, they’re on my side!”‘Cold Iron’: Keyes’ Personal Sidearm skin This final cosmetic is a brilliant nod to Halo: Combat Evolved – now, you’ll be able to add the unique design of Captain Keyes’ personal pistol to your own sidearm.“The first time I played Halo, I wanted to actually be able to hold Keyes’ magnum, and I absolutely love that I can play with it now,” Matthews says. “It got discussed a lot during the making of Campaign Evolved because of how Chief receives the pistol, so it’s one of my favourite things that it’s now available as a real skin in the game.”“Which to say, it’s a huge point of pride in the studio that we get to do this. We’re in constant collaboration with the whole Halo community, and listening to the players and fans to see what they’d like in the games. It’s an honor to be able to create that for players, and bring new ways to experience the campaign.”Halo Campaign Evolved launches July 28, 2026, with up to five days of early access beginning July 23. Pre-orders are available now across XBOX, Steam, and PlayStation, with the game also available day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.Pre-order now to access the 2001 Mark V and Gilded Onyx cosmetics at launch. Purchasing the Halo: Campaign Evolved – Premium Edition or Collector’s Edition will grant access to the Alpha Halo Armory Pack which includes five additional armor skins and six weapon skins.Halo: Campaign Evolved – Premium EditionXbox Game Studios☆☆☆☆☆55★★★★★$69.99Pre-orderPre-order the Premium Edition and get up to 5 days early access and the Foundry Armory Pack, featuring legendary looks for the Master Chief’s iconic Mark V Mjolnir armor.PRE-ORDER INCLUDES:•Up to 5 days early access, beginning July 23, 2026•Classic 2001 Mark V Armor skin•Classic 2001 Assault Rifle skin •Gilded Onyx Armor style•Gilded Onyx Assault Rifle stylePREMIUM EDITION INCLUDES:•Halo: Campaign Evolved game•Alpha Halo Armory Pack, featuring 5 Master Chief Armor skins & 6 weapon skins•Art of Halo: Campaign Evolved Digital Artbook•Halo: Hungry Buzzards Digital Short Story•Digital Game ManualEXPERIENCE WHERE THE LEGEND BEGINSHalo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful yet modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign. Experience the original story rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics, refined controls, plus a brand-new three-mission adventure featuring the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. A broader arsenal of weapons, vehicles, enemies, and gameplay-modifying “Skulls” – optional modifiers that change combat in fun and challenging ways – add fresh tactics and endless replayability. Play it your way: solo, in 2-player split-screen co-op (console only), or up to 4-player online co-op with full crossplay and cross-progression support.* Whether you’re discovering Halo for the first time or returning to the ring after 25 years, Halo: Campaign Evolved delivers an adventure that feels both timeless and brand new.DISCOVER THE RINGWORLD: After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the Master Chief is tasked with helping the remaining humans survive against overwhelming Covenant forces. Alongside his AI companion Cortana, he uncovers Halo’s dark secrets and fights to avert the annihilation of all life in the galaxy.THE COMPLETE CAMPAIGN, REBUILT: Battle through the original missions, remade with high-def visuals, updated cinematics, and refined level design.CINEMATICS AND AUDIO OVERHAULED: All-new visuals and animations, plus a remastered soundtrack and fully rebuilt sound design for deeper immersion.COMBAT AND WEAPONS EXPANDED: Classic Halo combat feels sharper than ever, now with 9 additional iconic weapons from across the series to add to your arsenal.THREE NEW MISSIONS: Play as the Master Chief alongside Sgt. Johnson in Operation: Meteorite, a standalone combat operation featuring new environments, gameplay, and enemies.PLAY SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS: 2-player split-screen (console only) or 4-player online co-op, with crossplay and cross-progression across console and PC.DRIVE, HIJACK, WREAK HAVOC: Halo’s iconic vehicles return with more ways to create unforgettable chaos. For the first time in Halo: CE, hijack enemy vehicles and pilot a fully drivable Wraith tank.ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: Remix every mission with optional “Skull” modifiers that add variety and challenge with randomized weapons, enemies, and environments.Halo: Campaign Evolved – Standard EditionXbox Game Studios☆☆☆☆☆55★★★★★$49.99Pre-orderPre-purchase Halo: Campaign Evolved and get the Foundry Armory Pack, featuring legendary looks for the Master Chief’s iconic Mark V Mjolnir armor. PRE-PURCHASE INCLUDES:•Classic 2001 Mark V Armor skin•Classic 2001 Assault Rifle skin •Gilded Onyx Armor style•Gilded Onyx Assault Rifle styleEXPERIENCE WHERE THE LEGEND BEGINSHalo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful yet modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign. Experience the original story rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics, refined controls, plus a brand-new three-mission adventure featuring the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. A broader arsenal of weapons, vehicles, enemies, and gameplay-modifying “Skulls” – optional modifiers that change combat in fun and challenging ways – add fresh tactics and endless replayability. Play it your way: solo or up to 4-player online co-op with full crossplay and cross-progression support. Whether you’re discovering Halo for the first time or returning to the ring after 25 years, Halo: Campaign Evolved delivers an adventure that feels both timeless and brand new.DISCOVER THE RINGWORLD: After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the Master Chief is tasked with helping the remaining humans survive against overwhelming Covenant forces. Alongside his AI companion Cortana, he uncovers Halo’s dark secrets and fights to avert the annihilation of all life in the galaxy.THE COMPLETE CAMPAIGN, REBUILT: Battle through the original missions, remade with high-def visuals, updated cinematics, and refined level design.CINEMATICS AND AUDIO OVERHAULED: All-new visuals and animations, plus a remastered soundtrack and fully rebuilt sound design for deeper immersion.COMBAT AND WEAPONS EXPANDED: Classic Halo combat feels sharper than ever, now with 9 additional iconic weapons from across the series to add to your arsenal.THREE NEW MISSIONS: Play as the Master Chief alongside Sgt. Johnson in Operation: Meteorite, a standalone combat operation featuring new environments, gameplay, and enemies.PLAY SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS: Experience the complete campaign your way, solo or in 4-player online co-op, complete with crossplay and shared progression across console and PC.DRIVE, HIJACK, WREAK HAVOC: Halo’s iconic vehicles return with more ways to create unforgettable chaos. For the first time in Halo: CE, hijack enemy vehicles and pilot a fully drivable Wraith tank.ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: Remix every mission with optional “Skull” modifiers that add variety and challenge with randomized weapons, enemies, and environments..post-template-default .xwsrc-block-content-block .wp-block-column.flex-basis-50.push--25.column--content {flex: 100%;margin-left: 0;}Related Stories for “Halo: Campaign Evolved – Creating New Cosmetics for Master Chief That Honor the Halo Legacy”Category: XBOX Games ShowcaseDiscover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s EditionCategory: XBOX Games ShowcaseMagicians: The Devil’s Deal Blends First-Person Gameplay with Stage Magic DeceptionCategory: XBOX Games ShowcaseRebuilding Brotherhood: How Gears of War: E-Day Renews a Legendary FranchiseThe post Halo: Campaign Evolved – Creating New Cosmetics for Master Chief That Honor the Halo Legacy appeared first on XBOX Wire.