A new rumor from well-known insider RebsGaming suggests that the remake of Halo: Combat Evolved may exclude multiplayer entirely, focusing solely on the single-player campaign.
More than three years have passed since the release of Halo Infinite, and fans have been eagerly awaiting fresh content or updates from the beloved sci-fi franchise. Disappointment over the inconsistent post-launch support for Halo Infinite’s multiplayer left the community hungry for something substantial. While there’s been little word on new content for Infinite, the next entry in the series — and now, possibly a remake — may be on the horizon.
The Remake: What We Know So Far
According to RebsGaming, who shared the information in a recent YouTube video, the Halo: Combat Evolved Remake is reportedly in development and targeted for release in 2026 — the 25th anniversary of the Halo franchise.
Although nothing has been officially confirmed by Microsoft or Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries), the insider claims to have heard from multiple independent sources that the remake is in the works. Notably, they have not heard anything about multiplayer content being included in the project.
This has led to speculation that the remake may be entirely single-player focused, which would mark a significant shift from the franchise’s long-standing multiplayer legacy.
Built on Unreal Engine 5
It’s already been confirmed that the next Halo title is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, signaling a potential technological reboot for the series. It’s still unclear whether the rumored Combat Evolved remake is being built on the same engine, but given the timeline and development plans, it seems likely.
A Franchise Known for Multiplayer
While Halo has always featured strong campaigns, its multiplayer component has played a defining role in its identity — especially in shaping the competitive shooter landscape on consoles.
From LAN parties on the original Xbox to the evolution of Xbox Live with Halo 2, and the groundbreaking Forge mode in Halo 3, the multiplayer modes in this franchise have become legendary. That’s why the rumor of a campaign-only remake is surprising — and, to some fans, disappointing.
A Familiar Pattern?
This wouldn’t be the first time a Halo re-release skipped over multiplayer updates. In 2011, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary launched on the Xbox 360 with graphical enhancements for the campaign only. The multiplayer component was essentially Halo: Reach‘s engine running Combat Evolved-themed maps — not a full remaster of the original multiplayer experience.
It’s possible that the upcoming remake will follow a similar route — focusing entirely on delivering a visually modern and polished campaign experience while either omitting or reusing existing multiplayer systems elsewhere.
What This Could Mean for Fans
While many fans may be excited about revisiting Halo‘s iconic original campaign with next-gen graphics, excluding multiplayer could split the fanbase. For some, the campaign alone will be enough, especially if it receives a full visual overhaul and modern gameplay updates. For others, the absence of Halo’s classic multiplayer experience could make the remake feel incomplete.
Final Thoughts: Cautious Optimism
At this stage, these details remain unconfirmed rumors, and plans could still change before an official reveal. Microsoft and Halo Studios have yet to respond to the claims. But with Halo’s 25th anniversary approaching in 2026, it’s not unreasonable to expect a major release tied to the franchise’s roots.
Whether or not multiplayer makes the cut, a full remake of Halo: Combat Evolved would still be a significant moment for the series — and a nostalgic return for millions of players who started their journey on the ringworld.
