Can’t wait to step back onto the ring? Here’s everything you need to know about playing Halo: Campaign Evolved before its official launch, including every edition that grants early access and the cheapest way to start playing early.
Can You Play Halo: Campaign Evolved Early?
Yes. Halo Studios is offering up to five days of Early Access for Halo: Campaign Evolved. Instead of waiting for the global launch on July 28, 2026, eligible players can begin their adventure on July 23, 2026.
However, Early Access isn’t included with the standard edition of the game.
How to Get Halo: Campaign Evolved Early Access
There are three ways to start playing on July 23.
1. Buy the Premium Edition
The simplest option is purchasing the Premium Edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved.
These are things that the Premium Edition includes:
- Up to five days of Early Access
- Base game
- Alpha Halo Armory Pack
- Foundry Armoury Pre-Order Pack (if pre-ordered before the deadline)
- Digital Art Book
- Hungry Buzzards Digital Short Story
- Digital Game Manual
This edition is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC storefronts.
2. Purchase the Collector’s Edition
If you’re planning to pick up the physical Collector’s Edition, you’ll also receive up to five days of Early Access alongside the included collectibles and bonus content.
3. Xbox Game Pass Players Can Buy the Premium Upgrade
This is the most affordable option for Game Pass subscribers.
Halo: Campaign Evolved launches on Xbox Game Pass on release day, but Game Pass alone does not unlock Early Access.
Instead, you can purchase the Premium Upgrade, which includes:
- Up to five days of Early Access
- Premium digital bonuses
- Cosmetic packs
- Digital extras
Since the base game is already included with Game Pass, you only need the upgrade to start playing on July 23.
The Premium Upgrade costs $20 USD, making it the cheapest route into Early Access for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members.
Does the Standard Edition Include Early Access?
No. Players who purchase the Standard Edition must wait until the official launch on July 28, 2026.
Likewise, Xbox Game Pass subscribers who don’t purchase the Premium Upgrade will only gain access when the game officially releases.
Early Access Start Time
Halo Studios has confirmed that Early Access begins simultaneously worldwide.
Early Access Release
- Date: July 23, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM PDT / 11:00 AM EDT / 4:00 PM BST
The full release follows at the same global launch time on July 28, 2026.
Can You Upgrade If You Already Bought the Standard Edition?
Yes. If you’ve already pre-ordered the Standard Edition, you don’t need to buy the game again.
You can simply purchase the Premium Upgrade to unlock Early Access and all Premium digital bonuses before launch.
Don’t Forget the Pre-Order Deadline
To receive the Foundry Armoury Pack and Early Access benefits, eligible editions must be pre-ordered before July 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM local time.
After that deadline, the pre-order bonuses are no longer available.
Is Early Access Worth It?
If you’ve been looking forward to revisiting the original Halo campaign with its Unreal Engine 5 remake, Early Access offers nearly a full week to explore the game before everyone else.
It also includes exclusive cosmetic items, a digital art book, and other bonus content that won’t be available in the Standard Edition.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers and players purchasing the game outright may find the Premium Edition the more complete package.
