You can play Halo: Combat Evolved’s Unreal Engine 5 remake for free
There's no escaping the fact that Halo is a truly groundbreaking series. It changed the FPS genre forever and ultimately gave Xbox the credibility it needed to stand among the industry giants it is today. But blimey, is it in a tough spot right now?
Halo Infinite was supposed to be the platform for the future of the franchise, bringing both its extensive single-player open-world and multiplayer modes together to create an unforgettable experience. Players enjoyed the game for a while, but that hasn't lasted and the shooter has been left with a dwindling playerbase in 2024.
As 343 Industries is forced to reconsider its future, some are concerned that coming back from the dead will be a hell of a fight for survival. Luckily, it's not just the official team doing the work as fans are creating their own experiences for other players to enjoy - one being a true work of art.
Halo: Combat Evolved gets an Unreal Engine 5 remake
After The Master Chief Collection left a sour taste in the mouths of super-fans, it's clear that some players thought themselves fit to take on the remake task themselves. That's exactly what one player has done in a truly remarkable recreation.
One developer has shown off their recreation of Halo: Combat Evolved in Unreal Engine 5. ArcSin Jesse has revealed a YouTube video that explains how they recreated the second level of the iconic shooter in the development engine. It’' an incredible amount of work that has paid off hugely.
The overhauled level is dripping with atmosphere, a criticism that rinsed the Master Chief Collection's version of the game received, and it has incredible visual fidelity to boot. Things are a little different here, and to be honest, we're loving the nighttime setting for a more brooding atmosphere.
You can play the UE5 Halo remake for free
Click to enlargeThough it's only the second level right now, players can try the experience for free on their PCs. ArcSin Jesse has offered players Dropbox links to download the level on their itch.io page, and if you're on PC, all you need to do is download it and boot it up.
It's a generous offering to players who have felt underwhelmed by Halo's modern offerings and a sign of what could be to come from 343 Industries if they have their wits about them. Maybe we do want remakes of old games instead of new experiences.
