COSM-GAME Halo: Campaign Evolved Early Access Opens July 23
Premium and Collector’s Edition access to Halo: Campaign Evolved begins simultaneously worldwide on July 23, 2026. Halo Studios set the unlock for 8:00 a.m. PDT.
Game summary
News summary
Early-access owners can enter the campaign on every supported platform during the five-day window. Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and qualifying PlayStation 5 editions can preload before the unlock, while Steam Premium and Collector’s Edition players download when access opens. A Microsoft account and Gamertag are required, and Steam or PlayStation 5 players must link that account before cross-platform co-op.
Announcement overview
Halo Studios’ schedule applies to Premium Edition and Collector’s Edition owners on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and PlayStation 5. Standard Edition owners and Game Pass subscribers enter with the general release on July 28.
The Foundry Armory Pack remains available as the pre-order bonus through July 28. Halo Studios also directs players to prepare a Microsoft account and Gamertag so shared checkpoints, collectibles, customizations and cross-platform friends can be recognized at first launch.
Key details
Preload availability differs by storefront and edition, so players should match the schedule to the version they purchased before expecting the install option to appear.
| Item | Official timing or availability |
| Early access unlock | July 23, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| Hong Kong unlock | July 23, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. HKT |
| Tokyo unlock | July 24, 2026 at 12:00 a.m. JST |
| Xbox Series X/S preload | Collector’s, Premium and Standard from July 22 at 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| Windows PC preload | Premium and Standard from July 22 at 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| PlayStation 5 preload | Collector’s and Premium from July 22; Standard from July 26 at 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| Steam download | Premium and Collector’s at early-access unlock; Standard from July 23 at 8:00 a.m. PDT |
| General release and Game Pass | July 28, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. PDT |
Source timeline
Xbox Game Studios announced the July 23 early-access window and July 28 general release on June 7, 2026. Halo Studios published the final global unlock, preload and account-linking guide on July 22. Early access begins July 23, followed by all-edition and Game Pass availability on July 28.
FAQ
5 questionsThe worldwide unlock is July 23, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. PDT, which is July 24 in Japan and several Asia-Pacific markets.
Premium Edition and Collector’s Edition owners receive access before the July 28 general release.
Premium and Collector’s Edition users download when the early-access window opens, while the published schedule lists Standard Edition availability from July 23 at 8:00 a.m. PDT.
All editions and eligible Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriptions open on July 28, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. PDT.
A Microsoft account and Gamertag are required, and PlayStation 5 or Steam users must link their platform account for shared progress and cross-platform friends.