Halo: Combat Evolved Unreal Engine 5 remake free to download now

Halo: Combat Evolved has been lovingly remade using Unreal Engine 5, and it looks like a completely different game.

Unfortunately, the past few years have been rough for Halo fans. Ever since the franchise shifted over to the control of 343 Industries, there’s been a huge divide in the community as to the direction the series needs to go to succeed. Some prefer innovation, whilst others prefer nostalgia, though in the end neither is happy.

The latest Halo game is Halo: Infinite, support for which is slowly diminishing.

Some fans are content with making their own Halo games though, with one fan recreating the first game, Halo: Combat Evolved, using Unreal Engine 5 and the results are pretty spectacular.

It’s simply called Halo Unreal Engine 5 and you can actually play it for yourself on PCs. It’s just a recreation of the second level of the game at the moment, though while the enemies and the layout remain the same, there are several noticeable differences that make it feel like you’re playing something completely new.

The most shocking change you’ll probably notice is just how dark everything is. The Unreal Engine 5 remake is set at night time for some reason, and while it’s a stark contrast to the sun and clear skies of the original level, it oddly works. Having the first introduction to the ring world be set during the evening makes the world look far more alien and hostile, especially with Covenant firing at your from the darkness.

It also gives players an actual use for the flashlight which, if I recall, was only really useful in about one, maybe two levels and only for a brief time.

While the next Halo game hasn’t been officially announced at the time of writing, it’s believed it’s currently in development with Unreal Engine 5.