Early access will begin on July 23.
Later this week, a new generation of UNSC adventurers will leave slipspace above the Alpha Halo during Halo: Campaign ProgressionLaunch of early access.
To prepare you for your assault on the Sacred Ring, we’re sharing critical information about the Early Access schedule, platform-specific preload schedules, and some pro tips from Halo Support to help make your first foray into the Sacred Ring easier. Halo: Campaign Progression!
Early Access launch schedule
If you pre-ordered the Premium version Halo: Campaign ProgressionYou’ll be able to enjoy the game in Early Access starting Thursday, July 23 (8:00 a.m. PT). For a quick reference, you can find these times in major cities around the world below:
- Seattle: Thursday, July 23 (8:00 a.m. PT)
- Mexico City: Thursday, July 23 (9:00 a.m. CST)
- New York: Thursday, July 23 (11:00 a.m. ET)
- Sao Paulo: Thursday, July 23 (12:00 BRT)
- London: Thursday 23 July (16:00 BST)
- Berlin: Thursday 23 July (17:00 CEST)
- Riyadh: Thursday, July 23 (6:00 pm EST)
- New Delhi: Thursday, July 23 (8:30 pm EST)
- Hong Kong: Thursday, July 23 (23:00 HKT)
- Tokyo: Friday, July 24 (12:00 JST)
- Sydney: Friday, July 24 (1:00 am EST)
- Auckland: Friday 24 July (3:00 NZ time)
There’s still time to pre-order the Premium Edition to unlock the Foundry Armory Pack and get up to five days of early access starting July 23rd. (Pre-order bonuses available until July 28, 2026.)
Preload Details
Early Access players (Premium and Collector’s Editions) will be able to play on all platforms starting July 23 at 8:00 a.m. PT.
Here is a list of supported preload options before Early Access and General Access launch.
July 22, 8:00 a.m. PT
- Xbox Series X|S: Collector’s Edition, Premium Edition, Standard Edition
- Windows PC: Premium version, Standard version
- PlayStation®5: Collector’s Edition, Premium Edition
July 23, 8:00 a.m. PT
July 26, 8:00 am PT
- PlayStation®5: Standard Edition
*Steam Early Access (Premium and Collector’s Edition) players will be able to download the game when Early Access begins at 8:00 a.m. PT on July 23rd.
Global launch
Starting July 28 (8:00 a.m. PT) all episodes Halo: Campaign Progression will be available to install and play on any supported platform. Day one availability for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers begins simultaneously.
Microsoft Accounts
Halo: Campaign Progression supports common story checkpoints, collectibles, and customizations across all your preferred platforms. To track your campaign progress, skulls, and more, Microsoft accounts and gamertags are required to play. Halo: Campaign Progression.
If you already have an XBOX gamertag, simply sign in with your linked Microsoft account when prompted during your first game. Halo: Campaign Progression.
Halo newbies can ensure the smoothest possible start to their campaign by creating a free Microsoft account online or from your mobile phone today. You’ll also be able to choose a custom gamertag that you can share with your real-life friends for cross-platform party invites!
Linking cross-platform accounts
When loading into Halo: Campaign Progression for the first time, PlayStation®Version 5 and Steam players will be asked to link their PlayStation® or Steam ID to their Microsoft account. This step is required to access your existing friends lists so you can run a campaign together.
To help you get started, Halo Support has put together a quick step-by-step guide on linking cross-platform accounts to your Microsoft account:
- Linking and Unlinking an Account in Halo: Campaign Evolved
Whether you play on XBOX, PlayStation® or Steam, you’ll find friends playing. Halo: Campaign Progression on the same platform, in the Platform Friends panel of the Co-Op menu.
Adding cross-platform allies
To add friends who play on other platforms, you just need to know their gamertag (new Microsoft account registrars will choose this during setup). You can then find and add your friends’ gamertags to your XBOX friends list in a variety of ways:
- Online on XBOX.com
- From XBOX Game Bar (Windows PC)
- On the XBOX mobile app
Once successfully added to your XBOX Friends list, cross-platform friends will appear in the Cross-Platform Friends list of the Co-Op menu when they are online.
Joining a fireteam
When friends are online, you’ll see a flashing light next to Play Co-op in the main menu. Find a friend in your Platform Friends or Cross Platform Friends lists to join their session, or invite them to your fireteam as a session host.
PC Specifications
To tackle the challenges that await you in Alpha Halo, you will need at least the following minimum PC specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-10700K
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Super / AMD Radeon RX 6600 / Intel Arc A580
- Video memory: 8 GB
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 100 GB SSD
- OS: Windows 10 22H2 64-bit or Windows 11
For more information on recommended specifications for higher graphics settings and quick links to update NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel drivers, visit Halo Support’s Complete PC Specifications Guide.
PC optimization
Built for combat, built for performance. Transform your rig into the rawest, greenest Covenant killing machine possible with the official Halo Support Guide to Advanced PC Optimization, which includes tips on adjusting graphics quality, scaling, resolution, GPU async, loading, frame generation, limits, and more.
Accessibility Settings
Halo: Campaign Progression invites heroes to defend humanity on their own terms, using their preferred gaming configurations. Customize your experience with a wide range of accessibility settings, including input controls, aim settings, custom control bindings, audio, HUD appearance, UI language, menu animations and more.
Twitch drops
Speaking of hot drops, don’t miss your chance to get an exclusive stream of the Crop Mark V armor style via Twitch Drops. We’ll have more information to share on our social channels soon!
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to link your Twitch account ahead of time so you can claim your customizations via Halo Waypoint.
Modding Recommendations
WITH Halo: Campaign ProgressionOur intention from the beginning was to leave the door open to the modding community. We won’t be offering official modding tools, support or Steam Workshop integration, but the team has consciously avoided installing any blockers that would prevent modders from working with this content. We’re looking forward to seeing and playing modded creations, but we also want to make sure that no one ends up in a problematic situation.
If you are interested in modding Halo: Campaign Progressionplease pay attention to the following:
- Halo Studios and Microsoft do not endorse, endorse, or accept any responsibility for modified content or features.
- You may not distribute mods that contain a significant portion of our code or copyrighted content, nor may you distribute modified versions Halo: Campaign Progression.
- Mods must not bypass game rights checks, account authentication requirements, or otherwise allow access to official locked, unreleased or premium content in the game.
- Only non-commercial mods are allowed. Halo: Campaign Progression. You may not sell or otherwise monetize Halo content or features created using the Halo IP or underlying technology.
- Microsoft reserves the right to disable modified versions that constitute a conflict of interest.
- Do not post inappropriate or offensive content or experiences.
- Do not use third party IP addresses without permission from the IP owner.
- Follow the Xbox Game Content Guidelines.
We’re excited to see the types of creations the Halo modding community comes up with, but please be sure to follow the rules. Failure to comply with Microsoft, third party, platform, and legal requirements may result in legal action.
Additional support
Follow @HaloSupport on X for the latest updates. If you have problems while playing Halo: Campaign ProgressionVisit the Halo support site for more helpful how-to resources, or submit a support ticket.
Brace for impact
“The object we found. I’ll try to plant Autumn on this.”
Halo: Campaign Progression this is a legendary adventure that was 25 years in the making. Whether you’re a battle-hardened Spartan or new to Halo, we’re excited to fight alongside you.
If you’re looking for the latest information (or something to read while installing the game), check out these recent Halo Waypoint posts to get an idea of everything coming in Alpha Halo:
Timeless and lovingly restored Halo: Combat Evolved campaign, Operation: exciting new METEORITE reconnaissance missions, 42 Skulltacular collectibles, limitless Campaign Remix, two-player split-screen co-op on consoles, four-player cross-platform co-op and the ultimate LASO challenge, Halo: Campaign Progression it’s the final return through one of the greatest journeys in the gaming industry.
Pre-order the Digital Premium Edition Halo: Campaign Progression to receive the Foundry Armory Pack and up to five days of early access starting July 23, 2026.