Official Halo social media accounts announced on Monday that the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved has gone gold. This means the remake's development is essentially complete, and it is ready for release. With the announcement, players are one step closer to returning to the game that launched the legendary FPS franchise synonymous with Xbox.

But some players will get to play Halo: Campaign Evolved a little earlier.

Halo: Combat Evolved was first released in 2001. It was remastered in 2011 and rereleased as Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. This edition is included in The Master Chief Collection. Campaign Evolved is a top-down remake of the game in Unreal Engine, a first for the series. While the remake does not include the original's iconic multiplayer, it is set to add new features like sprinting, boarding vehicles, and using the iconic energy sword, among others. Developer Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) is also adding "Operation: Meteorite," which consists of three new story missions.

Campaign Evolved will be the first Xbox first-party game released since this May's Forza Horizon 6. Recently, Xbox undertook a business overhaul that resulted in 3,200 job cuts and the company parting ways with four studios. As part of this pivot, Xbox will invest more in its biggest franchises. Campaign Evolved is part of that strategy, and players should expect much more Halo in the future. In addition to this latest round of layoffs and studio cuts, Xbox is a priority target of the BDS movement's boycott campaigns.

When does Halo: Campaign Evolved early access begin?

The early access period for Halo: Campaign Evolved starts on July 23, five days before the game's regular release on July 28.

How do I take part in Halo: Campaign Evolved's early access period?

If you want to play Campaign Evolved early, you'll have to pay for the privilege. Pre-ordering the premium edition of the game, which costs $69.99, will grant you early access. The premium edition also comes with a handful of armor skins and digital goodies. If you've already pre-ordered the standard edition of the game, you can buy a premium upgrade for $20.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to be released on July 28 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.