Halo: Campaign Evolved release times and early access explained

The Halo: Campaign Evolved release date is imminent, at least if you're one of those players who's shelled out some extra cash to get access to the five day long early access period. Having played the whole thing, and seen the somewhat gaudy skins you get for the premium edition, I can't say I necessarily recommend it for the cost.

Especially when the game is also coming to game pass day one, giving you an even cheaper way to play through the whole thing. You can also get some skins just for preordering. But if you're a diehard Halo fan and don't mind the extra expense, that early access option is available. Below, I'll explain the premium access release times as well as the regular edition.

Halo: Campaign Evolved early access release times

If you preorder the premium or collector's edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved, you can play the game five days early, from July 23, though this will cost you $20/£20 more at minimum. Here's when the game releases in early access:

• West Coast US: 8 am PDT
• East Coast US: 11 am EDT
• UK: 4 pm BST
• Europe: 5 pm CEST
• Australia: 1 am AEST (July 24)

Not that I recommend it, but there are other benefits to ordering the premium edition, such as six weapon skins and five skins for Master Chief, if you care about that sort of thing.

Details

You'll also get the Foundry Pack if you pre-order any edition, which gives you two Master Chief and Assault Rifle skins, so you might prefer to just do that instead and save some money. As mentioned, Halo: Campaign Evolved will also be available on game pass day one.

Halo: Campaign Evolved release times

The regular edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved releases on July 28, but the good news is that the release times are exactly the same, just five days later, so:

• West Coast US: 8 am PDT
• East Coast US: 11 am EDT
• UK: 4 pm BST
• Europe: 5 pm CEST
• Australia: 1 am AEST (July 29)

If you're unsure as to whether you can run Halo: Campaign Evolved or you want to compare any of the different edition benefits, you can find all the info on Steam.

Can you preload Halo: Campaign Evolved?

Yes, preload for premium and collector's edition holders—so those who can play from July 22—goes live today, though a precise time was never provided. Presumably this preload will also be available to standard edition preorders, but you might have to wait until closer to launch to start downloading.