In a move that will delight long-time fans, Microsoft is bringing classic Halo games back to Xbox Game Pass nearly 25 years after the franchise first launched. The company announced that seven titles, including remastered versions of Halo and the cult classics Hexen and Heretic, will join the subscription service in the coming weeks. At the same time, eight other games are being removed, reminding subscribers that the Game Pass library is in constant flux.
The announcement comes as Xbox Game Pass continues to evolve its strategy of blending blockbuster franchises with nostalgic gems. The addition of Halo — one of the most iconic first-person shooter series in gaming history — headlines this batch. The remastered edition of Halo: Combat Evolved, originally released in 2001 for the original Xbox, will allow a new generation to experience the game that defined console shooters. Hexen and Heretic, dark fantasy shooters from the 1990s, will appeal to retro enthusiasts and complete the package.
Microsoft has been refreshing Game Pass with classic titles periodically, but this move is more than just a nostalgia play. It signals a deeper commitment to preserving and promoting Microsoft's own legacy IP. The Halo franchise, now under 343 Industries before the studio's recent restructuring, remains a cornerstone of the Xbox brand. By bringing back the original game in enhanced form, Microsoft can drive both subscriber growth and goodwill among veteran players.
However, the service operates on a rotating catalog. The eight games set to depart were not disclosed in detail, but they typically include titles that have been available for months or whose licensing agreements expire. This churn is central to Game Pass's business model — keeping the library fresh while controlling costs. For subscribers, it means a constant incentive to play before titles vanish.
Industry observers note that the timing is strategic. The nearly 25-year anniversary of Halo: Combat Evolved (November 2021 was 20 years, so 2025 would be 24 years) provides natural marketing hooks. Remasters and backward compatibility are relatively low-cost ways to boost perceived value. Moreover, with competition from rivals like PlayStation Plus and PC Game Pass, securing classic exclusives is vital for Microsoft's subscription ecosystem.
Looking ahead, more Classic Era offerings may arrive as Microsoft mines its back catalog. The inclusion of Hexen and Heretic, which are owned by id Software (now part of ZeniMax/Bethesda), hints at deeper cross-studio leveraging. Gamers should expect periodic updates and perhaps even curated retro collections. For now, the next few weeks will see Xbox Game Pass both expand and contract — a familiar rhythm for subscribers, and a powerful reminder that in the streaming age, even the most beloved games come and go.
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Return to Halo Almost 25 Years Later With Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft is adding seven games, including remastered versions of Halo and Hexen + Heretic, to Game Pass in the coming weeks, but it’s removing eight others.
Zachary McAuliffe
CNET
3 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft is adding seven games to Xbox Game Pass, including remastered versions of Halo, Hexen, and Heretic.
- Eight titles are scheduled for removal from the service in the same period, maintaining the rotating library model.
- The Halo remaster included is likely Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, originally released in 2001.
- Hexen and Heretic are 1990s dark fantasy shooters from id Software, now under the ZeniMax/Bethesda umbrella.
- The additions coincide with the nearly 25th anniversary of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, providing retro marketing appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Microsoft is adding seven games, including remastered versions of Halo, Hexen, and Heretic. The specific titles have not all been disclosed, but the focus is on classic shooters.
Eight titles are scheduled for removal, but Microsoft has not released the full list. Typically, games are removed due to licensing agreements or to make room for new additions.
Yes, a remastered version of Halo: Combat Evolved is part of the upcoming lineup. The original game was first released in 2001 for the original Xbox.
The rotating catalog keeps the library fresh for subscribers and helps Microsoft manage licensing costs. Titles leave when contracts expire or to create urgency to play.
The seven new games are set to arrive in the coming weeks, though exact dates have not been announced. Microsoft typically reveals drop dates closer to release.
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