Halo: Campaign Evolved Premium Edition vs Standard Edition: Which Should You Buy?

Halo: Campaign Evolved is approaching, and one of the first questions when entering the Halo universe is which edition to buy. After the Collector's Edition sold out, only the Standard Edition and the Premium Edition remain, and quite a few fans are asking whether paying the $20 difference is worth the premium. While both packages have the full campaign, cross-play, 4-player co-op, and the Operation: METEORITE prequel mission, the Premium Edition has 5 days of early access, cool skins, and digital Extras.

In this article, we'll see the large differences between the Halo: Campaign Evolved Standard Edition and Premium Edition, not only concerning the game prices but also regarding their contents and premium bonuses. First, you'll learn which edition is cheaper, and then which one can give you early access. You will also be able to determine the most valuable content from the collection before the game is released.

Visit LootBar for buying Halo: Campaign Evolved XBOX/PC Key Offers. 

LootBar — One-Stop Shop for Top-Ups, Keys & Gift Cards
Version 5.7 A Space and Time for You Trailer  Genshin Impact
  • Competitive Prices on Thousands of Products.
  • Instant Delivery for Non-Stop Gaming.
  • 4.9/5 Trustpilot Rating, Trusted by Players Worldwide.
  • Safe and Secure Transactions with 24/7 Customer Support.

Halo Campaign Evolved

Halo: Campaign Evolved Standard Edition

  • Price

The Standard Edition is priced at $49.99, making it the most affordable way to experience Halo: Campaign Evolved.

  • What Does the Standard Edition Include?

As the entry-level game, the Standard Edition still provides a full gaming experience. Players will have access to all the game has to offer, including the campaigns set in the original ten-mission story plus the three new Operation: METEORITE prequel missions that take place before the events of the original encounter. The Standard Edition also features full cross-play and four-player co-op, so you can play through the campaign with friends. Pre-ordering the Standard Edition entitles players to the Foundry Armory Pack, which contains the original 2001 Mark V Armor, as well as a custom weapon skin for the Assault Rifle and Gilded Onyx customization styles. As it pertains to gameplay content, nothing is taken out of the Standard Edition. All campaign missions and multiplayer features are there from day one.

Halo: Campaign Evolved Premium Edition

  • Price

The Premium Edition is available for $69.99, costing $20 more than the Standard Edition.

  • What Does the Premium Edition Include?

The Premium Edition not only contains all of the cover discs listed above but also boasts many exclusive bonuses suited to the Halo fanatic. The greatest benefit is that there are five days of Early Access, meaning you'll be able to play from July 23 rather than from the worldwide release on July 28. Premier owners will also receive the Alpha Halo Armory Pack, which will unlock five unique Master Chief armor skins and six weapon skins not included with the Standard Edition. The publisher, Ubisoft, as you expect, includes 3 digital collectibles with the Premium Edition. Those are a digital short story, Halo: Hungry Buzzards, available with the game, a digital artbook, which contains the artwork of the game, as well as how it was made, and the digital manual that highlights the history of the franchise. These bonuses do not influence gameplay progression or power; they are simply optional value-adds for collectors and long-term Halo fans.

Halo: Campaign Evolved Premium Edition

Complete Comparison Between the Standard and Premium Editions

  • Gameplay Content

Once you get to playing, however, there is no difference. If you buy the Standard or the Premium Edition, you will get the full Halo: Campaign Evolved campaign, including the 10 original missions, the three new Operation: METEORITE missions, cross-gameplay, and 4-player co-op support-all of it. No story chapters, missions, weapons, or gameplay elements are unlocked exclusively for the Premium Edition.

  • Early Access

The first and most obvious change is the launch date. Owners of the Premium Edition will have access to 5 days of play before the official worldwide launch, enabling them to get a head start, particularly for those who like to be the first to stream/play, make content, and not have the game spoiled. The other 99% of players will end up paying extra for a 5-day delay.

  • Cosmetic Rewards

Premium Edition shines with customization. The Alpha Halo Armory Pack adds even more armor skins and weapon camos to the already impressive customization options for Master Chief. If you want more options, then Premium has got it. However, if you just want an attractive pre-order bonus, I think the Standard Edition gives it to you.

  • Digital Bonus Content

The Premium Edition is also filled with digital collectibles that enhance the course of Halo's history. The Spiral Team One-shot story of Halo: Hungry Buzzards gives direct lore to those players requiring a bit more in their game, while the digital artbook reveals concepts and behind-the-scenes material, giving insight into Halo's creators. The digital game manual, which is also included, is just a goodie for the old-school Halo veterans. These are not required but merely heighten one's enjoyment of Halo.

Which Edition Offers Better Value?

For the majority of customers, the Standard Edition provides the best value overall.

For $49.99, you get the full Halo: Campaign Evolved experience without any of the gameplay being cut out. This means the entire campaign, all of the Operation: METEORITE missions, cross-play, cooperative play, and the Foundry Armory Pack will be included in your pre-order. As the core gameplay experience is the same in both editions, the Standard Edition is all the average gamer needs for the lowest price.

The Premium Edition might make more sense for gamers who place a premium on getting access early, or if you've been eagerly collecting cosmetics and digital artifacts. If you really want to start playing five days earlier, then it might be worth it to a hardcore Halo gamer, competitive gamer, or streamer/youtuber who wants to make sure he has gameplay uploaded before launch day. If that doesn't appeal to you, then you'd be paying an extra 20$ for cosmetic and digital everything else.

What About the Collector's Edition?

At the time of writing, the Collector's Edition has already sold out, leaving the Standard and Premium Editions as the primary purchasing options.

For most buyers, this simplifies the decision. The choice comes down to whether five days of early access and several cosmetic bonuses are worth paying an additional $20.

Halo Campaign Evolved Editions

Should You Upgrade to the Premium Edition?

If you want to jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved right at launch, you should consider buying the Standard Edition if you are willing to wait until July 28. It comes with the full game, for a full campaign experience, even before you put any more cash into your system.

Conversely, if you are a long-standing Halo fan who gets all the fancy window dressing, likes to read more about the background story, and always wants to be playing the latest thing immediately, then the Premium Edition will be worth the extra expense.

In the end, both editions will play the same content, so the choice should be whether you are more bothered by a high price for early access and cosmetic items, rather than not playing parts of a campaign.

Conclusion

Halo: Campaign Evolved keeps the different edition options simple. The Standard Edition and the Premium Edition both include the full campaign, Operation: METEORITE missions, cross-play, four-player co-op, and all other core Halo features, meaning it doesn’t matter which edition you choose-you get everything. The Premium edition will give five days of early access, as well as additional Master Chief and weapon skins, along with various digital items; these are purely optional, and for a majority of gamers, the $49.99 Standard Edition provides the most value. Only die-hard Halo fans should look to the Premium Edition to jump into the game early and receive the extra custom options. Visit LootBar for purchasing Halo: Campaign Evolved XBOX/PC Key Offers.