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Halo: Parasite’s Wake, Tim Lebbon’s horror novel set during Halo: Combat Evolved, is scheduled for release on October 20, 2026. It follows Staff Sergeant Marvin Mobuto and other marines stranded on Installation 04 as they try to reach the Pillar of Autumn’s crash site.

When does Halo: Parasite’s Wake release?

Halo Waypoint and publisher Simon & Schuster list October 20, 2026, as the scheduled release date. Dates and local availability can change, so check the relevant listing near release.

Halo Waypoint calls the novel “the perfect companion to Halo: CE” and says it follows marines stranded on Installation 04 trying to regroup with UNSC forces at the Pillar of Autumn’s crash site. Read the Halo Waypoint Canon Fodder announcement.

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What is the story about?

The novel is set during the events of Halo: Combat Evolved. Staff Sergeant Marvin Mobuto leads fellow survivors from the Pillar of Autumn’s brig toward its crash site, hoping to reunite with UNSC forces. Along the way, they face Covenant forces and a threat unleashed from deep beneath Halo, according to the publisher’s synopsis.

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The setting is Installation 04, also referred to as Alpha Halo in Halo Waypoint’s release coverage. Because the story takes place during the game’s events, calling it a “prequel” can be misleading: official descriptions present it as a companion story set alongside Halo: Combat Evolved, not as a story established to precede the game.

Which editions are listed?

Simon & Schuster lists three formats. These are publisher product specifications; check the listing for your region for current availability and details.

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  • PREMIUM EDITION CONTENT — Receive the Alpha Halo Armory Pack with 5 armor skins and 6 weapon skins, plus the Digital Artbook, Digital Short Story, and in‑game bonus content.
  • A CLASSIC REIMAGINED — Experience the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign rebuilt with high‑definition visuals, updated cinematics, refined controls, and a brand‑new three‑mission adventure.
  • ENHANCED AUDIO & VISUALS — Relive every mission with modernized animations, a remastered soundtrack, and fully rebuilt sound design for deeper immersion across the Halo universe.
  • NEW STORY CONTENT — Play as the Master Chief alongside Sgt. Johnson in Operation: Meteorite, a standalone campaign featuring new environments, enemies, and gameplay challenges.
  • CO‑OP YOUR WAY — Play solo, in 2‑player split‑screen co‑op (console only), or up to 4‑player online co‑op with full crossplay and cross‑progression support.
Format Listing details
Trade paperback 400 pages; ISBN 9781668226834. Publisher paperback listing
Ebook 400 pages; ISBN 9781668226841. Publisher ebook listing
Audiobook 11 hours; readers Michael Crouch, Lisa Flanagan, Kevin R. Free, and Joshua Riley; ISBN 9781668167748. Publisher audiobook listing

All three listings give October 20, 2026, as the release date. The paperback is the physical edition; the ebook and audiobook are digital formats. Listings and format availability may differ by territory.

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Who wrote Halo: Parasite’s Wake?

Tim Lebbon wrote the novel. Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is the listed publisher.

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