How to Play the Halo Games in Order: A Journey Through Time, Space, and Occasionally, a Warthog

How to Play the Halo Games in Order: A Journey Through Time, Space, and Occasionally, a Warthog

How to play the Halo games in order, and why Master Chief might secretly be a time-traveling librarian.

The Halo franchise is one of the most iconic and beloved series in gaming history. With its rich lore, epic battles, and unforgettable characters, it’s no wonder that fans often debate the best way to experience the games. Whether you’re a seasoned Spartan or a fresh recruit, playing the Halo games in order can be a rewarding experience. But with multiple timelines, spin-offs, and remasters, it can also be a bit confusing. Fear not, for this guide will help you navigate the Halo universe in the most logical (and occasionally illogical) order.


1. Start with the Original: Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

The journey begins with Halo: Combat Evolved, the game that started it all. Released in 2001, this first-person shooter introduced players to the mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the enigmatic Covenant, and the legendary Master Chief. Playing this game first is essential to understanding the foundation of the series. Plus, it’s a great way to appreciate how far the franchise has come in terms of graphics and gameplay.


2. Follow Up with Halo 2 (2004)

Next up is Halo 2, which builds on the story of the first game while introducing new characters like the Arbiter and expanding the lore of the Covenant. This game is famous for its dual narrative, allowing players to see the conflict from both the human and Covenant perspectives. It’s also the game that gave us the iconic line, “I need a weapon.”


3. Dive into Halo 3 (2007)

Halo 3 concludes the original trilogy and serves as the emotional climax of the Human-Covenant War. With its epic set pieces and satisfying conclusion, this game is a must-play. It’s also the first game in the series to introduce Forge mode, which has since become a staple of the franchise.


4. Take a Detour with Halo 3: ODST (2009)

Before moving on to Halo 4, consider playing Halo 3: ODST. This spin-off takes place during the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3 but follows a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) rather than Master Chief. The game offers a more grounded and atmospheric experience, with a noir-inspired narrative and a jazzy soundtrack.


5. Explore the Prequel: Halo: Reach (2010)

Halo: Reach is a prequel to the original trilogy and tells the story of the fall of the planet Reach. While it’s technically the sixth game in the series, playing it after Halo 3: ODST provides a deeper understanding of the events leading up to Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s also one of the most emotionally impactful games in the franchise.


6. Enter the Reclaimer Saga with Halo 4 (2012)

Halo 4 marks the beginning of the Reclaimer Saga and introduces a new antagonist, the Didact. This game delves deeper into Master Chief’s relationship with Cortana and explores themes of humanity and artificial intelligence. While it’s a departure from the original trilogy, it’s an essential part of the Halo story.


7. Continue with Halo 5: Guardians (2015)

Halo 5: Guardians continues the Reclaimer Saga and introduces a new protagonist, Spartan Locke. The game’s story is divisive among fans, but it’s still an important chapter in the Halo universe. Plus, it sets the stage for the events of Halo Infinite.


8. Experience the Open World with Halo Infinite (2021)

The latest mainline entry in the series, Halo Infinite, takes the franchise in a bold new direction with its open-world gameplay. Set after the events of Halo 5, the game sees Master Chief returning to his roots while grappling with the loss of Cortana. It’s a fresh start for the series and a great entry point for new players.


9. Don’t Forget the Spin-Offs and Expansions

While the mainline games are the core of the Halo experience, there are several spin-offs and expansions worth exploring. These include Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2, which offer a real-time strategy take on the Halo universe, and Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo: Spartan Strike, which are top-down shooters. These games provide additional context and backstory, making them a great supplement to the main series.


10. Bonus: Play the Remasters

If you’re a fan of modern graphics and gameplay, consider playing the remastered versions of the original games. Halo: The Master Chief Collection includes updated versions of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4, as well as Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach. It’s the definitive way to experience the classic Halo games.


Why Playing in Order Matters

Playing the Halo games in order allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of the series, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling. It also helps you understand the complex lore and character relationships that make the Halo universe so compelling. Plus, it’s just plain fun to see how the series has grown over the years.


FAQs

Q: Can I skip Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach?
A: While you can technically skip these games, they add depth to the story and are well worth playing.

Q: Should I play Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2?
A: If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games, these are excellent additions to the Halo universe. However, they’re not essential to understanding the main story.

Q: Is Halo Infinite a good starting point for new players?
A: Yes, Halo Infinite is designed to be accessible to new players while still rewarding long-time fans.

Q: What’s the best way to experience the original trilogy?
A: Halo: The Master Chief Collection is the best way to play the original trilogy, as it includes updated graphics and modern gameplay features.

Q: Why does Master Chief never take off his helmet?
A: That’s classified. (But seriously, it’s part of his mystique.)