What Order to Play Halo Games: A Journey Through Time, Space, and Cortana's Glitches

The Halo franchise, developed by Bungie and later 343 Industries, is one of the most iconic and influential series in the history of video games. With its rich lore, compelling characters, and groundbreaking multiplayer, Halo has captivated millions of players worldwide. However, with so many games, spin-offs, and remasters, it can be daunting to figure out the best order to play them. Should you follow the release order, the chronological order, or perhaps a mix of both? And what about the books, comics, and TV series? Let’s dive into the various perspectives on how to experience the Halo universe.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
Playing the Halo games in the order they were released is the most straightforward and widely recommended method. This approach allows you to experience the evolution of the series, both in terms of gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): The game that started it all. Playing this first gives you a sense of the series’ roots and introduces you to the iconic Master Chief and Cortana.
- Halo 2 (2004): This sequel expands the universe, introduces new characters like the Arbiter, and sets the stage for the ongoing conflict between humanity and the Covenant.
- Halo 3 (2007): The epic conclusion to the original trilogy, wrapping up the story arc that began in the first game.
- Halo 3: ODST (2009): A spin-off that offers a different perspective on the events of Halo 2 and 3, focusing on a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.
- Halo: Reach (2010): A prequel to the original trilogy, this game tells the tragic story of Noble Team and the fall of Reach.
- Halo 4 (2012): The first game developed by 343 Industries, marking the start of a new trilogy and exploring the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana.
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015): The second installment in the Reclaimer Saga, introducing new characters like Spartan Locke and delving deeper into Cortana’s mysterious return.
- Halo Infinite (2021): The latest mainline entry, which serves as a soft reboot for the series and introduces an open-world format.
Pros: You experience the games as they were intended, with each new release building on the previous one. This order also preserves the surprises and twists in the narrative.
Cons: The jump in graphics and gameplay mechanics between older and newer titles can be jarring for some players.
2. Chronological Order: For the Lore Enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of deep lore and want to experience the Halo story in chronological order, this approach might be for you. However, be prepared for some narrative whiplash as you jump between different eras and perspectives.
- Halo Wars (2009): Set in 2531, this real-time strategy game explores the early days of the Human-Covenant War.
- Halo: Reach (2010): Takes place in 2552, just before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): The first game in the series, set in 2552.
- Halo 2 (2004): Continues the story immediately after the first game.
- Halo 3: ODST (2009): Set during the events of Halo 2, offering a different perspective on the war.
- Halo 3 (2007): Concludes the original trilogy.
- Halo 4 (2012): Set in 2557, four years after the events of Halo 3.
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015): Continues the story of Master Chief and Cortana.
- Halo Infinite (2021): Set in 2560, following the events of Halo 5.
Pros: You get a cohesive timeline of events, which can be satisfying for those who love to immerse themselves in the lore.
Cons: The gameplay and graphics vary significantly between games, which can be disorienting. Additionally, some narrative twists and surprises may lose their impact when played out of release order.
3. Thematic Order: A Curated Experience
For those who want a more curated experience, you can group the games by themes or story arcs. This approach allows you to focus on specific aspects of the Halo universe, such as the Human-Covenant War, the Forerunners, or the rise of Cortana.
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The Human-Covenant War Arc:
- Halo: Reach
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- Halo 2
- Halo 3: ODST
- Halo 3
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The Forerunner Saga:
- Halo 4
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Infinite
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Spin-offs and Side Stories:
- Halo Wars
- Halo: Spartan Assault
- Halo: Spartan Strike
Pros: This approach allows you to focus on specific storylines or themes, making it easier to follow complex narratives.
Cons: You might miss out on the broader context of the Halo universe, and some games may feel disconnected when played out of order.
4. The “Master Chief Only” Playthrough
If you’re primarily interested in Master Chief’s journey, you can skip the spin-offs and focus solely on the mainline games featuring the iconic Spartan.
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- Halo 2
- Halo 3
- Halo 4
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Halo Infinite
Pros: This streamlined approach keeps the focus on Master Chief and Cortana, making it easier to follow their story.
Cons: You’ll miss out on some of the series’ most memorable moments and characters, such as the Arbiter and Noble Team.
5. The “Everything Halo” Experience
For the ultimate Halo fan, why not go all-in and experience everything the franchise has to offer? This includes not only the games but also the books, comics, and TV series.
- Games: Play all the mainline games, spin-offs, and even mobile titles like Halo: Spartan Assault.
- Books: Dive into the novels, such as The Fall of Reach, The Flood, and Ghosts of Onyx, to get a deeper understanding of the lore.
- Comics: Explore the Halo universe through graphic novels like Halo: Uprising and Halo: Escalation.
- TV Series: Watch Halo: The Series on Paramount+ for a live-action adaptation of the franchise.
Pros: You’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Halo universe, with every piece of media enriching your experience.
Cons: This approach is time-consuming and may feel overwhelming for newcomers.
6. The “Reverse Chronological” Challenge
For the truly adventurous, why not play the games in reverse order? Start with Halo Infinite and work your way back to Halo: Combat Evolved. This unconventional approach offers a unique perspective on the series’ evolution.
Pros: You’ll appreciate the advancements in graphics and gameplay as you move backward through the series.
Cons: The narrative will be completely disjointed, and many story elements will lose their impact.
7. The “Randomized Chaos” Playthrough
If you’re feeling particularly chaotic, you could randomize the order in which you play the games. Roll a dice, draw straws, or let fate decide your journey through the Halo universe.
Pros: This approach keeps things fresh and unpredictable, offering a unique experience every time.
Cons: The story will make absolutely no sense, and you’ll likely miss out on key narrative beats.
FAQs
Q: Should I play Halo: Reach before or after Halo: Combat Evolved? A: If you’re following the release order, play Halo: Combat Evolved first. If you’re going chronologically, start with Halo: Reach.
Q: Are the Halo books necessary to understand the games? A: While not strictly necessary, the books provide additional context and depth to the Halo universe. They’re highly recommended for lore enthusiasts.
Q: Can I skip Halo 5: Guardians and go straight to Halo Infinite? A: You can, but you’ll miss out on important story elements, particularly regarding Cortana’s role in the series.
Q: Is Halo Wars worth playing if I’m not a fan of RTS games? A: If you’re interested in the lore, Halo Wars is worth a try. However, if RTS games aren’t your thing, you might want to skip it or watch a story recap.
Q: What’s the best way to experience the Halo universe for the first time? A: The release order is generally the best way to experience the series for the first time, as it preserves the narrative flow and allows you to appreciate the evolution of the games.