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

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 series in gaming history. With its rich lore, compelling characters, and groundbreaking gameplay, it’s no wonder that fans often debate the best order to experience these games. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran looking to revisit the series, the order in which you play the Halo games can significantly impact your understanding and enjoyment of the story. But let’s not forget the occasional glitches in Cortana’s logic—because even AI can have a bad day.

Chronological Order: The Timeline Approach

One of the most popular ways to play the Halo games is in chronological order, following the timeline of the Halo universe. This method allows you to experience the story as it unfolds in the lore, providing a deeper understanding of the events and characters.

  1. Halo Wars (2009)
    Set in 2531, Halo Wars is a real-time strategy game that takes place 20 years before the events of the original Halo: Combat Evolved. It introduces the UNSC Spirit of Fire and its crew as they battle the Covenant on the planet Harvest. While it’s a departure from the first-person shooter format, it’s a great starting point for understanding the early days of the Human-Covenant War.

  2. Halo: Reach (2010)
    Serving as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo: Reach is set in 2552 and follows the fall of the planet Reach, humanity’s last line of defense before Earth. The game provides a tragic and heroic backdrop to the events of the original Halo, making it an emotional starting point for the series.

  3. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
    The game that started it all. Halo: Combat Evolved introduces players to Master Chief, Cortana, and the mysterious ringworld known as Halo. It’s here that the Human-Covenant War reaches a turning point, and the true nature of the Halo rings is revealed.

  4. Halo 2 (2004)
    Picking up where the first game left off, Halo 2 expands the story by introducing the Arbiter, a disgraced Covenant Elite, and delving deeper into the politics of the Covenant. The game also sets the stage for the eventual invasion of Earth.

  5. Halo 3: ODST (2009)
    Set during the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3, ODST follows a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers as they navigate the ruins of New Mombasa. This game offers a different perspective on the war, focusing on the human element rather than the superhuman abilities of the Spartans.

  6. Halo 3 (2007)
    The conclusion to the original trilogy, Halo 3 sees Master Chief and the Arbiter team up to stop the Covenant and the Flood once and for all. The game wraps up the story arcs from the first two games while setting the stage for future installments.

  7. Halo 4 (2012)
    The first game developed by 343 Industries, Halo 4 marks the beginning of the Reclaimer Saga. It explores the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana as they face a new threat: the ancient Forerunners.

  8. Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
    Halo 5 shifts the focus to Spartan Locke, who is tasked with hunting down Master Chief. The game introduces new characters and expands the lore, but it also leaves many questions unanswered, setting up the events of Halo Infinite.

  9. Halo Infinite (2021)
    The latest installment in the series, Halo Infinite serves as a soft reboot, bringing Master Chief back to the forefront. The game introduces an open-world environment and a new enemy, the Banished, while also addressing the fallout from Halo 5.

Release Order: The Classic Experience

For those who want to experience the games as they were originally released, playing in release order is the way to go. This approach allows you to see how the series evolved over time, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling.

  1. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
    Start with the game that defined the first-person shooter genre on consoles. The original Halo introduces you to the world, the characters, and the stakes of the Human-Covenant War.

  2. Halo 2 (2004)
    The sequel builds on the foundation of the first game, introducing dual-wielding, online multiplayer, and a more complex narrative.

  3. Halo 3 (2007)
    The conclusion to the original trilogy, Halo 3 brings the story full circle while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a more polished multiplayer experience.

  4. Halo Wars (2009)
    A departure from the first-person shooter format, Halo Wars offers a different perspective on the Halo universe, focusing on strategy rather than action.

  5. Halo 3: ODST (2009)
    This spin-off provides a more grounded look at the Halo universe, focusing on the human soldiers who fight alongside the Spartans.

  6. Halo: Reach (2010)
    A prequel to the original trilogy, Halo: Reach offers a tragic and emotional story that sets the stage for the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.

  7. Halo 4 (2012)
    The first game in the Reclaimer Saga, Halo 4 introduces new enemies, new characters, and a deeper exploration of the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana.

  8. Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
    Halo 5 shifts the focus to Spartan Locke and introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as squad-based combat.

  9. Halo Infinite (2021)
    The latest installment in the series, Halo Infinite brings Master Chief back to the forefront and introduces an open-world environment.

Thematic Order: A Deeper Dive into the Lore

For those who want to delve deeper into the lore of the Halo universe, playing the games in thematic order can provide a more nuanced understanding of the story. This approach involves grouping the games based on their themes, characters, and narrative arcs.

  1. The Human-Covenant War (Halo Wars, Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 3)
    These games focus on the conflict between humanity and the Covenant, exploring the origins of the war, the fall of Reach, and the eventual defeat of the Covenant.

  2. The Reclaimer Saga (Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, Halo Infinite)
    This trilogy shifts the focus to the Forerunners and the role of humanity as the inheritors of the Mantle of Responsibility. It also delves deeper into the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I play Halo Wars if I’m not a fan of strategy games?
A: While Halo Wars is a departure from the first-person shooter format, it’s still worth playing for its story and lore. If strategy games aren’t your thing, you can always watch the cutscenes on YouTube to get the full experience.

Q: Is Halo: Reach necessary to understand the main story?
A: While Halo: Reach is a prequel, it’s not essential to understanding the main story of the original trilogy. However, it provides valuable context and emotional depth to the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.

Q: Can I skip Halo 5: Guardians?
A: While Halo 5 is often criticized for its story, it’s still an important part of the Reclaimer Saga. Skipping it might leave you confused about certain plot points in Halo Infinite.

Q: What’s the best order for a first-time player?
A: For a first-time player, release order is generally recommended. This allows you to experience the games as they were originally intended and see how the series evolved over time.

Q: Are there any other Halo games or media I should check out?
A: Yes! The Halo universe extends beyond the games, with novels, comics, and even a live-action series (Halo: The Television Series) that provide additional context and backstory. If you’re a fan of the lore, these are definitely worth exploring.