The Halo franchise is one of the most celebrated and influential first-person shooter series in gaming history. With its compelling narrative, iconic characters, and groundbreaking gameplay, Halo has left a lasting impression on both fans and the gaming industry. Understanding the correct chronological and release order of the Halo games is crucial for anyone looking to delve into the lore or simply experience the series in a coherent manner. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the correct order of the Halo games, detailing both the release order and the chronological order, as well as a brief overview of each game’s story and significance.
Table of Contents
Halo Games in Chronological Order
For those who prefer to experience the Halo story in the order that events unfold within the universe, the chronological order is the best way to play the series. This sequence follows the timeline of the Halo universe rather than the release dates of the games. Here’s the chronological order of the Halo games:
1. Halo Wars (2009)
Set in the year 2531, Halo Wars serves as a prequel to the main series and provides insight into the early conflict between the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) and the Covenant. The game introduces players to the Spirit of Fire, a UNSC ship commanded by Captain James Cutter. The events of this game establish the foundation for the Covenant’s search for ancient Forerunner artifacts, a central theme throughout the series.
2. Halo: Reach (2010)
Halo: Reach takes place in 2552, just before the events of the original Halo: Combat Evolved. It follows the story of Noble Team, a group of Spartan soldiers defending the planet Reach from a massive Covenant invasion. The game ends with a bittersweet conclusion, leading directly into the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.
3. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
The game that started it all, Halo: Combat Evolved is set in 2552. It follows the journey of the Master Chief, Spartan-117, and his AI companion, Cortana, as they battle the Covenant and discover the mysterious Halo ringworld. This game introduces key elements such as the Flood, the Forerunners, and the central conflict between the UNSC and Covenant.
4. Halo 2 (2004)
Halo 2 picks up shortly after the events of Combat Evolved, with Master Chief returning to Earth to defend against a Covenant invasion. The story is split between the perspectives of Master Chief and the Arbiter, a disgraced Covenant Elite. The game further explores the political and religious aspects of the Covenant and ends with a cliffhanger, setting up the events of Halo 3.
5. Halo 3: ODST (2009)
Set during the events of Halo 2, Halo 3: ODST provides a unique perspective by following a squad of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST) as they navigate the Covenant-occupied city of New Mombasa. The game focuses on a smaller, more personal story and offers a distinct gameplay experience compared to other Halo titles.
6. Halo 3 (2007)
The story of Halo 3 concludes the original trilogy, with Master Chief and the Arbiter joining forces to stop the Covenant and the Flood from activating the Halo rings. Set in 2552, this game brings closure to many of the narrative threads established in the previous titles.
7. Halo 4 (2012)
Set four years after the events of Halo 3, Halo 4 marks the beginning of the Reclaimer Saga. Master Chief and Cortana face a new threat in the form of the Prometheans, ancient warriors created by the Forerunners. The game delves into Cortana’s deteriorating state and the complex relationship between humanity and its ancient predecessors.
8. Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
Halo 5: Guardians follows the events of Halo 4, with the storyline focusing on the search for Master Chief and the rise of the AI known as Cortana, who seeks to enforce her vision of the galaxy. The game introduces new characters, including Spartan Locke, and explores the ethical dilemmas of AI and control.
9. Halo Wars 2 (2017)
Taking place in 2559, Halo Wars 2 reintroduces the crew of the Spirit of Fire as they awaken from cryo-sleep and face a new enemy: the Banished. This game serves as a prequel to the events of Halo Infinite and sets the stage for the next chapter of the Halo story.
10. Halo Infinite (2021)
Set in 2560, Halo Infinite is the latest entry in the series and continues the story of Master Chief after the events of Halo 5. The game introduces a new open-world structure and delves into the conflict with the Banished, the fate of Cortana, and the legacy of the Forerunners.
Halo Games in Release Order
If you want to experience the series as it was released to the public, then the release order is the best approach. This method allows you to witness the evolution of gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling techniques over time. Below is the release order of the Halo games:
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Halo 2 (2004)
- Halo 3 (2007)
- Halo Wars (2009)
- Halo 3: ODST (2009)
- Halo: Reach (2010)
- Halo 4 (2012)
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
- Halo Wars 2 (2017)
- Halo Infinite (2021)
What Makes Each Halo Game Unique?
Halo: Combat Evolved
This game revolutionized first-person shooters on consoles, setting a new standard for gameplay mechanics, AI, and level design. Its introduction of vehicular combat and split-screen multiplayer made it a landmark title in the genre.
Halo 2
Known for its groundbreaking multiplayer system and matchmaking, Halo 2 was a significant leap forward. Its dual-wielding mechanics, improved graphics, and intricate storyline cemented its place in gaming history.
Halo 3
Halo 3 wrapped up the original trilogy with refined gameplay, stunning graphics for its time, and an epic conclusion to the story of Master Chief. The addition of Forge mode allowed players to create custom maps and modes, fostering a strong community.
Halo Wars
Halo Wars brought real-time strategy to the Halo universe, offering a fresh perspective on the ongoing conflict. It was praised for its accessibility and for staying true to the franchise’s lore.
Halo: Reach
With a focus on the human cost of the war, Halo: Reach offered a tragic and gripping narrative. Its introduction of armor abilities and firefight mode provided new layers of depth to the gameplay.
Halo 4 and 5
The start of the Reclaimer Saga, Halo 4 focused on Master Chief’s personal journey and introduced new enemies and technology. Halo 5, on the other hand, expanded the scope of the story but received mixed reactions for its narrative choices.
Halo Infinite
The latest installment, Halo Infinite, takes a semi-open world approach and focuses on exploration and freedom. Its narrative aims to bridge the gap between the old and new storylines, providing a fresh yet familiar experience.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to experience the Halo series in chronological or release order, each game offers a unique experience that contributes to the larger narrative. The correct order ultimately depends on how you want to immerse yourself in the Halo universe, whether that be through the eyes of history or by witnessing the evolution of the franchise.
