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 the gaming world. With its rich lore, compelling characters, and groundbreaking gameplay, it’s no wonder that fans often debate the best order to play the games. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran looking to revisit the series, the order in which you experience the Halo games can significantly impact your understanding and enjoyment of the story. Let’s dive into the various ways you can approach this legendary franchise, and maybe even throw in a few glitches from Cortana’s memory banks for good measure.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
Playing the Halo games in the order they were released is the most straightforward method. This approach allows you to experience the series as it evolved over time, both in terms of gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): The game that started it all. As Master Chief, you’ll battle the Covenant on the mysterious ringworld known as Halo. The story is simple yet effective, introducing players to the universe and its key characters.
- Halo 2 (2004): This sequel expands the story, introducing the Arbiter and delving deeper into the Covenant’s internal conflicts. The game also ends on a cliffhanger, leaving players eager for more.
- Halo 3 (2007): The epic conclusion to the original trilogy. Halo 3 ties up loose ends and delivers a satisfying finale to the Human-Covenant War.
- Halo 3: ODST (2009): A spin-off that focuses on a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers during the events of Halo 2. It offers a more grounded, human perspective on the war.
- Halo: Reach (2010): A prequel to the original trilogy, Reach tells the tragic story of Noble Team and the fall of the planet Reach. It’s a great way to cap off the Bungie era of Halo.
- Halo 4 (2012): The first game developed by 343 Industries, Halo 4 introduces the Forerunners and delves into the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana.
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015): This game shifts focus to Spartan Locke and his hunt for Master Chief. It’s a divisive entry, but it sets up important plot points for the future.
- Halo Infinite (2021): The latest installment, Infinite serves as a soft reboot for the series, bringing the focus back to Master Chief and his fight against the Banished.
2. Chronological Order: For the Lore Enthusiasts
If you’re a stickler for chronological storytelling, playing the games in the order of their in-universe events might be more your speed. This approach can provide a deeper understanding of the Halo timeline, but it may also spoil some surprises.
- Halo: Reach (2010): Set before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, Reach chronicles the fall of humanity’s most important military stronghold.
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): The story picks up with Master Chief’s discovery of the first Halo ring.
- Halo 2 (2004): The conflict escalates as the Covenant and humanity clash over the fate of the Halo rings.
- Halo 3: ODST (2009): This game takes place during the events of Halo 2, offering a parallel storyline.
- Halo 3 (2007): The Human-Covenant War reaches its climax.
- Halo 4 (2012): Set four years after Halo 3, this game introduces the Forerunners and explores Cortana’s deteriorating state.
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015): The hunt for Master Chief begins, with Spartan Locke taking center stage.
- Halo Infinite (2021): The latest chapter in the saga, set on the mysterious Zeta Halo.
3. Thematic Order: A Curated Experience
For those who want to focus on specific themes or characters, a thematic playthrough might be the way to go. This approach allows you to tailor your experience to your interests.
- Master Chief’s Journey: Play the mainline games (Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, Halo 5, and Halo Infinite) to follow the iconic hero’s story from start to finish.
- The Human Perspective: Focus on games like Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST, which highlight the struggles of ordinary soldiers in the Halo universe.
- The Forerunner Saga: Dive into Halo 4 and Halo Infinite to explore the mysteries of the Forerunners and their ancient technology.
4. Multiplayer-Focused Order: For the Competitive Spirit
If you’re more interested in Halo’s legendary multiplayer than its story, you might want to prioritize the games with the most active or beloved multiplayer modes.
- Halo 2: Often considered the pinnacle of Halo multiplayer, Halo 2 introduced online play to the series and set the standard for future games.
- Halo 3: With its robust matchmaking and custom game options, Halo 3 remains a fan favorite.
- Halo: Reach: Known for its innovative armor abilities and Forge mode, Reach offers a unique multiplayer experience.
- Halo Infinite: The latest entry features a free-to-play multiplayer mode with regular updates and a focus on community-driven content.
5. The Glitchy Cortana Order: For the Brave and the Bold
For those who enjoy a bit of chaos, why not play the games in an order dictated by Cortana’s glitches? Imagine jumping between timelines and perspectives as if you’re experiencing the story through her fragmented memory.
- Start with Halo 4, where Cortana’s rampancy is a central plot point.
- Jump back to Halo: Combat Evolved to see her in her prime.
- Skip ahead to Halo Infinite for a glimpse of her potential future.
- Then dive into Halo 2 and Halo 3 to relive her pivotal moments with Master Chief.
- Finish with Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST to explore the human side of the story.
FAQs
Q: Should I play the Halo games in release order or chronological order? A: It depends on your preference. Release order is great for experiencing the series as it evolved, while chronological order provides a deeper understanding of the lore.
Q: Are the Halo spin-offs necessary to understand the main story? A: Not necessarily, but games like Halo: Reach and Halo 3: ODST add valuable context and depth to the universe.
Q: Which Halo game has the best multiplayer? A: This is subjective, but many fans consider Halo 2 and Halo 3 to be the gold standard for multiplayer.
Q: Can I skip Halo 5: Guardians? A: While Halo 5 is divisive, it sets up important plot points for Halo Infinite. If you’re invested in the story, it’s worth playing.
Q: What’s the best way to experience Halo’s story for the first time? A: We recommend starting with Halo: Combat Evolved and playing through the mainline games in release order. This will give you the most authentic experience.
No matter which order you choose, the Halo series offers a rich and immersive experience that has captivated gamers for over two decades. Whether you’re here for the story, the multiplayer, or just to see how many times Cortana can glitch out, there’s something for everyone in this legendary franchise.