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 the gaming world. With its rich lore, memorable 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 of the story and your overall enjoyment. Let’s dive into the various ways you can approach this legendary franchise.


1. Release Order: The Classic Approach

The most straightforward way to experience the Halo series is by playing the games in the order they were released. This method allows you to witness the evolution of the franchise, both in terms of storytelling and gameplay mechanics.

  • 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 Master Chief, Cortana, and the Covenant.
  • Halo 2 (2004): This sequel expands the universe, introduces dual-wielding, and delves deeper into the Covenant’s perspective.
  • Halo 3 (2007): The epic conclusion to the original trilogy, wrapping up the Human-Covenant War.
  • Halo 3: ODST (2009): A spin-off that offers a unique perspective on the events of Halo 2 and 3.
  • Halo: Reach (2010): A prequel to the original trilogy, focusing on the fall of Reach and the Noble Team.
  • Halo 4 (2012): The start of the Reclaimer Saga, introducing new enemies and deeper character development for Master Chief and Cortana.
  • Halo 5: Guardians (2015): A divisive entry that shifts focus to Spartan Locke and the hunt for Master Chief.
  • Halo Infinite (2021): The latest installment, returning to a more open-world format and continuing Master Chief’s story.

Pros: You experience the games as they were intended, with each entry building on the last.
Cons: The prequels (like Reach) might feel out of place if you’re strictly following the timeline.


2. Chronological Order: For the Lore Enthusiasts

If you’re a stickler for narrative continuity, playing the games in chronological order might be your preferred method. This approach follows the timeline of the Halo universe, starting with the earliest events and moving forward.

  • Halo Wars (2009): Set in 2531, this real-time strategy game introduces the Human-Covenant War.
  • Halo: Reach (2010): Takes place in 2552, depicting the fall of Reach.
  • Halo: Combat Evolved (2001): The first game in the series, set shortly after Reach.
  • Halo 2 (2004): Continues the story of Master Chief and the Covenant.
  • Halo 3: ODST (2009): Set during the events of Halo 2.
  • Halo 3 (2007): The conclusion of the original trilogy.
  • Halo 4 (2012): Begins the Reclaimer Saga.
  • Halo 5: Guardians (2015): Continues the story of Master Chief and Cortana.
  • Halo Infinite (2021): The latest chapter in the saga.

Pros: You get a seamless narrative experience, with events unfolding in the order they occurred in the Halo universe.
Cons: The gameplay and graphics evolve significantly over time, which might feel jarring when jumping between older and newer titles.


3. Thematic Order: Focusing on Master Chief

For those who want to focus on the journey of Master Chief, you can streamline your playthrough by sticking to the mainline games that feature him as the protagonist.

  • Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
  • Halo 2 (2004)
  • Halo 3 (2007)
  • Halo 4 (2012)
  • Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
  • Halo Infinite (2021)

Pros: A tighter, more focused experience centered on Master Chief’s story.
Cons: You miss out on spin-offs like ODST and Reach, which add depth to the universe.


4. The “Cortana’s Glitches” Order: A Chaotic Yet Fun Approach

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not play the games in a completely random order? This method mimics the fragmented memories of Cortana as she struggles with rampancy. Start with Halo 4, jump to Reach, then go back to Combat Evolved, and so on. It’s a chaotic way to experience the series, but it might give you a unique perspective on the story.

Pros: A fresh and unpredictable way to experience the franchise.
Cons: The narrative will be incredibly confusing, and you might miss key plot points.


5. The Multiplayer-First Order: For the Competitive Gamer

If you’re more interested in Halo’s legendary multiplayer than its story, you might want to start with the games that have the most active online communities. Halo Infinite, Halo 3, and Halo: Reach are excellent choices for this approach.

Pros: You get to experience the best of Halo’s multiplayer right away.
Cons: You’ll miss out on the rich narrative that makes the series so beloved.


6. The “I Only Have Time for One Game” Order

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the essence of Halo, play Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s the foundation of the series and provides a complete story arc. Alternatively, Halo Infinite offers a modern take on the franchise with its open-world design.

Pros: You get a taste of Halo without committing to the entire series.
Cons: You’ll miss out on the broader universe and character development.


FAQs

Q: Should I play Halo Wars if I’m not into strategy games?
A: While Halo Wars is a great addition to the lore, it’s not essential if you’re not a fan of RTS games. You can watch a summary of the story online.

Q: Is Halo 5 necessary before playing Halo Infinite?
A: Halo Infinite does a decent job of summarizing the events of Halo 5, so you can skip it if you’re pressed for time. However, playing Halo 5 will give you more context.

Q: What’s the best way to experience the Forerunner lore?
A: Play Halo 4 and read the Forerunner Saga novels by Greg Bear for a deeper understanding of this ancient civilization.

Q: Can I play Halo Infinite as my first Halo game?
A: Yes, Halo Infinite is designed to be accessible to newcomers, though you’ll appreciate it more if you’ve played the previous games.


No matter which order you choose, the Halo series offers an unforgettable journey through a richly detailed universe. Whether you’re here for the story, the multiplayer, or just to see what all the fuss is about, there’s a Halo experience waiting for you.