Halo Games In Order – What Is The Correct Order Of The Halo Games? If you’re wondering how to experience the entire Halo saga in the right order, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned fan, the best way to play the Halo games depends on whether you want to follow the release order or the chronological order of events within the Halo universe. Trust me, both paths have their perks, and I’ll guide you through them all, step by step.
There’s no need to waste time jumping between games without knowing what’s going on. Let’s break down the chronological order of Halo games and the release order so you can pick the right path for your experience. Ready? Let’s go!
Introduction to the Halo Series
The Halo series is one of the most iconic video game franchises out there. It’s been shaping the world of sci-fi gaming since 2001, and it’s not slowing down. Set in a future where humanity is at war with alien forces, Halo centers around the adventures of Master Chief, a super-soldier tasked with saving humanity from extinction.
But with so many games, spin-offs, and stories in the franchise, it can get a little tricky figuring out the best order to experience them. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry. I’ll take you through each game and its place in the series timeline to ensure you understand the unfolding of this epic saga.
Chronological Order of Halo Games – Halo Games in Order
Here’s the rundown of the Halo games in the exact order they happen in the story. This is the path you should take if you want to experience the timeline as it was intended, from the first battle to the final showdown.
2.1. Halo Wars (2531)
The earliest game in the Halo universe, Halo Wars takes place in the year 2531, well before Master Chief enters the scene. This real-time strategy game focuses on the conflict between humanity and the Covenant, long before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the origins of the human-Covenant war, this is where you start.
2.2. Halo: Reach (2552)
Halo: Reach is set just before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s a heartbreaking and intense story that follows Noble Team as they fight to defend the planet Reach, which ultimately falls to the Covenant. It’s a great starting point, as it sets the tone for the universe while introducing characters who play a big role in the early part of the series.
2.3. Halo: Combat Evolved (2552)
Now we get to the legendary first entry in the series. Halo: Combat Evolved introduces Master Chief and Cortana as they fight to uncover the mysteries of the ring-like structure known as Halo. The battle for humanity’s survival begins here.
2.4. Halo 2 (2552)
Halo 2 picks up right after the events of Halo: Combat Evolved. We get a deeper look at the Covenant and are introduced to new characters, including the Arbiter. It’s one of the most important games in the series, laying the groundwork for Master Chief’s journey and humanity’s ongoing fight against the Covenant.
2.5. Halo 3: ODST (2552)
Set during the events of Halo 2, Halo 3: ODST offers a fresh perspective on the war from the viewpoint of the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers. It’s darker and more atmospheric, giving players a new slice of the Halo universe during the same timeframe.
2.6. Halo 3 (2552–2553)
Now, we reach the climax of the original trilogy. Halo 3 picks up where Halo 2 leaves off, concluding the war with the Covenant and the threat of the Flood. This game is pivotal to the story, as it brings Master Chief’s first major saga to a close.
2.7. Halo: Spartan Assault (2554)
This is a top-down shooter that takes place after the events of Halo 3. It’s not essential to the main plot, but it’s a nice side story for fans who want more content in between the main entries.
2.8. Halo 4 (2557)
Halo 4 marks the start of a new era for Master Chief and the Halo series. Set years after Halo 3, this entry introduces a new enemy faction, the Prometheans, and delves deeper into the mystery of the Forerunners.
2.9. Halo: Spartan Strike (2552–2557)
Much like Spartan Assault, Spartan Strike is another spin-off that occurs during the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4. It’s a top-down shooter that ties into the main series but is mostly optional for those wanting extra gameplay.
2.10. Halo 5: Guardians (2558)
Halo 5: Guardians takes place a few years after Halo 4 and follows a new storyline with Master Chief and the introduction of the character Locke. The game dives into a new conflict surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Master Chief.
2.11. Halo Wars 2 (2559)
Halo Wars 2 is set years after Halo 5 and introduces a new threat in the form of the Banished. It’s a real-time strategy game that lets you control armies in epic battles.
2.12. Halo Infinite (2560)
The latest game in the series, Halo Infinite, takes place right after the events of Halo 5: Guardians. It brings back Master Chief and offers an open-world experience for the first time, blending new and familiar elements. This is the most current chapter in the saga and sets the stage for future stories.
Release Order of Halo Games – Halo Games In Order
While playing in chronological order offers a clear narrative, you might also want to know the release order of the Halo games. Playing in release order allows you to experience the series the way it was originally presented to fans. Let’s take a look at how the Halo games were released over the years.
3.1. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Released in 2001, Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized gaming, especially with its groundbreaking multiplayer modes. This game introduced players to Master Chief, Cortana, and the iconic Halo ring, and it set the tone for the future of the series.
3.2. Halo 2 (2004)
Released in 2004, Halo 2 took everything that made the original game great and improved upon it. It introduced online multiplayer via Xbox Live and expanded the story with a deeper look at the Covenant. Halo 2’s cliffhanger ending left fans eagerly anticipating the next game.
3.3. Halo 3 (2007)
Halo 3, released in 2007, wrapped up the original trilogy and became one of the best-selling games of its time. It also refined the multiplayer experience and is still remembered for its robust online play and its impact on competitive gaming.
3.4. Halo Wars (2009)
A departure from the traditional FPS genre, Halo Wars was a real-time strategy game released in 2009. Although it didn’t follow the main FPS gameplay style, it was a hit with fans who loved the Halo universe and wanted to experience it in a new way.
3.5. Halo 3: ODST (2009)
Also released in 2009, Halo 3: ODST gave players a new perspective by putting them in the shoes of an ODST soldier rather than Master Chief. It was a fresh approach that explored the emotional side of the war and delivered a gritty, narrative-driven experience.
3.6. Halo: Reach (2010)
Halo: Reach, released in 2010, is one of the most beloved entries in the series. It served as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved and gave players the chance to experience the fall of the planet Reach—one of the most emotional moments in the franchise.
3.7. Halo 4 (2012)
In 2012, 343 Industries took over the Halo franchise with Halo 4. It introduced a new chapter in the story with the rise of the Prometheans, a race of ancient machines, and set the stage for the Reclaimer Saga, which continues in later games.
3.8. Halo: Spartan Assault (2013)
Released as a top-down shooter in 2013, Halo: Spartan Assault is a spin-off set between Halo 3 and Halo 4. Though not a mainline entry, it provided new insights into the Spartan program and helped flesh out the Halo universe.
3.9. Halo: Spartan Strike (2015)
Released in 2015, Halo: Spartan Strike is another spin-off that continues the story between Halo 3 and Halo 4. It adds another layer of detail to the Halo universe, focusing on different perspectives of the ongoing war against the Covenant.
3.10. Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
Halo 5: Guardians, released in 2015, saw a shift in focus with two protagonists—Master Chief and Spartan Locke. The game deepens the lore of the Halo universe and introduces new challenges for the characters. Its online multiplayer modes were also a huge draw for fans.
3.11. Halo Wars 2 (2017)
Halo Wars 2 was released in 2017 and expanded on the Halo universe with its strategic RTS gameplay. The introduction of the Banished faction gave a fresh twist to the Halo storyline, and the game was a welcome addition for strategy fans.
3.12. Halo Infinite (2021)
Finally, Halo Infinite was released in 2021, taking the franchise to new heights. The open-world gameplay, stunning visuals, and emotional story made it one of the most anticipated games in the series. It also marked the return of Master Chief in a big way, setting up future chapters in the saga.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the sequence in which they were launched:
Game | Release Year |
Halo: Combat Evolved | 2001 |
Halo 2 | 2004 |
Halo 3 | 2007 |
Halo Wars | 2009 |
Halo 3: ODST | 2009 |
Halo: Reach | 2010 |
Halo 4 | 2012 |
Halo: Spartan Assault | 2013 |
Halo: Spartan Strike | 2015 |
Halo 5: Guardians | 2015 |
Halo Wars 2 | 2017 |
Halo Infinite | 2021 |
Alternate Viewing/Playing Orders
Release Order vs. Story Order
Now, you might be wondering whether you should play in release order or chronological order. Both have their merits, but it really depends on your preference. If you want to experience the story as it unfolded for players, starting with Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001, then release order is for you. However, if you’re more interested in following the story from a narrative perspective, chronological order will allow you to go through the events in the order they happened in the Halo universe. It all boils down to how you like to experience a story—whether through the lens of the players or the timeline of events.
Why Play in Chronological Order?
Playing in chronological order allows you to witness the evolution of the Halo universe. It’s like watching a series in the right order—everything builds up and connects in a way that makes sense. However, you may find that certain gameplay mechanics evolve as you move through the series, which can be jarring if you’re playing through the timeline out of release order.
How to Play the Halo Games in Chronological Order
If you want to experience the Halo saga in the most logical sequence, following the chronological order is the best way to go. To do this, you’ll start with the earliest game in the timeline, Halo Wars (2531), and move forward from there. This allows you to fully understand the history of the universe, including the rise of the Covenant, the creation of the Spartans, and Master Chief’s evolution as the iconic hero we know today. Here’s a quick guide to playing in chronological order:
- Halo Wars (2531) – The first battle of the war, featuring the early days of the Covenant.
- Halo: Reach (2552) – Set shortly before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2552) – The game that started it all.
- Halo 2 (2552) – Master Chief continues his fight against the Covenant.
- Halo 3: ODST (2552) – A unique story told from the perspective of a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.
- Halo 3 (2552–2553) – The culmination of Master Chief’s fight against the Covenant.
- Halo: Spartan Assault (2554) – Set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4.
- Halo: Spartan Strike (2552–2557) – A spin-off that ties into the main series’ storyline.
- Halo 4 (2557) – Introducing a new threat with the Prometheans.
- Halo 5: Guardians (2558) – Master Chief goes rogue, and a new mystery unfolds.
- Halo Wars 2 (2559) – Expanding the battle with the Banished faction.
- Halo Infinite (2560) – The latest chapter in Master Chief’s saga, facing new challenges.
By playing in this order, you can truly immerse yourself in the series and see the story unfold as it was meant to be experienced. Each game builds on the one before it, making the storyline even more powerful.
To get started with the Halo series, just pick up from Halo Wars and follow the chronological order. Whether you play them on Xbox, PC, or via cloud gaming, there’s an option for you. Take your time with each title and enjoy the journey—it’s one epic ride across the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions – Halo Games In Order
What is the best order to play the Halo games?
The best order depends on your preference. If you want to follow the story closely, play the games in chronological order. But if you want to experience them as they were released, go with the release order.
Are the Halo spin-off games essential to the main storyline?
Not necessarily. While spin-offs like Halo: Spartan Assault and Halo Wars provide additional context and gameplay, they aren’t essential for understanding the main plot of the series.
Which Halo games are available on PC?
Most of the Halo games are now available on PC, including Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo: Reach, Halo 4, Halo 5, and Halo Infinite.
Do I need to play the Halo games in order to understand the story?
If you want to get the full story, playing in chronological order is recommended. However, each game can stand on its own to some extent.
Conclusion
So, what is the correct order of Halo games? Whether you play them in chronological order or release order, both offer unique ways to experience the epic saga. Suppose you’re keen on understanding the detailed history of the Halo universe. In that case, chronological order will guide you through every twist and turn, from the fall of Reach to Master Chief’s latest battle in Halo Infinite.
If you’re just diving into the series, don’t stress too much about the order—you’ll still enjoy the action-packed gameplay and gripping storyline. But for those who want the complete experience, following the timeline is the way to go. Grab your energy sword, and let’s get playing!