The Halo franchise has been a stalwart of the gaming industry for nearly two decades, with a richly detailed universe, engaging gameplay, and a devoted fan base. However, for new players, jumping into the series can be a daunting task. With numerous titles, spin-offs, and remasters, it’s natural to wonder: which Halo should I play first?
The Importance of Starting at the Beginning
One of the primary advantages of starting with the original Halo: Combat Evolved is that it lays the foundation for the entire franchise. Released in 2001, this game introduced players to the world of Halo, the Master Chief, and the Covenant. By playing the first game, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the universe, its characters, and the events that shape the series.
Moreover, Halo: Combat Evolved has a unique charm that has been preserved through the years. Its slower-paced gameplay, compared to modern FPS titles, allows for a more deliberate and thoughtful playstyle. This makes it an excellent introduction to the franchise, as it provides a chance to absorb the atmosphere and become invested in the story.
The Remastered Experience
In 2011, 343 Industries released Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, a remastered version of the original game. This updated edition features improved graphics, re-mastered audio, and online co-op capabilities. If you’re new to the series, this is an excellent starting point, as it retains the core gameplay and story of the original while providing a more modern gaming experience.
The Alternative: Halo: Reach
However, some fans argue that Halo: Reach is a better starting point for new players. Released in 2010, Reach is a prequel to the original Halo and serves as a more modern introduction to the franchise. This game boasts more refined gameplay mechanics, a more engaging storyline, and a greater variety of multiplayer modes.
Reach’s story is also more accessible to new players, as it takes place before the events of the original Halo. This allows new players to become familiar with the universe and its characters without feeling overwhelmed by the existing lore.
A More Refined Gameplay Experience
One of the significant advantages of Halo: Reach is its refined gameplay mechanics. Built upon the foundations laid by Halo 3, Reach features more fluid movement, refined aiming mechanics, and a greater variety of weapons and vehicles. This makes it an excellent starting point for players who prefer a more modern FPS experience.
The Impact of Halo 4 and Beyond
While Halo 4 marked a significant shift in the franchise’s direction, it’s not necessarily the best starting point for new players. Released in 2012, Halo 4 introduced a new narrative trajectory, which, while engaging, assumes a level of familiarity with the franchise.
Similarly, Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite, the latest installments in the series, are designed with the existing fan base in mind. While they do feature more modern gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals, they rely heavily on the player’s prior knowledge of the franchise.
A Complex and Evolving Storyline
The Halo franchise is renowned for its complex and evolving storyline, which spans multiple games, novels, and other media. With Halo 4 and beyond, the narrative becomes even more intricate, featuring multiple plot threads and character arcs. While this is a boon for longtime fans, it can be overwhelming for new players.
The Verdict: Where to Start Your Halo Journey
So, which Halo should you play first? The answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of gaming experience you’re looking for.
If you prefer a more traditional, slow-paced FPS experience and want to absorb the core story and atmosphere of the franchise, Halo: Combat Evolved (or its Anniversary edition) is the way to go. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the universe and its characters.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern FPS experience with refined gameplay mechanics and a more accessible storyline, Halo: Reach is an excellent starting point. Reach offers a more contemporary take on the Halo formula, making it an ideal introduction to the franchise.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose the game that resonates with you the most. With a richly detailed universe and engaging gameplay, the Halo franchise has something to offer every type of player.
| Halo Game | Release Year | Starting Point? |
|---|---|---|
| Halo: Combat Evolved | 2001 | Yes, for a traditional FPS experience |
| Halo: Reach | 2010 | Yes, for a modern FPS experience |
| Halo 4 | 2012 | No, assumes prior knowledge of the franchise |
| Halo 5: Guardians | 2015 | No, assumes prior knowledge of the franchise |
| Halo Infinite | 2020 | No, assumes prior knowledge of the franchise |
By choosing the right starting point, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned Spartan, ready to take on the challenges of the Halo universe.
What is the best order to play the Halo games in?
The best order to play the Halo games in is the order they were released. This is because each game builds upon the story and gameplay of the previous one, and playing them in release order will provide the most cohesive and enjoyable experience. However, if you’re looking to play the games in chronological order, you can start with Halo: Reach, followed by Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, and finally Halo 5: Guardians.
Playing the games in release order will also allow you to appreciate the improvements and innovations that were made to the series over time. You’ll be able to see how the gameplay mechanics, graphics, and storytelling evolved from one game to the next, which is a big part of the fun of playing a beloved game series.
Is Halo: Combat Evolved still worth playing today?
Halo: Combat Evolved is still absolutely worth playing today. Despite being released in 2001, the game’s engaging storyline, addictive gameplay, and iconic characters continue to hold up well. The game’s influence on the first-person shooter genre is still felt, and it remains a classic of the genre. Additionally, the Anniversary edition, which was released in 2011, updated the game’s graphics and sound design, making it even more enjoyable for modern players.
That being said, it’s worth noting that the game’s gameplay mechanics may feel a bit dated compared to more modern games. The controls can be a bit clunky, and the graphics, even in the Anniversary edition, may not be as crisp as those of newer games. However, the game’s charm and nostalgic value more than make up for any limitations.
Can I skip Halo 2 and still understand the story?
While it’s technically possible to skip Halo 2 and still follow the story, it’s not recommended. Halo 2 is a crucial part of the Halo saga, and it introduces several key characters and plot points that are essential to understanding the rest of the series. The game’s cliffhanger ending, in particular, sets the stage for the events of Halo 3, and skipping it may leave you feeling confused or lost.
That being said, if you’re really not interested in playing Halo 2, you can still follow the story by watching videos or reading summaries of the game’s plot. However, keep in mind that you’ll be missing out on a significant part of the Halo experience, and you may not get the same emotional investment in the characters and story.
Is Halo 4 a good starting point for new players?
Halo 4 can be a good starting point for new players, but it’s not ideal. The game assumes a certain level of familiarity with the Halo universe and its characters, so if you’re new to the series, you may feel a bit lost. Additionally, Halo 4’s story builds heavily on the events of the previous games, so you may not get the full emotional impact of the game’s plot twists and character developments.
That being said, Halo 4 is a great game that introduces several new features and gameplay mechanics to the series. If you’re new to Halo, you may want to start with Halo 4 and then go back and play the earlier games to get a better understanding of the story and characters.
Can I play the Halo games on PC?
Yes, many of the Halo games are available to play on PC. Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which includes Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4, is available on PC via Microsoft Store and Steam. Additionally, Halo: Reach and Halo 5: Guardians are also available on PC as part of the Xbox Game Pass for PC.
It’s worth noting that the PC versions of the Halo games have been optimized to take advantage of the platform’s capabilities, with features like 4K resolution, high frame rates, and customizable graphics settings. If you’re a PC gamer, you can expect a great Halo experience.
Are the Halo games too violent for younger players?
The Halo games are rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means they contain violence, blood, and gore that may not be suitable for younger players. The games do feature frequent gunfire, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat, which can be intense and disturbing to some players.
However, it’s worth noting that the Halo games are not excessively gory or gratuitous, and the violence is typically depicted in a somewhat sanitized way. If you’re a parent or guardian concerned about the content of the games, you may want to review the ESRB ratings and reviews to determine whether they’re suitable for your child.
Do I need to play the Halo games to follow the story of Halo Infinite?
While it’s not necessary to play all of the previous Halo games to follow the story of Halo Infinite, having some familiarity with the Halo universe and its characters will certainly help. Halo Infinite’s story builds upon the events of the previous games, particularly Halo 5: Guardians, so knowing what happened in those games will provide context and depth to the new game’s narrative.
That being said, Halo Infinite’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, with a narrative that stands on its own. If you’re new to the series, you can still enjoy Halo Infinite without feeling lost or confused. However, if you want to get the most out of the game’s story, playing some of the previous games or watching videos that summarize the series’ plot will certainly help.