Should I Start With Halo 3?: A Veteran’s Perspective

Alright, Spartans, let’s get down to brass tacks. You’re looking at the Halo universe, that sprawling sci-fi epic, and wondering if jumping in with Halo 3 is the right move. The short answer? Probably not. While Halo 3 is a fantastic game and a pivotal point in the series, starting there will likely leave you confused and missing out on crucial context that makes the ending so impactful.

Let me explain why starting at the beginning, with Halo: Combat Evolved, offers the richest experience. But before we dig deep, understand that there’s no ‘wrong’ way to play Halo. The best path depends on what you are looking for, whether it be a fun campaign or learning about the deep lore of the Halo universe.

Why Starting with Halo: Combat Evolved is Recommended

Imagine walking into the third act of a movie. Sure, you might enjoy the explosions and the visual spectacle, but you’ll be scratching your head about the characters, their motivations, and the overall stakes. Halo 3 is the culmination of a story that began with Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s the payoff for years of narrative build-up.

Character Development: You won’t truly understand the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana, or appreciate the significance of the Arbiter’s role, if you haven’t witnessed their journeys from the beginning. Halo: Combat Evolved lays the groundwork for these critical relationships.
Understanding the Lore: The Flood, the Covenant, the Forerunners – these are not just names thrown around in Halo 3. They have complex histories and profound implications. Halo: Combat Evolved introduces these elements in a way that’s easily digestible.
Appreciating the Evolution: Playing the games in order allows you to appreciate how the gameplay, graphics, and storytelling have evolved over the years. Starting with Halo 3 might make the earlier games feel dated by comparison, even though they are classics.
Emotional Impact: The ending of Halo 3 is emotionally charged, especially for those who have followed Master Chief’s journey from the very beginning. You will miss out on the feelings associated with completing the trilogy.

So, while you can technically start with Halo 3, you’ll be robbing yourself of a richer and more meaningful experience. Think of it as trying to solve a complex puzzle without all the pieces. You might be able to force a solution, but it won’t be satisfying.

The Case for Playing in Release Order

Some argue for experiencing the Halo universe in the order the games were released. This approach has merit, as it allows you to experience the story as it unfolded for the original players. Here’s why release order works:

Narrative Surprise: The twists and turns of the Halo storyline are best experienced without prior knowledge. Release order preserves these surprises.
Gameplay Progression: You’ll naturally adapt to the evolving gameplay mechanics of each successive game.
Cultural Context: Playing in release order provides a sense of the cultural impact Halo had on the gaming landscape.

However, release order isn’t without its caveats. Halo Reach and Halo 3: ODST are prequels that expand the Halo universe but can be jarring if played before the core trilogy.

The Hybrid Approach: A Balanced Perspective

Personally, I recommend a hybrid approach. Start with Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3 to get the core story. Then, delve into Halo 3: ODST and Halo Reach to enrich your understanding of the Halo universe. This way, you get the benefits of both chronological and release order.

What about Halo 4 and Beyond?

Halo 4 marks a new trilogy within the Halo saga, and while it does a decent job of introducing newcomers, having a solid foundation in the first three games is still beneficial. You’ll have a greater appreciation for the context of the Human-Covenant War and the threat posed by the Forerunners.

Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite continue this new storyline, but they build upon the events and themes established in Halo 4. So, by the time you reach these games, you’ll be fully immersed in the Halo universe.

Halo and Games-Based Learning

Games like Halo offer unique opportunities for Games Learning Society. They can teach strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Plus, the rich narrative provides a fascinating context for exploring themes of war, sacrifice, and redemption. For more information on the educational potential of gaming, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Halo 3: Still a Great Game

Whether you decide to start with Halo 3 or not, there’s no denying that it’s an outstanding game. Its multiplayer is legendary, its campaign is thrilling, and its forge mode is groundbreaking. So, if you do decide to jump in with Halo 3, don’t let anyone tell you you’re making a mistake. Just know that you’ll be missing out on some crucial context.

However, to truly appreciate the impact of Halo 3, you will want to understand its background.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the Halo universe:

1. Should I play Halo 3 first?

As mentioned, it’s generally better to start with Halo: Combat Evolved for the best story experience, followed by Halo 2 and then Halo 3.

2. Do I need to play Halo 3 before 4?

While Halo 4 starts a new trilogy, understanding the events of the first three games will enhance your experience.

3. Do I have to play Halo 1 and 2 before 3?

For the best story experience, yes. You’ll appreciate the characters, lore, and plot developments much more.

4. Is Halo 3 ODST essential to the story?

Halo 3: ODST is a side story that takes place during the events of Halo 2. It provides additional context but isn’t essential to the main plot.

5. Where does Halo Reach fit into the timeline?

Halo Reach is a prequel that takes place before Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s a great game but can be confusing if played before the main trilogy.

6. What is the correct order to play Halo in?

Chronologically: Halo Wars, Halo Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3: ODST, Halo 3, Halo 4, Halo 5, Halo Wars 2, Halo Infinite. Release Order: Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo Wars, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Reach, Halo 4, Halo 5, Halo Wars 2, Halo Infinite.

7. How long is Halo 3?

The main campaign of Halo 3 takes around 8-9 hours to complete.

8. Is Halo 4 after Halo 3?

Yes, Halo 4 takes place four years after the events of Halo 3.

9. Is Halo 3 the best Halo?

That’s subjective. Some consider Halo 2 or Halo Reach to be superior, while others praise Halo 3‘s multiplayer and campaign.

10. Is Halo 3 violent?

Halo 3 contains sci-fi war violence, but it’s relatively tame compared to other modern shooters.

11. What is the shortest Halo game?

Halo 3: ODST is generally considered the shortest Halo game.

12. Are Halo 3 and ODST the same?

No, Halo 3 features Master Chief as the protagonist, while Halo 3: ODST puts you in the shoes of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper.

13. Did Halo 3 sell well?

Yes, Halo 3 was a massive commercial success, selling millions of copies.

14. How popular is Halo 3?

Halo 3‘s multiplayer remains highly popular, especially within the Master Chief Collection.

15. Which Halo is most popular?

The popularity of Halo titles varies across different metrics, but Halo 2 and Halo: Combat Evolved often top the charts in terms of peak viewership on streaming platforms.

Final Verdict

So, should you start with Halo 3? While it’s tempting to jump straight into the action, starting with Halo: Combat Evolved and playing the games in order will provide the most rewarding and immersive experience. You will have more appreciation for the characters, plot and ending if you play the previous games. You’ll witness the evolution of the Halo universe and understand the significance of each installment. Now go on, Spartan, the Halo universe awaits!

Should I start with Halo 3?