Which Halo Should I Play First? A Definitive Guide for New Spartans
The question of where to begin your Halo journey is a common one, fraught with conflicting opinions. The short answer? It depends on what you’re looking for. However, for the absolute best first experience, I recommend starting with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. This version offers the classic gameplay with updated visuals (which you can toggle back to the original if desired) and a story that serves as the perfect entry point into the expansive Halo universe. It introduces you to Master Chief, the Covenant, the Flood, and the fundamental themes that define the series.
Now, let’s dive into the rationale behind this recommendation and explore other viable options, followed by answers to common questions that plague aspiring Spartans.
Why Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary?
- The Foundation: Combat Evolved is the genesis of the Halo saga. It establishes the core lore, introduces the iconic characters, and sets the stage for all subsequent games. Understanding the events of CE is crucial for appreciating the later entries fully.
- Accessibility: While the gameplay may feel a bit dated compared to modern shooters, Combat Evolved’s core mechanics are straightforward and easy to pick up. The Anniversary edition modernizes the visuals and audio, making it more palatable for newcomers without sacrificing the original’s charm.
- Narrative Simplicity: While the Halo universe is complex, Combat Evolved tells a relatively self-contained story. You don’t need prior knowledge to understand the plot, and it provides a solid foundation for understanding the larger narrative arc.
- Iconic Moments: From the Warthog run to the Library, Combat Evolved is packed with memorable moments that have become staples of gaming culture. Experiencing these for the first time is a rite of passage for any Halo fan.
Other Starting Points: Weighing the Options
While I advocate for Combat Evolved Anniversary, other entry points exist, each with its own pros and cons:
- Halo: Reach: Chronologically the first game in the main series timeline, Reach tells the story of Noble Team and the fall of the planet Reach. While it’s a fantastic game with a compelling narrative, it spoils certain plot points from Combat Evolved (particularly the fate of Cortana) and assumes some familiarity with the Halo universe. Playing it first can diminish the impact of those revelations in CE.
- Halo Wars: A real-time strategy game set decades before Combat Evolved. While it provides valuable backstory on the UNSC and Covenant, it’s a different genre altogether and might not appeal to players looking for a first-person shooter experience. Plus, its relevance to the main narrative is less direct than other entries.
- Halo Infinite: Though 343 Industries marketed it as a potential starting point, Halo Infinite directly follows the events of Halo 5: Guardians and relies heavily on established lore. While the gameplay is excellent, the story’s impact will be lessened if you haven’t experienced the previous games.
Considering Release Order vs. Chronological Order
A common debate revolves around whether to play Halo in release order or chronological order. While chronological order (Halo Wars, Reach, CE, etc.) offers a neat timeline, release order is generally recommended for the best narrative experience. Games were designed with the assumption that players had experienced previous entries, and playing them in that order preserves the intended pacing and reveals.
Enhanced Experience: Original Visuals and Co-op
If you choose to play Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, consider trying the game with the original visuals at least for some time. By pressing the tab key on your PC, or pressing the two “view” buttons on your controller for the console version, you can seamlessly switch between the updated and classic graphics. This allows you to appreciate the original artistic vision while still benefiting from the modern enhancements. Moreover, Halo campaigns, especially Combat Evolved, are infinitely more fun when played in co-op mode, allowing you to share the experience with a friend or family member.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Halo 1 campaign worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! While the graphics may show their age (especially in the original version), the gameplay, level design, and story of Halo: Combat Evolved still hold up remarkably well. It’s a classic for a reason.
2. Should I play Halo Reach or Halo 1 first for the best story experience?
Halo: Combat Evolved first. Reach spoils some important plot points and is best appreciated after you’re familiar with the core characters and lore.
3. Is Halo Infinite a good starting point for newcomers?
No, not really. While the gameplay is excellent, Halo Infinite’s story continues directly from previous games, particularly Halo 5: Guardians. It’s best to play previous games or watch plot summaries before jumping into Infinite.
4. Is it better to play Halo in chronological order or release order?
Release order is generally recommended for the best narrative experience. This is because the games were designed with the assumption that players had experienced previous entries.
5. What games to play before Halo Infinite?
At a minimum, Halo 5: Guardians is highly recommended before playing Halo Infinite. To fully appreciate the story, consider playing the main numbered entries (CE, 2, 3, 4, 5) before Infinite.
6. Which Halo has the best story in your opinion?
While subjective, Halo 3: ODST often receives high praise for its unique narrative, atmosphere, and focus on the “boots on the ground” perspective. Halo 2 is also regularly praised for its storyline.
7. What is the hardest Halo campaign to start with?
Halo 2 on Legendary difficulty is notoriously challenging. Starting with it might be frustrating for new players.
8. Why was Halo 1 so popular when it came out?
Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized the first-person shooter genre on consoles. It introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, a compelling story, and state-of-the-art graphics that pushed the Xbox to its limits.
9. Is Halo Infinite hard for beginners to play?
Halo Infinite can be challenging for beginners, but it’s also rewarding. Mastering movement, weapon combos, and teamwork is crucial for success in multiplayer.
10. Can you play Halo campaigns by yourself?
Yes, all main Halo campaigns can be played in single-player. Co-op is optional but highly recommended for added fun.
11. Which Halo has the best multiplayer for a new player?
Halo 3 is often considered a fan favorite for its balanced gameplay, diverse maps, and engaging social experience.
12. Is Halo Infinite worth finishing the campaign for new players?
Yes! Halo Infinite’s campaign is a compelling single-player experience that is fun to play for any newcomers to the series.
13. How old was Master Chief in Halo 1 (Combat Evolved)?
Master Chief was chronologically 41 years old during the events of Halo: Combat Evolved.
14. What company ruined Halo?
It’s unfair to say any single company “ruined” Halo. While 343 Industries has faced criticism for certain design choices, they have also contributed to the franchise with new games and lore.
15. Does Bungie still make money off of Halo?
No, Bungie does not make money off of Halo anymore. Microsoft owns the Halo IP. For those interested in the science behind learning and engagement in games, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best Halo to play first depends on your individual preferences. However, for a balanced and accessible introduction to the Halo universe, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is an excellent starting point. From there, you can explore the other games in release order or delve deeper into the lore through books and other media. Welcome to the Halo universe, Spartan! Your journey has just begun.