Which Halo Should I Start With? A Veteran Spartan’s Guide

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of Halo? Excellent choice, recruit! Welcome to a universe of epic battles, compelling characters, and a story that spans galaxies. But with so many Halo games, where do you even begin? The answer, while seemingly simple, has a few nuances:

For the ultimate beginner, start with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. This is the remastered version of the original game that started it all. It’s the most accessible entry point, offering a classic Halo experience with updated graphics that make it easier on the eyes of modern gamers. It’s a fantastic introduction to the universe, Master Chief, the Covenant, and the core gameplay mechanics.

The Case for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary

• The Foundation: Combat Evolved laid the groundwork for everything Halo is today. You’ll understand the origins of the characters, the war, and the iconic Halo ringworld.
• Updated Visuals: The Anniversary edition gives the original game a much-needed visual facelift. You can even switch between the updated graphics and the classic look with the press of a button!
• Pure Halo: It’s Halo in its purest form. The gameplay is straightforward, the story is engaging, and the level design is memorable.
• Historical Significance: Playing Combat Evolved allows you to appreciate the evolution of the series and understand why it became such a cultural phenomenon.

While some might suggest jumping straight into a later installment, starting with Combat Evolved Anniversary is a great way to understand the gravity of the situation, the importance of key characters like Cortana, and the stakes that are on the line for humanity. You get to experience the story in the order it was written, which is something that any true fan of the series will appreciate.

Alternative Starting Points (And Why They Might Not Be Ideal)

• Halo: The Master Chief Collection: While tempting to get everything in one package, jumping into a random game within the collection without context can be overwhelming. Use it after starting with Combat Evolved Anniversary.
• Halo Infinite: A decent standalone experience, but it follows the events of previous games, particularly Halo 5: Guardians. You’ll miss out on crucial context and character development.
• Halo: Reach: A fantastic game, but a prequel. While chronologically earlier, it spoils some plot points from the original trilogy and isn’t designed to be the first Halo experience.

Important Considerations

• Commitment: The Halo universe is vast. Starting with the first game allows you to gradually become invested in the lore.
• Gameplay Style: If you’re not used to older first-person shooters, Combat Evolved might feel slightly clunky at first. However, it’s a worthwhile adjustment.
• Accessibility: Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is widely available on various platforms, making it easily accessible.

FAQs for New Halo Recruits

H3: 1. Is Halo: Combat Evolved the first Halo game ever made?

Yes, Halo: Combat Evolved was the first game in the series, released in 2001 for the original Xbox. It introduced players to Master Chief and the Halo universe. The Anniversary edition is a remastered version of this original game.

H3: 2. What is the best way to play the Halo games in order?

The generally recommended order is to play them in the order of their release. This gives you a better sense of the story’s unfolding and the evolution of gameplay mechanics. That order would be:

1. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
2. Halo 2: Anniversary
3. Halo 3
4. Halo 3: ODST
5. Halo: Reach
6. Halo 4
7. Halo 5: Guardians
8. Halo Infinite

H3: 3. Do I need to play all the Halo games to understand Halo Infinite?

While you can play Halo Infinite without playing the previous games, you’ll get a much richer experience if you have some familiarity with the lore. Playing at least Halo 4 and Halo 5: Guardians is highly recommended to understand the context and character motivations in Infinite.

H3: 4. Should I play the Halo Wars games?

The Halo Wars games are real-time strategy titles, different from the first-person shooter gameplay of the main series. While they offer valuable lore and backstory, they are not essential for understanding the main storyline. Play them if you enjoy RTS games and want to delve deeper into the Halo universe.

H3: 5. What is Halo: The Master Chief Collection?

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a compilation that includes Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4. It’s a great value if you plan to play through multiple Halo games.

H3: 6. Are Halo 4, Halo 5, and Halo Infinite considered a trilogy?

While originally conceived as the “Reclaimer Trilogy,” Halo 5: Guardians took the story in a different direction, and Halo Infinite serves more as a soft reboot. So no, they don’t function as a complete trilogy in the traditional sense.

H3: 7. What makes Halo: Combat Evolved so popular?

Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized first-person shooters on consoles with its engaging story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and groundbreaking multiplayer. It set the standard for console FPS games and introduced players to an unforgettable universe. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a website with an incredible amount of resources dedicated to the educational value of gaming.

H3: 8. Is Halo a violent game?

Yes, Halo involves combat and shooting, with blood shown when enemies are hit. However, there is generally no graphic dismemberment (except for some Flood enemies). It’s generally considered to be within the PG-13 range.

H3: 9. What difficulty should I start with in Halo?

If you’re new to first-person shooters, start with Normal difficulty. It provides a balanced challenge that allows you to learn the gameplay mechanics and enjoy the story. If you’re an experienced FPS player, you might consider starting on Heroic.

H3: 10. How tall is Master Chief?

Master Chief is approximately 7 feet (2.13 meters) tall and weighs 1,000 pounds (450 kg) in his armor. Without the armor, he stands at 6 feet, 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall and weighs 287 pounds (130 kg).

H3: 11. What’s the difference between the original Halo: Combat Evolved and the Anniversary edition?

The Anniversary edition features updated graphics, improved audio, and the ability to switch between the classic and remastered visuals. The gameplay and story remain the same.

H3: 12. Why did Bungie stop developing Halo games?

Bungie, the original developer of Halo, split from Microsoft to pursue new creative endeavors and maintain more control over their projects.

H3: 13. Is multiplayer an important part of the Halo experience?

Yes! Halo multiplayer is renowned for its competitive and engaging gameplay. While the campaign offers a fantastic story experience, multiplayer provides endless replayability and community interaction.

H3: 14. What is the best Halo game for multiplayer?

Many fans consider Halo 2 and Halo 3 to be the pinnacles of Halo multiplayer. Halo: Reach and Halo Infinite are also highly regarded for their multiplayer experiences.

H3: 15. I am interested in the educational aspects of video games. Is there a good resource I can use to learn more?

The Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org) provides valuable information on the educational potential of video games. It’s an excellent resource for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of games and learning.

Final Thoughts

Starting your Halo journey with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is the best way to fully appreciate the rich universe, characters, and gameplay that have made the series a legend. Once you’ve completed it, continue with the rest of the series in release order to experience the full scope of the Halo saga. Good luck, Spartan! The fight is on!