The Halo series has captivated millions of gamers worldwide with its rich lore, immersive gameplay, and engaging storylines. If you're wondering about the Halo series in order, you're in the right place. This guide will take you through the entire Halo franchise, providing insights into each game, its release dates, and how they fit into the overarching narrative of the Halo universe.
From the iconic "Halo: Combat Evolved" to the latest installments, the series has evolved significantly over the years. With multiple games, novels, comics, and even a television adaptation, the Halo franchise has expanded its universe beyond just video games. Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a long-time fan looking to revisit the storyline, understanding the order of the Halo series is crucial for fully appreciating its depth.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the Halo series in chronological order, provide a brief overview of each title, and highlight important characters and events that shape this iconic universe. So, let’s jump into the world of Halo!
Table of Contents
- Biography of Halo
- Main Halo Series
- Spin-Off Games
- Halo Novels and Comics
- Halo Television Adaptation
- Key Characters in Halo
- Critical Reception of Halo Series
- Conclusion
Biography of Halo
The Halo franchise was created by Bungie and is currently managed by 343 Industries, a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios. The first game, "Halo: Combat Evolved," was released in 2001 as a launch title for the original Xbox. Since then, the series has grown to include various mainline games, spin-offs, novels, and other media.
| Title | Release Date | Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Halo: Combat Evolved | November 15, 2001 | Bungie |
| Halo 2 | November 9, 2004 | Bungie |
| Halo 3 | September 25, 2007 | Bungie |
| Halo 3: ODST | September 22, 2009 | Bungie |
| Halo: Reach | September 14, 2010 | Bungie |
| Halo 4 | November 6, 2012 | 343 Industries |
| Halo: Spartan Assault | July 18, 2013 | 343 Industries |
| Halo: The Master Chief Collection | November 11, 2014 | 343 Industries |
| Halo 5: Guardians | October 27, 2015 | 343 Industries |
| Halo Wars 2 | February 21, 2017 | Creative Assembly |
| Halo Infinite | December 8, 2021 | 343 Industries |
Main Halo Series
1. Halo: Combat Evolved
"Halo: Combat Evolved" was the game that introduced players to the Master Chief and the epic battle against the Covenant. Set in the distant future, players take on the role of Master Chief, a super-soldier tasked with saving humanity from alien threats.
2. Halo 2
Released in 2004, "Halo 2" expanded on the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor and introduced multiplayer modes that became a staple for future titles. The storyline continues the fight against the Covenant and introduces new characters, including the Arbiter.
3. Halo 3
In 2007, "Halo 3" concluded the original trilogy, bringing closure to the fight against the Covenant and the Flood. Players are tasked with stopping the Prophet of Truth and saving humanity from destruction.
4. Halo 3: ODST
Set between the events of "Halo 2" and "Halo 3," "Halo 3: ODST" follows a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers in New Mombasa. The game provides a different perspective on the war against the Covenant.
5. Halo: Reach
As a prequel to "Halo: Combat Evolved," "Halo: Reach" tells the tragic story of Noble Team and the fall of the planet Reach, the last line of defense before the Covenant invades Earth.
6. Halo 4
"Halo 4" marks the beginning of a new saga in the Halo universe, focusing on the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana as they face a new threat known as the Prometheans.
7. Halo 5: Guardians
Released in 2015, "Halo 5: Guardians" introduces new characters and expands the lore further. The game's multiplayer features and storylines continue to engage fans.
8. Halo Infinite
"Halo Infinite," released in 2021, aims to bring back the classic gameplay while introducing new mechanics. The story picks up after the events of "Halo 5," with Master Chief facing off against the Banished.
Spin-Off Games
In addition to the main series, several spin-off games have been released, including:
- Halo Wars - A real-time strategy game set in the Halo universe.
- Halo: Spartan Assault - A twin-stick shooter that expands the lore of the Spartan program.
- Halo: Fireteam Raven - An arcade shooter that allows players to take on the role of Fireteam Raven.
Halo Novels and Comics
The Halo universe has been enriched by various novels and comics that delve deeper into the lore. Some notable titles include:
- Halo: The Fall of Reach - A novel that explores the origins of the Spartan program.
- Halo: First Strike - A story that takes place between "Halo: Combat Evolved" and "Halo 2."
- Halo: Escalation - A comic series that details events after the "Halo 4."
Halo Television Adaptation
The Halo franchise was adapted into a television series that premiered in March 2022. The show aims to introduce the Halo universe to a broader audience, exploring themes and characters from the games while also introducing new storylines.
Key Characters in Halo
Throughout the Halo series, several iconic characters have emerged. Here are a few of the most significant:
- Master Chief (John-117) - The protagonist and a symbol of hope for humanity.
- Cortana - An AI companion to Master Chief, crucial to the series' narrative.
- The Arbiter - A former Covenant elite who becomes a key ally to Master Chief.
- Dr. Halsey - The creator of the Spartan program and a pivotal figure in the Halo lore.
Critical Reception of Halo Series
