What Order to Play Halo Games: A Journey Through Time, Space, and Cortana's Glitches

The Halo franchise, developed by Bungie and later 343 Industries, is one of the most iconic and influential series in the history of video games. With a rich lore, memorable characters, and groundbreaking gameplay, Halo has captivated millions of players worldwide. However, with multiple games, spin-offs, and even a few confusing timelines, newcomers often find themselves asking: What order should I play the Halo games in? And while we’re at it, why does Cortana always seem to glitch at the worst possible moments?

In this article, we’ll explore the best order to play the Halo games, whether you’re a lore enthusiast, a casual gamer, or someone who just wants to experience Master Chief’s epic journey. We’ll also dive into some of the quirks and glitches that have become part of the Halo experience, because let’s face it—Cortana’s occasional malfunctions are as much a part of the series as the Warthog.

1. Release Order: The Classic Approach

The most straightforward way to experience the Halo series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows you to witness the evolution of the franchise, from its humble beginnings to its current state as a gaming powerhouse.

Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

The game that started it all. Halo: Combat Evolved introduced players to the mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the enigmatic Covenant, and the iconic Master Chief. Playing this game first gives you a sense of the series’ roots and sets the stage for everything that follows.

Halo 2 (2004)

Halo 2 expanded on the original with a dual narrative, allowing players to experience the story from both the Master Chief’s perspective and that of the Arbiter, a disgraced Covenant Elite. This game also introduced online multiplayer via Xbox Live, revolutionizing the way we play games.

Halo 3 (2007)

The conclusion to the original trilogy, Halo 3 wraps up the story of the Human-Covenant War in an epic fashion. The game’s campaign is a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay, and its multiplayer remains a fan favorite to this day.

Halo 3: ODST (2009)

A spin-off that takes place during the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3, ODST puts you in the boots of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper. This game offers a more grounded, noir-inspired take on the Halo universe, with a focus on exploration and atmosphere.

Halo: Reach (2010)

A prequel to the original trilogy, Halo: Reach tells the tragic story of Noble Team, a group of Spartan-III soldiers fighting a losing battle against the Covenant. This game is often praised for its emotional depth and its portrayal of the fall of Reach.

Halo 4 (2012)

The first Halo game developed by 343 Industries, Halo 4 marks the beginning of the Reclaimer Saga. This game delves deeper into the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana, while introducing new enemies in the form of the Prometheans.

Halo 5: Guardians (2015)

Halo 5 shifts the focus to Spartan Locke, who is tasked with hunting down a rogue Master Chief. The game’s story is divisive among fans, but its multiplayer and Warzone mode are widely regarded as some of the best in the series.

Halo Infinite (2021)

The latest entry in the series, Halo Infinite serves as a soft reboot, bringing the franchise back to its roots with an open-world campaign and a return to classic multiplayer gameplay. It’s a great starting point for new players while still offering plenty of nods to long-time fans.

2. Chronological Order: For the Lore Enthusiasts

If you’re more interested in experiencing the story of the Halo universe in chronological order, you can play the games based on the timeline of events. This approach provides a deeper understanding of the lore, but it may also spoil some surprises if you’re not familiar with the series.

Halo Wars (2009)

Set 20 years before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo Wars is a real-time strategy game that explores the early days of the Human-Covenant War. It’s a great introduction to the universe, but it’s not essential if you’re more interested in the FPS games.

Halo: Reach (2010)

As mentioned earlier, Halo: Reach takes place just before the events of the original trilogy and serves as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved. Playing this game first gives you a sense of the stakes and the sacrifices made by the Spartans.

Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

The original game kicks off the main storyline, introducing players to the Halo ringworld and the Covenant threat.

Halo 2 (2004)

Continuing the story, Halo 2 delves deeper into the Covenant’s internal politics and introduces the Arbiter as a key character.

Halo 3: ODST (2009)

Set during the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3, ODST provides a different perspective on the war, focusing on the struggles of ordinary soldiers.

Halo 3 (2007)

The conclusion to the original trilogy, Halo 3 wraps up the Human-Covenant War and sets the stage for the Reclaimer Saga.

Halo 4 (2012)

Halo 4 picks up four years after the events of Halo 3, with Master Chief and Cortana facing a new threat in the form of the Didact and the Prometheans.

Halo 5: Guardians (2015)

Halo 5 continues the story of the Reclaimer Saga, with a focus on the growing tension between Master Chief and the UNSC.

Halo Infinite (2021)

Set after the events of Halo 5, Halo Infinite brings the story full circle, with Master Chief once again facing off against the Banished, a splinter faction of the Covenant.

3. Thematic Order: For the Emotional Rollercoaster

If you’re looking for a more emotional journey through the Halo series, you can play the games in an order that highlights the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the bond between Master Chief and Cortana.

Halo: Reach (2010)

Start with Halo: Reach to experience the tragic story of Noble Team and the fall of Reach. This game sets the tone for the sacrifices made by the Spartans and the human cost of the war.

Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Next, play Halo: Combat Evolved to see the beginning of Master Chief’s journey and his first encounter with the Halo ringworld.

Halo 2 (2004)

Halo 2 introduces the Arbiter and explores the themes of redemption and loyalty within the Covenant.

Halo 3: ODST (2009)

ODST provides a more personal and grounded perspective on the war, focusing on the struggles of ordinary soldiers.

Halo 3 (2007)

The conclusion to the original trilogy, Halo 3 brings the story of the Human-Covenant War to a close, with Master Chief and Cortana making the ultimate sacrifice.

Halo 4 (2012)

Halo 4 delves deeper into the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana, as they face a new threat and the inevitability of Cortana’s rampancy.

Halo 5: Guardians (2015)

Halo 5 explores the consequences of Cortana’s actions and the growing divide between Master Chief and the UNSC.

Halo Infinite (2021)

Finally, Halo Infinite brings the story full circle, with Master Chief once again fighting to protect humanity and honor Cortana’s legacy.

4. The Glitchy Cortana Experience: For the Memes

Let’s not forget the glitches and quirks that have become part of the Halo experience. From Cortana’s occasional malfunctions to the infamous Warthog flips, these moments have become as much a part of the series as the epic battles and emotional storylines.

Cortana’s Glitches

Cortana, the AI companion to Master Chief, is one of the most beloved characters in the series. However, she’s also known for her occasional glitches, whether it’s her voice cutting out at a crucial moment or her hologram flickering in and out of existence. These glitches have become a running joke among fans, and they add a layer of unpredictability to the games.

Warthog Shenanigans

The Warthog, the iconic vehicle of the Halo series, is known for its versatility and its ability to flip at the most inconvenient times. Whether you’re trying to make a daring escape or just cruising around the map, the Warthog’s physics can lead to some hilarious (and frustrating) moments.

Multiplayer Mayhem

Halo’s multiplayer has always been a breeding ground for glitches and exploits, from the infamous “rocket sword” in Halo 2 to the “super bounce” glitches that allowed players to reach impossible heights. These glitches have become part of the Halo experience, and they add an extra layer of fun (and chaos) to the multiplayer modes.

FAQs

Q: Should I play the Halo games in release order or chronological order?

A: It depends on your preference. Release order allows you to experience the games as they were originally intended, while chronological order provides a deeper understanding of the lore.

Q: Is Halo Wars necessary to understand the main storyline?

A: No, Halo Wars is not essential to understanding the main storyline, but it does provide some interesting background information on the Human-Covenant War.

Q: Why does Cortana glitch so much?

A: Cortana’s glitches are often the result of the game’s AI and physics systems, but they’ve become a beloved part of the Halo experience.

Q: Can I skip Halo 5 and go straight to Halo Infinite?

A: While you can skip Halo 5, it’s recommended to play it to fully understand the story leading up to Halo Infinite.

Q: What’s the best Halo game for multiplayer?

A: Halo 3 and Halo Infinite are widely regarded as having the best multiplayer experiences, but each game has its own unique strengths.

Whether you’re a seasoned Spartan or a newcomer to the series, the Halo games offer something for everyone. From the epic battles to the emotional storylines, and yes, even the glitches, the Halo franchise is a journey worth taking. So grab your controller, hop in a Warthog, and get ready to experience one of the greatest video game series of all time.