The Halo franchise has been captivating gamers since the launch of the Xbox in 2001. ‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ became an instant classic, propelling Xbox into the gaming giant it is today. The game’s massive universe and Master Chief’s intriguing story ignited a passion for more, and the series has continued to expand over the last two decades. While there are over a dozen games in the Halo universe, only five are considered mainline titles. Even if you’re just focusing on the core storyline, the experience is incomplete without venturing beyond the numbered entries.
Halo’s appeal extends far beyond its captivating campaign; its multiplayer aspect is equally compelling. The best Halo games strike a perfect balance between a compelling storyline and engaging multiplayer experiences. The Halo universe boasts a rich lore that spans centuries, offering a deeper understanding of the events and characters beyond just shooting aliens.
Let’s dive into the complete list of Halo games, organized both by release date and chronologically, to guide you through this epic sci-fi journey.
All Halo Games in Release Order
Despite the expansive nature of the franchise, there are only 12 games in the Halo series that fit into the timeline, excluding remakes and remasters. If you want to experience the games in the order they were released, here’s your guide:
* Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
* Halo 2 (2004)
* Halo 3 (2007)
* Halo Wars (2009)
* Halo 3: ODST (2010)
* Halo: Reach (2010)
* Halo 4 (2012)
* Halo: Spartan Assault (2013)
* Halo: Spartan Strike (2015)
* Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
* Halo Wars 2 (2017)
* Halo Infinite (2021)
All Halo Games in Chronological Order
The chronology in Halo is crucial for understanding the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and shifting factions throughout the series. While ‘Halo: Spartan Assault’ and ‘Halo: Spartan Strike’ contribute minimal narrative impact, they introduce essential characters and locations that die-hard fans will appreciate. However, the ‘Halo Wars’ series is crucial for grasping the core plot in later games. For a complete understanding of the Halo universe, playing the games in chronological order, alongside delving into the novels, offers the most comprehensive experience.
* Halo Wars (2531)
* Halo: Reach (2552)
* Halo: Combat Evolved (2552)
* Halo 2 (2552)
* Halo 3: ODST (2552)
* Halo 3 (2552-2553)
* Halo: Spartan Assault (2554)
* Halo 4 (2557)
* Halo: Spartan Strike (2557)
* Halo 5: Guardians (2558)
* Halo Wars 2 (2559)
* Halo Infinite (2560)
Embark on your own Halo journey and experience the captivating storyline and thrilling gameplay of this legendary franchise. Whether you choose to follow the release order or dive deep into the chronological timeline, each game promises an unforgettable experience in the vast and intricate Halo universe.
