List of All Halo Games in Order of Story Timeline

Gather up Spartans and all the rookies; if your hands are itching to start a war, maybe take it to the Covenant! Read More

All Halo Games in Order of the Lore!

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Why You'll Love It

Apart from the nostalgia, we needed to give you a headstart from the right moment. Halo Wars might not be the first one in Halo Games’ release order, but from the story's perspective, this is the title where it all begins.
Top Features
- You get a team of soldiers and a warship to lead
- It was the fourth title in the chronological release order
- Intense focus on planet defense and tactical decision-making
- Nostalgic Halo experience with early conflicts
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Halo Wars was released in 2009. Its storyline is set in the year 2531, 21 years before the events of the first Halo game released, Halo Combat: Evolved. Ensemble Studios developed the game in partnership with Microsoft Game Studios as its publisher. In this Halo timeline, you are a leader of soldiers aboarded on the warship called Spirit of Fire.

Your goal remains to ensure the genocidal aliens called Covenant never make it to the planet. Once you join the game, your only worry remains: how far you are ready to go to protect the planet?

Why You'll Love It

Halo Reach sets the stage for Halo: Combat Evolved, blending classic charm with groundbreaking graphics that changed an era of gaming. It’s a must-play to experience how Halo bridged early 2000s gaming with the future.
Top Features
- Set during the Fall of Reach
- Revolves around Spartans with special skills
- Refined gameplay mechanics with an attempt at modern graphics
- Extended multiplayer modes and customizations
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The next title in the Halo video game series, Halo Reach, is set in 2552 and follows events a little before the events of Combat Evolved. Originally released in 2010, the game was originally launched for Xbox 360 and is the sixth installment of the series.

In Halo Reach, the only defense between humanity and its extinction remains you and your crew of brave soldiers. Here’s the insider secret, Halo Reach might offer you one of the best fighting games experience in existence thanks to its modern mechanics and graphics.

Fight, protect, and make your way to the glory!

Why You'll Love It

Combat Evolved, the first title in the Halo's chronological order of release, gave us a battle that shaped our future. While graphics might not be its forte if you compare it with modern games, it still remains a classic experience delivering the perfect Halo legend and the nostalgia!
Top Features
- Introduces Master Chief and Cortana
- Groundbreaking FPS that shocked the world
- Set on the mysterious landscape called Halo Ring
- The multiplayer mode defined console FPS
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The first game launched in the Halo game series offered armored vehicles, hovercrafts, aircraft, and tons of other revolutionary experiences for the gaming community of that time. From a radar that can detect enemies to a shield for protection against weapons, there is much to enjoy in the game.

One warning, though: the game is old, so it might not be as visually appealing as the newest Halo games, but for nostalgia or to begin Halo’s journey, it’s the perfect one to start with. By the way, it also remains one of the critically acclaimed games to play from the Halo game series in order. That’s another reason for you to check it out!

Why You'll Love It

Halo 2 paved the way for multiplayer gaming and brought some mind-blowing online features. While, in comparison, modern games have much more to offer, Halo 2 is still an experience that gives you the window to the beginning. Hence, it made our list.
Top Features
- Popular Xbox Live multiplayer known in the series
- Enhanced graphics compared to the first game in release order
- Dives deeper into the Covenant politics
- Comes with an iconic cliffhanger ending
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Among all Halo games in order to explore, Halo 2 changed things. It brought two perspectives to the picture, of the Chief and of the Arbiter. The refined multiplayer mode of the game made Halo 2 a legend in the list of list of Halo games. Something that folks often revisit. And with the release of the E3 mod in 2024 to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the hype just reignited, giving players like you another reason to explore the legendary title.

Why You'll Love It

Halo 3 concludes the thrilling Halo trilogy focused on one of the major wars in the saga. We picked Halo 3 for the list because of its gripping story, legendary multiplayer, and innovative Forge mode. Beyond that, it also delivers an unforgettable experience every gamer should have.
Top Features
- Concludes the trilogy in an epic way
- Introduces the Forge mode to create custom maps
- Comes with multiple expanded multiplayer modes
- Offers ‘Finish the Fight’ theme for enhanced satisfaction
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As for the release sequence, it might be the third game, but the storyline puts it on the fifth position in the list of Halo games in chronological order. Halo 3 hit the market in 2007, wrapping up the initial trilogy. The first-person shooter focused on an interstellar-war set in the 26th century that haunted the minds of its players for a while.

There were not one, but two threatening alien races, Covenant and the Flood. So, take the role of the legendary Halo warrior, Master Chief, and become the hero defending this universe. Some new elements joined the game as well. For instance, the Forge Map Editor, Saveable Gameplay Films, and File Sharing.

Why You'll Love It

ODST takes you away from the main hero. In this one, you’re an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper stuck in the atmospheric tension of Halo’s world. Among Halo games in order of release, Halo 3: ODST was the first major spin-off experiment.
Top Features
- A spin-off of Halo 3
- Play from the POV of a soldier
- Focuses on stealth and survival
- Engaging Firefight Mode for multiplayer gameplay
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ODST remains one of the first Halo games that were considered a spin-off. The game, while set in a world that was familiar, offered a new perspective. It took a darker and more intimate approach set in the noir-themed world where heroic narrative felt like a tale seen from a far.

The chapter gives a deeper interpretation of what it feels like to be one of the soldiers guided by the Chief, making it one of the best action games in the series.

Why You'll Love It

Halo Spartan Assault perfectly catapults the sensitivity of the Human-Sangheili war happening between Halo 3 and Halo 4. We picked it not just because it’s a part of story, but also because it’s an unskippable experience that adds richness to the lore.
Top Features
- Play as Sarah Pamer along with the UNSC
- Covenants are the leading villains
- Compiles multiple quick-action missions
- Playable beyond mobile phones and PCs
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Halo’s chronological order is incomplete without Halo: Spartan Assault set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4. The plot follows the violation of a ceasefire set between Humans and the aliens (Sangheili). Although it wasn’t a mainline Halo entry, it provided a fun and fast-paced experience that allowed players to enjoy smaller-scale battles. A perfect companion for on-the-go action!

Why You'll Love It

Halo 4 is more like an emotional journey of Master Chief driven by the bond he shares with Cortana. We picked the the game as it reflects on the sacrifices that come for anyone playing hero in the most treacherous universe of Halo.
Top Features
- Kicks off the new trilogy
- Introduces Forerunners, a new enemy
- Improved graphics and an emotional storyline
- Expanded multiplayer with Spartan Ops episodic missions
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Halo 4 kickstarted a new trilogy of the franchise that intimately focused on the relationship between Master Chief and Cortana, his AI companion. Some new threats were introduced as well, including Forerunners. In this game, as Master Chief, you are forced to test your limits and join an action that has never been as explosive as in the battle against Prometheans and Covenant forces. The journey pushes you to the test of bravery, loyalty, survival, and sacrifice.

Why You'll Love It

Some games experimented with teamwork and Halo is one of these games. The squad-based gameplay makes it the best co-op in existence, and that is why we picked it, of course apart from it being a part of the story as well.
Top Features
- Offers the POV of two protagonists, Master Chief, and Spartan Locke
- Introduces squad-based gameplay for tactical combat
- Includes expanded multiplayer mode called Warzone
- Received mixed reviews because of the storyline
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Halo 5 follows two main characters from the franchise: Master Chief and newcomer Spartan Locke. This is the first part in the Halo games’ release order that introduced the squad-based gameplay. The game is also known for experimenting with its mechanics and the overall narration. However, there have been mixed reviews with a 84% Metacritic score.

Why You'll Love It

Halo Wars 2 attempts to change the course of the saga, making it more engaging, story-rich, and strategy-driven. Apart from being a part of the story, the game is also a decent choice for its cinematic storytelling paired up with the great graphics.
Top Features
- RTS gameplay for PCs and consoles
- Introduces The Banished and Atriox
- Takes place after Halo 5
- High-quality cinematic scenes enrich the experience
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Halo Wars 2 remains another title in the Halo game order that uses the RTS tactic. The game’s antagonists, The Banished, are there to make the intergalactic struggle more challenging. Their leader, Atriox, has become a considerable threat to the human representatives of the UNSC. It’s now on you to help the UNSC fight this threat.

Set shortly after the events of Halo 5: Guardians, this game intensifies the strategy and expands the storyline. So, do you have what it takes to become the new protector of the realm? Find out for yourself!

It’s time to get into the action….!

From tactical RTS beginnings to the explosive, adrenaline-fueled battles of Halo Infinite, the Halo series has left an undeniable mark on gaming history. Whether you’re a die-hard Spartan or a newcomer just stepping into the fray, playing through these best games in chronological story order is the ultimate way to experience the Halo universe. Each title weaves a unique thread in a larger-than-life tapestry of intergalactic warfare, legendary heroes, and unforgettable lore.

So, are you ready to answer the call, Spartans? Dive in, fight hard, and let the legacy of Halo unfold, one game at a time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release order of the Halo games?
Here’s the list of Halo games in chronological order based on their release schedule!
- Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
- Halo 2 (2004)
- Halo 3 (2007)
- Halo Wars (2009)
- Halo 3: ODST (2009)
- Halo: Reach (2010)
- Halo 4 (2012)
- Halo: Spartan Assault (2013)
- Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
- Halo Wars 2 (2017)
- Halo Infinite (2021)
Which Halo game should I start with?

Starting with Halo Combat Evolved remains the perfect strategy due to two factors: you are introduced to Master Chief, and you get to experience how gamers back then felt at the beginning of this saga!
What is the latest Halo game?

The newest Halo game in the series was Halo Infinite, a title that was released in 2021. The game was praised for its experiment on mechanics and open-world.
What is the best Halo game, according to fans?

Halo 3 is widely regarded as the best Halo game by fans, known for its strong campaign, memorable multiplayer, and impactful conclusion to the original trilogy. Halo: Reach also has a strong following due to its emotional storyline and gameplay.
Do I need to play the Halo games in order to understand the story?

It is not necessary, but playing the game in the right order can give you the exact experience of the storyline, whether from the sequence of the lore or from the sequence of release. For character development, understanding the story in depth and more can be beneficial. However, you can still enjoy individual games without full knowledge of the entire series.
What platforms can I play the Halo games on?

Halo is considered one of the top cross-platform games in existence with its presence available across Xbox, Windows, and even Smartphones.
Are there any upcoming Halo games?

As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding a new Halo game following Halo Infinite. However, future updates and expansions for Halo Infinite are expected as part of ongoing support for the game.
When is the next Halo game coming out?

There are no specifics yet, but there are rumors in the air for a 2026/2028 release of the next Halo game.
What year does Halo take place in?

The timeline of Halo games falls between 2531 to 2559 with several wars taking place in between.

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