If you're new to the series, you should start with either Halo: Combat Evolved or Halo: Reach, depending on whether you prefer to follow the games by their original release order or their in-universe chronological order.
Deciding Your Starting Point
The best first Halo game depends on the experience you're looking for. There are two primary schools of thought for beginning your journey into the iconic sci-fi universe.
Option 1: Start with Halo: Combat Evolved (Release Order)
Halo: Combat Evolved is the original game in the series, first released in 2001. This is often considered the traditional starting point for many reasons:
- Foundational Experience: You'll experience the story, characters, and gameplay mechanics exactly as players did when the franchise first launched.
- Narrative Introduction: It introduces Master Chief, Cortana, and the core conflict of the Human-Covenant War, setting the stage for all subsequent games.
- Franchise Evolution: Starting with Combat Evolved allows you to appreciate the technological and narrative advancements throughout the series as they were released.
This approach is ideal if you want to understand the evolution of the Halo universe and its gameplay mechanics, much like how long-time fans experienced it.
Option 2: Start with Halo: Reach (Chronological Order)
Halo: Reach is a prequel that depicts events immediately leading up to Halo: Combat Evolved. While released much later (in 2010), it is the first full-fledged first-person shooter (FPS) game in the series chronologically.
- Prequel Context: Reach provides significant context for the universe's state at the beginning of Combat Evolved, particularly regarding the fall of a crucial human stronghold.
- Emotional Connection: Its story focuses on a different group of Spartans, offering a powerful and often tragic narrative that can deepen your appreciation for the broader conflict.
- Modern Gameplay: As a more recent title, Reach offers refined gameplay mechanics and graphics compared to the original, which might feel more accessible to new players accustomed to modern shooters.
Choosing Reach first is great if you prefer to experience the story in its timeline order and appreciate starting with a more modern gameplay feel.
Comparison of Starting Points
To help you decide, here's a quick comparison of the two recommended starting points:
| Approach | Starting Game | Why Choose This? | Experience You'll Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Order | Halo: Combat Evolved | You want to experience the series as it was originally released and see its evolution. | Introduces the universe, Master Chief, and core gameplay as originally intended. Best for appreciating the franchise's history. |
| Chronological | Halo: Reach | You prefer to follow the story timeline from its earliest point and start with more modern gameplay. | Provides a crucial prequel story, setting the stage for Combat Evolved. Offers a deeper emotional connection to the events preceding the main saga. |
Ultimately, both are valid and excellent ways to begin your journey into the Halo universe. Choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for story order and gameplay experience.
