Ever since 2001, sci-fi and first-person-shooter games were forever changed with the release of Halo: Combat Evolved. This game was the beginning of an intergalactic franchise, Halo, which has since spanned other games, a TV show, books, and comics. The popularity of the Halo series knows no limits, with the iconic mascot character, Master Chief, even guest starring in other popular games like Fortnite.
With games being the central way for audiences to experience the Halo franchise, there is an abundance of them. Each of the Halo games has something distinct and new to offer players, but only some Halo games have the most replay value.
8 Halo 3: ODST
With cool one-liners and plenty of explosive and action-packed cutscenes, Halo delivers a great experience for many gamers to enjoy. However, Halo 3: ODST does something unique. The game is a far somber installment, featuring a new cast of characters. Players are the Rookie, instead of Master Chief. Rain falls aplenty, as does the beautiful soundtrack of smooth jazz.
The pacing is far different from other Halo games and has the player go through flashbacks and memories of their teammates, to find their current location. The replay value comes from both the co-op experience and the subtle details that can be missed upon the first playthrough.
7 Halo Wars
For the first time in the franchise’s history, Halo becomes a real-time strategy game. This game, set in the Halo Universe, begins in the year 2531, 21 years before the original Halo game, Halo: Combat Evolved. Players must command the armies of UNSC units during the first encounters against the Covenant, a collection of alien races that seek the eradication of humanity.
With the guidance of the Al Serina, players can lead UNSC soldiers and vehicles against Covenant foes. This real-time strategy game is a lot of fun for fans of the genre, and those familiar with Halo lore and characters. The replayability comes from the many ways to strategize.
6 Halo 2
As a sequel to the original, Halo 2 was released 3 years after the original. The game had a lot of anticipation upon its release, considering it was going to be a follow-up to one of the most popular and highly received sci-fi shooters of all time. The game certainly delivered, with bigger locations, exhilarating combat, and a richer story.
There’s a lot of fun in replaying Halo 2, due to the many weapons in the game. Players may find themselves experiencing different runs of levels depending on what guns they picked up. The change of difficulty makes for a new experience each time.
5 Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is the 6th mainline game in the Halo franchise. Halo Infinite follows Master Chief once more. The game is somewhat of a “spiritual reboot”, as the franchise returns to the Halo rings, whilst also wrapping up story threads from previous games. Players must fill the shoes of Master Chief once more, and stop the Banished from gaining control of the Ring, whilst learning the mysteries surrounding Cortana’s ultimate fate.
There’s a lot of innovation and care in Halo Infinite. The gameplay has been fleshed-out to a great degree, and the campaign is set in a sandbox. There’s a lot of fun to be had in the endless content of multiplayer, which has seasonal content and new maps.
4 Halo: Reach
After the events of Halo 3, fans would have to wait a little longer to continue Master Chief’s story. Halo: Reach took place directly before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, and told the emotional story of the fall of Reach. The game follows the story of the Noble Team, a close group of SPARTAN characters, with distinct personalities and driving forces, relatable through their love of the nation and their team.
Although many of the Halo games feature co-op and a high level of emotion, Halo: Reach certainly takes the cake for being the most emotionally rich story. The characters are adored, and losing them every time never gets easier with each exciting playthrough.
3 Halo 3
When Bungie developed Halo: Combat Evolved, they envisioned a conclusion to their story of Master Chief. Halo 3 seeks to close the chapter on Master Chief and became a curtain call for Bungie to move on from the franchise. The game once again follows Master Chief, assisted by the Arbiter, as the two new allies find a common enemy. Together, they battle the covenant, put an end to the Flood, and save Cortana.
Although the story is a lot of fun, and there are plenty of exciting challenges players can set themselves, Halo 3 shines in its multiplayer. The Forge offers players the chance to create their fun and is still rather active in the Halo community to this day.
2 Halo Wars 2
As the sequel to the original Halo Wars, the real-time strategy game, Halo Wars 2, sought to be bigger and better than its predecessor. The game is set 28 years after the first and focuses on a conflict for control of the Ark between both the UNSC and the Banished.
Halo Wars 2 is a very capable Halo spin-off and gives players the freedom to fight for the UNSC and the Banished. There’s a deep-rooted structure of a military strategy, and as a bigger game than the first, replaying can be unique every time.
1 Halo: Combat Evolved
Perhaps no game in the Halo franchise is more replayable than the very first. This 2001 classic has remained one of the most popular video games of all time for the Xbox-led franchise. Halo: Combat Evolved, delivered a new experience, and an entirely new franchise ripe for exploration. The game follows Master Chief and the crew of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn, as they stumble across the mysterious Forerunner Halo Institution.
For 2001, the game has a brilliant rendition of levels and seems as if it’s an open world. Not only is the story entirely exciting, and worth a replay for itself, but the challenges players can put upon themselves, and the attempt at speedrunning, makes for an enjoyable experience.
Halo Infinite is available now on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S