Newcomers Choose Wisely | Navigating the First Halo Game

Liam O'Connor

Jun 19, 2025, 03:41 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

Updated

Jun 19, 2025, 09:45 AM

2 minutes of duration

A group of people discussing the best Halo game to start with from the Master Chief collection, featuring game covers like Halo Reach and Combat Evolved in the background.

A forum post asking which Halo game to play first has sparked fresh discussions among fans, highlighting varying opinions on the best starting point amidst multiple options in the Master Chief Collection. Some players suggest starting in chronological order, while others argue otherwise.

The Challenge of Selecting a Starting Point

For those diving into the Halo series for the first time, choosing between Halo Reach, Halo Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3 ODST, and Halo 4 can be daunting. A newcomer from the forums expressed frustration over making the right choice, sharing that their gaming background has largely revolved around Nintendo and PlayStation.

Mixed Advice from the Community

Opinions from the gaming community show a healthy mix of advice. One player cautioned against following a strict chronological order, stating, "The story is worse if you play chronologically as many of the big reveals are affected." This sentiment was echoed by another user who urged starting with the release order. They shared, "Play them in release order, assuming you haven’t already played Halo CE."

Interestingly, seasoned players encouraged enjoying the richness of the series. A veteran participant added, "I will warn you that the gameplay between Reach and CE will be jarring, but it’s cool to see how far Halo came in just nine years.

Key Themes Emerging from Discussions

Chronological vs. Release Order: There is a notable divide in advice on whether to play in release order or chronological order.
Influence of Background: Players' past gaming experiences notably shape their views—many who enjoyed earlier titles tend to favor release order.
Support for New Players: The community is generally inviting, with many expressing excitement for newcomers to experience the franchise.

Key Takeaways

🌟 "Play them in release order" is a common recommendation among veterans.
📅 "The story is worse if you play chronologically," highlights community sentiment on gameplay experience.
🚀 There’s a strong sense of community encouraging newcomers to enjoy their journey through the series.

As 2025 progresses, the way new players approach Halo will likely evolve, influenced by the ongoing commentary and passionate engagement from the gaming community. This push for support and guidance could inspire more players to revisit or discover Halo, further solidifying its legacy in gaming culture.