The Halo franchise provides gamers with an unparalleled selection of exhilarating single-player campaigns, robust cooperative experiences, and intense competitive firefights. Led by developers Bungie and now, 343 Industries, the series has consistently enchanted players with its cinematic storylines, expansive sandboxes, and thrilling battles, making it a standout among first-person shooters. Whether you're seeking out enhanced adventuring or explosive online skirmishes, the best Halo games are sure to satisfy you. For newcomers to the franchise, we suggest beginning with the comprehensive Halo: The Master Chief Collection, one of the top titles on Xbox Game Pass. In addition to the core entries in this compilation, there are other worthy releases that shape our final rankings of the best Halo games.
9. Halo Wars 2 (2017)
Do you yearn for another real-time strategy experience set in the Halo universe? Though you may think it unnecessary, Halo Wars 2 offers a compelling alternative that capitalizes on its predecessor's groundbreaking success. By introducing intuitive controls and carefully crafting an enjoyable story, it succeeds where many other titles have failed. Its ability to offer an immersive strategy experience with minimal need for a mouse or keyboard is remarkable, while the new Blitz mode mixes army-building tactics with collectible card gameplay. Clearly, Halo Wars 2 is redefining what it means to be a console RTS game; gear up and lead your troops to victory.
Available Platform(s): PC, Xbox One
8. Halo Wars (2009)
Halo Wars immerses players into its universe of intense warfare. Developed by Ensemble Studios, the game blends console-exclusive elements from the Halo franchise such as aliens, weapons, and vehicles to create a dynamic experience. Its simple yet effective gameplay mechanics complement the chaotic action reminiscent of other Halo titles, making it an exciting spectacle. Strategize and upgrade base buildings, or ascend an army of human forces to defeat the Covenant armada - all while keeping your focus on battle's frenzied demands. While fewer options than other PC real-time strategy games, it provides an innovative take on the Halo world for gamers across the globe.
Available Platform(s): PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One
7. Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
Halo 5 stirred controversy, both with its lack of split-screen mode and divergence from the beloved Cortana storyline. Yet, it presented stellar visuals, varied multiplayer content, and exhilarating combat mechanics. The unwelcome addition of microtransactions further angered loyalists, as it clashed with Reach's system of unlocking customizations through challenges. In the end, Halo 5 failed to live up to the original titles and seemed quite similar to other popular shooters - a mistake not unnoticed by longtime fans.
Available Platform(s): Xbox One
6. Halo 4 (2012)
343 Industries braved a turbulent path when it inherited Halo from its esteemed creator, Bungie. All anticipation, Halo 4 failed to ascend to unparalleled heights; nonetheless, this reboot remains laudable and an unfaltering shooter. The campaign outshines through smartly designed levels that easily guide the player, forsaking prior labyrinthine realms such as Library or Floodgate. More than that, it became the first main entry of the franchise to eradicate the Flood. Although multiplayer took too much inspiration from Call of Duty, including adding a sprint button, it still stands as one of the most aesthetically pleasing games of the Xbox 360 era.
Available Platform(s): Xbox One
5. Halo: The Master Chief Collection (2014)
The Master Chief Collection promised Halo fans a definitive experience, offering all four iconic games remastered with late-inclusion titles ODST and Reach. Unfortunately, technical issues plagued the compilation, with multiplayer suffering most of all. But when everything worked as intended, players discovered something special -- the unprecedented joy of having every Halo game on one console. Despite user ratings of only 7.9 on Metacritic, its appeal remained strong; four classic titles enhanced for modern gaming, tailored playlists, and rewards across titles. Remasters may rarely earn high scores but this package earned enduring admiration from fans.
Available Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
4. Halo Infinite (2021)
Skepticism surrounded Halo's foray into open-world gaming but ultimately, the result was nothing short of spectacular. Magnificent 3D worlds captivated players with their majesty, inviting them to spend hours exploring and adventuring. Additionally, the campaign in Halo: Infinite proved to be a unique departure for the series while maintaining its signature combat. However, multiplayer left something to be desired at launch, and this possibly caused it to miss out on its coveted 90 Metascore.
Available Platform(s): Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
3. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Halo: Combat Evolved was revolutionary for its time, launching Xbox into the gaming spotlight and setting the standard for shooters to come. Even today, no one can deny the thrill of arriving on the battlefield to take on the Covenant forces. Combat remained lightweight yet masterfully executed, while Bungie's latest Destiny carries its legacy forward. The Anniversary edition brought a new layer of beauty to the beloved classic, though some elements remain unchanged for better or worse - such as Library and weapon mechanics. Despite these flaws, Halo: CE retains its timeless appeal; its streamlined purity remains unparalleled and will surely continue to inspire future generations of gamers.
Available Platform(s): Xbox
2. Halo 3 (2007)
Halo 3 is surely one of the greatest multiplayer games of all time. From Mario Kart to Goldeneye and Timesplitters 2, none come close to its sheer addictiveness. Experience the unmatched intensity of a two-vs-two team deathmatch on Guardian with three of your friends to truly grasp its magnificence. Or dive into the infectiously fun campaign filled with classic gunplay and explosive vehicle segments for a genuinely enjoyable experience. Put simply, Halo 3 is an unforgettable adventure that everyone should savor.
Available Platform(s): Xbox 360
1. Halo: Reach (2010)
Halo: Reach soared to new heights, pushing the Halo formula to unprecedented limits. A gorgeous visual aesthetic, brutal weapons, and an emotionally resonant story were just the start. This classic edition of the franchise enabled gamers to fully customize their Spartan journey, while Invasion mode added thrilling asymmetrical warfare. Firefight offered countless hours of endless multiplayer mayhem. Daily and weekly challenges pushed players to flex their gaming muscles anew. Commendations rewarded the most dedicated, and Theater and File Share lets you immortalize those incredible gameplay moments. Bungie's crowning achievement in the Halo series is a timeless classic, one that leaves behind an unforgettable impression.
Available Platform(s): Xbox 360
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