All twelve mainline Halo games ranked from worst to best, based on campaign quality, multiplayer impact, and lasting influence. The list below covers every main entry from Halo: Combat Evolved through Halo Infinite, including the spin-offs that are often counted as mainline. If you only play one Halo game, make it Halo 3; if you want the most complete package, Halo: Reach is the best overall.
How the Ranking Works
This ranking weighs three factors equally: single-player campaign quality, multiplayer experience (including co-op and firefight), and the game’s historical importance to the franchise. A game that innovated but aged poorly can still rank high because of its influence. A game with a great campaign but weak multiplayer will land lower than a balanced entry.
The twelve games included are the main numbered titles, the two real-time strategy spin-offs (Halo Wars and Halo Wars 2), the two twin-stick shooters (Spartan Assault and Spartan Strike), and Halo 3: ODST, which is a full standalone expansion. Excluded are remasters like Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo 2 Anniversary, since they are re-releases rather than new games, and the mobile/arcade spin-offs that were not developed by 343 Industries or Bungie.
12. Halo: Spartan Strike (2015)
Spartan Strike is a top-down twin-stick shooter originally released for mobile and Windows. It is a direct sequel to Spartan Assault, and it plays almost identically: short missions, simple objectives, and a heavy reliance on the UNSC’s weapons against Covenant and Promethean forces.
Why it ranks last: the campaign is forgettable, the story is disconnected from the main lore, and the controls feel clunky on PC. It adds nothing that Spartan Assault did not already do, and the lack of multiplayer or co-op makes it a solo-only grind. It is the least essential Halo game by a wide margin.
11. Halo: Spartan Assault (2013)
Spartan Assault was the first Halo game developed by 343 Industries for mobile devices, later ported to PC and Xbox. It is a twin-stick shooter with a top-down perspective, set between Halo 3 and Halo 4. The story follows Spartan Sarah Palmer and Spartan Edward Davis on a mission to stop a Covenant insurrection.
It ranks above Spartan Strike because it was the first of its kind and introduced the top-down Halo formula. The campaign is short but has some creative missions, and the co-op mode works well. However, the mobile roots show in the repetitive mission structure and the lack of a real multiplayer mode. It is a curiosity for fans, not a must-play.
10. Halo Wars 2 (2017)
Halo Wars 2 is a real-time strategy game developed by Creative Assembly and 343 Industries. It continues the story of the Spirit of Fire, a UNSC ship that was lost in space and reappears near the Ark. The game introduces the Banished, a new enemy faction led by the Brute Atriox, who would later appear in Halo Infinite.
The campaign is solid, with a good mix of base-building and unit management, and the multiplayer has a dedicated fanbase. However, the RTS genre is a niche within a shooter franchise, and the game’s pacing can feel slow compared to the main entries. It ranks above the twin-stick shooters because it is a genuinely good RTS, but it is still the weakest of the “core” Halo experiences.
9. Halo Wars (2009)
Halo Wars was the first RTS in the franchise, developed by Ensemble Studios. It is set 20 years before the original Halo and follows the crew of the Spirit of Fire as they fight the Covenant on the planet Harvest. The game was designed from the ground up for console, with a simplified control scheme that works surprisingly well on a controller.
It ranks above Halo Wars 2 because it was more innovative for its time. The console RTS genre was nearly nonexistent, and Halo Wars proved it could work. The campaign is well-paced, and the multiplayer is balanced. It has aged reasonably well, though the unit cap and simplified base building feel dated today.
8. Halo 5: Guardians (2015)
Halo 5: Guardians is the most divisive game in the series. Developed by 343 Industries, it continues the story of Master Chief and introduces a new playable character, Spartan Locke. The campaign follows two teams: Blue Team (Master Chief’s squad) and Fireteam Osiris (Locke’s squad), as they hunt for the truth about a rogue AI.
The campaign is the weakest of the main numbered entries. The story is disjointed, Master Chief is sidelined for most of the game, and the marketing campaign promised a conflict between Chief and Locke that never really happens. The multiplayer, however, is excellent. The new movement system (thruster pack, ground pound, slide) adds depth, and the Warzone mode is a fun large-scale battle. It ranks here because the multiplayer carries it, but the campaign is a major letdown.
7. Halo 3: ODST (2009)
Halo 3: ODST is a standalone expansion that puts you in the boots of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, not a Spartan. Set during the events of Halo 2, you play as “The Rookie” who wakes up in the ruined city of New Mombasa and must piece together what happened to your squad. The game features a hub-based structure where you explore the city at night and play flashback missions as other ODSTs.
The campaign is atmospheric and tells a more personal story than the mainline games. The soundtrack, composed by Martin O’Donnell, is jazz-influenced and excellent. The multiplayer is a co-op firefight mode, which is fun but not a full competitive experience. It ranks here because the campaign is unique and memorable, but the lack of a traditional multiplayer mode hurts it.
6. Halo 4 (2012)
Halo 4 was the first Halo game developed by 343 Industries, and it was a strong debut. The campaign focuses on Master Chief and Cortana, exploring their relationship as Cortana begins to rampancy (AI breakdown). The story is more emotional and character-driven than previous entries, and the graphics were a huge leap forward.
The campaign is good, with some memorable set pieces and a genuinely touching ending. The multiplayer was solid but controversial: it introduced loadouts, sprint as a default ability, and killstreak-like ordnance drops, which many fans felt strayed too far from the classic Halo formula. It ranks above ODST because the campaign is longer and the multiplayer is more substantial, but it is not as beloved as the Bungie-era games.
5. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
The game that started it all. Halo: Combat Evolved was a launch title for the original Xbox and redefined the first-person shooter on consoles. It introduced the two-weapon system, regenerating health, and a wide-open level design that was revolutionary at the time. The campaign is a masterpiece of pacing, alternating between tight corridor combat and massive vehicle battles.
Why it ranks fifth instead of higher: the second half of the campaign reuses levels (the Library, the repeated corridors), and the multiplayer, while fun, was limited to split-screen and system link. The PC port was buggy. But its influence is undeniable. It is the game that made Halo a household name, and its pistol is still one of the most iconic weapons in gaming history.
4. Halo Infinite (2021)
Halo Infinite is the latest mainline entry, developed by 343 Industries. It features an open-world section on the ring Zeta Halo, which is a first for the series. The campaign follows Master Chief as he takes on the Banished, led by the warlord Escharum. The core gameplay is excellent: the grappling hook adds a new layer of mobility, and the gunplay feels tight and classic.
The open world is well-designed, with plenty of side activities and secrets, but it can feel repetitive. The story is a soft reboot, ignoring much of Halo 5’s plot, and the lack of a proper ending is a letdown. The multiplayer is free-to-play and has been praised for returning to the classic Halo formula, though it launched with limited content. It ranks fourth because the campaign is a return to form and the multiplayer is strong, but the content droughts and missing features hold it back.
3. Halo 2 (2004)
Halo 2 is the sequel that expanded the universe in a major way. It introduced the Covenant civil war, the Flood’s origins, and the Arbiter as a playable character. The dual-protagonist structure was bold, and the story is more complex than the original. The campaign is shorter than fans wanted, and it ends on a cliffhanger, but the levels are memorable, especially the Battle of New Mombasa and the High Charity missions.
The multiplayer was the real game-changer. It was the first Halo game to support online play via Xbox Live, and it set the standard for online console shooters. The matchmaking system, party system, and ranking system were all revolutionary. The game also introduced the BR (Battle Rifle), which became a series staple. It ranks third because of its massive multiplayer impact, even though the campaign is incomplete.
2. Halo: Reach (2010)
Halo: Reach is the last game developed by Bungie, and it is a prequel to the original Halo. You play as Noble Six, a member of the Spartan team Noble, as they defend the planet Reach from a massive Covenant invasion. The campaign is tragic and personal, ending with Noble Six’s death in a last stand that is one of the most iconic moments in gaming.
The gameplay is refined, with the addition of armor abilities like sprint and jetpack, which were optional and balanced. The multiplayer is excellent, with a wide variety of modes, including the popular Firefight and Invasion. The Forge mode was also expanded, allowing for complex map creation. It ranks second because it is a complete package: a great campaign, robust multiplayer, and deep customization. The only thing keeping it from the top spot is that Halo 3’s multiplayer is more iconic.
1. Halo 3 (2007)
Halo 3 is the best Halo game, period. It is the conclusion to the original trilogy, and it delivers on every front. The campaign is epic, with large-scale battles, vehicle sequences, and a satisfying ending to the fight against the Covenant and the Flood. The story is more focused than Halo 2, and the levels are varied and well-designed.
The multiplayer is the gold standard. It refined the formula from Halo 2, adding equipment like the bubble shield and gravity lift, and the maps are some of the best in the series (e.g., Valhalla, The Pit, Guardian). The Forge mode was introduced, allowing players to edit maps, and the Theater mode let you record and share clips. The game was a cultural phenomenon, with midnight launches and a marketing campaign that felt like a movie release. It is the most complete and polished Halo game ever made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Halo game for a new player?
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary (or the Master Chief Collection version) is the best starting point. It introduces the story and mechanics from the beginning, and the remastered graphics make it accessible. If you prefer a more modern feel, Halo Infinite’s campaign is also a good entry, as it is a soft reboot.
Is Halo 5 really that bad?
Halo 5’s campaign is widely considered the weakest in the series, but the multiplayer is excellent. If you care about story, skip it and read the summary. If you want fast-paced arena shooter action, Halo 5’s multiplayer is worth playing.
Which Halo game has the best multiplayer?
Halo 3 is often cited as the best multiplayer, due to its balance, map design, and community features. Halo 2 is a close second for its online innovation. Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is also very good, especially after updates, but it launched with fewer maps and modes.
Should I play Halo Wars if I don’t like RTS games?
Probably not. Halo Wars is a well-made RTS, but if you do not enjoy real-time strategy, you will not enjoy it. The story is interesting, but you can get the lore from summaries. Focus on the main shooters first.
What is the chronological order of the Halo games?
The chronological order is: Halo Wars, Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3: ODST (during Halo 2), Halo 3, Halo 4, Halo 5, Halo Infinite. Spartan Assault and Spartan Strike take place between Halo 3 and Halo 4.
Is Halo Infinite a good place to start?
Yes, Halo Infinite is designed as a soft reboot, so you can jump in without playing the previous games. The story references past events, but you will not be lost. The gameplay is the most modern, and the multiplayer is free-to-play.