The Most Beloved Halo Game: Ranking the Fan-Favorite Iteration

Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most beloved!

Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 7, 2023 05:59)

Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters! Are you a die-hard fan of the epic Halo series and have a favorite game that holds a special place in your heart? We've got you covered! Join our latest ranking, "What is the most beloved Halo game?", where you can cast your vote to support your all-time favorite or even suggest a missing option. Be part of this exciting battle for interstellar domination as fellow gamers rally behind their top picks. Will it be the nostalgic original or the adrenaline-pumping sequels? The choice is yours, Spartan! So, lock and load your opinions and let's embark on this thrilling quest to discover the ultimate Halo game that truly stands out from the rest. Dive in and let the games begin!

What Is the Most Beloved Halo Game?

1

78
votes
Halo 2

Bungie Studios

Many fans consider Halo 2 to be the greatest game in the series due to its innovative multiplayer, dual-wielding weapons, and compelling storyline.
Description

Halo 2 is a first-person shooter game developed by Bungie Studios. It was released in 2004 as the second installment in the Halo franchise for the Xbox console. The game continues the story of the Master Chief, a supersoldier known as Spartan-117, as he battles the Covenant alien race in a war for the survival of humanity.

Release Year: 2004

Platform: Xbox

Genre: First-person shooter

Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

Campaign Length: Approximately 8-10 hours
Halo 2 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult Halo game
2

50
votes
Halo: Combat Evolved

Bungie

The original Halo game introduced players to the iconic Master Chief and set the foundation for the entire franchise. It also featured an engaging single-player campaign and introduced several gameplay mechanics that would become staples of the series.
Description

Halo: Combat Evolved is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It was released on November 15, 2001, as a launch title for the Xbox console. The game is set in a science fiction universe where players assume the role of the super-soldier Master Chief and engage in a galactic war between humanity and an alien alliance known as the Covenant.

Platform: Xbox

Genre: First-person shooter

Single-player: Yes

Multiplayer: Yes

Cooperative play: Yes
3

19
votes
Halo 3

Bungie Studios

Halo 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest first-person shooters of all time. Its multiplayer was incredibly popular, and the game's campaign was a satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy.
Description

Halo 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is the third installment in the Halo franchise and was released for the Xbox 360 console in 2007. Halo 3 continues the story of the Master Chief, a super-soldier known as a Spartan, as he fights against an alien alliance called the Covenant. The game features a campaign mode, multiplayer modes, and a map editor called Forge that allows players to create and share their own custom maps. Halo 3 received critical acclaim for its gameplay, graphics, and multiplayer experience.

Release Date: September 25, 2007

Platform(s): Xbox 360

Genre: First-person shooter

Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

Game Engine: Havok Physics Engine
4

17
votes
Halo: Reach - Many fans consider Halo

Bungie

Reach to be the best game in the series. Its campaign was emotionally impactful, and its multiplayer introduced several new gameplay mechanics that would become staples of the franchise.
Description

Halo: Reach is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is the prequel to the original Halo trilogy and explores the events leading up to the first game. Many fans consider Halo: Reach to be one of the most beloved entries in the Halo series.

Genre: First-person shooter

Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One (backwards compatibility)

Release Date: September 14, 2010

Campaign Mode: Single-player, Co-op

Multiplayer Mode: Online, Local Co-op
5

26
votes
Halo: ODST - Halo

Bungie

ODST took a different approach to the series by focusing on the story of a group of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers rather than Master Chief. Its campaign was praised for its atmosphere and storytelling, and its multiplayer introduced the popular firefight mode.
Description

Halo: ODST, short for Halo 3: ODST, is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios. It is a standalone expansion to Halo 3, set between the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3. In this game, players take on the role of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODSTs) as they explore the city of New Mombasa in search of their missing teammates. The game features a unique atmosphere, focusing on the darker and grittier side of the Halo universe.

Release Date: September 22, 2009

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One (through backward compatibility)

Genres: First-person shooter, Action-Adventure

Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer

Campaign Length: Approximately 5-7 hours
6

4
votes
Halo Wars

Halo Wars was a departure from the first-person shooter gameplay of the main series, instead focusing on real-time strategy. Despite this, it was well-received by fans and critics, and its story was considered one of the best in the series.
Description

Halo Wars is a real-time strategy game set in the iconic Halo universe. It takes place during the early stages of the human-covenant conflict, allowing players to experience strategic warfare on a large scale. With its unique blend of action and strategy, Halo Wars offers fans of the franchise a different take on the traditional first-person shooter gameplay.

Platform: Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Release Date: Xbox 360: February 26, 2009 | Xbox One, Microsoft Windows: February 21, 2017

Genre: Real-time strategy

Single-player: Yes

Multiplayer: Yes
Halo Wars in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most difficult Halo game
7

9
votes
pop culture geek · CC BY 2.0

Halo 4

343 Industries

Halo 4 marked the beginning of a new trilogy, and while it was not as well-received as the original trilogy, it was still praised for its graphics, soundtrack, and emotional story.
Description

Halo 4 is a first-person shooter video game developed by 343 Industries and published by Microsoft Studios. It is the seventh main installment in the Halo franchise and a direct sequel to Halo 3. The game follows the story of Master Chief, a super-soldier known as a Spartan, as he confronts a new threat to humanity known as the Prometheans.

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Platforms: Xbox 360, Xbox One (backward compatibility)

Single-player Campaign: Yes

Multiplayer Modes: Yes

Cooperative Modes: Yes
Halo 4 in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Xbox 360 game
- Position 4 of 10 in Most difficult Halo game
8

5
votes
Halo 5: Guardians - Halo 5

343 Industries

Guardians introduced several new gameplay mechanics and featured a story that was praised for its depth and complexity. However, it was criticized for its lack of split-screen multiplayer and its focus on multiplayer over the campaign.
Description

Halo 5: Guardians is a first-person shooter video game developed by 343 Industries and published by Microsoft Studios. It is the tenth installment in the Halo franchise and was released exclusively for the Xbox One console in 2015.

Genre: First-person shooter

Platform: Xbox One

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Mode(s): Single-player, multiplayer

Engine: Halo 5 engine
9

2
votes
Halo: Spartan Assault - Halo

343 Industries, Vanguard Games

Spartan Assault was a twin-stick shooter that was released for mobile devices and consoles. While it was not as well-received as other games in the series, it was still praised for its fun gameplay and accessibility.
Description

Halo: Spartan Assault is a top-down shooter video game in the Halo franchise. It was developed by 343 Industries and Vanguard Games and was released in 2013. The game is set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4, allowing players to experience the early days of the Spartan Ops program. Players control a Spartan super-soldier and engage in a series of missions against the Covenant forces.

Platform: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, iOS, Android

Genre: Top-down shooter

Modes: Single-player, Co-op

Campaign Length: Approximately 4-6 hours

Playable Characters: Various Spartans
10

8
votes
Halo: The Master Chief Collection

343 Industries

The Master Chief Collection is a compilation of the first four mainline Halo games, remastered for the Xbox One. While it had a rocky launch due to technical issues, it was eventually patched and is now considered one of the best ways to experience the original trilogy.
Description

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a compilation of first-person shooter video games from the Halo series. It offers remastered versions of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4, all featuring the iconic character, Master Chief. The game also includes Halo: Nightfall, a live-action digital series, and access to Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta.

Platform: Xbox One

Genre: First-person shooter

Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Remastered Content: Improved graphics, audio, and cutscenes
Halo: The Master Chief Collection in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most fun game on Xbox Game Pass
- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult Halo game

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beloved game

Gameplay

The core mechanics of the game, including shooting, movement, and vehicular combat, should be fun, smooth, and responsive.
Storyline

Evaluate the narrative, character development, and pacing of the game's campaign.
Multiplayer

The variety, balance, and depth of multiplayer modes, maps, and gameplay options should be taken into account.
Graphics and Audio

The visual and audio design, including art style, level design, character and weapon models, and sound effects should create an immersive and memorable gaming experience.
Innovations

The introduction of new gameplay elements or improvements to previous titles should be considered.
Replayability

The game's ability to remain enjoyable and fresh even after multiple playthroughs.
Balance

The overall balance between weapons, vehicles, and abilities, ensuring that no one element feels overpowered or underpowered.
Map Design

How well each map caters to different playstyles and game modes, and whether it enhances the overall experience.
Customization

The extent to which players can personalize their in-game appearance, loadouts, and playstyles.
Community Support

The developer's support for the game's community, including post-launch content, patches, and communication.
Nostalgia Factor

How well the game captures the essence of what makes Halo special and builds upon the legacy of previous titles.
Accessibility

How easy it is for new players to pick up and enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed or excluded.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved Halo game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2134 views
218 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beloved halo game

The Halo franchise has been a beloved staple in the gaming industry since the release of the first game in 2001. Developed by Bungie and later taken over by 343 Industries, the series has spanned over a decade and has garnered a dedicated fan base. With its iconic protagonist, Master Chief, and its engaging storyline, Halo has become a household name in the gaming world. As the series has evolved over the years, fans have developed their own opinions on which game stands out as the most beloved. From the original Halo: Combat Evolved to the latest installment, Halo 5: Guardians, each game has its own unique features and strengths that have endeared it to fans. So, which Halo game do fans consider to be the most beloved? Let's take a look at the contenders.