Halo has long defined what a fast-paced multiplayer shooter should look like, ever since its debut back in 2001. This 13 year timeline shows how Halo's multiplayer combat is ever evolving.
All dates are based on North American releases.
Halo: Combat Evolved
[November 15, 2001]
It all starts with Halo: Combat Evolved, an exclusive game that released alongside the original Xbox. It set the bar for both later Halo games and other first-person shooters that came after it. Furthermore, it is still regarded by many as one of the best multiplayer games in history, despite the fact that it had no online multiplayer because it released before the launch of Xbox Live. Players looking to reach the 16 player limit had to set up LAN parties using system links and four way split screens.
Another stand-out feature includes how the game supported two-player cooperative play for the entire campaign.
Gearbox Software ported Halo: Combat Evolved to the PC in 2003, which added the Fuel Rod Gun and Flamethrower to arsenal along with new maps and online multiplayer functionality. Not to mention, players could ride in the M12A1 Warthog LAAV, commonly referred to as the Rocket Warthog. A free, unsupported, add-on called Halo: Custom Edition was later released, which allowed users to modify the game using the Halo Editing Kit.
The game was remastered for the Xbox 360 by 343 Industries in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, which released on November 15, 2011. The remake included completely updated graphics, sound, and the ability to toggle between the remastered and original versions. The Anniversary edition was developed using technology from Halo: Reach, and its multiplayer includes map remakes from both Combat Evolved and Halo 2. As an added bonus, a new map based on the eponymous campaign level is included for Firefight, a wave-based survival mode where players team up with allies to fend against incoming enemies. Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary is included in the Master Chief Collection for the Xbox One.
Halo 2
[November 9, 2004]
After years of anticipation, fans finally got Halo 2 in 2004. Not one to sit on its laurels, Bungie paid extra attention to the multiplayer aspect. Halo 2 incorporated Xbox Live for online multiplayer, which included online cooperative play, while its competitive side used Microsoft's TrueSkill Ranking System to match players with each other. TrueSkill is an algorithm designed to quickly measure a player's performance and adjusts as the player's confidence increases, making for more balanced matchmaking using fewer games to draw data from. However, the game did not abandon the tradition split screen play and System Link connection forms of multiplayer. Due to its lack of popularity, the Race gametype was removed from the sequel.
Game lobbies could be set up for either ranked or unranked games. To address some of the problems that plagued other competitive first-person shooters, Halo 2 did not use a traditional host based system with a fixed map and game mode. Instead, the game took a novel approach by introducing playlists. Players could sign up for the playlists that best suited their favorite style of play. For example, Rumble Pit focused on free-for-all games, which primarily used the Slayer game mode. The feature proved to be so popular that it remained in use in later Halo games.
Major gameplay feature changes include the dual wield system, where players could equip a compact weapon in each hand for twice the firepower at the cost of being unable to throw grenades until they dropped a gun. Vehicles, which were indestructible in the first game, could now be blown up. Lastly, medals were awarded for various accomplishments, such as killing sprees and multi-kills, which awarded bragging rights to skilled players.
New modes include Juggernaut, which was originally a version of Oddball from Combat Evolved. In it, one player assumes the role of the Juggernaut (a very powerful character), while everyone else tries to bring the player down. Only the Juggernaut scores points, and does so by killing as many people as you can. Halo 2 also introduced Assault, where players had to plant a flag or bomb in an enemy base.
Halo 2 received four map packs, which include the Mountain Dew sponsored Bonus Map Pack (April 25, 2005), the Killtacular Pack (April 25, 2005), which was made free on June 28, 2005, and the Maptacular Pack (July 5, 2005), made free on August 30, 2005. Lastly, the Blastacular Pack was first released on April 17, 2007, but a number of glitches required it to be updated and re-released on May 7, 2007. It was made free on July 7, 2007 (Bungie Day). The Blastacular Pack is the only one that isn't included on the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack disc (released July 5, 2005) or Halo 2 Vista.
343 Industries remade Halo 2 as Halo 2: Anniversary, which released as part of Halo: The Master Chief Collection for the Xbox One on November 14, 2014. It features six remastered maps (Bloodline, Lockdown, Shrine, Stonetown, Warlord, and Zenith) with new dynamic elements and Forge support in addition to new weapons, power-ups, vehicles, and game modes.
Halo 2 for Vista
[May 31, 2007]
Halo 2 was ported to the PC as a Windows Vista exclusive in 2007. Developed by Hired Gun, the flagship game was the first game released under the Games for Windows banner, and used Games for Windows Live for its multiplayer. Although the port was originally planned for May 8, 2007, it was delayed to May 22 so that the developers could "to make some improvements to the install experience and address other technical issues." Then it got delayed again when some partial nudity was discovered in the Halo 2 Map Editing Kit.
In addition to some graphical upgrades, Halo 2 would see a number of significant changes on the PC. It was the first Halo game to officially use the Xbox 360 / GFWL Achievement system. Games for Windows Live also allowed players to set up dedicated servers instead of using peer-to-peer matchmaking, as was used on the Xbox release. Players could also match up in parties, and the party leader could specify maps and gametypes on the go. Gamertags created in GFWL could be used on Xbox Live, or existing Xbox gamertags could be brought over. Although players could use GFWL to communicate with Xbox Live members, Halo 2 did not feature cross-platform multiplayer. On its initial release, GFWL included a two-tiered Gold and Silver program, as it does on the Xbox. Gold members paid a subscription fee, which allowed them to filter out servers they weren't interested in and quickly jump into games that were already in progress using the Quick Match option. Silver accounts were free, but had limited multiplayer choices. Gold-only limitations were removed on July 27, 2008, which allowed all Halo 2 Vista players to enjoy all the multiplayer features without restriction.
The most notable feature was the Halo 2 Editing Kit, a map editor based on the Halo Editing Kit, when Gearbox Software ported the original game to the PC. Players could use this tool to design their own custom multiplayer maps, among other things. The custom map feature was one that was exclusive to the PC release of Halo 2.
Although Halo 2 Vista introduced two new maps, District and Uplift, it did not have Desolation or Tombstone, both from the Blastacular Pack DLC. Modders would later add these two maps to the game. The game also lacks online cooperative campaign multiplayer. Furthermore, the dedicated servers were missing important features, such as dedicated server commands, that were included in Halo: Combat Evolved when it was ported to the PC.
Halo 2 Vista's multiplayer server list was originally going to be shut down in February 2013, but it received an extension to June 2013 so that developers could discuss the feasibility of keeping the server list going. It received another extension to early 2014, and at the time of this writing, remains operational.
Halo 3
[September 25, 2007]
Halo 3 kicked things up by allowing players the choice of different playable characters, including Sangheili from Covenant forces, in multiplayer. Playable characters also include John-117, Arbiter, or Elites N'tho 'Sraom and Usze 'Taham. The distinct character differences made it easier to differentiate between teammates and enemies during fast-paced matches.
Multiplayer was further improved by an enhanced matchmaking system, which reduced wait times provided my balanced match-ups. Both pre and post game lobbies were added, allowing players to party up and continue playing together across matches. The post game lobby also let players veto gametype and map combinations. Halo 3 significantly increased the number of medals that could be earned, and playlists were split into new variations such as Ranked, Social, Hardcore, Community, DLC, Tournaments, and Double XP Weekends.
However, the most noteworthy additions to the game come in the form of all the customization options. Gametype settings include a number of additional options, such as player weight, and spawn-time attributes (i.e. temporary invincibility after spawning), which helped prevent spawnkilling. Additional customization options include the ability to create service tags consisting of a letter and two numbers, which would show over waypoints instead of emblems. Gender options were added, which changes the sound of the death voice. Halo 3 also features extensive armor permutations, which lets players change out helmets, pauldrons, and chestplates.
With eleven maps, Halo 3 shipped with the least number of multiplayer maps out of all previous games with(Combat Evolved had thirteen maps and Halo 2 had twelve), this is offset by the inclusion of the new Forge feature. The Forge, which would also be included in all later Halo games, allows players to edit multiplayer maps. Players can use it to alter a number of factors including spawn points, objective points, and weapon locations. Furthermore, scenery items like gravity lifts, fusion coils, and teleporters can be moved, removed, or added.
New game modes include VIP, which comes in four variations, where players have to escort and/or defend a player while the opposite team tries to kill him. Infection is Halo's official zombie mode, inspired by the popularity of the zombie custom game from Halo 2. In it, players try to stay "uninfected" for as long as possible, while zombies try to kill off all the living players. Killed players are then turned into zombies. When one living player remains, s/he is declared "Last Man Standing".
Halo 3 received four map packs, available from the Xbox Live Marketplace and included on the Halo 3: ODST second disc. The Heroic Map Pack (December 11, 2007) has three maps, and was made free on March 28, 2008 due to its low popularity. Cold Storage, a single map, is a remake of Chill Out from Halo: Combat Evolved was released for free on July 7, 2008 (Bungie Day). The Mythic Map Packs released in two parts, the first on April 9, 2009, and the second on February 2, 2010. However, the second pack was included on the Halo 3: ODST multiplayer disc (released September 22, 2009), which gave player advanced access to those maps before they hit Xbox Live Marketplace.
Halo Wars
[March 3, 2009]
The Halo series took a decidedly different approach with Halo Wars. It is a real-time strategy game, set in the Halo universe, developed by Ensemble Studios for the Xbox 360. Players commanded armies on either side of the Covenant War, with a top-down view of the battlefield using an Xbox 360 controller. Its 15-mission campaign, set roughly 20 years before the events of Combat Evolved, can be played solo or cooperatively via Xbox Live.
Story-free multiplayer comprised of a skirmish maps between UNSC and Covenant forces. Player could pick either side, with each faction having three leaders to select from. The UNSC commanders are: Captain Cutter, Sergeant Forge, and Professor Anders. Covenant leaders include: Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee, Brute Army Commander, The Prophet of Regret. Skirmish matches are limited to a maximum of six players, with computer AI controlled players allowed as fill-ins. The game used the same ranking system found in Halo 3, but assigned rankings according to player scores in completed games.
Microsoft closed Ensemble Studios in 2009, shortly before the release of Halo Wars. Many of its members went on to found Robot Entertainment, which continued to support and develop content for the game. The Halo Wars Strategic Options DLC released on May 19, 2009, and added three more skirmish modes: Keepaway, a capture the flag style game; Tug of War, a race to raise and maintain the biggest army; and Reinforcements, where additional troops arrive in waves. The Historic Map Pack released on July 21, 2009.
Halo 3: ODST
[September 22, 2009]
Halo 3: ODST serves as prologue to Halo 3, and tells the story through the eyes of a rookie member of elite Orbital Drop Shock Troop team. Players explore the Kenyan City of New Mombasa in an effort to figure out what happened to his missing teammates. The open world campaign can be played solo or cooperatively.
ODST introduces Firefight mode, where up to four players try to survive for as long as they can against waves of Covenant forces using set amount of lives. Due to technical issues, Firefight lacks a matchmaking system or game browser. The only way to get into a Firefight game in ODST is through invite only. Alternatively, players could start a match locally using split screen or System Link.
All the Halo 3 map packs (Heroic, Legendary, Mythic, and Cold Storage) are included on the second disc, so players don't have to purchase them individually from the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Halo: Reach
[September 14, 2010]
Released in 2010, Halo: Reach is direct prequel to Combat Evolved and takes place weeks before its events. In it, players take the role of Noble Six, who is part of a supersoldier squad called Team Noble, assigned to the fortress world of Reach. Like all previous Halo games, the campaign can be played alone or cooperatively, as players experience the last heroic moments before Reach falls to the Covenant. Reach also features matchmaking for the co-op campaign playlist, which allows players to complete campaign missions selected by a majority vote.
Competitive multiplayer changes include a new voting system, which replaces the veto system from Halo 3, which includes the choice "none of the above." The Party Up system is replaced with an Opt-Out system, where players are automatically placed together, but you have the option to leave. Advanced settings were also added to the matchmaking system. For example, players that prefer teamwork can choose to be matched up with players that have similar settings. Matchmaking is further streamlined with the Queue-joining feature, which automatically joins players with their friends when they are done playing a match. Players can also check out their friends' match statistics to see how they compare.
Most notably, Firefight is fully fleshed out with matchmaking support. Furthermore, players can fully customize a Firefight game, from the enemy types to what kinds of weapons will appear on the map. Players can even take the role of the Sangheili and fight alongside the Covenant waves as they try to overwhelm the Spartan forces.
In addition to further use of the Forge, Reach introduces Armor Abilities. These are custom attachments that can enhance a specific function of the armor, synchronize with other hardware for new abilities, or have functions all on their own. These functions usually have cooldown periods between uses and are selected as part of a player's loadout before a match starts.
New modes include Arena, a ranked skill-based playlist with month-long seasons and five divisions. There's also Headhunter, where players compete to collect flaming skulls and must return them to moving deposit zones. Stockpile has two teams battling to capture and return four neutral flags that spawn randomly throughout the map. Lastly, Invasion pits Spartans against Covenant forces in an objective-based gameplay that's broken up into multiple phases. At its start, players are limited to a portion of the map and no vehicles are available. As the game progresses, new areas open up, and with them vehicles, additional loadouts, and objectives. Covenant forces are on the offensive as they try to secure a data core, while the Spartans are tasked with defending it.
Halo: Reach released with nine standard multiplayer maps and eight Firefight maps. The Anniversary Map Pack (November 15, 2011), which features six maps remade from Combat Evolved and Halo 2, is bundled with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary as a download code. The map pack is also on the Anniversary disc itself, as it serves as the game's multiplayer component, and may be purchased directly from the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Halo 4
[November 6, 2012]
Not counting Halo Wars, Halo 4 is the first mainstream Halo game that isn't developed by Bungie. It also happens to be the first Halo game developed by 343 Industries that wasn't a remake. The game had a lot to prove upon its release, not only by continuing the story of Master Chief in a campaign that can be played cooperatively, but also with an addictive competitive multiplayer mode worthy of the series. In order to meet expectations, Halo 4 features multiplayer aspects taken from both Halo 3 and Halo: Reach. In order to connect with the game's fiction, the multiplayer mode was renamed to War Games, and is treated as a training grounds in preparation for Spartan Ops missions, which take place six months after the main campaign ends.
Co-op campaign matchmaking was removed, but this is compensated by the inclusion of Spartan Ops, which replaces Firefight mode. Spartan Ops is a cooperative mission-based mode where players fight as part of Fireteam Crimson to complete various objectives. Spartan Ops episodes 1-5 are on Halo 4's second disc, and episodes 6-10 can be downloaded for free from the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Gameplay changes include how sprint became a universal ability, and could be used in addition to other Armor Abilities. Additionally, Halo 4 features ordnance drops during matches. Random Ordnance may contain weapons, grenades or power-ups for anyone to use. While Personal Ordnance provides each player with a choice of weapons or power-ups that are earned through performance during a match.
Halo 4 features a long list of game modes, and adds three new ones. In Dominion, players must capture and hold three bases, then eliminate the opposing team. The team that loses all its bases will have overshield, but will not be able to respawn until it captures a base. Furthermore, players can build defenses such as turrets, cover, and vehicles to help defend a base from attack. The point of Extraction is to deploy a ball shaped devices and "extract" more sites than your opponent. Regicide is a free-for-all mode that has players killing opponents to become King and reign for as long as possible. Killing the King earns a bounty, which grows in value according to how long the King lives. Infection was changed into Flood, and remains the only game mode where players can take the role of the Flood.
Halo: Spartan Assault
[July 18, 2013]
Similar to Halo Wars, Spartan Assault is a spin-off game set in the Halo universe, and is the first in the series to be made for Windows first and later ported to Xbox consoles. Developed by 343 Industries for Windows 8 devices and Windows Phone 8, Spartan Assault is a top down action shooter featuring touch-based controls. The game was adapted with controller support and made its way onto the Xbox One on December 24, 2013 and then the Xbox 360 on January 31, 2014. Spartan Assault became available on Steam starting April 4, 2014, making it playable on Windows Vista and Windows 7 systems using either touch, controller, or a mouse and keyboard.
The story takes place between Halo 3 and 4, near the end of the human-Covenant War, and details the first missions of the Spartan-IV program. The Xbox versions of the game has five cooperative multiplayer missions, and no plans have been announced to bring them to the PC releases. Unlike all other games in the Halo franchise, Spartan Assault does not have a competitive multiplayer mode.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
[November 11, 2014]
Halo: The Master Chief Collection brought together Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, and Halo 4 in one massive game, remastered with 1080p graphics that run at 60 frames-per-second on the Xbox One. The compilation also revised the mission playlist feature in a big way, with mixes within a specific campaign and those that span multiple ones.
The collection included every official multiplayer map, including both DLC and PC-exclusives, playable in their original engines and updated to run with the updated graphics. All games are updated to support online matchmaking with dedicated servers and a skill ranking system. Some playlists are dedicated to singular games, while others span multiple ones.
However, The Master Chief Collection suffered severe matchmaking and connectivity issues after launch, which causes players to get stuck in queues and run into game freezes when they try to play online. It took several weeks and a long series of multiplayer patches to make the multiplayer run as intended. As a make-good for those who endured the technical difficulties, the full campaign from Halo 3: ODST was offered for free for anyone who had purchased it before December 19, 2014.
Halo 5: Guardians
Halo 5: Guardians is coming tomorrow, as the next major addition to the Halo franchise. A beta earlier this year established some tweaks, such as the addition of "Spartan Abilities" instead of Armor Abilities, and the ability to aim down gun sights.
However, a few significantly bigger revisions are at play. The usual list of traditional multiplayer modes will now be categorized under a new "Arena" label. A second multiplayer option is the massive, team-based Warzone mode. This mixes elements of campaign and multiplayer matches, as two teams fight for territory on a much larger map than anything previously seen in the multiplayer elements of the series. The mode also features randomized boss encounters, letting teams prioritize if they want to fight against each other or risk leaving areas undefended to go after a boss for more victory points.
Multiplayer also adds Requisition Packs. These offer one-time consumables for use in multiplayer, as well as all of the customization options for outfitting your Spartan. You can purchase them with in-game currency, or buy more with real-world dollars. Far from a mere cash grab, though, 343 has made it clear that its plan to offer multiplayer map packs for free relies on the Req Pack model to bring in revenue instead. For those who choose not to spend real money, they're getting extra value for free.
