Halo: 10 Best Levels Across The Series, Ranked

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If asked to choose ten standout levels from the entire Halo series, it’s likely that you and I would agree on one thing: making such a selection is no easy task given the richness of the game. Indeed, it has been quite a challenge for me to narrow it down to the absolute best.

Nevertheless, here we are. Any level from any of the main FPS Halo games was eligible.

As a die-hard Halo fan, I find myself naturally gravitating towards three tiers that I believe represent the pinnacle of this iconic series, mainly focusing on the games that hold a special place in my heart – the original trilogy. Regrettably, none of my choices hail from Halo 5.

10.
The Sequence

Halo: Infinite

Let’s begin by discussing a key scene from ‘The Sequence’ in ‘Halo: Infinite’. In the opening cutscene, Master Chief’s AI companion, the Weapon, queries gently, “Are you alright?” This seemingly simple exchange is one of the most profound conversations ever featured in the Halo series, as it reveals Master Chief’s vulnerability and his defeat at the hands of Atriox.

Your task involves sneaking into the Command Tower by triggering the control panels located at nearby markers. These panels are guarded by diverse groups of enemies from the Banished faction, offering engaging battles that aren’t excessively tough to conquer.

Despite not sharing the same level of unbridled madness as some other missions in this collection, ‘The Sequence’ earns its spot due to its versatility. You can opt for an all-out battle with an assault rifle or employ the use of a Grappleshot to commandeer a Banshee (or multiple ones), ensuring that you strategically progress through.

At this stage, you begin to form a stronger connection with the weapon. So far, it has been more like an annoyingly necessary Cortana substitute, but now, it shows signs of occasional worry and uncertainty. This helps in strengthening Master Chief’s bond with it, which is crucial for character development.

9.
Tsavo Highway

Halo 3

In the game ‘Halo 3’, the third mission is titled ‘Tsavo Highway’. This notable level takes place in Tsavo, Kenya, following the escape of Master Chief and some marines from the UNSC base, Crow’s Nest.

In the heat of the gaming world, I find myself grappling with an urgent predicament. The enigmatic Covenant has unearthed our humble planet, Earth, and their Prophet of Truth is diligently excavating the Ark portal in Voi. This looming threat demands my immediate attention as Master Chief. To reach the epicenter of the action, I must first navigate the treacherous Tsavo Highway.

This level in Halo stands out as one of the best due to its blend of diverse vehicles, particularly Brute choppers, and conventional weapon-based combat. If you’re not operating a vehicle, either the Battle Rifle or Carbine makes an excellent selection as they allow for strategic flanking maneuvers from afar.

This mission is commendable, but what truly makes it exceptional is that it marks a crucial turning point where humanity transitions from a defensive to an offensive stance. In essence, Master Chief has chosen to engage in combat to ultimately escape, much like Jack Sparrow’s phrase, “We must fight to run away.

8.
Exodus

Halo Reach

From hereon, my tale unfolds right after the heart-rending sacrifice of Noble Team (which we’ll delve into later). Clutching their dog tags, I, as Six, am struggling to rally the remaining Spartans and fortify the defenses of New Alexandria in the process.

In comparison to other Halo games, Halo Reach: Exodus is a game with a somber tone. Since Bungie opted for Brutes as the primary antagonists, the experience becomes all the more distressing due to the presence of numerous civilians. The objective is to protect and evacuate them, fully aware that your efforts might ultimately prove futile.

I believe this operation often gets overlooked and doesn’t receive enough attention. What I’ve always admired about it is its intensity and speed, taking place in densely populated urban areas. It’s a 360-degree battlefield, with the action constantly shifting. If you’re skilled at long-range precision shooting with DMR rifles – something I found myself becoming proficient in – it can be incredibly enjoyable.

Additionally, you’ll receive a jetpack, which is something many find exciting. But let me tell you, that’s just one aspect; there’s also the Falcon machine gun attached as well.

7.
Metropolis

Halo 2

‘Metropolis’ is an all-out urban warfare mission in Halo 2 set in New Mombasa.

In my gaming world, I find myself in a tough spot, accompanied by a few Marines. Out of nowhere, Sergeant Johnson arranges for a tank to be delivered right to us. With the Scarab looming large and menacing, I’m tasked with driving this tank across the bridge as part of my mission to bring down that formidable enemy.

What makes ‘Metropolis’ one of the most remarkable levels in any Halo game is its grandiose scale. While today’s games often feature large-scale battles, this was back in 2004! The chaos and destruction are breathtakingly magnificent.

The focus is on eliminating the Scarab, a task you’ve never encountered before on such a grand scale. This mission underscores the sense of being a true master or leader.

In other words, receiving an unharmed Scorpion for free will certainly make you forget all your troubles, and you’ll exclaim with excitement as you progress through the levels.

6.
Pelican Down

Halo: Infinite

‘Pelican Down’ is undoubtedly my most memorable mission in Halo: Infinite for pure fun.

Echo 216, my fellow aviator, is currently unable to fly due to an anti-air fortress network established by Banished in the heart of Zeta Halo. It was during this mission that I felt Infinite’s open-world design truly shone at its best.

This stage plays a pivotal role in the narrative for several reasons:

Firstly, it deepens the connection between Master Chief and Echo 216.

Secondly, it offers an empowering experience as you become more confident to navigate this mysterious world independently, tackling at least two formidable adversaries, Tovarus and Hyperius.

Primarily, keep in mind that ‘Pelican Down’ presents an open playing field. Feel free to employ stealth, strategic maneuvers like commandeering vehicles, or go in guns blazing with your Assault Rifle, if that suits your style better.

1. You are free to accomplish your goals at your own pace, in any sequence you prefer.

2. The fun doesn’t stop as you can finish your tasks whenever you want, without having to follow a strict order.

3. This level offers an enjoyable experience that stands out among the best levels ever created for the Halo series.

4. You have the flexibility to complete your targets in any arrangement you find convenient, making your gaming journey more enjoyable and less stressful.

5. The entertainment value of this level is exceptional, ranking high among the most impressive creations in the entire Halo series.

5.
Coastal Highway

Halo 3: ODST

Among all Halo games, Halo 3: ODST, with the likely exception of Halo: Reach, stands out for its raw and intense tone. What makes it particularly impactful to me is the human perspective. Unlike other games where you control Spartans, in this game, there are genuine existential dangers lurking on every corner.

The final stage of the game, named ‘Coastal Highway,’ encapsulates everything. It’s grimy, somber, and filled with desperation, but there’s a touch of humor, camaraderie, and an unexpected carefree vibe as well.

The last level of the game, ‘Coastal Highway,’ wraps it all up nicely. It’s grim, ominous, and full of tension, but there’s a hint of wit, banter, and an odd sense of nonchalance too.

You begin the action with intense close quarters fighting, followed by an array of progressively strong United Nations Space Command vehicles, such as the consistently enjoyable Gauss Warthog, and finally culminating in the use of powerful weapons and long-range sniping.

Additionally, even amidst the somber setting, you remarkably turn things around, and in the finale, you reunite with the universally admired Sergeant Johnson. In essence, Buck’s words encapsulate the event perfectly: “It was quite a night.

4.
Tip of the Spear

Halo Reach

On this mission for “Halo: Reach”, you’ll experience a wide range of action. You start off participating in a significant United Nations Space Command counteroffensive on Reach. In the ‘Tip of the Spear’, you launch a full-scale attack alongside Kat, your comrade.

Your mission will involve neutralizing enemy anti-aircraft batteries and covertly penetrating the Covenant tower. This operation will require combat over expansive terrains and varying altitudes.

You can easily seize control of Covenant vehicles, but the best part is undeniably hopping on a Falcon for a thrilling ride while launching endless missiles at Covenant soldiers on the ground. What’s not to adore?

In a nutshell, it feels like a classic mission from Halo: Reach, where despite accomplishing your tasks, things take a turn for the worse in the end. All you can do is stand by and witness as the tide of battle continually shifts against you.

3.
Long Night of Solace

Halo Reach

‘Tranquil Long Night’, this unique stage involves you, Kat, and Jorge infiltrating an enemy launch facility to retake it from the grip of the Covenant. Afterward, we’ll blast off into the cosmos! (Cue playful giggles!)

This was Bungie’s first and only foray into playable Halo space dogfighting, and they nailed it.

Similar to Halo 3: ODST, Reach shares a somber tone. It’s clear that Noble Team is engaged in a struggle they can hardly win from the get-go, and the swift pace of the gameplay mirrors this dire situation.

It seems like neither humanity nor the United Nations Security Council possess enough resources to handle all these battlefronts. In other words, it looks like the task has fallen on your shoulders.

The situation is thrilling, moving swiftly, and the final sacrifice by Jorge (a painful first heartbreak among many) leaves you feeling deeply sorrowful. There seems to be no hope for resistance.

This plan aims to give people the chance to escape from Reach, an opportunity that Noble Team doesn’t anticipate they will need for themselves.

2.
‘The Covenant’

Halo 3

In Halo 3, ‘The Covenant’ is yet another breathtakingly epic encounter, though it falls slightly short of my favorite. Similar to other frontal attack levels, it offers a lot more depth.

In Halo, for the very first time, you’re given control of an UNSC aircraft – specifically, a Hornet – and the way it handles is just fantastic.

Above everything else, the plot stands out. It’s within this context that Master Chief and the Arbiter’s relationship deepens beyond a mere uncomfortable reality.

Here is where you ultimately vanquish the Covenant upon the demise of their last Prophet, Truth. And here is also where the Flood seem to temporarily align with you?

In a nutshell, this story takes an unexpected turn with Gravemind infecting the Prophet of Truth, the Arbiter executing him, and Master Chief finally concluding his war, but not before you must flee from the Flood yourself! To add to the excitement, it’s accompanied by some of the most awe-inspiring music.

1.
The Silent Cartographer

Halo: Combat Evolved

For me, “Halo: Combat Evolved” truly paved the way in numerous aspects, and one mission encapsulates this best – the mission titled “The Silent Cartographer”.

Back in the year 2001, games such as ‘The Silent Cartographer’ were groundbreaking. They paved the way for what we now consider routine. It’s important to recall that at the time, the level of drama and cinematics found in video games like these were unheard of.

In my opinion, that particular Halo level stands out as the finest across the whole franchise because it offers players ample room for exploration and strategic choices, while ensuring they remain engaged.

In each subsequent game, both Bungie (later 343 Industries) consistently employed the same level structure, which is why there are numerous exceptional levels available for selection. As previously noted, this is one of the factors contributing to the richness of the gameplay experience.

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2025-05-29 18:40