If Master Chief is known for anything, it is his desire to complete the task. Here is a ranking of all the missions in Halo: Combat Evolved.
Halo remains a cornerstone series for Xbox, despite the debut of 343 Industries’ Halo Infinite and its move to a free-to-play title. Bungie’s original trilogy clearly inspired many devoted fans with its breathtaking graphics and fascinating adventures.
The original installment was a true game changer, solidifying its legacy with addicting sci-fi themes and unforgettable personality. True, its missions may have gotten a lot of mileage out of some redundancy every now and then. However, the great storytelling was always well-paced, imaginative, and full of personality. The game’s strongest levels encapsulate its essence, conjuring spectacle, variety, or both.
The Library
Perhaps the storytellers got carried away with their exciting new enemy, as this is arguably the least interesting level in any iteration. The majority of the task is spent walking through identical rooms and corridors or waiting for doors to open while being attacked by Flood form after Flood form.
In such large numbers, the Flood lose its mysterious mystery and become more monotonous than frightening. This level may be forgiven or even championed by some. However, unless players appreciate the arcade-style repetition of Flood attacks, this will most likely feel like a chore.
Two Betrayals
If you weren’t quick enough on the bridge in Assault on the Control Room, you’ll be handed a Banshee. The ability to fly around and wreak damage that actually advances the plot is extremely fulfilling.
Aside from that novelty, it’s not a particularly inspired task. It basically retreads “Assault On The Control Room,” with the Chief travelling in the other way via the same terrain. Although destroying the Pulse Generators serves the tale effectively, it is rather uninteresting.
The Pillar Of Autumn
The iconic Master Chief’s voyage, like many great action films, begins in the midst of a crisis. Anyone who thinks it’s too easy can play it on Legendary, but there’s a continual sense of urgency throughout.
This is an innovative and intriguing approach to introduce basic gameplay elements, and it has gamers begging for a weapon. Exploring the ship brings the story back to the UN Security Council. It also depicts key characters who drive the plot.
Halo
Despite its repetition, this is one of the game’s most memorable missions, giving most of the game’s renowned aesthetics in one fell swoop. Every other mission is based on this, even if it has a different vibe or environment. It’s filled with rich, distinct sceneries and vintage automobiles.
The architecture above and below has come to define the series, as enemy dropships dump masses of aliens onto the earth. While the level’s repetition can be tedious, rescuing many marines seems like a huge epic akin to exhilarating sandbox gameplay. And the goal, valuing every human life, feels central to the Chief’s heart.
The Truth And Reconciliation
This exciting chapter is known for its early sniping and nighttime fighting. The cliff-side movement adds to the overall impression of stealth, albeit it may be skipped like any other assignment. It generates even more opponents, including Hunters, whose size and strength are first incredibly scary.
When you initially enter the Truth and Reconciliation via the grav lift on Legendary, the onslaught of invisible sword Elites that storm the area becomes extremely challenging.
All of the tactics that make them bearable in confined spaces had to be learnt. The mission gets somewhat redundant after boarding the titular ship in pursuit of Captain Keyes, with a battle to the brig. This is primarily related to the environment, which must appear consistent.
The Maw
This melancholy epilogue is the perfect bookend, bringing the story full circle. The Chief’s one-man army strategy to save humanity continues. It takes players back to the “Pillar of Autumn” ship level, where they must deal with a slew of Covenant and Flood.
Tossing explosives into open vents can be suffocating, confining the Chief to one chamber for an extended period of time. This is swiftly reversed by the famous Warthog escape, which is a timed event with ambiguous directions. It’s a fantastic finish, fast-paced, with thrilling leaps and difficult turns.
Keyes
This is the level where everything goes to hell. It directs the Master Chief into a fight between Flood and Covenant soldiers. And the game conveys an overall sense of turbulence without being too chaotic.
The dismal, toxic passages at the start of the level are claustrophobic and congested, yet they play nicely. And because the cruiser is already filled with desperate conflicts, exploring it again feels really fascinating this time. It certainly delivers with the shocking revelation of Keyes’ fate.
343 Guilty Spark
This level, more than any other, is a hilarious and obvious tribute to Aliens. This classic quest completely changes the game, adding an infection plot to the story. The entire mood is terrifying, on par with any of the best zombie films or games.
The dark bogs are unsettling, and the Flood proves to be the most threatening foe in the series. Their erratic behaviour, hostility, and sheer numbers are oppressive and difficult.
Assault On The Control Room
This is another game-defining level, in addition to the vast series of packed grey rooms. The unexpectedly majestic, snowy exteriors starkly contrast with the tight, monotonous interiors.
You will observe an Elite leap into a Banshee and take off at some point while crossing a rugged, snow-covered bridge connecting two interior parts. If you take out the Elite and yoink that Banshee from him, you can fly directly to the pyramid-shaped Control Room, skipping virtually half of the objective.
This level is well-known for its vehicle play, with the Scorpion and even a Banshee available to drive. The wide, frigid environments offer new gunfights and vehicular spectacle, with formidable Wraiths and turrets lurking around every corner. Basket Random game’s longest mission, it delivers nearly everything Halo has to offer, cementing its place in fans’ hearts.
The Silent Cartographer
In many ways, this mission is the culmination of the entire series. Storming the beach is unlike anything else in Halo game, as the island is essentially a sandbox. The area can be explored in any direction, yet the plot requires Master Chief to explore every square inch.
The level introduces players to the notion of the energy sword, and the mix of stunning visuals, epic soundtrack, and daring gameplay is inherently intriguing. The frenzied flight from invisible Elites is the perfect ending.
