10 best Halo campaign missions of all time

The Halo series is as well known for its epic campaign missions as it is for its awesome selection of multiplayer maps. For well over two decades, both Bungie and 343 Industries have crafted unforgettable campaign experiences, which are (mostly) centered around the story of the Master Chief.

We know Halo levels are great, but which ones are the cream of the crop? I’ve whittled them down to the 10 best Halo campaign missions of all time – I reckon there are some surprising choices you won’t expect here.

10. Midnight

• Game: Halo 4

It should come as no surprise to learn that Halo 4‘s Midnight is the only 343 Industries mission on this list. The mission begins with a Star Wars-esque trench run unlike anything the series has seen before, almost resembling Star Fox in its gameplay approach.

It then moves to an intense, non-stop combat sequence as Halo 4 hurtles towards its conclusion. Combined with Neil Davidge’s thundering track, “Arrival,” this sequence arguably does a better job of making you feel like an unstoppable Spartan than anything else in the series. It’s 343’s best work in the series’ campaigns, topped off with an emotional climax involving Cortana.

9. Mombasa Streets

• Game: Halo 3: ODST

It’s a little cheeky to call Halo 3: ODST‘s Mombasa Streets a mission. It’s more of a hub for you to wander and get lost in the streets of New Mombasa, solving the mystery of the rookie’s missing squadmates.

Mombasa Streets oozes atmosphere at every turn, more so than any level in the Halo series. Marty O’Donnell’s piercing saxophone soundtrack creates an overwhelming feeling of loneliness, while the dark of the night makes it feel as though danger awaits around every corner (and it does). There’s even an AI embedded into the city’s technology, which directs you away from danger by lighting up street signs.

8. Assault on the Control Room

• Game: Halo: Combat Evolved

By far Halo: Combat Evolved‘s longest mission, Assault on the Control Room is proof that variety is the spice of life. This level allows you to use every single vehicle in the game, including the Scorpion for the first and only time. Every weapon, too, except for the shotgun.

It’s this variety that makes Assault on the Control Room stand out among other Halo missions. Like it or not, you’re forced to take part in every different combat style here – vehicular, long-ranged, and close-quarters. It finds a delicate balance perfectly.

7. Halo

• Game: Halo 3

Halo 3‘s final mission, Halo, earns its spot here based on the thrilling Warthog finale alone. As the game (and Bungie’s entire trilogy) comes to an end, you must commandeer a Warthog through an epic run of obstacles.

Moving through the level, the entire Halo installation is collapsing around you. Explosions, falling floors – go too slow, and you’re doomed. It’s a perfect throwback to Halo: Combat Evolved‘s own Warthog run in The Maw, but better in every way.

6. Coastal Highway

• Game: Halo 3: ODST

Bungie really nails a final mission, huh? Halo 3: ODST‘s Coastal Highway largely takes place on the titular highway. Throughout, you protect the slow-moving Elephant from defending Covenant forces, while the chaos of the Battle of Earth erupts around you, perfectly capturing the sense of impending doom.

It culminates in one final standoff at the entrance of the Uplift Nature Reserve. You and your squad face waves of incoming Covenant forces, like an intense game of Firefight. It’s one final stand while awaiting rescue, capping off a near-perfect Halo mission.

5. Halo

• Game: Halo: Combat Evolved

It’s another level called Halo. In another Halo game. It makes sense, I promise. Halo set the standard for what the series’ level design looks like at its best, with a vast open mission that sees you rescuing marines from various structures across the map. It’s a great mix of Warthog gameplay and close-quarters combat, introducing you to various Halo: Combat Evolved mechanics early.

If the previous mission, The Pillar of Autumn, set the expectation that Halo: Combat Evolved was going to be yet another corridor shooter (as was prevalent in early 2000s FPS games), then Halo shattered it immediately. It represents a near-series best for Halo campaign missions right at the very beginning.

4. The Silent Cartographer

• Game: Halo: Combat Evolved

The Silent Cartographer opens with a blast. An iconic beach scene that, I promise, felt more impressive then than it does now. For many players, The Silent Cartographer’s opening was the moment they realized they were playing something truly special.

The rest of the level rules, too, offer great variety between short outdoor vehicle sections and well-designed interior combat encounters. But the opening assault on the beach as you storm out of the Warthog is the centerpiece here.

3. Metropolis

• Game: Halo 2

Metropolis is the only Halo 2 mission on this list, but it’s number 3 for a reason. It’s a short level, but one so action-packed you can’t ignore it. You start Metropolis on a bridge with a Scorpion, blasting your way across it with ease. Is it challenging? No. But it’s awesome, and isn’t that what really matters?

After the bridge section, you find yourself in the inner city, the Metropolis, if you will. Most players make their way through the city in the provided Gauss Warthog, emphasizing Metropolis’ vehicle-heavy gameplay. Then you board a Scarab! It’s the definition of “short and sweet.”

2. The Ark

• Game: Halo 3

The Ark is Halo 3 at its best. Starting out with a sniping sequence, it then moves from one chaotic vehicle setpiece to another. Not to mention the epic Scarab fight, which, by the end of this colossal mission, feels more like a reward than a challenge.

The highlight of The Ark is the landing of the enormous Forward Unto Dawn frigate, which descends upon you while blowing away everything in its path. As it casts its massive shadow over you, it’s immediately clear you’re witnessing one of the coolest video game moments ever. If you know, you know.

1. The Covenant

• Game: Halo 3

That the two mission run of The Ark and The Covenant make up the top two spots on this list is a miracle. The latter half of Halo 3‘s campaign is remarkable, and The Covenant is where it all peaks.

From Warthog gameplay, Hornet combat, and a great mix of tight hallway gunplay and open battlefields to fight on, The Covenant has it all. It all culminates in that fight against two Scarabs simultaneously, resulting in the best setpiece the series has ever produced. Forget the Halo series – The Covenant is one of the best FPS missions ever made.

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