This GamesRadar+ guide sets out two ways to work through the Halo series: in the order the games were released, and in the order the story actually unfolds. It's aimed at newcomers or returning players unsure whether to follow Microsoft's original release schedule or jump straight into the internal chronology, which differs because of prequel entries and spin-offs.

The main divergence between the two orders comes from Halo: Reach, a prequel released after several other titles but set earliest in the timeline, and side stories such as Halo Wars and Halo 3: ODST, which slot in at different points depending on which approach is used. The guide runs through the mainline instalments — Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite — alongside these spin-offs, helping readers decide whether to prioritise narrative continuity or the series' historical development.