5 Things Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Prequel Missions Must Deliver

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Halo is a hugely popular and long-lasting gaming series, particularly the first three games. It’s known for its grand science fiction stories, memorable characters, and detailed world. With Halo: Combat Evolved, players will be able to enjoy the original game with improved graphics, but 343 Industries is also adding new missions. These missions will be prequels, taking place before the events of the original game, which has sparked a lot of discussion among fans.

These new prequel missions have the potential to dramatically change how we understand the original Halo. They could provide the backstory that’s been missing, previously found only in books and supplemental materials, and finally allow players to witness the events leading up to the game’s famous opening. Here are five key things Halo Studios should focus on when developing these prequel missions for Halo: Combat Evolved.

5) Content From the Halo Books

Much of the most interesting backstory in the Halo universe has been found in its novels, which many gamers may not have experienced. Adding prequel missions to the game would be a great way to bring those stories to life, and Silent Storm would be an ideal choice. It details some of Master Chief’s first missions as a Spartan-II soldier during the beginning of the Human-Covenant War. Even showing a portion of that story through gameplay would be a dream come true for dedicated fans.

The game would vividly depict the harsh and unforgiving first battles between humans and the Covenant. Players would experience John-117 as a developing leader, still learning the responsibilities of being humanity’s greatest warrior – not the seasoned Chief from the original Combat Evolved. Gameplay could feature Master Chief on covert missions, commanding teams composed of both Spartans and Marines. Furthermore, this would provide an opportunity to explore the dynamic between Master Chief and Sergeant Avery Johnson in greater detail.

Taking inspiration from Silent Storm, a prequel to Campaign Evolved could perfectly blend classic Halo action with a more realistic and gritty military story. These missions could make the game feel more believable and demonstrate the true danger posed by the Covenant. This approach would connect the stories told in the Halo games with those in the Halo novels, giving both dedicated fans and new players a consistent understanding of how the Master Chief became a leader.

4) Giving Classic Characters the Spotlight

The original Halo: Combat Evolved gave us iconic characters like Cortana and Captain Keyes, but some of the less prominent characters also became fan favorites, even with limited appearances. One standout was Foe Hammer, the reliable pilot who frequently helped Master Chief. She was always there for rescues or providing cover fire, but her backstory remained a mystery. A new mission set before the events of the first game, focusing on Foe Hammer, could finally explore her story and add more depth to the Halo universe.

In addition to a prequel focusing on Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, the series could explore other compelling characters from the early days of Halo. This could include showing us Sergeant Johnson before he became famous, telling the story of the heroic Marvin Mobuto who fell fighting the Flood, or giving more screen time to other lesser-known but important figures. By fleshing out these characters, the opening moments of Halo: Combat Evolved would have even more emotional impact, as players would already be familiar with their backgrounds and sacrifices.

Focusing on established characters would be both heartwarming and add depth to a story fans already love, offering glimpses into their unseen experiences. The Halo universe has a wealth of material, particularly in its novels, and Halo Studios has a great chance to showcase beloved characters and memorable events.

3) Showing Off More Spartans

Halo fans have always wanted to see more of Blue Team – Linda-058, Kelly-087, and Fred-104. These Spartans grew up alongside the Master Chief in the Spartan program, and the extended Halo universe has developed their stories for years. However, the main Halo games haven’t often shown them fighting together before Halo 5: Guardians. Adding prequel missions to Halo: Combat Evolved that show the team’s operations before the fall of Reach would be a huge hit with fans.

A future show from Halo Studios could focus on Jun, the only survivor of Noble Team from the planet Reach. Fans are eager to learn more about his story, and a prequel mission – perhaps set during the Concord or Fumirole battles – would be a great way to do that. It would also showcase his enduring legacy and reveal how he managed to survive the tragic events of Halo: Reach.

Adding more playable Spartans would make gameplay more exciting. While Halo Studios has hinted at cooperative play, letting players experience a special mission as Blue Team would be fantastic in Halo: Campaign Evolved. Even without other Spartans, these missions could highlight what makes Master Chief so unique, showing players how he became a legend.

2) The Fall of Reach

The ending of Halo: Reach – Noble Six’s final battle as the Pillar of Autumn fled – is unforgettable for any Halo fan. But many wondered what happened on the other side of that story, specifically, where Master Chief was during the fall of Reach. The prequel missions in Halo: Combat Evolved now offer a chance to explore that missing piece of the puzzle.

We know Master Chief was in cryosleep on the Pillar of Autumn, getting ready for a secret mission. However, before that, he was heavily involved in the war. Halo Studios could explore some of those earlier missions, showing what Chief did before boarding the Pillar of Autumn under Captain Keyes. There’s a wealth of material in the Halo novels that could be adapted for this.

Another option would be for Halo Studios to revisit the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST). Since several ODST fought on Reach, it would be amazing to see the gameplay style of Halo 3: ODST combined with the updated graphics and gameplay of Campaign Evolved. Reach is a key location in the Human-Covenant War and a fan-favorite, so exploring that battle further could add significant depth to the beginning of Halo: Campaign Evolved.

1) A Covenant Flood Mission

To truly wow fans, Halo Studios should consider a prequel that lets players experience the story from a completely new perspective. Instead of playing as Master Chief, imagine taking on the role of a Covenant Elite commander. This commander is sent to explore a strange Forerunner structure that turns out to be a facility built to contain the Flood. We already know the Covenant had encountered the Flood before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved, and this would be a great way to show how they first discovered it.

We’ve experienced the Flood outbreak from humanity’s side, but it would be compelling to see it through the eyes of the Covenant. Existing lore tells us the Flood was just as devastating for them, and a playable mission showing their initial encounter would be incredibly intense and impactful. Even a small Flood outbreak wiping out a squad of Elites would be frightening and effectively establish this enemy in the original Halo: Combat Evolved.

Although the Arbiter doesn’t become a playable character until Halo 2, it would be a nice tribute to include a playable Elite in the earlier missions. While making the Elite the main character wouldn’t fit the story—especially if the Covenant is meant to lose—it would still be a fitting addition. It would enrich the Covenant’s backstory, give fans a proper playable Elite campaign for the first time since Halo 2, and create a strong foundation for the challenges to come.

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2025-10-31 17:14