Halois one of the largest first-person shooter franchises on the market, and has delivered an exciting science-fiction story over the years.The franchise helped build the Xbox brandand has seen a host of different titles, including being spun-off into different genres, and it recently began airing a TV show on Paramount+. Perhaps the best-knownHalospin-offs are the real-time strategy games known asHalo Wars.
As of this writing, there have been twoHalo Warsgames released that brought the world ofHaloto the RTS genre. Players have been able to control UNSC or Covenant forces in large-scale battles across exciting canon campaigns and multiplayer battles. The games were received well, but Microsoft has not announced any plans to make a third one s. AsHalo Infiniteprepares to kickstart Season 2, it might be the perfect time to make a thirdHalo Wars.
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The Halo Wars Story
In 2009.Microsoft released the firstHalo Warsgamewith Ensemble Studios. It took place 21 years beforeHalo: Combat Evolved,and had players lead a group of UNSC soldiers on the Spirit of Fire. They had to fight back against the Covenant to protect an ancient fleet of ships from falling into their hands. The story helped build out the world ofHalomore and provided a game that did not involve Master Chief, bridging the gap betweenHalo 3andHalo: ReachalongsideHalo 3: ODST.
Fans ofHalo Warswould not be given another entry in theseries until 2017’sHalo Wars 2. This time, Creative Assembly headed up development as it had shown success in the RTS genre with its popularTotal Warseries. The story once again followed the Spirit of Fire, but this time they had to fight back against the new alien faction known as the Banished. The Banished would later be the main villains ofHalo Infinite,which would launch four years later.Halo Wars 2took place shortly after the events ofHalo 5: Guardiansas the crew tried to prevent the Banished from taking the Ark. The game provided players with someHalocontent during the long wait betweenHalo 5: GuardiansandHalo Infinite, and helped build out the world leading into this latest release.
Why Halo Wars 3 Should Happen
BothHalo WarsandHalo Wars 2provided fans of the franchise with content to tie them over until the next mainline entry was released.Halo Wars 2even served as an introduction to the Banished and chronicled the events afterHalo 5: Guardians.The end credits ofHalo Wars 2hinted at a continuation, but 343 Industries has said there are no plans at this stage. WhileHalo Infinitecontinues its seasonal multiplayer, fans of the franchise would undoubtedly love more story to tide them over.
Halo Infinite’s story campaign was a huge innovationfor the franchise, but its multiplayer has not been as well received. Many have said that the gameplay is fun, but that the cosmetics and the unlocks are lackluster. There are also many fan-favorite modes that did not make the cut in its first season, and there are not many maps to play. A lot ofHalofans have decided to either play the campaign again or check out other games. Providing players with another piece of theHalostory through aHalo Wars 3would give them a game to turn to once they no longer want to playHalo Infinite.
Halo Wars 3could also be used to bridge the gap betweenHalo Infiniteand whatever comes next. However, it could also fill in some gaps between variousHalotitles, or even tell the story of what happened to Spartan Locke and his team fromHalo 5: Guardians. Providing players with moreHaloto turn to once they get bored by anotherHalogame would be a great move by 343 Industries, as already fans have been returning toHalo: The Master Chief Collectiondue to their frustrations withHalo Infinite’s multiplayer.
TheHalo Warsspin-off serieshas garnered many fans over the years, allowing other companies to experiment withHaloin the RTS genre. It would be a shame ifHalo Wars 3never saw the light of day, and now would be the perfect time to announce one. As fans are looking toward what is next for theHalobrand, aHalo Wars 3could bridge the gap and further build out the expansive universe.
