Editing Halo: Reach

{{Title|''Halo: Reach''}}
{{Era|RW|FA}}
{{Game Infobox
|name= ''Halo: Reach''
|image= [[File:Halo Reach (Standard with ESRB).png|300px]]
|developer= [[Bungie|Bungie LLC]]
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|platform= [[Xbox 360]], [[Xbox One]]<ref name="bw compatibility">[http://news.xbox.com/2015/12/17/halo-reach-hits-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-today/ '''Xbox Wire''': ''Halo: Reach Hits Xbox One Backward Compatibility Today'']</ref>
|releasedate= [[2010|September 14, 2010]]<br>[[2010|September 15, 2010]] (Japan)
|genre=[[First-person shooter]] 
|modes= [[Campaign]]; [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op]]; [[Multiplayer]]; [[Firefight]]; [[Forge]]; [[Theater]];
|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Mature (M) for Blood and Violence<br>
[[Wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: (D) Ages 17 & up<br>
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
}}
{{Quote|From the beginning, you know the end.|Game tagline<ref>[[Halo: Reach Announcement Trailer]]</ref>}}

'''''Halo: Reach''''' is a [[Wikipedia:First-person shooter|first-person shooter]] video game set in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' universe]] and direct prequel to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', depicting the [[Fall of Reach]]. It was developed by [[Bungie|Bungie, LLC.]]  and published by [[Microsoft Game Studios]] for the Xbox 360 console.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Projects/Reach/default.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Project Page'']</ref><ref name="worth">[http://worthplaying.com/article/2009/9/16/interviews/68467/ '''Worthplaying.com''' - ''"Halo 3: ODST" Developer Interview'']</ref> It was announced by [[Joseph Staten|Joe Staten]] during Microsoft's Media Briefing at E3 2009; ''Reach'' was released on September 14, 2010 in [[Wikipedia:North America|North America]], [[Wikipedia:Europe|Europe]], [[Wikipedia:Australia|Australia]], and [[Wikipedia:Asia|Asia]] with the exclusion of [[Wikipedia:Japan|Japan]] whose release was a day later.<ref name="bnet">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=26642 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Launches 09.14.2010!]''</ref> On [[2015|December 17, 2015]], ''Halo: Reach'' became available on the [[Xbox One]] via backwards compatibility.<ref name="bw compatibility"/>

Upon the first day of release, ''Reach'' grossed over $200 million, surpassing ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s record of $170 million.<ref>[http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/09/15/how-much-cash-did-halo-reach-bring-in-on-day-one.aspx '''Game Informer''': ''How Much Cash Did Halo Reach Bring In On Day One?'']</ref>
==Synopsis==
===Backstory===
{{Main|History of the United Nations Space Command}}

By the 26th century, humanity has expanded beyond the confines of [[Earth]]'s [[Sol system|Solar System]] and now inhabits hundreds of worlds in other star systems under the ultimate control of the [[Unified Earth Government]] and the [[United Nations Space Command]], the Earth government's military and scientific arm. However, colonization did not come without its problems. By the late 25th century, various rebel and secessionist factions commonly known as [[Insurrectionist]]s emerged in the [[Outer Colonies]], [[Insurrection|actively opposing]] the UNSC-imposed rule on the outlying worlds. In [[2517]], the [[SPARTAN-II program]] was initiated by the UNSC to counter the threat of an imminent all-out civil war in the Outer Colonies by producing a group of [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|biologically-enhanced]] supersoldiers.

In [[2525]], humanity made first contact with a powerful alien hegemony known as the [[Covenant]] on the distant [[Agriculture world|farming world]] of [[Harvest]]. Following an unfortunate [[First Battle of Harvest|chain of events]] set in motion by the contact at Harvest, the Covenant's [[Hierarchs|religious leaders]] deemed humans "unclean beings" and waged an all-out genocidal campaign with the intent of wiping the human race out of existence. In the years that followed, the technologically superior Covenant swept through the Outer Colonies, systematically wiping out human colonies by [[Glassing|plasma bombardment]]. Even with the all-encompassing Covenant threat, many human insurgent movements lived on, forcing the UNSC to fight a two-front war.

In [[2531]], the UNSC initiated another supersoldier project known as the [[SPARTAN-III program]]. The SPARTAN-III commandos, while greater in numbers than the SPARTAN-IIs, were created to assault high-value targets ''en masse'', in suicide missions in which they often succeeded, at the cost of entire companies. However, despite their best efforts, humanity could only slow down the Covenant's advance. By [[2552]], virtually all of the Outer Colonies have been devastated by the Covenant, who now ravage the [[Inner Colonies]]. Reach remains as humanity's last military stronghold and is often considered the only thing that stands between the Covenant and Earth.

===Reach===
{{Main|Reach}}
The titular planet Reach, located in the [[Epsilon Eridani system]] at Earth's metaphorical doorstep, is arguably the UNSC's most important military stronghold and shipyard. With a population of over 700 million, it is also one of the most populous human colonies. A harsh world filled with towering mountain ranges and deserts, Reach's settlements range from remote, self-sufficient farming communities to futuristic metropolitan cities such as [[New Alexandria]]. Reach also has several unique indigenous creatures such as the [[Moa]] and the [[Gúta]], which are interacted with over the course of the campaign.

As the nexus of the UNSC military, Reach is protected accordingly; possessing a grid of 20 [[orbital defense platform]] and a [[Epsilon Eridani Fleet|defensive fleet]] of over 100 ships at any time. Reach has garrisons of ground forces from all military branches of the UNSC, including the [[UNSC Army]] which serves as the primary NPC ally throughout the game.

===NOBLE Team===
[[File:Concept 03.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Concept art showing NOBLE Team interacting with civilians and UNSC Army troopers.]]
{{Main|NOBLE Team}}
The game follows NOBLE Team, a six-man special operations unit of one [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]] and five [[SPARTAN-III Program|SPARTAN-III]] commandos. Serving under [[Special Warfare Command]], NOBLE Team's SPARTAN-IIIs are among the few that were deemed too valuable to be wasted on suicide missions and were subsequently assigned to serve in other special forces units. Stationed on Reach, NOBLE Team reports to [[Colonel]] [[Urban Holland]].

The player assumes the role of the team's latest member, [[SPARTAN-B312]] or "Noble Six", a SPARTAN-III from [[SPARTAN-III Beta Company|Beta Company]] with a mysterious past, assigned to the team as a replacement for its [[Thom-293|previous sixth member]]. Other members of the team include [[Carter-A259]], the leader; [[Kat-B320]], the intelligence specialist and Carter's second-in-command; [[Jorge-052]], an experienced heavy weapons specialist and only SPARTAN-II on the team; [[Emile-A239]], an audacious assault and close combat specialist; and [[Jun-A266]], the team's talkative sharpshooter.

===Plot synopsis===
{{Spoiler}}
[[File:Noble Briefing.png|thumb|250px|right|NOBLE Team being briefed prior to deployment.]]
On [[2552#July|July 24, 2552]], [[SPARTAN-B312]], the player character, arrives at a UNSC outpost on Reach. It is here that the players are introduced to the main cast and given their first mission from NOBLE Team's [[commanding officer]], [[Colonel]] [[Urban Holland]]. The team is called in to investigate the sudden blackout of the [[Visegrád Relay|Visegrad Relay]], one of the planet's primary communications hubs. Expecting a confrontation with [[Insurrectionist]]s, the team lands in the remote rural area and proceeds to the relay. After interrogating a farmer and finding suspicious signs in the area, it is soon discovered that the loss of communications is the work of the [[Covenant]], as the team is engaged by Covenant ground forces. After they have made their way into the relay station, the team are attacked by an [[Sangheili|Elite]] [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]] advance team, who were on a mission to steal information from the relay. After the team successfully secures the relay, Carter uses the damaged relay to contact Colonel Holland and explain the situation, leading to the declaration of the planetary emergency directive [[WINTER CONTINGENCY]].

[[File:Reach "The Battle Begins"-Elite.png|thumb|250px|left|NOBLE Team encountering Sangheili Zealots.]]
Two days later, on July 26th, NOBLE Team is called in to [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] [[Sword Base]] near the [[Babd Catha Ice Shelf]]. As explained to the team by the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Auntie Dot]], Sword Base is under attack from a [[SDV-class heavy corvette|Covenant corvette]], but due to the sensitive nature of the facility, the use of [[orbital defense platform|orbital MAC rounds]] is prohibited. NOBLE Team clears the main courtyard of enemies, and is then sent on a mission to re-activate [[Farragut Station]], a communications station they can use to get into contact with command, and [[Airview Base]], where they need to activate [[M71 Anti-Aircraft Gun|an anti-air battery]] to clear the skies. The Spartans move into Sword Base and NOBLE Six assists [[Emile-A239|Emile]] in driving off several [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantoms]] and [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]]. After the skies have been cleared, the UNSC sends in a pair of [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longswords]] to push the corvette away from the base's immediate vicinity. The Covenant vessel begins to retreat, only to be shot out of the sky by an orbital strike. After the mission, NOBLE Team is debriefed by Dr. [[Catherine Halsey]], who inquires as to the death of [[Laszlo Sorvad|one of her scientists]], who was doing research at the relay. She says he mentioned a "latchkey" discovery and that the information was essential. Learning that he was killed by [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]s, Halsey reprimands [[Carter-A259|Carter]] for not pursuing the leader, as the scientist's research was potentially important to [[Covenant religion|their religion]]. Fortunately, [[Kat-B320|Kat]] had stolen the data module off of the scientist, and hands it over to Halsey.

Two and a half weeks later, NOBLE Six and [[Jun-A266|Jun]] are sent to perform a night reconnaissance mission to reconnoiter the Covenant "dark zone" in the [[Viery Territory]]. After stealthily eliminating guards at multiple outposts, The two Spartans meet up with a group of civilian militiamen, who guide them to a [[Ütközet hydroelectric power plant|hydro-plant]] further into the dark zone, where the team discovers a Covenant [[stealth pylon]]. After planting an explosive charge on the pylon, the team moves deeper into the dark zone, where they discover a massive Covenant invasion force. Kat then orders them back so they can prepare for the attack on the next day. 

[[File:Viery.jpg|thumb|250px|A satellite image of the troop deployments at Viery.]]
In the morning of [[2552#August|August 12, 2552]], a massive UNSC [[Order of battle (Viery, Reach)|joint assault force]] is put together, with the objective of mounting a counterattack on the Covenant-occupied Viery Territory. As revealed by Auntie Dot in the mission briefing, the Covenant have infiltrated to the region in force, deploying ground forces and installations, including several massive [[Covenant spire|Covenant Spires]]. NOBLE Team's objective is to destroy one of these spires, designated [[Spire One]]. After pushing through Covenant forces and destroying several Covenant [[Type-38 Anti-Aircraft Cannon|anti-air batteries]], [[Jorge-052|Jorge]] and NOBLE Six deploy to the spire in a [[UH-144 Falcon|Falcon]]. However, the aircraft crashes after being disabled by the electromagnetic field created by the Spire's shield. After the crash, the pair proceed into the Spire, where it is revealed that the Spires actually contain [[teleporter]]s used to transport Covenant forces to the surface, linked to an unknown source. After proceeding to the Spire, NOBLE Six utilizes a [[gravity lift]] to reach the top, and disables the shield. [[SPARTAN-B312|Noble Six]] is flown away from the tower by a Falcon containing Carter and Jorge. {{UNSCShip|Grafton}}, a [[Paris-class heavy frigate|heavy frigate]], uses a [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] round to demolish the spire. Seconds later, a [[CSO-class supercarrier|Covenant supercarrier]] uncloaks and fires on the ''Grafton'', completely destroying it. 

NOBLE Team contemplates how to destroy the Covenant supercarrier, ''[[Long Night of Solace]]'', as the UNSC no longer possess tactical nuclear devices on Reach. Instead, Kat proposes they use a [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|slipspace drive]] as a makeshift bomb to destroy the ship. It also becomes apparent that Noble Six was a pilot in the top-secret [[Sabre Program]] at some point. Carter contacts Holland and the plan is approved.

On August 14, NOBLE Team arrives at the [[Sabre Program Launch/Research Range]], where Noble Six and Jorge commandeer a UNSC [[YSS-1000 Sabre|YSS-1000 "Sabre"]], a recent development intended for Inner Colony orbital defense. They launch into the hostile space over Reach, where they protect a UNSC space station, [[Anchor 9]], until its defenses come back online. Next, they rendezvous with the {{UNSCShip|Savannah}}, which sacrifices its slipspace drive for the mission. They then board the Covenant corvette, ''[[Ardent Prayer]]'', and using its re-fueling course at the supercarrier as an excuse, get close enough to detonate the slipspace bomb and destroy the ''Long Night of Solace''. Unfortunately, the detonator for the makeshift bomb is damaged and Jorge is forced to manually detonate it, sacrificing himself to destroy the supercarrier. However, the victory is short lived: mere moments later, a massive Covenant fleet arrives, making the destruction of one supercarrier pointless. 

[[File:LNoS ends.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''Long Night of Solace'' is destroyed.]]

Noble Six is flung away from the corvette by Jorge, falling all the way down into Reach's atmosphere, saved by an [[M-Spec reentry pack]]. After landing, Six continues to the city of [[New Alexandria]], arriving there on August 23rd. Six then regroups with UNSC forces and assists in the evacuation of [[Traxus Tower]], where many civilians have taken refuge. After, Six helps [[UNSC Army]] troops to activate [[M95 Lance|anti-air missile batteries]], which damage a Covenant corvette, providing the time needed for the massive [[unidentified civilian transport craft|civilian transports]] to escape the city. Kat orders Noble Six to rejoin NOBLE Team, Noble Six meets Carter on a rooftop in New Alexandria. Kat orders Noble Six to assist in the destruction of several [[Covenant communications jammer]]s in the area, along with several other tasks, including protecting [[Edward Buck|Gunnery Sgt. Edward Buck]]'s Falcon as he is transported to the rest of his unit, defending different groups of Army soldiers around the city, and assisting in more civilian evacuation. Kat then calls on Noble Six to come to her aid in the evacuation of the [[Olympic Tower|Office of Naval Intelligence HQ]].

Once inside, NOBLE Team is reunited, in what Emile calls a "family reunion." Colonel Holland makes emergency contact to the team, ordering them to immediately re-deploy to Sword Base to destroy sensitive information. The communications are cut off, and Jun notes several Covenant vehicles leaving the area. Soon afterward, the Covenant begin to glass the city near the building, generating a massive shockwave NOBLE Team barely manages to avoid. The team takes an elevator down to the bottom level, where they run to an underground radiation bunker as Carter explains that they are to be redeployed to Sword Base to destroy all sensitive data. Just before they get inside, Kat is killed with a single shot from a [[Type-31 Rifle|Needle Rifle]] to the back of her head. Three days later, the team exits the shelter, and a [[Pelican]] arrives to transport them to Sword Base. 

On August 29, Noble Six is deployed with a group of [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s in order to take out several Covenant anti-air towers around Sword Base, opening the defenses so the rest of NOBLE Team can be deployed to the base via Falcons. After fighting their way into Sword Base, NOBLE Team discovers the coordinates they were given to be empty, a last stand full of dead troopers. The coordinates are then revised by an unknown AI, and NOBLE Team moves into caves below Sword Base. NOBLE Team rides a cart down the tunnel, and discover that it was Dr. Halsey who ordered them back to the base, despite the existence of reports that she had died. As they descend down the elevator, a massive [[Babd Catha Forerunner complex|artifact]] built by an [[Forerunner|ancient civilization]] in the ice cavern is revealed. 

[[File:Halsey n' Six.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Doctor Halsey giving Noble Six [[The Package (data storage unit)|The Package]].]]
Halsey asks NOBLE Team to buy her more time in order to decrypt the artifact's data. NOBLE Team sets up a defensive perimeter at the entrance to Halsey's lab, deploying [[M8 Automated Defense System|Wolf Spider Turrets]] in the area before fighting off waves of incoming Covenant. After the process is complete, NOBLE Team falls back to Halsey's lab, where she then shows a fragment of the AI [[Cortana]] to the team and explains that she has been assigned the custodian of the artifact's data, and she needs to be brought to the [[Aszod ship breaking yards]] in order to be deployed onto a UNSC {{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}} which is being sent on a special mission. Dr. Halsey explains that Cortana has picked Noble Six to be her carrier, and entrusts her to the Spartan.

They make their way to a landing pad outside, where two Pelican dropships await. Jun is assigned by Carter to take one of the Pelicans to escort Dr. Halsey to [[CASTLE Base]], while the rest of the team deploys on the other dropship to the ship breaking yards. On the way, the Pelican piloted by Carter is damaged, forcing Emile and Noble Six to initiate a low level altitude aerial insertion and move towards the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}. 

[[File:Carter Death.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Carter-A259 ramming his Pelican into a Scarab.]]

The pair are blocked by a [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]], but Carter arrives and sacrifices himself, piloting the Pelican in a kamikaze strike on the Scarab. Noble Six and Emile continue towards the ''Pillar of Autumn''. Once there, Emile mans a [[Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|Mk. 2488 Onager MAC]], while Noble Six fights off masses of Covenant infantry. [[Jacob Keyes|Captain Jacob Keyes]] then arrives and receives the AI from Noble Six. Before the Captain can take off, a Covenant [[CCS-class battlecruiser|battlecruiser]] arrives, and prepares to fire on the Autumn. Meanwhile, a Covenant Phantom arrives on scene and dispatches a team of Elite Zealots to Emile's location. Emile kills one with a shotgun, before being stabbed through the abdomen by another. The Marines on Keyes's dropship offer that Noble Six board the Pelican, but Six declines, as without cover from the MAC, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' couldn't escape. After fighting through the Zealots, Noble Six takes control of the cannon and defends the Pelican as it returns to the ''Autumn''. As the Covenant ship prepares to fire, Noble Six fires into its [[Energy projector|main weapon]], disabling the Cruiser as the ''Pillar of Autumn'' escapes from the planet. 

[[File:HaloReach - PoA.png|left|200px|thumb|The {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} escapes Reach.]]

The final cutscene portrays the beginning of the opening cutscene in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', where the ''Pillar of Autumn'' comes out of slipspace. Keyes asks if they have evaded the Covenant, to which Cortana replies "I think we both know the answer to that". The credits roll on the right as the ship drifts off towards [[Installation 04]].

After the credits, Noble Six is shown to still be at the ship breaking yards, preparing for a final stand against Covenant forces being deployed in the area. Six fights off several waves of Covenant forces, before succumbing to plasma fire, discarding his/her damaged helmet. Six fights desperately with several Sangheili soldiers until overwhelmed and stabbed by a Sangheili Zealot's [[energy dagger]]. The epilogue, set over 30 years later in the year [[2589]] on a re-[[Terraforming|terraformed]] Reach, shows Noble Six's helmet sitting in what is now a grassy field. Dr. Halsey provides a eulogy to Noble Team as the camera shows [[Unidentified colony ship|a human ship]] landed on the planet, showing the re-colonization of Reach.
{{Spoiler/end}}
{{Clear}}

===Data pads===
{{Main|Data pads}}
In addition to the main storyline, ''Halo: Reach'' features 19 hidden [[data pad]]s which tell a self-contained story of their own. The data pads, found in various locations throughout the campaign, focus on a powerful human [[Artificial intelligence|Artificial Intelligence]] collective known as [[assembly|the Assembly]]. Composed of a [[Assembly Minority|Minority]], [[Assembly Majority|Majority]] and the [[Committee of Minds for Security]], the minds of the Assembly are behind many significant events in human history, having been manipulating humanity in secret since the 24th century.

==Gameplay==
[[File:1INSURGENTWINTERCONTIGENCY.jpg|300px|right|thumb|A gameplay preview of NOBLE Team questioning a civilian.]]
''Halo: Reach'' features many new additions to the ''Halo'' sandbox while still retaining the core gameplay. The player damage system is similar to that of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 3: ODST''. The [[Heads-up display|HUD]] highlights environmental features and overlay information about them, and the [[motion tracker]] display is three-dimensional. ''Halo: Reach'' also introduces a refined [[equipment]] system known as "[[Armor abilities|Armor Abilities]]." Pieces of equipment can now be selected upon respawning (or picked up of the ground for certain gametypes and campaign); armor abilities are reusable with a recharge time between uses. A new [[assassination]] system is also featured, in which holding down the melee button will trigger a context-sensitive, third-person assassination animation. Simply hitting the melee button allows for the old-instant-kill assassination, now called beat-downs. Melee kills, which were called beat-downs, are now called pummels.

The weapon selection has been streamlined from that of ''Halo 3'', so that every weapon has a specific role. The number of different grenade types has also been reduced from that of ''Halo 3'', and [[Type-3 Antipersonnel/Antimatériel Incendiary Grenade|incendiary grenades]] and [[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade|spike grenades]] did not return. Human weapons all hit more or less instantly after pulling the trigger, as opposed to the projectiles being affected by in-game physics. There is no longer dual-wielding available in ''Halo: Reach'', following the same path as ''Halo 3: ODST''. Compensating for this, the weapons that were known as dual weapons in ''Halo 3'' that are now in ''Halo: Reach'' became drastically stronger. The M6G Magnum, for example, is now almost as powerful as the M6D Pistol in ''Halo: CE'', and has an even higher rate of fire.

Players are able to personalize their character's armor with a greater variety of customization options, and the appearance is consistent across campaign and multiplayer, unlike in ''Halo 3'' where it would only be seen during multiplayer matches. Like in ''Halo 3'', the armor permutations are only to be cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. The design of multiplayer models in ''Halo: Reach'' differs than those previously used in ''Halo 3''; players are limited to a SPARTAN multiplayer model but given the option of changing their character's gender. Players are given the option to play as an Elite multiplayer model, though only in specific gametypes such as Firefight Versus, Invasion and other Elite-specific gametypes. Both multiplayer models have different gameplay properties; the Elite multiplayer model is physically superior, has a fully recharging health and faster shield regeneration than their SPARTAN counterpart. Overall, their only disadvantage is their massive size which makes them slower and much more noticeable targets.

While the rest of NOBLE Team accompany the player for most of the game, ''Halo: Reach'' does not feature any kind of tactical squad mechanic. Much like the [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] in ''Halo 3'', the rest of the squad fight alongside the player, but do not interact with the player, other than certain scripted actions and dialogue. The levels in the game are more open and teleportation in co-op is far less strict.<ref name="EDGE">[http://www.edge-online.com/ '''EDGE Magazine'''], ''February 2010''</ref><ref name="GI">[http://gameinformer.com/mag/haloreach.aspx '''GameInformer''']: ''February 2010''</ref>

As originally revealed in the [[Halo: Reach E3 2010 Trailer|E3 2010 trailer]], a small section of the ''Halo: Reach'' campaign level [[Long Night of Solace]] involves space combat, a new element to the game. This space battle above Reach is the first space combat section played in the ''Halo'' saga.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJqw6QvSzXQ '''YouTube''': ''E3 2010 Extended Reach Campaign Mission HD'']</ref><ref name="e32010">'''[[Halo: Reach E3 Campaign Demo]]'''</ref>

===Campaign===
The campaign in ''Halo: Reach'' consists of eleven levels, ten of which are playable.
#[[Noble Actual|Noble Actual]] - ''"Welcome to Reach."'' (Cinematic)
#[[Winter Contingency (level)|Winter Contingency]] - ''"There's a disturbance on the frontier."''
#[[ONI: Sword Base]] - ''"Covenant are attacking a vital ONI base. Drive the bastards off."''
#[[Nightfall|Nightfall]] - ''"Move in behind enemy lines and evaluate the opposition."''
#[[Tip of the Spear|Tip of The Spear]] - ''"Two massive armies clash! Time to go to war against the Covenant."''
#[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]] - "''Move up the beach and secure the launch facility. Take the battle to the Covenant Super Carrier."''
#[[Exodus]] - ''"All is not lost. Evacuate civilians from an occupied city."''
#[[New Alexandria (level)|New Alexandria]] - ''"Provide air support in a forest of crumbling skyscrapers."''
#[[The Package (level)|The Package]] - ''"Your orders are to destroy Sword Base... Or are they?"''
#[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]] - ''"Deliver Halsey's data package to the Pillar of Autumn."''
#[[Lone Wolf]] - ''"Spartans never die. They're just missing in action..."''

===Multiplayer===
A total of 34 multiplayer maps are available in ''Halo: Reach'', with 24 standard multiplayer maps and 10 Firefight maps.
{{Col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;Multiplayer
'''Default'''
*[[Boardwalk]]
*[[Boneyard]]
*[[Countdown]]
*[[Forge World]]
**[[Asylum]]
**[[Hemorrhage]]
**[[Paradiso]]
**[[Pinnacle]]
**[[The Cage]]
*[[Powerhouse]]
*[[Reflection]]
*[[Spire]]
*[[Sword Base (level)|Sword Base]]
*[[Zealot (level)|Zealot]]

'''Noble Map Pack'''
{{Main|Noble Map Pack}}
*[[Anchor 9 (level)|Anchor 9]]
*[[Breakpoint]]
*[[Tempest]]

'''Defiant Map Pack'''
{{Main|Defiant Map Pack}}
*[[Condemned]]
*[[Highlands]]

'''Anniversary Map Pack'''
{{Main|Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary}}
*[[Battle Canyon]]
*[[Penance]]
*[[Ridgeline]]
*[[Solitary]]
*[[High Noon]]
*[[Breakneck]]


{{col-2}}
;Firefight
*[[Beachhead (Halo: Reach level)|Beachhead]]
*[[Corvette (level)|Corvette]]
*[[Courtyard]]
*[[Glacier]]
*[[Holdout]]
*[[Outpost (level)|Outpost]]
*[[Overlook]]
*[[Waterfront]]
'''Defiant Map Pack'''
*[[Unearthed]]
'''Anniversary Map Pack'''
*[[Installation 04 (level)|Installation 04]]
{{col-end}}

===Appearance===
====Armor Permutations====
{{main|Armor permutations (Halo: Reach)}}
Armor Permutations return in ''Halo: Reach'' with far deeper customization options than ''Halo 3''. Players can purchase different armor sets with [[credits]] from '''The Armory'''.
{{Armor/Permutation/HR}}

====Multiplayer Emblems====
{{Main|Multiplayer Emblems}}
An Emblem is a highly customizable image that appears on the right side of a Spartan's chestplate during gameplay, they are there to give a player an identity for themselves.

====Armor Effects====
{{main|Armor Effects}}
Armor Effects are customizable effects available in '''The Armory'''.

====Colors====
There are ten base and primary colors, each with three shades of one another that are used to customize your multiplayer color and emblem. 
*'''''Steel''''', '''Silver''', and '''''White'''''
*'''''Red''''', '''Mauve''', and '''''Salmon'''''
*'''''Orange''''', '''Coral''', and '''''Peach'''''
*'''''Gold''''', '''Yellow''', and '''''Pale'''''
*'''''Sage''''', '''Green''', and '''''Olive'''''
*'''''Teal''''', '''Aqua''', and '''''Cyan'''''
*'''''Blue''''', '''Cobalt''', and '''''Sapphire'''''
*'''''Violet''''', '''Orchid''', and '''''Lavender'''''
*'''''Crimson''''', '''Rubine''', and '''''Pink'''''
*'''''Brown''''', '''Tan''', and '''''Khaki'''''
*'''Black''' can still be used but, only in Forge or Custom gametypes, as a forced player color under general settings.
*'''Zombie''' a slightly more yellowish version of '''Green''' to make players look like zombies. Only available in Forge or Custom gametypes as a forced player color under general settings.

==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5
|title-1=Characters|
===Human===
*[[Air Control]] {{1st}}
*[[ATC 1]]
*[[ATC 2]]
*[[Avery Johnson]]
*[[Beta-Red Actual]]
*[[Buckman]]
*[[Carter-A259]]
*[[Kat-B320]]
*[[Catherine Halsey]]
*[[Laszlo Sorvad]] {{1st}}
*[[Sára Sorvad]] {{1st}}
*[[Duvall]] {{1st}}
*[[Echo Dispatch]] {{1st}}
*[[Evacuation Dispatch]] {{1st}}
*[[Edward Buck]]
*[[Emile-A239]]
*[[Jacob Keyes]]
*[[Jake Chapman]]
*[[John-117]]
*[[Jorge-052]]
*[[Jun-A266]]
*[[Kilo Dispatch]] {{1st}}
*[[Kilo 26]] {{1st}}
*[[Kristòf Jen]] {{1st}}
*[[SPARTAN-B312]] {{1st}}
*[[Sword Control]] {{1st}}
*[[Marcus Stacker]]
*[[Travis]] {{1st}}
*[[Urban Holland]] {{1st}}
*[[1 Alpha 3]] {{1st}}
*[[4 Charlie 27]] {{1st}}
*[[7 Charlie 40]] {{1st}}
*[[7 Delta 19]] {{1st}}

===AI===
*[[Auntie Dot]] {{1st}}
*[[Cortana]]

===Sangheili===
*[[Ardo 'Moretumee]] {{1st}}

|title-2=Species and entities|
*[[Gúta]] {{1st}}
*[[Human]]
**[[Civilian]]s
**[[UNSC Army]]
**[[UNSC Marines]]
*[[Huragok]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
**[[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captain Major]]
**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]]
*[[Kig-Yar]] (''Ruuhtian'')
**[[Kig-Yar Major|Major]]
**[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]]
**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]]
**[[Skirmisher]] (''T'vaoan'')
***[[Skirmisher Minor|Minor]]
***[[Skirmisher Major|Major]] {{1st}}
***[[Skirmisher Murmillo|Murmillo]] {{1st}}
***[[Skirmisher Commando|Commando]] {{1st}}
***[[Skirmisher Champion|Champion]] {{1st}}
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Moa]] {{1st}}
*[[Sangheili]]
**[[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]] {{1st}}
**[[Sangheili General|General]] {{1st}}
**[[Sangheili Major|Major]]
**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]
**[[Sangheili Ranger|Ranger]]
**[[Special Operations Sangheili|SpecOps]]
**[[Sangheili Ultra|Ultra]]
**[[Sangheili Zealot|Zealot]]
*[[Unggoy]]
**[[Special Operations Unggoy|SpecOps]]
**[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]]
**[[Unggoy Major|Major]]
**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]]
**[[Unggoy Ultra|Ultra]]
*[[Yanme'e]]
**[[Yanme'e Major|Major]]
**[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]]
**[[Yanme'e Ultra|Ultra]]

|title-3=Organizations|
*[[AMG Transport Dynamics]]
*[[Covenant]]
**[[Covenant military]]
***[[Fleet of Particular Justice]]
***[[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]]
*[[Jotun Heavy Industries]]
*[[Traxus Heavy Industries]]
*[[United Nations Space Command]]
**[[UNSC High Command]]
***[[UNSC Medical Corps]]
***[[UNSC Army]]
****[[1 Alpha]] {{1st}}
****[[4 Charlie]] {{1st}}
****[[7 Charlie]] {{1st}}
****[[7 Delta]] {{1st}}
****[[8th Armored Brigade]] {{1st}}
****[[34th Infantry Brigade]] {{1st}}
****[[124th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized)]] {{1st}}
****[[Evacuation Team 7]] {{1st}}
****[[Foxtrot 21]] {{1st}}
****[[Golf 27]] {{1st}}
****[[Oscar 18]] {{1st}}
****[[UNSC Army airborne]] {{First mentioned}}
*****[[UNSC Army airborne#Pathfinders|Pathfinders]] {{First mentioned}}
****[[Military police|Army Military Police]] {{1st}}
****[[Special Warfare Command]]
*****[[Special Warfare Group Three]]
******[[NOBLE Team]]
******[[3 Charlie]]
***[[UNSC Air Force]]
****[[Air Combat Command]] {{1st}}
*****[[37th Tactical Fighter Wing]] {{1st}}
*****[[Air Mobility Express]] {{1st}}
******[[AMX-4]] {{1st}}
******[[AMX-42]] {{1st}}
***[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
****[[12th Marine Regiment]] {{1st}}
****[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s
*****[[105th Shock Troops Division]]
******[[2nd Shock Troops Battalion]]
******[[7th Shock Troops Battalion]]
******[[11th Shock Troops Battalion]] {{1st}}
*****[[22nd Shock Troops Battalion]] {{1st}}
******[[Bullfrogs]] {{1st}}
***[[UNSC Navy]]
****[[Epsilon Eridani Fleet]]
****[[Logistical Operations Command]] {{Mo}}
****[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]]
*****[[SPARTAN-II program]]
******[[Red Team]]
*******[[Beta-Red|Team Beta]] {{C|Voice only}}
****[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
*****[[Beta-5 Division]]
******[[Asymmetrical Action Group]] {{1st}}
******[[Military police|Beta-5 Military Police]] {{1st}}
******[[SPARTAN-III program]]
*******[[Echo Team]] {{Fm}}
*******[[Gauntlet Team]] {{Fm}}
*******[[Red Team (SPARTAN-III)|Red Team]] {{Fm}}
****[[YSS-1000 Sabre|Sabre program]] {{1st}}

|title-4=Locations|
*[[Epsilon Eridani system]]
**[[Fermion|Fermion Remote Scanning Outpost]] {{Mo}}
**[[Gamma Station]]
**[[Reach]]
***[[Natural satellite|Moons]]
****[[Csodaszarvas]]
****[[Turul]]
***[[Eposz]] {{1st}}
****[[Babd Catha Ice Shelf]] {{1st}}
*****[[Sword Base]] {{1st}}
*****[[Babd Catha Forerunner complex]] {{1st}}
***[[Longhorn Valley]] {{Mo}}
***[[Manassas]] {{Mo}}
***[[New Alexandria]] {{1st}}
***[[Orbital Defense Generator Facility A-331]] {{Mo}}
***[[Sabre Program Launch/Research Range]] {{1st}}
***[[Ütközet]] {{1st}}
****[[Szurdok Ridge]] {{1st}}
*****[[Ütközet hydroelectric power plant]] {{1st}}
***[[Visegrád]]
****[[Visegrád Relay]] {{1st}}
*[[Epsilon Indi system]] {{Mo}}
**[[Harvest]] {{Mo}}
*[[Harmony]] {{Mo}}
*[[Lambda Serpentis system]] {{Mo}}
**[[Jericho VII]] {{Mo}}
*[[Sigma Octanus system]] {{Mo}}
**[[Sigma Octanus IV]] {{Mo}}
*[[Soell|Soell system]]
**[[Installation 04]]
**[[Threshold]]

|title-5=Events|
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
**[[Fall of Reach]] 
***[[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]] {{1st}}
***[[Operation: UPPER CUT]] {{1st}}
***[[Siege of New Alexandria]] {{1st}}
**[[Operation: GUARDIAN LANCE]] {{Mo}}
**[[Operation: TORPEDO]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Shield World 0459]] {{Im}}

|title-6=Weapons|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[7 wood]]
*[[Combat knife]]
*[[H-165 target locator]] {{1st}}
*[[Machine-linked autocannon#M1024 ASW/AC 30mm|M1024 ASW/AC 30mm autocannon]] {{1st}}
*[[M247H machine gun]]
*[[M247T machine gun]]
*[[M319 grenade launcher]] {{1st}}
*[[M392 DMR]]
*[[M41 Vulcan]]
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]
*[[M45 shotgun]] {{1st}}
*[[M460 Automatic Grenade Launcher]] {{1st}}
*[[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]]
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]
*[[M68 Gauss cannon]]
*[[M638 autocannon]]
*[[M6G magnum]]
*[[M79 rocket launcher]] {{1st}}
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[MA37 assault rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[Mark 2488 Onager]] {{1st}}
*[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[ST/Medusa missile]] {{1st}}
*[[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine]] {{c|Gametype-specific use only}}

;Unusable
*[[Fury tactical nuclear weapon]] {{Mo}}
*[[Landmine]] {{1st}}
*[[M370 autocannon]]
*[[M71 Scythe]] {{1st}}
*[[M8 Wolf Spider]] {{1st}}
*[[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW/AC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm autocannon]]
*[[M95 Lance]] {{1st}}
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
*[[Point-defense gun]]
**[[M910 point defense network]]
*[[Unidentified UNSC explosive]] {{1st}}

====Covenant====
;Usable
*[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]]
*[[Class-2 medium plasma mortar]] {{1st}}
*[[Energy dagger]] {{1st}}
*[[Fuel rod cannon]]
*[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer]]
*[[Type-25 Spiker]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 plasma rifle]]
*[[Plasma mortar#Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar|Type-26 Directed-Energy Mortar]]
*[[Type-26 Shade]]
*[[Type-31 needle rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-33 fuel rod gun]]
*[[Type-33 Needler]]
*[[Type-50 concussion rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-51 plasma repeater]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-52 focus rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-52 plasma cannon]]
*[[Type-52 plasma launcher]] {{1st}}

;Unusable
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Focus cannon]]
*[[Heavy plasma cannon]]
*[[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]
*[[Pulse laser turret]]
*[[Type-38 Tyrant]] {{1st}}
*[[Unidentified Covenant bomb]] {{1st}}

|title-7=Vehicles|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[Cart]]
*[[M12 Warthog]]
**[[M12 LRV Warthog]]
**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]]
**[[M12R Warthog]] {{1st}}
*[[M274 Mongoose]]
*[[M808B Scorpion]]
*[[M831 Warthog]]
*[[Forklift|S-2 Traxus Cargo Transporter]]
*[[Spade]] {{1st}}
*[[Tractor unit]]
**[[HuCiv HC1500]]
*[[UH-144 Falcon]] {{1st}}
*[[YSS-1000 Sabre]] {{1st}}
**''[[Bravo 029]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Echo One]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Echo Two]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Echo Three]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Echo Four]]'' {{1st}}

;Unusable
*''[[Anchor 9]]'' {{1st}}
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]
**''[[Delta 15]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Whiskey 035]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Whiskey 036]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Whiskey 037]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[Whiskey 039]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Class|Halcyon|light cruiser}}
**{{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}
*[[GA-TL1 Longsword]]
*{{Class|Stalwart|light frigate}}
**{{UNSCShip|Aegis Fate}} {{Mo}} <ref>'''''Halo: Reach''''', level ''[[Overlook]]'', [[Halo: Reach radio conversations|Overlook radio conversation]]</ref>
**{{UNSCShip|Stalwart Dawn}} {{Fm}}
*{{Class|Paris|heavy frigate}}
**{{UNSCShip|Commonwealth}}
**{{UNSCShip|Grafton}} {{1st}}
**{{UNSCShip|Savannah}} {{1st}}
**{{UNSCShip|Saratoga}} {{1st}}
*[[Unidentified civilian transport craft]] {{1st}}
**''[[6 Echo 2]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[6 Echo 3]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[7 Echo 3]]'' {{1st}}

====Covenant====
;Usable
*[[Type-26 Wraith]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-32 Ghost]]
*[[Type-48 Revenant]] {{1st}}

;Unusable
*{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
*{{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}}
**''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Class|CSO|supercarrier}}
**''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Covenant drop pod]]
*[[Type-25 Spirit]]
*[[Type-27 Banshee]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-31 Seraph]]
*[[Type-47 Scarab]]
*[[Type-52 Phantom]]
**[[Phantom gunboat]] {{1st}}

===Forerunner===
;Unusable
*[[Babd Catha Forerunner vessel]] {{1st}}

|title-8=Equipment & technology|
;[[Armor abilities]]
*[[Armor abilities#Active camouflage|Active Camouflage]] {{1st}}
*[[Armor abilities#Hologram|Hologram]] {{1st}}
*[[Armor abilities#Sprint|Sprinting]] {{1st}}
*[[Portable jump-jet]] {{1st}}
*[[Armor Lock]] {{1st}}
*[[Drop Shield]] {{1st}}
*[[Armor abilities#Drop Shield|Drop Shield]] {{1st}}

;[[Power-up]]s
*[[Active Camouflage]]
*[[Custom Power Up]]
*[[Overshield]]

;Armor
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]]
*[[Kig-Yar combat harness]]
*[[Kig-Yar targeting headgear]]
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV]]
***[[GRENADIER-class Mjolnir]]
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V]]
***[[B-class Mjolnir]]
****[[UA-class_Mjolnir#UA.2FMulti-Threat_.5BW.5D|Mark V(B)/UA Multi-Threat variant]] {{1st}}
***[[CQC-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[ODST armor#Multiplayer Variant|MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/ODST variant]]
***[[CQB-class Mjolnir]]
***[[EOD-class Mjolnir]]
***[[GUNGNIR-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[OPERATOR-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[AIR ASSAULT-class Mjolnir]]
***[[FJ/PARA-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[HAZOP-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[COMMANDO-class Mjolnir]]
***[[JFO-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[MP-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
***[[RECON-class Mjolnir]]
***[[PILOT-class Mjolnir]] {{1st}}
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI]]
*[[ODST armor]]
*[[Sangheili harness]]
**[[Sangheili combat harness]]
**[[Ranger harness]]
**[[Infiltration harness]]
**[[Ultra-class armor]]
**[[Sangheili Zealot#Ceremonial battle harness|Ceremonial battle harness]]
**[[Sangheili General#Armor configuration|General harness]] {{1st}}
**[[Sangheili Major#Officer|Officer harness]]
*[[Unggoy combat harness]]

;Other
*[[Antigravity pack]]
*[[Covenant power module]] {{1st}}
*[[Covenant communications jammer]] {{1st}}
*[[Covenant communication node]]
*[[Plasma battery|Covenant plasma battery]]
*[[Deployable lookout tower]]
*[[Energy shielding]]
**[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
*[[Fusion drive]]
*[[Health pack]]
*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
*[[M-Spec reentry pack]] {{1st}}
*[[Methane recharge station]]
*[[R7 thrust coupling]]
*[[Repulsor engine]]
*[[Signal flare]]
*[[TACPAD]]
*[[Armored matrix|The Package (armored matrix)]] {{1st}}
*[[Fusion core|UNSC fusion core]]
*[[UNSC navigation core]] {{1st}}
}}

==Development==
{{Quote|Where there will be a full three-year cycle, it's got all-new tech, akin to the change from [[Halo 2]] to [[Halo 3]], not like [[Halo 3: ODST|ODST]], which was just built on top of the foundation.|Bungie Community Manager, [[Brian Jarrard]].}}
''Reach'' had been in development since the completion of ''[[Halo 3]]'', in the tradition of a full three year cycle and used a completely new game engine created specifically for the game. It was confirmed in October 2009 that [[Martin O'Donnell]], Bungie's lead composer, had begun casting voice actors for ''Reach''.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_101609 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 10/16/2009'']</ref><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_102309 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 10/23/2009'']</ref>

The [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta]], used to gather information and tweak gameplay features in the game, ran from May 3 through May 20, 2010. The [[Zero-bug release]] milestone in ''Halo: Reach'''s development was reached on June 24, 2010,<ref>[http://www.nobleactual.com/post/733606058/final-stretch '''Noble Actual''': ''Final stretch'']</ref> and the game's audio, including soundtrack, voices and sound effects, was finished on July 15, 2010.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=27328 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 07.16.10'']</ref> As of August 5, 2010, ''Halo: Reach'' has [[wikipedia:Software release life cycle#RTM|"gone gold"]], meaning all development of the game has been completed and mass manufacturing of the game has begun.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_080610 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update''' 08.06.10'']</ref> The game was released on September 14, 2010 as planned.  Interestingly, there were 117 days between the end of the Beta and the release of the full game, referencing [[John-117|John 117]], the Master Chief.

===Design===
Bungie took a new design direction with ''Halo: Reach'', aiming for a more somber and gritty atmosphere. The more serious tone is also reflected in camera angles; instead of long, sweeping shots, the cinematic camera angles are actually made to look as if shot with actual cameramen.

In many ways, the character designs, especially those of [[Sangheili]] and human personnel, harken back to ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. Models for enemies and allies boast remarkable levels of new detail in form of higher-resolution textures and more polygons. Enemies and allies have more individual features to denote ranks and provide more visual variety.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_070210 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 07.02.10'']</ref> Bungie made an effort to make the Covenant feel more alien and threatening; for example, the Covenant speak in their own languages instead of English.

===Engine===
Bungie made use a completely redone version of the ''Halo'' engine for ''Halo: Reach'', with no component left untouched.<ref name="cvg">[http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=261532 '''ComputerAndVideoGames''': ''Interview: Halo Reach'']</ref><ref name="EDGE"/><ref name="GI"/>

The environments, while larger than in the previous games, are far more detailed. The graphical effects have been drastically improved, allowing for a new atmospheric effects system and more dynamic lighting for dramatic shadows and moving light sources in interiors. The engine was improved with "[[impostering]]" technology; this allows very cheap textures far away, and moving closer will make them improve.<ref name="cvg"/> This was proved with the map, [[Forge World]]. Rain and fogging effects are also improved. ''Halo: Reach'' also features a new animation system, which smoothly blends movement between standing, walking and running as well as jumps, grenade throws and firing. The facial animation system has been completely revamped, including motion capture. Weapon effects are amplified to be more powerful and visceral than before, giving them a more serious tone. Human weapons sound more powerful and emit smoke and showers of sparks. Plasma bolts now burn through material as they hit, and explosions throw clouds of dirt and debris around.

''Halo: Reach'''s engine is able to support up to 40 active AI characters or 20 vehicles with AI characters on screen at once, twice as many as in ''Halo 3''. In addition, distant battles between AI characters follow automated behavior models, which convert into scripted behaviors as the player gets closer, and finally convert to full AI.<ref name="EDGE"/><ref name="GI"/>

===Audio===
{{Quote|I want it to be more visceral, to have a bigger sense of loss, a personal feeling of sacrifice|[[Martin O'Donnell]], on the audio design of ''Halo: Reach''<ref name="popular">[http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/digital/gaming/how-halo-reach-perfected-video-game-audio '''Popular Mechanics''': ''How Halo: Reach Perfected Video Game Audio'']</ref>}}
A more serious and realistic approach has been taken in the audio design of ''Halo: Reach'' than in the previous ''Halo'' games.

The music of ''Reach'' was referred to as being more somber and more visceral, as the plot is more character-driven than previous ''Halo'' titles and that it focuses on a planet known to have fallen.<ref name="audio">[http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/27382 '''GameVideos''': ''Halo Reach VGA Interview'']</ref> While stated before release that the ''Halo'' Theme would not appear in ''Reach'',<ref name="EDGE"/><ref name="GI"/> an orchestral re-imagining does indeed appear as the opening segment of the track [[Tip of the Spear (music)|Tip of the Spear]], while certain motifs are also present in several other tracks.

The in-game effects such as weapon sounds have also been amplified to sound more powerful and realistic. In addition to various different audio filters for interiors and exteriors, the space environment in the level ''Long Night of Solace'' required an entirely new audio filter to make the environment feel more realistic.<ref>[http://www.gametrailers.com/episode/gametrailers-tv/102 '''GameTrailers TV''' — Episode 102]</ref> A significant improvement in the game's audio technology allows for more fluid transition between different layers of music; whereas the first Halo could barely manage more than two layers of music at once, ''Reach'' can run seven layers at once, coordinating which ones fade in and out based on relatively minor changes in the player's behavior.<ref name="popular"/>

It was announced by Bungie that the [[Halo: Reach Original Soundtrack|''Halo: Reach'' Original Soundtrack]] would be released on September 28, 2010.

==Matchmaking==
''Halo: Reach''<nowiki />'s matchmaking allows players to compete with each other over the Xbox Live online service or System Link, for 16 players on the Xbox. The matchmaking system has been improved and redesigned from ''Halo 3''; instead of having experience and rank as two separate features, ''Halo: Reach'' combines these two into a credit system where the player is scored on how well they play in each individual performance, instead of a win/loss system. As players gain credits, they achieve higher [[Rank (Halo: Reach)|military rank]], and are able to buy [[armor permutations (Halo: Reach)|armor permutations]] to customize their SPARTAN and Elites character model. A new matchmaking system called the [[Matchmaking#Halo: Reach|Arena]] is introduced for hardcore/competitive players where they  play in month-long seasons and be put into divisions of either Onyx, Gold, Silver, Bronze or Iron, depending on how well they play. Along with this, Bungie announced that Campaign would also have matchmaking support.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_082010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 8/20/20'']</ref> Players are able to vote on which Campaign mission to play, similar to how voting works in competitive Matchmaking. On October 25th, Bungie announced in the weekly update that Campaign Matchmaking has been released, and can now be accessed in the Co-op playlists along with Firefight Matchmaking and Score Attack.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=28689 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 9/17/10'']</ref>

The multiplayer mode features standard multiplayer gametypes such as [[Slayer]], [[Capture the Flag]] and [[King of the Hill]], as well as reintroducing [[Race]], a gametype that was once made exclusive only to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. [[Firefight]] mode, a cooperative gameplay mode that was made present in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'', is featured in ''Halo: Reach'' with much more customizable features, from the skulls that turn on every round to the very enemies the player will face every wave, as well as having Matchmaking support. ''Halo: Reach'' also introduces new gametypes to multiplayer such as [[Invasion]], [[Stockpile]], and [[Headhunter (game variant)|Headhunter]].

The character models in ''Halo: Reach'' differs significantly than their previous architecture in ''Halo 3''; both character models are now composed of different [[Collision Hull|hitboxes]] and have different gameplay properties. The Elite character models are formidably larger, and physically superior, having faster shield regeneration and the ability to regain health fully over time than their SPARTAN counterpart. SPARTANs are smaller and weaker than their Elite counterpart and would only regain health to thirds over time unless they pick up a health pack. For these balancing issues, only specific gametypes in matchmaking allow SPARTANs and Elites to face each other in team-based games.


==Marketing promotions<!-- and Release -->==
====''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta====
{{Main|Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta}}
The ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta was a phase in the development of Halo: Reach, produced by Bungie, LLC and organized by Microsoft Game Studios. The beta was made available to those who bought ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' and it was released from May 3 through May 20, 2010. More than 2.7 million players participated in the beta during its three-week run on LIVE. After July 21, 2010, Bungie stopped supporting stats and files from the beta. Players who participated in the beta on their current LIVE accounts receive a Halo: Reach Beta Visual Flair for use with their gamertags, which is represented with an [[MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System|MA37]].

===Trailers===
====E3 2009 Announcement====
{{Main|Halo: Reach - Announcement Trailer}}
Shortly after the ''Halo 3: ODST'' E3 2009 Trailer premiered, it was soon followed up by the first official announcement trailer for ''Halo: Reach''.

====2009 VGA Trailer====
{{Main|Halo: Reach Video Games Awards Trailer}}
At the 2009 Spike TV Video Games Awards, the first official in-game trailer was shown. This 2:36 video was an opening cinematic that showed a glimpse of the new characters and graphics.

====Once More Unto the Breach====
{{Main|Halo: Reach ViDoc: Once More Unto the Breach}}
The Once More Unto the Breach ViDoc focused on the graphical and gameplay changes to the game between ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''. This 7:45 video showed the development of the series over the years.

====Carnàge Carnivàle====
{{Main|Halo: Reach ViDoc: Carnàge Carnivàle}}
The Carnàge Carnivàle ViDoc focused on the new multiplayer in ''Halo: Reach''. This 8:20 video shows the many gameplay enhancements that have been added.

====E3 2010 Demo====
{{Main|Halo: Reach E3 Campaign Demo|Halo: Reach E3 2010 Trailer}}
On June 14, 2010, at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2010]], [[Bungie]] released a demo displaying a section of campaign in ''Reach''. It introduced various new vehicles, and the new feature of space combat. A shorter gameplay trailer of the same level was also released.

====Firefight 2.0====
{{Main|Halo: Reach Welcome to Firefight 2.0 Trailer}}
On June 16, 2010, Bungie released a collage of clips from ''Halo: Reach'''s Firefight feature.

====Red vs Blue ''Halo: Reach'' PSA: Deja View====
{{Main|Red vs. Blue Halo: Reach PSA: Deja View}}
On July 7, 2010, in honor of [[Bungie Day]], [[Rooster Teeth Productions|Rooster Teeth]], the creators of the popular Halo machinima [[Red vs Blue]], released a special PSA revealing the return of [[Blood Gulch]], the classic [[Halo: Combat Evolved]] multiplayer map. The video teases the rest of Forge World in the form of a scene where Sarge stands on a cliff admiring the view and commenting on the map's large size.

====Forge World====
{{Main|Halo: Reach ViDoc: Forge World}}
The Forge World ViDoc was released July 23, 2010. It was focused on the new multiplayer map, [[Forge World]], the largest map in the ''Halo'' franchise.

====The Battle Begins====
{{Main|The Battle Begins}}
The Battle Begins campaign trailer was released July 29, 2010.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_073010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 07.30.10'']</ref> The 1:06 trailer showcased several cinematic scenes from the campaign.

====A Spartan Will Rise====
{{Main|Halo: Reach ViDoc: A Spartan Will Rise}}
The 'A Spartan Will Rise' ViDoc was released August 17, 2010. The ViDoc focused on the characters of the game, with [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]] acting as the main narrator.

====Noble Map Pack Trailer====
{{Main|Noble Map Pack Trailer}}
The Noble Map Pack Trailer was released October 25, 2010. The trailer released new information about the [[Noble Map Pack]].

====Defiant Map Pack Trailer====
{{Main|Defiant Map Pack Trailer}}
The Defiant Map Pack Trailer was released February 14, 2011. The trailer released new information about the [[Defiant Map Pack]].

====2010 VGA Trailer====
{{Main|Halo: Reach Video Games Awards 2010 Trailer}}
As a post-game trailer, it was released on 2010 in Bungie.net's ''Halo: Reach'' Multimedia section. The trailer showcased campaign cutscenes, gameplay and has been warned as being a spoiler.

===Viral campaign===
====Birth of a Spartan====
{{Main|Birth of a Spartan}}
On April 26, 2010, a website was created by [[Microsoft]] as part of a viral marketing campaign to promote ''Halo: Reach''. At first, the site merely consisted of a teaser image which showed the UNSC emblem washed out by static, with the words "Augmentation Begins April 28, 2010".<ref>[http://www.welcometonobleteam.com/ '''WelcomeToNobleTeam.com''': ''Homepage'']</ref> On April 28, both the standard and extended versions of the ''Birth of a Spartan'' live-action trailer were released.

====Remember Reach====
{{Main|Remember Reach|Remember Reach Webfilm|Patrol|New Life|Spaceport (Remember Reach)|Deliver Hope}}
An advertising campaign titled ''Remember Reach'' was launched on August 17, 2010. The campaign includes the website rememberreach.com, as well as several live-action shorts.<ref>[http://www.rememberreach.com/ '''www.rememberreach.com''']</ref>

===Merchandise and promotions===
{{Halo: Reach Versions}}
{{clear}}
''Halo: Reach'' was released in three different versions. The Standard Edition comes with the game disc and manual. The Limited Edition is cased in an ONI "black box" and includes an exclusive Sangheili armor set for use in multiplayer modes and an artifact bag containing [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Halsey]]'s [[dr. Halsey's personal journal|personal journal]] and other classified documents and effects that unravel long-held secrets of the ''Halo'' universe. The Legendary Edition contains everything from the Limited Edition along with extra SPARTAN armor effect for use in the game, along with an exclusive hand-painted and numbered NOBLE Team statue by [[McFarlane Toys]] in UNSC-themed custom packaging. Those in North America who purchased ''Halo: Reach'' on launch day received a new variation of the coveted [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI/R variant|MJOLNIR Recon Armor]]. Recon was also available to any who pre-ordered the game.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=news&cid=26642 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Launches 09.14.2010! '']</ref> As a bonus, the [[UA-class_Mjolnir#UA.2FMulti-Threat_.5BW.5D|UA Multi-Threat MJOLNIR Mark V(B) Armor]] was given to customers who pre-ordered the game at GameStop.

In addition, Bungie has announced that players who have/buy a copy of ''[[Halo PC]]'', can use that same authentication key to obtain a special in-game ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' symbol on their nameplate . Players of Xbox's ''[[Halo 2]]'' before the April 14th, 2010 cutoff (Shutdown of Xbox Live v1 Service) will be awarded a special in-game ''Halo 2'' symbol on their nameplate. If your current gamertag has changed since the last time you played ''Halo 2'', or if your current gamertag never played ''Halo 2'', you will not be receiving this item.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_042310 '''Bungie.net''': ''This is the End'']</ref> ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', Bungie Pro, ''Halo: Reach'' Beta flairs are also displayable in a similar way.

Also, a ''Reach'' themed Xbox was announced.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/vidaudio.aspx?c=58&i=27383 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach Unboxed'']</ref> The Xbox included a 250-gigabyte hard drive, two ''Reach'' themed wireless controllers, standard wired headset, and a standard copy of Halo: Reach. The ''Reach'' Xbox 360 also featured exclusive Elite Armor, Waypoint Avatar Gear, and ''Halo Legends'' episode: "''[[The Package]]''",<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGRW8R-rvWM '''You Tube''':''Unboxing Reach'']</ref> as well as custom ''Halo'' sound effects from the Xbox itself.

In addition the controllers and headset sold separately for $59.99 and $49.99 respectively. The controller also includes a token for a downloadable animated Covenant Banshee [[Avatar (Xbox 360)|avatar item]]. The theme includes ONI property tags and more, which according to Microsoft, is canon material in the ''Halo'' universe.<ref>[http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/07/halo-reach-xbox-360/ '''Wired.com''': ''New Halo: Reach Xbox to Sport 360 Design, Custom Sound''] - ''The imagery and text on the console isn't just gibberish. It will all have meaning for Halo die-hards.''</ref>

The game has brought the proposal for merchandise, such as [[action figure]]s. [[McFarlane Toys]] had announced that they were planning to release a series of ''Reach'' 5-inch scaled figures in September 2010.<ref>[http://www.spawn.com/news/news6.aspx?id=13664 '''McFarlane Toys''': ''MCFARLANE TOYS TO PRODUCE 'HALO: REACH' ACTION FIGURES'']</ref> [[Square Enix]] has also showcased several figures for their new ''Reach'' line of action figures.

A new comic book series, titled ''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Halo: The Fall of Reach - Boot Camp]]'', was released alongside ''Halo: Reach''. ''Boot Camp'' is a graphic novel adaptation of ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''.

===Re-releases===
*'''2013''' - Re-released as a part of the Halo Origins Bundle, which also included ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''. <ref> http://www.bestbuy.com/site/halo-origins-bundle-xbox-360/3101005.p?id=1219087370856&skuId=3101005&ref=25&loc=SHP&srccode=cii_45538312&cpncode=26-300353605-2 </ref>

==Soundtrack==
{{Main|Halo: Reach Original Soundtrack}}
Halo: Reach Original Soundtrack was released on September 28th, two weeks after the release of ''Halo: Reach''. The soundtrack features twenty new tracks heard in the game, composed by [[Martin O'Donnell]] and [[Michael Salvatori]].<ref name="soundtrack">[https://www.sumthingdigital.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumid=4811 '''SumthingDigital''': ''Halo: Reach Original Soundtrack'']</ref>

==Release and reception==
{{HR Review}}
''Halo: Reach'' was released to critical and commercial success. 1Up praised the campaign, calling it "''a grand re-telling of the Battle of Thermopylae, but portrayed from a gritty, ground-level perspective across multiple missions like Band of Brothers, and all done with typical Halo flourish.''<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3181331 '''1Up''': ''Halo: Reach Review'']</ref> IGN noted that though the past games had repetitive landscapes and complicated plots, ''Reach'' was an altogether different matter.<ref>[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/111/1117228p1.html '''IGN''': ''Halo: Reach Review'']</ref> Gamepro stated "''the only thing missing from this impressive entry is a number “4” in the title, because for all intents and purposes, Reach feels like the next big thing in the Halo franchise''".<ref>[http://review.techworld.com/games/3239674/halo-reach-review/?view=verdict&intcmp=rv-ia-tb-4 '''Gamepro''': ''Halo: Reach review'']</ref>

Many reviewers praised the enhanced graphics and audio, calling them "top-notch". Some reviewers noted that large amounts of action on-screen occasionally resulted in frame rate slowdowns and that the friendly non-player character artificial intelligence was less advanced than that of enemies, especially while driving.

However, the game was criticized by certain members of the online ''Halo'' community, namely that it conflicts with the previously established canon in the novel ''Halo: The Fall of Reach''. These members argued that since the game has too many inconsistencies with the novel, it should not be considered canon. Even though Bungie had already stated that "the game's events supersede anything else",<ref>[http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/09/14/bungie-on-the-contradictions-between-halo-reach-and-halo-the-fall-of-reach-novel/ '''MTV Multiplayer''': ''Bungie On The Contradictions Between 'Halo: Reach' And 'Halo: The Fall Of Reach' Novel'']</ref> a website, named "Halo: Reach is not canon.net", dedicated to such criticism was launched, and the site became a source for debating across the internet.<ref>[http://haloreach.isnotcanon.net '''HRINC''': ''Halo Reach Is Not Canon'']</ref> However, most of the inconsistencies are later explained in the ''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', Dr. Halsey's personal journal included in the game's limited edition, the 2011 edition of the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]'', and the [[Data Drop]]s released on Halo Waypoint.

Microsoft listed ''Reach'' as an Xbox Live Marketplace download on August 12, 2010, at a price of 99999 Microsoft Points (~US$1250); A spokesperson confirmed the download was for media review purposes, and that there were no plans to distribute the game to the public through Games on Demand. Four days later, hackers managed to access, download, and distribute the game online; Microsoft claimed to be actively investigating the matter. 
{{clear}}

==Trivia==
*Early on in the game's development, before coming up with the idea of a prequel to ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', Bungie considered making a follow-up to ''Halo 3'', with [[John-117]] as the protagonist.<ref>[http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/06/25/bungie-considered-halo-4-starring-master-chief-instead-of-reach-prequel/ '''MTV Multiplayer''': ''Bungie Considered "Halo 4," Starring Master Chief, Instead Of "Reach" Prequel'']</ref>
*On the project page for ''Reach'', located in the "Multimedia" section, the soundtracks to a couple of Reach trailers, "[[Winter Contingency (music)|Lone Wolf]]" and "[[Both Ways (remix)|Uphill, Both Ways]]" by Martin O'Donnell, are available for download for free from [[Bungie.net]].
*''Halo: Reach's'' original achievement set has 49 achievements, which is a reference to Bungie's love of the number [[seven]], since seven times seven is 49.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_070910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update 07.09.10'']</ref>
**Currently, ''Halo: Reach'' has 59 achievements, with '''7''' achievements added during the release of the Noble Map Pack on November 30th, 2010 and '''3''' added with the release of the Defiant Map Pack on March 15th, 2011. This could still be a reference to '''7''' (5 + 9 = 14, 14 / 2 = 7)
*All of the Campaign achievement titles, along with many of the others, are quotations from the ''[[Halo]]'' games and books.
*The game's release date, [[2552#September|September 14]], is the same day when Earth's [[Orbital defense platform|Orbital Defense Platforms]] were activated in 2552.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 104''</ref>
*Many of the [[Fireteam (gameplay mechanic)|Army troopers and Marines encountered]] in the game are named after Bungie employees and notable community members.

==Gallery==
===Logos===
<gallery perrow="4" widths="150">
File:Halo Reach Logo.png|Title art.
</gallery>

===Box Art===
<gallery>
File:HaloReach-GameCover.jpg|Box art for ''Halo: Reach''.
</gallery>

===Concept art===
<gallery perrow="4" widths="150">
File:Concept 01.jpg|A Sangheili attacks two UNSC infantrymen.
File:Concept 04.jpg|Landscape of Reach.
File:HR - pioneer.jpg|Landscape.
File:Concept 05.jpg|A bridge leading over a canyon.
File:Doomed.jpg|A battle between Sangheili and SPARTANs.
File:KIuWJ.jpg|NOBLE Team in combat position.
File:Hreach_concept_1.jpg|A UNSC facility.
File:Hreach_concept_2.jpg|An early concept of SPARTANs and other UNSC forces.
File:Hreach_concept_3.jpg|Sangheili in a forest.
File:HR - Covenant armada.jpg|A Covenant army.
File:ReachSkyboxConcept.jpg|A skybox concept.
</gallery>

===Screenshots===
<gallery perrow="4" widths="150">
File:Action 04.jpg|An Army Trooper and Noble Six killing Covenant.
File:Halo- Reach - Noble Team Battle.jpg|NOBLE Team in a battle with the Covenant.
File:Reach Orbit.png|Reach, seen from orbit.
File:Reach glassed.png|Reach being [[Glassing|glassed]] by the Covenant.
File:Reach-m10 evironment.jpg|Landscape on the level [[Winter Contingency (level)|Winter Contingency]].
File:HaloReach - Frigates.png|A large battle on [[Tip of the Spear]].
File:Reach E310 Firefight Beachhead04.jpg|Firefight on [[Beachhead (Halo: Reach level)|Beachhead]].
File:Gallery pic 3450 0 30040.jpg|A multiplayer match on [[Spire]].
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Reflist|3}}

==Links==
===Internal===
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach Announcement Trailer|Halo: Reach - Announcement Trailer]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach Video Games Awards Trailer]]''
*''[[Reach]]''

===External===
*[http://www.bungie.net/Projects/Reach/default.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''Official Halo: Reach project page'']
*[http://welcometonobleteam.com '''Welcome To Noble Team''': ''Viral Campaign'']
*[http://veegie.com/Vanity/ '''VANITY''': ''Halo: Reach Player Image Generator'']

{{Halo Games}}

[[Category:Halo: Reach| ]]
[[Category:Canon]]