Editing Halo 3

{{era|H3}}
{{Game Info Box
|name='''''Halo 3'''''
|image=HALO 3 BOXART.jpg
|Developer=[[Bungie Studios]]
|Publisher= [[wikipedia:Microsoft Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]]
|US Date Released= September 25, 2007
|MX Date Released= September 25, 2007
|UK Date Released= September 26, 2007
|Genre= [[First-person shooter]]
|Game modes=[[Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Forge]]
|ESRB= Mature (M) for Blood and Gore, Mild Language, and Violence
|Platform=[[Xbox 360]] 
|Media=DVD
|Website=http://www.bungie.net/
}}
'''''Halo 3''''' is a first-person science fiction shooter game developed by [[Bungie]] that is to be released for the [[Xbox 360]] console. It is the sequel to ''[[Halo 2]]'' and will finish up the current story arc that the previous two games have followed. It is set for release on September 25, in North America, 26th for Europe and Japan on the 27th. The ESRB has rated it "M" for Mature. 

== Release ==
Bungie has announced that the release date for the final game is ''September 25, 2007'' in North America and Australia as advertised on a number of websites - however some sources may say they game will not be released in Australia until the 26th - while Europe will receive the game on ''September 26, 2007'', one day later. The Asian release date has not been announced. However, rumors have stated that Bungie will release the game in India on ''September 24, 2007''

An internal build, the ''Halo 3'' alpha build, codenamed "Pimps At Sea", was released in April 2007 for Microsoft employees. A public beta test, the ''[[Halo 3 Beta]]'', was rolled out in Spring 2007 and was scheduled for online play at midnight (U.S. West Coast Pacific-Time) on May 16th, 2007 - June 10, 2007, although there were [[Halo 3 Beta Errors|certain technical difficulties]] in its distribution. After that, Bungie collected all the feedback from the beta and sought to improve their Multiplayer through it, with the final game coming out four months after the end of the beta. On August 10, 2007 another ''Halo 3'' build, ''[[Halo 3 Epsilon]]'', was released to Microsoft employees, featuring [[Forge]] and [[multiplayer]] aspects.

Bungie has also announced three versions of Halo 3: A Standard Edition, a Limited Collector's Edition, and the limited Legendary Edition. 

{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 0.5em auto;"
!valign="right"| Version
!Standard
!Collector's
!Legendary
|-
|Price (USD)
|$59.99
|$69.99
|$129.99
|-
|Game Disc & Manual
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|-
|Interactive Xbox 360 Disc 
|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|-
|Beastarium 
|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes*
|-
|Legendary DVD
|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|-
|Master Chief Helmet Replica 
|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
|-
|}
<small><center>''* Additional content on DVD''</center></small>

===Halo 3 Walkthrough===
A Halo 3 Walkthrough/Guide will be released alongside the actual game.  The walkthough/guide will be released for purchase on September 25th.

==Campaign Plot==

{{Spoiler}}

{{Main|Halo 3 Campaign}}

{{quote|[[Humans|You]] are, all of you, vermin. Cowering in the dirt, thinking what? That you might escape the coming [[glassing|fire]]? Your [[Earth|world]] will burn until its surface is but of glass!| [[Prophet of Truth]] from the ''[[Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer]]''}}

The details of the plot have yet to be revealed. 

Bungie has definitively confirmed is that the [[SPARTAN-117]] has returned to [[Earth]] aboard the [[Forerunner]] ship from [[Halo 2]], and will "Finish the Fight" against the invading [[Covenant Loyalist]]s, with help from the [[UNSC]]-[[Covenant Separatists|Covenant Separatist]] alliance.  The [[Arbiter]] is also on Earth, fighting alongside SPARTAN-117.

During online cooperative campaign gameplay, two new players will become available: [[N’tho ‘Sraom]] and [[Usze ‘Taham]].

In the E3 2006 Trailer, it is shown that the Covenant have uncovered a massive and ancient Forerunner artifact under [[New Mombasa]] (The mountain in the background is indeed [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Kilimanjaro]]<ref>'' That is indeed the ruins of New Mombasa. The artifact and the Chief are where they appear to be, on the desert outskirts of New Mombasa, and many miles inland. The mountain behind him is Kilimanjaro.'' -- [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=weeklyupdatemay1206 Bungie.net Weekly Update May 12, 2006]</ref>). It is also known that [[Cortana]] is still trapped in the clutches of the [[Gravemind]]. Both are expected to play some role in the plot and Bungie has confirmed that while Halo 3's campaign will begin on Earth, it won't stay there. The game starts on Earth, moves to High Charity, and concludes on another Halo ring.

{{Conjecturalization}}

The following is the believed list of campaign levels in successive order of ''Halo 3'' and events that are believed to happen in them:
#''[[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]]'' - Occurs in an African jungle. This level was first physically seen as the first scene of the ''[[Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer]]'', although it was seen later in the trailer as well. It is home to a [[Covenant Loyalist]] encampment that [[SPARTAN-117]] is eliminating, and features tunnels and rivers which the Master Chief must navigate to complete the level. 
#''[[Crow's Nest (Level)|Crow's Nest]]'' - Occurs in a "[[Halo 3 UNSC Base|UNSC base]]".
#''[[Tsavo Highway (Level)|Tsavo Highway]]'' - Begins in a [[Halo 3 UNSC Base|UNSC base]] on the outskirts of the African city of [[Voi]] with the [[SPARTAN-117]] and [[Marine]]s mounting on vehicles to punch through several Covenant Loyalist blockades of stacked infantry, [[Wraith]]s, [[Brute Chopper]]s, and [[Ghosts]] to reach the city of Voi , where the [[ark]] is located, passing by the ruins of the [[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator]].
#''[[The Storm (Level)|The Storm]]'' - Begins with [[SPARTAN-117]] and a dozen Marines mounted on a variety of vehicles, including [[Mongoose]]s, to destroy a Covenant Loyalist [[Scarab]] walker that is "chasing" them. With the help of [[Hornet]] and [[Banshee]] fighter craft, the Scarab is destroyed and [[SPARTAN-117]] fights with the [[Arbiter]] to destroy a [[Covenant Loyalist]] [[Covenant Artillery|anti-air emplacement]] that is patrolling the airscape of the Ark. After eliminating the [[Brute]]s guarding the emplacement, the AA battery is disabled and [[Miranda Keyes]] takes a [[Pelican Dropship]] to the Ark.
#''[[Cleansing (Level)|Cleansing]]'' - Occurs in [[Voi]], although the [[Flood]] are believed to be involved somehow in this level as well; this stems from the fact that the name 'floodvoi' was found in the Beta code.
#''[[Refuge (Level)|Refuge]]'' - Occurs in a "wasteland".
#''[[Last Stand (Level)|Last Stand]]'' - Occurs in a "citadel".
#''[[The Key (Level)|The Key]]'' - Occurs on [[Flood]]-infested ''[[High Charity]]''. [[Cortana]] collapses before [[SPARTAN-117]], the [[Arbiter]], [[343 Guilty Spark]], and an unknown elite.
#''[[Return (Level)|Return]]'' - Occurs on an [[The Halos|unidentified Halo ring]].

{{Conjecturalization End}}

===The Ark===
[[Image:Ark.jpg|200px|thumb|200px|[[The Ark]] - as seen in the [[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer|Halo 3 trailer]].]]
{{Main|The Ark}}

The Covenant has uncovered a massive and ancient Forerunner artifact under [[New Mombasa]] (The mountain in the background is indeed [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Kilimanjaro]]<ref>'' That is indeed the ruins of New Mombasa. The artifact and the Chief are where they appear to be, on the desert outskirts of New Mombasa, and many miles inland. The mountain behind him is Kilimanjaro.'' -- [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=weeklyupdatemay1206 Bungie.net Weekly Update May 12, 2006]</ref>) and Cortana is still trapped in the clutches of the [[Gravemind]]. 

The Ark is mentioned in ''[[Halo 2]]'' as a place where all the [[Halo]] rings could be fired at once. While the structure in the trailer is thought to be [[The Ark]], it has only been officially confirmed as a Forerunner structure. However, substantial evidence points to it being the Ark:

At the end of [[Halo 2]], the Arbiter tells us that he is going after the Ark and in the trailer and at Gamespot.com it tells us that the Arbiter is in the first mission of the game fighting along side the [[Master Chief]] which we know that the [[Master Chief]] is on [[Earth]].

*Miranda Keyes is referring to the Forerunner artifact as "the Ark" in the recently shown Level Tsavo Highway
*In the [[Halo Graphic Novel]] one [[Elite]] says "We need to clear this area before we can secure access to [[The Ark]]" -- Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa. 
*It is also seen in this small [[:Image:Ark concept.jpg|sketch]] from the DVD. 

Also, in Bungie's FAQ, they said that although they wouldn't tell what the structure is, Halo fans may recognize it. The structure looks somewhat similar to a structure seen in the Halo 2 multiplayer map [[Ascension]], the circular structures on the exterior of Alpha Halo (visible in the opening menu of Halo 1), or Delta Halo's Control Room. It also looks like the dock that the Forerunner ship at the end of Halo 2 was stationed in, or the platform in the Halo's Library that is home to the installation's Index. Bungie may also be referring to the [[Jjaro]] station in [[Marathon]] [[Infinity]] (an artifact used to contain a being within a sun). Also, in [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]], the [[Dyson Portal]] is described very similarly to the structure, albeit much [http://www.seryan.com/msfm/specialpics/H3-ArtifactCompare.jpg]   smaller. 

{{Spoiler End}}

== Features ==
===[[Equipment]]===

*[[Bubble Shield]]
*[[Power Drainer]]
*[[Trip Mine]]
*[[Portable Gravity Lift]]
*[[Radar Jammer]]
*[[Flare]]
*[[Regenerator]]
*[[Positional Shield|Personal Shield]]

===Power Ups===
*[[Active Camouflage]]
*[[Overshield]]
*[[Agility]]
*[[Invincibility]]
*[[Custom Power Up]]

==Weapons==
These are the confirmed weapons known to be in the game (all are subject to change):

===[[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]===
*[[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System]] (Dual Wieldable)
*[[M7|M7/Caseless Sub-Machine Gun]] (Dual Wieldable)
*[[MA5C ICWS Assault Rifle]]
*[[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle]]
*[[M90A Close Assault Weapon System|M90A Close Assault Weapon System Shotgun]]
*[[SRS99D|SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifle]]
*[[M41 Rocket Launcher|M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launcher]]
*[[W/AV Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle]]
*[[Missile Pod]] (Support)
*[[M7057 Defoliant Projector]] (Support)
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|AIE-486H Machine Gun]] (Support)
*[[Frag Grenade|M9 HE-DP Fragmentation Grenade]]

===[[Covenant]]===
*[[Plasma Pistol]] (Dual Wieldable)
*[[Plasma Rifle]] (Dual Wieldable)
*[[Needler]]
*[[Covenant Carbine|Carbine]]
*[[Particle Beam Rifle]]
*[[Fuel Rod Cannon]]
*[[Energy Sword]]
*[[Plasma Cannon|Plasma Turret]] (Support)
*[[Covenant Ball Turret|Ball Turret]] (Stationary)
*[[Plasma Grenade]]

====[[Brutes]]====
*[[Spiker|Type-25 "Spiker" Carbine]] (Dual Wieldable)
*[[Mauler]] (Dual Wieldable)
*[[Brute Shot]]
*[[Gravity Hammer]]
*[[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade|Type-2 "Spike" Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade]]
*[[Type-3 Antipersonnel/Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade|Type-3 "Firebomb" Antipersonnel/Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade]]

===[[Forerunner]]===
*[[Sentinel Beam]]

===Other===
*[[Brute Plasma Rifle]] - Unconfirmed but likely replaced by the [[Spiker]] & [[Mauler]].

==Vehicles==
===Covenant===
[[Image:Starry Night by the Ark.PNG|200px|thumb|right|A Covenant Carrier Battle Group]]
*[[Ghost (Vehicle)|Ghost]] 
*[[Brute Chopper|Chopper]]
*[[Brute Prowler|Prowler]]
*[[Scarab]]  (Rumored to be a useable vehicle)
*[[Spectre]] (Rumored to be a usable vehicle)
*[[Shadow]] (Rumored to be a usable vehicle)
*[[Wraith]]
*[[Banshee]]

====Non-Usable====
*[[Scarab]]
*[[Phantom|Phantom Dropship]]
*[[Seraph|Seraph Fighter-Interceptor]]
*[[CCS-class Battlecruiser]]
*[[Assault Carrier]]

===UNSC===
*[[Mongoose|M274 Mongoose ULATV]]
*[[M12 Warthog LRV]]
*[[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]]
*[[Troop Transport Warthog|M831 TT Warthog]]
*[[M808 Scorpion MBT]] (Unknown model. Possibly B, or C model)
*[[Hornet|Hornet Gunship]]
*[[UNSC Elephant]] 

====Non-Usable====
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]
*[[Albatross|Albatross Heavy Dropship]]
*[[Longsword|C709 Longsword Fighter-Interceptor]]
*{{UNSCShip|Adriatic}}
*{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} ('''FFG-201''')
*[[UNSC Battle Cruiser|Unnamed UNSC Battlecruiser]]

===Speculation===
*[[Rapture]]

==Characters==
[[Image:HailToTheChief.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Screenshot of The [[Master Chief]]]]
[[Image:Master Chief & The Arbiter.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Master Chief and the Arbiter]]
===Major Characters===
'''UNSC'''
*[[John-117|Master Chief Petty Officer SPARTAN John-117]]
*[[Cortana]]
*[[Sergeant Johnson|Sergeant Major A.J. Johnson]]
*[[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]]
*[[Lord Hood|Fleet Admiral Sir Terrence Hood]]
*[[Gunnery Sergeant Pete Stacker]]

'''Covenant Separatists'''
*[[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]]
*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]
'''Covenant Loyalists'''
*[[Prophet of Truth]]

'''Flood'''
*[[Gravemind]]

'''Forerunner'''
*[[343 Guilty Spark]]
[[Image:brutecaptain.jpg|100px|thumb||right|A Render of a [[Brute]] Captain]]

===Minor Characters===
'''Co-Op Characters'''
*[[N’tho ‘Sraom]]
*[[Usze ‘Taham]] 

'''UNSC'''
*[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marine Infantryman]]
*[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|UNSC Marine Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
*[[ONI|Office of Naval Intelligence Personnel]]
*[[UNSC|UNSC Citizens]] 

'''Covenant Separatists'''
*[[Elites|Elites (Sangheili)]]
*[[Grunts|Grunts (Unggoy)]] (some)
*[[Hunters|Hunters (Lekgolo)]] (some)

'''Covenant Loyalists'''
*[[Prophets (San 'Shyuum)]]
*[[Brutes|Brutes (Jiralhanae)]]
*[[Jackals|Jackals (Kig-Yar)]]
*[[Drones|Drones (Yanme'e)]]
*[[Grunts|Grunts (Unggoy)]] (some)
*[[Hunters|Hunters (Lekgolo)]] (some)

'''Flood'''
*[[Infection Form]]
*[[Combat Form]]
*[[Carrier Form]]

==Halo 3 [[Multiplayer]]==
===Xbox Live===
According to Bungie in EGM, Halo 3 will be taking Xbox Live to the next level. If you create a gametype, you can specify how many types of shields you have and what vehicles are on the map. You can advertise your gametype and if it gets good ratings it may become a matchmade game. If you have the vision camera you will be able to            with your friends, and there are now two ranking systems, one of which is based on actual military ranks instead of numbers. This number is your total amount of games and your rank increases the more you play any matchmaking gametype (including unranked). The ranked gametypes are apparently still ranked by numbers.

===Maps===
[[Image:H3 map.jpg|right|thumb|A concept model of High Ground.]]

*[[Valhalla (Level)|Valhalla]]
*[[High Ground (Level)|High Ground]]
*[[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]]
*[[Epitaph (Level)|Epitaph]]
*[[Last Resort (Level)|Last Resort]]
*[[Sandtrap (Level)|Sandtrap]]
*[[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]]
*[[Narrows (Level)|Narrows]]
*[[Gym Class (Level)|Gym Class]]

'''Unknown Maps'''

Most of these maps were found in the Beta code; names and actual level are all subject to change.

*[[Construct (Level)|Construct]]
*[[Cyberdyne (Level)|Cyberdyne]]
*[[Isolation (Level)|Isolation]]
*[[Warthog Inc (Level)|Warthog Inc.]]

===Gametypes===
*[[Assault]]
*[[Capture the flag]]
*[[King of the Hill]]
*[[Oddball]]
*[[Juggernaut]]
*[[Slayer]]
*[[Territories]]
*[[VIP]]
*[[Infection]]

Players can also set up custom games. [http://www.subnova.com/20070518.221403/ Custom game settings] from the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta give us an idea of what can be defined in custom gametypes.

===Player Customization===
{{Main|Armor Permutations}}

Originally discovered in the Halo 3 Beta code by hackers, high levels of player customization have now been confirmed by GamePro's June issue. 
:''"Halo 3's online mode offers new armor permutations that allow players to customize their persona's from head to toe."'' it has also been confirmed that  you can unlock armor permutations via campaign and online.

:''"IGN AU: How do they actually find it? Is it linked to multiplayer or single player?

Lars Bakken: It's linked to the entire game, and the way it's unlocked is through milestones that you hit, with achievements. It's linked to a point total basically, in your achievements.

IGN AU: Through single player and multiplayer.

Lars Bakken: Yep, for both, it's combined."''

====Variants==== 
*[[MJOLNIR Armor]] - Mark VI
*[[EVA Armor]] - Extra Vehicular Activity armor
*[[CQB Armor]] - Close Quarters Battle armor
*[[Unknown Armor]]
*Bungie has hinted to more types of armor in the June 8, 2007 Weekly Update. Also in June 22, 2007 Weekly Update: "Players were using different permutations than we’ve shown"

== Online & 4 Player Co-Op ==
The previous installment of the Halo series had implmented a 2-player Online Co-Op play (As seen in the "Switch to Co-Op" option in the Pregame Lobby). But was taken out of the final version due to balance and connection issues. 
[[Image:One Spartan and Three Sangheilis.jpg|200px|thumb|All four playable characters for Co-Op.]]
Originally Bungie confirmed Co-Op play on a system with two player split screen. They later confirmed a 4 player Co-Op option over Xbox Live or System Link.[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack] Unlike previous Co-Op renditions this time each player takes on an individual canon approach. The first player will be the [[Master Chief]], the second will be the [[Arbiter]], the third will be [[N’tho ‘Sraom]], with the fourth being [[Usze ‘Taham]].

This will encourage replaying the game more and enjoying the game differently. Each player has the same abilities only having their starting weapons differing: Assault Rifle for Humans and Carbines for Elites.

N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham are characters added for the 3 and 4 player coop. The two new Elites, joining the Arbiter and Master Chief, both have real bios and appropriate fiction, but they will not be appearing in the cinematics and so on. They are designed to be believable and useful allies, without affecting the fictional arc in a negative way – and they do not appear in the game as AI controlled opponents during one or two player games.

==[[Forge]]==
Forge is a "map editor" that can be used to edit multiplayer maps.  When you start forge you take the role as a [[monitor]].  You get to fly around the map in real time (like you're actually playing the game) and can place, grab, move, or delete objects from the map.  The items can be crates, barricades, fusion cores, and even spawn/capture points.  You can place weapons, equipment, and vehicles (except the [[elephant]]).  Everything can be edited like ammo count, respawn times, and other things.  You only have a certain amount of points until you can't purchase any more objects for the map.

At any time you can push up on the D-pad and turn into your normal multiplayer character and start playing the level.  You can do this over Xbox Live, System Link, and Splitscreen.  Anyone can play and edit with you.  Forge also keeps track of the score and kills for you too.  While your editing you can even create your own "gametypes" per say.  An example would be an RTS Slayer match.  Each team has one [[monitor]] who builds things for the team to use.  The monitor can also delete things from the other team as well.  Although none of these will ship with the game you can recreate them yourself.

Once you're done editing a map in Forge, you can pass it on to your friends through Halo 3's file share to use in normal custom games.  Bungie.net will serve as a hub to find user-created stages as well.  They'll have an area for Bungie-recommended maps that are made by the community, and they'll have a way for you to search for others.  Once you tag a level for download on Bungie.net it'll automatically transfer to your Xbox 360 hard drive the next time you log into Xbox Live and start up Halo 3.

== Achievements ==
{{Main|Halo 3 Achievements}}

''Halo 3'' has 49 achievements worth a total of 1000 Gamerscore.

== Soundtrack ==
Apparently, Microsoft is hosting a Halo Soundtrack Competition for entrants into the Halo 3 soundtrack by third party bands (reminiscent of Breaking Benjamin's "Blow Me Away" from Halo 2). One of their applicants, Director, has created a song titled "''Director vs. Halo 3''", which can be found [http://www.gametrailers.com/player/23245.html?type= here]

== New Features ==
*The [[Man Cannon]] is an addition capable of catapulting a player across a [[multiplayer]] map. It seems to have replaced the teleporter for Halo 3.
* Energy Shield doors have been added to some multiplayer levels, which allow players to pass through, but cannot be shot through. Spike grenades can stick to these walls
*The shotgun light on the iron sights looks to have been changed from green back to blue (the light is right above the ammo gauge). 
*Decorators, such as grass and weeds, will move when too close to a grenade explosion or rocket explosion. They will also be affected by the weather, such as wind. Some of these decorators are said to be completely destructible. When you die in the water, your body floats downstream and the audio sounds as if you really are underwater.
*Matchmaking will feature more customizations akin to the pre-game options from ''[[Halo]]''. As revealed in a Weekly Update, these customizations include a feature for manipulating gravity. <ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=ohhhhhhhtakeit</ref>
*There is a more detailed way of changing your button layout.
*A "Replay Feature" was explained in the EGM issue. The Feature re-creates the entire battle using pure game data as opposed to video files. 
[[Image:Halo3_emotionfix.png|thumb|269px|The new piece of Halo 3 art-(note the EYES above).]]
*[[Phantom]] dropships are now destructible. <ref>The really fun thing about “Omnipotence” over “Medusa” is the ability to take out vehicles, including Phantoms (and more) with a single pistol shot. [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9610 Chetz N Hax]</ref>
*A new "Veto" system has been placed into the Halo 3 Matchmaking. Before the game starts for any game, players can choose whether to veto them out. If half of the player's votes are casted to veto, the game will assign a new map for the gametype.
*The left thumbstick can now toggle crouch.
*The game includes an innovative "gamma toggling" option
*The Brute Shot now carries 6 grenades per magazine, rather than 4.
*You now can customize the helmet and armor on multiplayer, but each of these permutations must be unlocked before they can be used. <ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12616</ref>
*There is now a face under the Spartan's helmets which can only be seen (as of now) by a glitch.
*Scarabs are now destructible (confirmed in the Halo 3 E3 2007 trailer).
*The Master Chief will fight alongside the Arbiter for at least some of the campaign.<ref> http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=ethreeblowout </ref> 
*Confirmed in the Bungie Weekly Update for 7/13/07, the Saved Films feature can be used in the campaign as well as multiplayer.
*4 player online Co-op has been confirmed.  However, only 2 players can play on one console at a time (so the other two will need to play through system link or through Xbox Live).  Also, unlike the previous installments, each player (including the 3rd and 4th) will be separate elite characters by the names of N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham with their own story and background. <ref> http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack </ref>
*The Elite's HUD when playing multiplayer is not identical to the SPARTAN'S. The shield gauge is more curved, and there are circles instead of a rounded square around the choosen grenade.

== Confirmed facts about Halo 3 ==
[[Image:Spikers.jpg|thumb|200px|Spikers, and visible secondary weapons are two of Halo 3's new features.]] 
*Bungie have confirmed that there will be no Clan support in Halo 3. However, there may be an Xbox Live Dashboard update that supports clans.
*Online Cooperative support for up to 4 players simultaneously.[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176032]
*The matchmaking system from Halo 2 will be revamped. The system will be based on two different ranks, skill and experience, in order to make the system more fair and to reflect the effect of experience on players' profiles.<ref>http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155479</ref>
*Call signs will be used instead of small HUD emblems to identify allies. Example: your ID is E77, and a team mate looks in your direction an arrow saying "E77" will appear over your head; in the Beta, if pointed at, your gamertag will appear.
*[[Master Chief]]'s gauntlets and armor have also changed noticeably. 
*Bungie says that despite several triple wielding illustrations, that is purely fictional and was drawn with an artistic license. Triple-wielding will not be a feature
*The combat AI is said to be in testing.
*There will be an in-game video recorder that will allow the player to send and receive machinima videos over Xbox Live.<ref>[http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/10/27/1up-confirms-halo-3-news-more-to-come/ 1up-confirms-halo-3-news-more-to-come]</ref>
*Bungie revealed that the game would have a new "materials system" so advanced that "you could see light reflect off the ground and onto his armor", which will be able to "[show] the difference between his armor and the rubber undersuit". The site also includes that "It's so detailed that if you bring the camera close to the Master Chief's visor, you see everything in front of him reflected in it, right down to the ammo counter in his rifle" <ref>[http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/halo3/news.html?sid=6149725]</ref>. In addition, there would be new advanced texturing to reflect permanent, persistent damage.
*In the trailer, Master Chief's Mark VI armor is battle-worn and plasma-scared. Developer [[Marcus R. Lehto]]'s response: "The Chief has seen horrific battles, and we're actually showing that on him this time round."
*Actress [[Julie Benz]] is not voicing [[Miranda Keyes]] for Halo 3 as she was never approached by Bungie to reprise the role. <ref>[http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting=%7B586AE81D-35CC-4DE1-AAD8-920B33FDDDFC%7D Dexter's No. 1 Gal — Julie Benz — Previews a Killer Finale] Friday, December 15, 2006 <BR>'''''TVGuide.com:''' Are you all done with your voice work for the Halo 3 video game?<BR>
'''Julie Benz:''' You know what? I am actually not a part of Halo 3. I was informed a couple of weeks ago that they are actually changing the voice of Captain Miranda Keyes, and giving her an accent.''</ref>
*Bungie has confirmed crates in the game in one of their updates.
*Although ''Halo 3'' was planned to end the Halo series, future Halo games haven't been entirely ruled out. On the [http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo3/content.aspx?link=Halo3AnnounceFAQ Halo 3 FAQ] from the official Bungie website it says, "Q: Is this the last ever Halo game? A: It is the conclusion to this story arc." Fans note that it is therefore possible that future games could be produced in the Halo universe, even if this particular story arc isn't continued. This was confirmed when Bungie released that the game [[Halo Wars]] will be released and is in creation.
*Secondary weapons are now visible; for example larger weapons will be on the back, and smaller weapons will be on the character's leg (Beta).<ref>[[:Image:Spikers.jpg]]</ref>
*Bungie has confirmed that the "face" in the [[Starry Night|Starry Night commercial]] was nothing more than reflections of clouds and Covenant ships.{{Verify source}}
*It has been recently confirmed by bungie in one of their recent updates that female voice will be in the final game but the male voice will be the default. "3) Yes. You may select gender for voice, the default is male."<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12695]</ref>
*In the December 15 Bungie weekly update Frankie stated that Brutes would NOT be playable characters in Halo 3.<ref>''The fact is, Brutes in Halo 3 will be significantly more exciting, clever, graphically impressive, terrifying, numerous and angrier than in Halo 2, but they won't be playable, especially since you, in the role of Master Chief, will be spending a significant amount of effort and ammunition reducing their population.''[http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=notinkansas Bungie Weekly Update] Posted by [[Frankie]] at 12/15/2006 10:47 AM PST</ref>
*Weapons can now be reloaded individually when dual wielding. The right bumper will correspond with the right weapon and the left bumper will correspond with the left weapon. When not dual wielding, the right bumper will reload and the left bumper will switch grenade types. The X button will be used for equipment, as revealed in Bungie's update.
*Actress [[Jen Taylor]] will continue to voice Cortana, as revealed in a Bungie Weekly Update.
*''Some'' of the Elites, formerly a major faction of the Covenant, are now allied with the humans to fight against the Covenant and the Flood together, mainly because they recognize the magnitude of the Flood menace (as seen on the [http://www.halo3.com Halo 3 website]). It is believed that they will be known as the Heretics (led by the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]]) as opposed to the Separatists, who would continue to fight the humans, like in [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]].
* Halo 3 will be released on September 25, 2007 in North America, while the European release will be a day later, on September 26.
* Halo 3's HUD is curved, giving the feel of the real hemet.
* The beeping sound made when your shields are low, is very soft, and the bar is at the top/middle of the screen as opposed to the lower-left corner.
* The motion tracker has a wider range.
* In a recent update, Bungie has stated that the Mjolnir Armor variants will not play an important role in campaign, and that it is just for aestetic appeal in multiplayer. However, that does not mean they won't make any appearances in other corners of the Halo universe.

==Trivia and Other==
[[Image:Pumaontire.jpg|thumb|200px|Puma on Tire]]
*In one screenshot, the word "Puma" can be seen on the tires of the [[Warthog]], this is possible homage to the popular online [[Machinima]] series [[Red vs Blue]], which uses the Halo game engine. "Puma" came from Episode 2, where Red Team was discussing what to name their new LRV (a warthog), and "puma" came up as a suggestion.
*In screenshots in the campaign mode and the Halo Trailer, there is [[Master Chief]] armed with the new [[MA5C Assault Rifle]], and in the middle of the gun, there is the [[Marathon]] symbol, [[:Image:Marathon on AR.JPG|Click here for Image]].
*For Christmas 2006, Microsoft & Bungie gave the U.S. soldiers in Iraq a chance to play the Halo 3 multiplayer public pre-alpha. <ref>[http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12501/US-Soldiers-Get-to-Play-Halo-3-Beta-Footage-Leaked/]</ref>
*Halo 3's release date is two more 7s. September 25 is 9+2+5. 9-2=7. 5+2=7. 9+2=11+5=16. Then, 1+6=7. Also September 25, 2+5=7.
*On Cops & Robbers commercial for the 360 at the XBL Marketplace one of the license plates says HA LO307 aka Halo 3 07.

===Viral Marketing===
{{Main|Iris}}

On June 11th, 2007, at 10:26AM PDT, a viral marketing campaign for ''Halo 3'' started, called "''[[Iris]]''".

===Trailers===

====Announcement Trailer====
{{Main|Halo 3 Announcement Trailer}}

At E3 2006, Bungie released their announcement trailer.  It required long hours and hard work from many, many Bungie staffers, and utilizes real-game assets, fiction and locations from parts of the "real" game."  It shows the Master Chief walking through some wreckage of the New Mombasa space elevator with Cortana appearing at several intervals to give her lines.  He then arrives at a cliff where the Covenant forces are hovering over a Forerunner structure (believed to be the Ark).  The trailer ends with the Forerunner structure opening and firing a beam of light.

The Trailer fueled speculation about what was going to happen in the game, particularly [[Cortana]]'s last line in the trailer: "''This'' is the way the world ends,"<ref>''Please have Cortana's lines pronounced so that I don't see 36 threads about it.''<BR><BR>"I have defied gods and demons." <BR><BR>"I am your shield, I am your SWORD."<BR><BR>"I know you, your past, your future."<BR><BR>"This is the way the world ends."<BR><BR>[[Frankie]] --[http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=weeklyupdatemay1206 Weekly Update May 12, 2006]</ref> which references the first of the [[Cortana Letters]]. The line itself refers to [[wikipedia:T._S._Eliot|T. S. Eliot]]'s ''The Hollow Men'', which ends:

:''This is the way the world ends''
:''Not with a bang but a whimper.''

Cortana's emphasis on "this" implies she is rejecting the poem, and that the world will end with a bang. Likely referring to the Halo's being activated.

====Starry Night Trailer====
{{Main|Starry Night}}

Starry Night Trailer was released on December 4, 2006 with its format designed for TV Ads.  It shows two kids staring at the stars talking about whether there are aliens before switching to a dazed Master Chief recovering from some form of blast.  Once he gets back on his feet, he uses a [[Bubble Shield]] to defend himself from an incoming Wraith plasma mortar and then charges forward, eventually jumping over a cliff into a swarm of Covenant Loyalists.

====E3 2007 Trailer====
{{Main|Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer}}

The final trailer for Halo 3 was released during E3 2007.  Unlike the others, this trailer focused on showing various gameplay and movie clips.  While the trailer did little to further knowledge about the Halo 3, it confirmed many speculations about the game, the least of which was that the Arbiter and the Master Chief will fight alongside one another in the game at some point.

== References ==

<references/>



==Related Links==
===Internal===
*[[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer]]
*[[Halo 3 Credits]]
*[[Starry Night|60sec ESPN Commerical Starry Night]]
*[[ViDoc: Et Tu Brute]] - a 7 min documentry about the Brutes ViDoc: Et Tu Brute
*[[ViDoc: Is Quisnam Protero Damno]]
*[[Halo 3 Beta]]
*[[Mountain Dew Game Fuel]] - Halo 3 themed Mountain Dew
*[[Halo 3 Zune]] - A limited edition Microsoft Zune.
*[[Halo 3 Achievements]]
*[[Halo 3: The Cradle of Life]]
*[[Halo 3 Official Strategy Guide]]
*[[Halo 3: Original Soundtrack]]
*[[Burger King]]

===External===
*[http://www.haloeastereggs.net/story.php?id=83 Brand New leaked hornet video]
*[http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=Halo3Announcement Bungie's Announcement]
*[http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0494232/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnx0dD0xfGZiPXV8cG49MHxrdz0xfHE9aGFsb3xmdD0xfG14PTIwfGxtPTUwMHxjbz0xfGh0bWw9MXxubT0x;fc=22;ft=43;fm=1| IMDB Entry on Halo 3]
*[http://www.haloeastereggs.net/eastereggs.php?gamename=Halo%203 Halo 3 Easter Eggs]
*[http://halo3.com Halo 3 Website] - Main Halo 3 Website
*[http://halo.msn.com/ ''Halo 3'' at MSN.com]
*[http://www.Halo3spot.com   Halo 3 News] 
*[http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=12126838&postRepeater1-p=1 Halo 3 Walkthrough]
*[http://www.Halo3countdown.com   Halo 3 Countdown] 

[[Category:Halo 3| ]]
[[Category:Games]]

[[fr:Halo de 3]]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Title|''Halo 3''}}
+{{era|H3}}
-{{Status|RealWorld}}
+{{Game Info Box
-{{References}}
+|name='''''Halo 3'''''
-{{Game infobox
+|image=HALO 3 BOXART.jpg
-|name= ''Halo 3''
+|Developer=[[Bungie Studios]]
-|image= [[File:Halo3coverart.JPG|300px]]
+|Publisher= [[wikipedia:Microsoft Game Studios|Microsoft Game Studios]]
-|developer= [[Bungie|Bungie LLC.]]
+|US Date Released= September 25, 2007
-|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
+|MX Date Released= September 25, 2007
-|engine=[[Blam engine]]
+|UK Date Released= September 26, 2007
-|writer=[[Joseph Staten]]
+|Genre= [[First-person shooter]]
-|composer=[[Martin O'Donnell]]<br>[[Michael Salvatori]]
+|Game modes=[[Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Forge]]
-|platform= [[Xbox 360]]<br>[[Xbox One]]<br>PC
+|ESRB= Mature (M) for Blood and Gore, Mild Language, and Violence
-|releasedate= September 25, 2007 {{C|United States}}<br>
+|Platform=[[Xbox 360]]
-September 26, 2007 {{C|United Kingdom}}<br>
+|Media=DVD
-September 27, 2007 {{C|Japan}}<br>
+|Website=http://www.bungie.net/
-November 14, 2014 {{C|Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One}}<br>
-July 13, 2020 {{C|Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC}}
-|genre= [[First-person shooter]]
-|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Cooperative Play|Co-Op]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Forge]], [[Theater]]
-|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Mature (M) for Blood and Gore, Mild Language, and Violence<br>
-[[Wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]]: (D) Ages 17 and up<br>
-[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)<br>
-[[Wikipedia:British Board of Film Classification|BBFC]]: 15 (UK only)<br>
-[[Wikipedia:Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]]: 18 (Germany only)<br>
-[[Wikipedia:Australian Classification Board|ACB]]: Mature (M) for Moderate Science Fiction Violence
 }}
-{{Quote|Finish the fight.|''Halo 3'' tagline.}}
+'''''Halo 3''''' is a first-person science fiction shooter game developed by [[Bungie]] that is to be released for the [[Xbox 360]] console. It is the sequel to ''[[Halo 2]]'' and will finish up the current story arc that the previous two games have followed. It is set for release on September 25, in North America, 26th for Europe and Japan on the 27th. The ESRB has rated it "M" for Mature.
-'''''Halo 3''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Bungie|Bungie Studios]] and published by [[Microsoft]]. It is a sequel to ''[[Halo 2]]'' and concludes the original ''Halo'' trilogy. ''Halo 3'' was released on [[2007 (real world)|September 25, 2007]] in Australia, Brazil, India, New Zealand, North America, and Singapore; September 26, 2007 in Europe; and September 27, 2007 in Japan all exclusively for the [[Xbox 360]].
+== Release ==
+Bungie has announced that the release date for the final game is ''September 25, 2007'' in North America and Australia as advertised on a number of websites - however some sources may say they game will not be released in Australia until the 26th - while Europe will receive the game on ''September 26, 2007'', one day later. The Asian release date has not been announced. However, rumors have stated that Bungie will release the game in India on ''September 24, 2007''
-The game is rated "M" for Mature for blood, gore, violence, and mild language by the [[wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]. Europe's PEGI rating system gave the game a "16+" rating, and it is rated "15" by the BBFC for the UK release. The OFLC rated it "M" for the Australia and New Zealand release, although the New Zealand Classification Office later changed the rating to "R16" on December 1, 2017. Japan's [[wikipedia:Computer Entertainment Rating Organization|CERO]] rating system gave this game a "D" rating.
+An internal build, the ''Halo 3'' alpha build, codenamed "Pimps At Sea", was released in April 2007 for Microsoft employees. A public beta test, the ''[[Halo 3 Beta]]'', was rolled out in Spring 2007 and was scheduled for online play at midnight (U.S. West Coast Pacific-Time) on May 16th, 2007 - June 10, 2007, although there were [[Halo 3 Beta Errors|certain technical difficulties]] in its distribution. After that, Bungie collected all the feedback from the beta and sought to improve their Multiplayer through it, with the final game coming out four months after the end of the beta. On August 10, 2007 another ''Halo 3'' build, ''[[Halo 3 Epsilon]]'', was released to Microsoft employees, featuring [[Forge]] and [[multiplayer]] aspects.
-Upon its release, ''Halo 3'' grossed US$300 million in its first week. More than one million people played ''Halo 3'' on Xbox Live in the first twenty hours. As of January 3, 2008, ''Halo 3'' has sold 8.1 million copies, and was the best-selling video game of 2007 in the United States. Overall, the game was very well-received by critics, with the [[Forge]] and [[multiplayer]] offerings singled out as strong features. By March 2009 more than one billion online matches had been played.
+Bungie has also announced three versions of Halo 3: A Standard Edition, a Limited Collector's Edition, and the limited Legendary Edition.
-Along with ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'' and ''[[Halo 4]]'', ''Halo 3'' was released on the [[Xbox One]] as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' on November 11, [[2014]]. While initially advertised for a release date of [[2020#July|July 14, 2020]], the game was released on July 13 for PC platforms.<ref>''[[Finish The Fight]]''</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/ChiefCanuck/status/1282875659358883840?s=20 '''Twitter'''']</ref>{{Ref/Note|This article uses the [[Wikipedia:Pacific Time Zone|Pacific Time Zone]] to determine the release date.}}
+{|class="wikitable" style="margin: 0.5em auto;"
+!valign="right"| Version
+!Standard
+!Collector's
+!Legendary
+|-
+|Price (USD)
+|$59.99
+|$69.99
+|$129.99
+|-
+|Game Disc & Manual
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|-
+|Interactive Xbox 360 Disc
+|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|-
+|Beastarium
+|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes*
+|-
+|Legendary DVD
+|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
+|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|-
+|Master Chief Helmet Replica
+|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
+|style="background: #ffdddd" | No
+|style="background: #ddffdd" | Yes
+|-
+|}
+<small><center>''* Additional content on DVD''</center></small>
-== Synopsis ==
+===Halo 3 Walkthrough===
-=== Characters and setting ===
+A Halo 3 Walkthrough/Guide will be released alongside the actual game.  The walkthough/guide will be released for purchase on September 25th.
-''Halo 3'' spans over three different settings, starting with the [[East African Protectorate]] on [[Earth]], then to the [[Forerunner]]s' [[Installation 00|Ark installation]], and finally on Halo [[Installation 08]]. The game continues the [[John-117|Master Chief]]'s efforts in stopping the Covenant from activating the [[Halo Array|Halo rings]]. The [[Covenant]] has become embroiled in a [[Great Schism|civil war]], with the [[Sangheili|Elites]] [[Fleet of Retribution|allied]] with humanity against the main body of the hegemony, now led solely by the [[Prophet of Truth]]. Meanwhile, the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] have taken the [[Elites]]' place as field commanders in the [[Covenant military]].
-The game takes place after the events of the ''[[Halo 2]]'', directly after the events that transpired in ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.
+==Campaign Plot==
-=== Plot synopsis ===
+{{Spoiler}}
-{{Spoiler/begin}}
-[[File:Master Chief & The Arbiter.jpg|left|260px|thumb|John-117 and Thel 'Vadam in the East African jungle featured in the level "[[Sierra 117]]".]]
-The storyline begins approximately two weeks after the events of ''[[Halo 2]]'', on [[2552#November|November 17th, 2552]]. [[John-117]] enters [[Earth]]'s atmosphere and crash-lands in an [[East African Protectorate|east African]] jungle. After being retrieved by [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]], [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]], and a handful of [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], the group makes their way through the jungle toward a designated extraction point. Covenant forces are sighted in the area and Johnson makes a strategic decision to split the group up to reduce their chances of getting spotted. John-117 and Thel 'Vadam continue on their way to the extraction zone with the second squad, fighting off numerous [[Jiralhanae|Brute]]-led Covenant troops in the process, but upon reaching the extraction zone, Avery Johnson's [[D77H-TCI Pelican|Pelican]] group consisting of two Pelicans, are ambushed and shot down by [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]]. Johnson and his men are then captured and taken prisoner by a number of Brutes led by a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Brute Chieftain]]. John-117, Thel 'Vadam, and company fight their way through hordes of enemies and eventually rescue them, after which a Pelican arrives and picks them up.
-[[File:UNSC Underground Facility Crow's Nest.PNG|thumb|280px|UNSC underground facility "Crow's Nest".]]
+{{Main|Halo 3 Campaign}}
-The Pelican brings them to [[Crow's Nest (location)|Crow's Nest]] which is used as a local base of operations by the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]. Here, [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Terrence Hood]] plan a last-ditch effort to stop the Covenant from activating an artifact built by the long-vanished [[Forerunner]]s who the Covenant worship as gods, uncovered outside the ruins of the city of [[New Mombasa]]. This artifact is believed to be the Ark, which, if activated, will fire the [[Halo Array]], which the Covenant believe will herald a sublimation event called the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]] and propel the faithful to godhood, but will in fact wipe out all sentient life in the galaxy. Their plan is to have John-117 and a small group of marines punch a hole in the Covenant's anti-air defenses, so that Lord Hood can initiate a low level air-strike on the artifact. Their planning is quickly interrupted when power is cut and the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] broadcasts an announcement to all surviving human forces that their doom is inevitable. Soon after that, the Covenant discover the facility and mount a heavy assault. After a brief struggle, the outpost is lost and is destroyed by a bomb activated by John-117. Deep underground, the Master Chief regroups with the surviving Marines and makes his way into the African city of [[Voi]], [[Kenya]] via the [[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]]. In Voi, John-117 along with a handful of Marines destroy the Covenant anti-air defenses. Lord Hood leads the last of Earth's military ships against Truth and the artifact. As Hood mounts his attack on the Prophet, Truth activates the artifact and creates an enormous [[slipspace portal]], into which all the Covenant ships retreat.
+{{quote|[[Humans|You]] are, all of you, vermin. Cowering in the dirt, thinking what? That you might escape the coming [[glassing|fire]]? Your [[Earth|world]] will burn until its surface is but of glass!| [[Prophet of Truth]] from the ''[[Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer]]''}}
-At the same time, the ''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]'', a ''Ket''-pattern battlecruiser controlled by the [[Flood]], a parasitic species which nearly wiped out the Forerunners, arrives suddenly via slipspace and crashes in Voi. The parasite quickly spreads throughout the entire city and infects many, minutes after they arrive. As the Human forces attempt to fight the infestation, many become infected by the Flood. The [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]], led by Shipmaster [[Rtas 'Vadum]], arrive at Earth and assist the struggle against the infestation. The Elites inform Commander Keyes that a UNSC construct is aboard the crashed Flood ship, and identify it as [[Cortana]]. After retrieving Cortana, John-117 returned to the Elites' flagship, ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', to oversee the repairs made by [[343 Guilty Spark]]. However, it is only a recorded message from her. Cortana's message says that the [[Gravemind]] is bringing the infested ''[[High Charity]]'' to Earth with an army of Flood, and that on the other side of the portal is a solution to the Flood infestation, without having to fire the rings. Lord Hood questions Cortana's plan, assuming that it could be a Flood trap, but John-117 firmly tells Hood that he trusts her.
+The details of the plot have yet to be revealed.
-Lord Hood and the rest of the UNSC remain on Earth to defend it against the incoming Flood invasion while Commander Keyes and the Elites journey through the Portal. Arriving at [[Installation 00|the true Ark]], which is several thousand light years beyond the rim of the Milky Way, the Sangheili engage Truth's fleet while the UNSC launches a ground campaign. After landing on the Ark, 343 Guilty Spark helps lead the Master Chief and UNSC forces to the [[Cartographer|Ark's Cartographer]], the map room of the Ark, to locate the Control Room of the Ark. In order to access the Control Room, the UNSC and the Sangheili must deactivate three shield generators which are inside three separate towers. While John-117 and the Arbiter succeed in deactivating the first and second towers, Johnson radios Keyes, telling her that he must retreat due to the heavy enemy assault. When John-117 and the Elites arrived to the third tower, Johnson and his men are nowhere to be seen. After the final shield barrier protecting the Control Room deactivates, the Flood-infested ''High Charity'' arrives via slipspace and crashes onto the Ark, releasing [[Flood dispersal pod]]s as it falls.
+Bungie has definitively confirmed is that the [[SPARTAN-117]] has returned to [[Earth]] aboard the [[Forerunner]] ship from [[Halo 2]], and will "Finish the Fight" against the invading [[Covenant Loyalist]]s, with help from the [[UNSC]]-[[Covenant Separatists|Covenant Separatist]] alliance.  The [[Arbiter]] is also on Earth, fighting alongside SPARTAN-117.
-After handling the nearby infestation, John-117 leads the remaining UNSC and surviving [[Sangheili]] forces via armored vehicles in an assault on the [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]] containing the Control Room, which is heavily defended by Covenant forces. Once inside the Citadel, Truth broadcasts his sermon and reveals the captured Johnson to his followers. Just as Truth is about to force Johnson to activate the rings, Keyes crashes into the Control Room using a Pelican. While she tries to fight off all the Brutes, Johnson realises that she must kill him and herself to stop the rings from being activated. From behind, Truth kills Keyes, and then using Johnson's hand on the nearby terminal, activates all of the remaining Halos in the galaxy.
+During online cooperative campaign gameplay, two new players will become available: [[N’tho ‘Sraom]] and [[Usze ‘Taham]].
-Just as John-117 and Thel 'Vadam reach the top, two [[Flood tank form]]s confront them. The [[Gravemind]], communicating through the two Flood forms, urges the two to join forces in stopping the initiation of the Halos and Truth. With the Flood's help, John-117 and Thel 'Vadam slaughtered all the Covenant forces defending Truth. Upon arrival to the Ark's Control Terminal, they find Johnson mourning over the loss of Keyes, and Truth partially infected. Thel 'Vadam, after a short confrontation with Truth over the true purpose of the [[Halo Array|Halos]], executes Truth with his energy sword, just as John-117 deactivates all the Halos. Shortly after the deactivation of the Halos, the Gravemind betrays them and prevents the duo from escaping - although Johnson manages to escape using Keyes' crashed Pelican.
+In the E3 2006 Trailer, it is shown that the Covenant have uncovered a massive and ancient Forerunner artifact under [[New Mombasa]] (The mountain in the background is indeed [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Kilimanjaro]]<ref>'' That is indeed the ruins of New Mombasa. The artifact and the Chief are where they appear to be, on the desert outskirts of New Mombasa, and many miles inland. The mountain behind him is Kilimanjaro.'' -- [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=weeklyupdatemay1206 Bungie.net Weekly Update May 12, 2006]</ref>). It is also known that [[Cortana]] is still trapped in the clutches of the [[Gravemind]]. Both are expected to play some role in the plot and Bungie has confirmed that while Halo 3's campaign will begin on Earth, it won't stay there. The game starts on Earth, moves to High Charity, and concludes on another Halo ring.
-The duo escapes from the Citadel via an access tunnel near the elevator they used earlier. John-117 then experiences a hallucination of Cortana and follows the figure to a control panel. He then activates the panel, finally learning Cortana's plan: the Ark is manufacturing a [[Installation 08|replacement Halo]] after the destruction of the previous one. Knowing that the threat of the Flood is undeniably apocalyptic, and that the new ring is unconnected to the rest of the Array, John-117 decides he will activate the new Halo. Needing an Index in order to fire the ring, SPARTAN-117 journeys into the crashed High Charity to retrieve Cortana, keeping his [[High Charity (level)|promise]] and knowing that she still has the Index she acquired from the original [[Installation 04]]. Once retrieved, Cortana instructs the Spartan to overload ''High Charity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s engines in order to destroy the Gravemind. Thel 'Vadam arrives via Banshee to assist the Spartan in fighting the Flood. The two escape from ''High Charity'' before it explodes using a damaged but still flyable Pelican.
+{{Conjecturalization}}
-The surviving Sangheili and UNSC personnel return to Earth leaving only Sergeant Johnson, John-117 with Cortana, and the Arbiter to make their way to the new Halo. As they make their way to the new Halo's Control Room, Flood forms arrive via [[Flood dispersal pod|dispersal pods]] to prevent the activation of the Halo. From here, they quickly discover that [[Gravemind]] is attempting to reconstruct itself on the new Halo. As Sergeant Johnson tries to activate the ring, [[343 Guilty Spark]] fires his defensive laser at him after realizing that it will destroy the installation and the Ark. The Monitor then turns against the Spartan and blasts the Arbiter out of the Control Room, leaving the Spartan to destroy Guilty Spark by himself. John-117 successfully destroys the Monitor with the [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Laser]] and tries to mend Johnson. Mortally wounded, Johnson urged the Spartan to send him out "with a bang".
+The following is the believed list of campaign levels in successive order of ''Halo 3'' and events that are believed to happen in them:
+#''[[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]]'' - Occurs in an African jungle. This level was first physically seen as the first scene of the ''[[Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer]]'', although it was seen later in the trailer as well. It is home to a [[Covenant Loyalist]] encampment that [[SPARTAN-117]] is eliminating, and features tunnels and rivers which the Master Chief must navigate to complete the level.
+#''[[Crow's Nest (Level)|Crow's Nest]]'' - Occurs in a "[[Halo 3 UNSC Base|UNSC base]]".
+#''[[Tsavo Highway (Level)|Tsavo Highway]]'' - Begins in a [[Halo 3 UNSC Base|UNSC base]] on the outskirts of the African city of [[Voi]] with the [[SPARTAN-117]] and [[Marine]]s mounting on vehicles to punch through several Covenant Loyalist blockades of stacked infantry, [[Wraith]]s, [[Brute Chopper]]s, and [[Ghosts]] to reach the city of Voi , where the [[ark]] is located, passing by the ruins of the [[New Mombasa Orbital Elevator]].
+#''[[The Storm (Level)|The Storm]]'' - Begins with [[SPARTAN-117]] and a dozen Marines mounted on a variety of vehicles, including [[Mongoose]]s, to destroy a Covenant Loyalist [[Scarab]] walker that is "chasing" them. With the help of [[Hornet]] and [[Banshee]] fighter craft, the Scarab is destroyed and [[SPARTAN-117]] fights with the [[Arbiter]] to destroy a [[Covenant Loyalist]] [[Covenant Artillery|anti-air emplacement]] that is patrolling the airscape of the Ark. After eliminating the [[Brute]]s guarding the emplacement, the AA battery is disabled and [[Miranda Keyes]] takes a [[Pelican Dropship]] to the Ark.
+#''[[Cleansing (Level)|Cleansing]]'' - Occurs in [[Voi]], although the [[Flood]] are believed to be involved somehow in this level as well; this stems from the fact that the name 'floodvoi' was found in the Beta code.
+#''[[Refuge (Level)|Refuge]]'' - Occurs in a "wasteland".
+#''[[Last Stand (Level)|Last Stand]]'' - Occurs in a "citadel".
+#''[[The Key (Level)|The Key]]'' - Occurs on [[Flood]]-infested ''[[High Charity]]''. [[Cortana]] collapses before [[SPARTAN-117]], the [[Arbiter]], [[343 Guilty Spark]], and an unknown elite.
+#''[[Return (Level)|Return]]'' - Occurs on an [[The Halos|unidentified Halo ring]].
-With the Halo activated, John-117 and Thel 'Vadam race towards the frigate ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn|Forward Unto Dawn]]'' using Johnson's Warthog. With no time to reach the bridge, John-117 uploads Cortana into the frigate to start taking off before the Arbiter is able to take the controls. The front half of the ''Dawn'', containing the Arbiter, makes it through the portal. However, as Halo shakes itself to pieces during its firing sequence and damages the Ark, the portal deactivates as the other half of the ''Dawn'' containing Chief and Cortana enter it. This causes them to rip off from the other half of the ship and be sent to an unknown area of space far enough from the Halo's blast. However, since they didn't come out of the other side of the portal, they never make it back to Earth.
+{{Conjecturalization End}}
-Back on Earth, Lord Hood holds a [[Voi Memorial|memorial service]] in honor of those who died in the [[Human-Covenant War]], with the Arbiter and many Marines in attendance. With Truth dead, the Covenant defeated, and the Flood wiped out, the long and devastating war is finally over. Though he says he can never forgive the Arbiter for what the Covenant did to the human race, Lord Hood sincerely thanks him for standing by the Master Chief until the end. After the service, the Sangheili return to their [[Sanghelios|home planet]].
+===The Ark===
+[[Image:Ark.jpg|200px|thumb|200px|[[The Ark]] - as seen in the [[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer|Halo 3 trailer]].]]
+{{Main|The Ark}}
-After the credits, it is revealed that John-117 and Cortana are still alive aboard the rear section of the ''Dawn'', which had apparently torn off before going through the other side of the portal. The SPARTAN floats to a [[cryo chamber]] and as he climbs in, Cortana comments "''I'll miss you.''" He replies "''Wake me, when you need me.''" If the last level is completed on Legendary difficulty, the section of ''Forward Unto Dawn'' that Cortana and the Chief are aboard is seen drifting towards a [[Requiem|Forerunner world]].
+The Covenant has uncovered a massive and ancient Forerunner artifact under [[New Mombasa]] (The mountain in the background is indeed [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Kilimanjaro]]<ref>'' That is indeed the ruins of New Mombasa. The artifact and the Chief are where they appear to be, on the desert outskirts of New Mombasa, and many miles inland. The mountain behind him is Kilimanjaro.'' -- [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=weeklyupdatemay1206 Bungie.net Weekly Update May 12, 2006]</ref>) and Cortana is still trapped in the clutches of the [[Gravemind]].
-{{Spoiler/end}}
-== Gameplay ==
+The Ark is mentioned in ''[[Halo 2]]'' as a place where all the [[Halo]] rings could be fired at once. While the structure in the trailer is thought to be [[The Ark]], it has only been officially confirmed as a Forerunner structure. However, substantial evidence points to it being the Ark:
-''Halo 3'' incorporates many of the gameplay features previously made available in [[Halo 2]], refining the gameplay design and expanding the amount of resources in the sandbox to diversify the gameplay experience. For example, [[dual wielding]] has been retained as a feature in both campaign and multiplayer, HUD elements have been repositioned so that they are more prominently available to the player, and [[boarding (gameplay mechanic)|boarding vehicles]] have more varied animations and are more balanced.
-Vehicles now feature more complex collision damage based on their size, mass and speed. For example, the Brute [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|Chopper]] can destroy a UNSC [[Warthog]] with a head-on ram, and colliding head-on with a solid object in a Ghost can kill the player.
+At the end of [[Halo 2]], the Arbiter tells us that he is going after the Ark and in the trailer and at Gamespot.com it tells us that the Arbiter is in the first mission of the game fighting along side the [[Master Chief]] which we know that the [[Master Chief]] is on [[Earth]].
-The game enhances the core gameplay design by introducing [[Equipment|deployable equipment]] as well as giving players the ability to use [[Weapon types#Turret|turret weapons]]. Equipment is a collection of tools accessible to players to assist them in their objectives. This ranges from [[Bubble Shield|a spherical shield that protects players temporarily]], [[Power Drain|a device that drains power from electrical appliances]] to [[Gravity lift|a device that propels personnel into the air]]. Turret weapons allow players to wield heavy weapons in a third-person perspective at a slower pace.
+*Miranda Keyes is referring to the Forerunner artifact as "the Ark" in the recently shown Level Tsavo Highway
+*In the [[Halo Graphic Novel]] one [[Elite]] says "We need to clear this area before we can secure access to [[The Ark]]" -- Second Sunrise Over New Mombasa.
+*It is also seen in this small [[:Image:Ark concept.jpg|sketch]] from the DVD.
-{{Expand-section}}
+Also, in Bungie's FAQ, they said that although they wouldn't tell what the structure is, Halo fans may recognize it. The structure looks somewhat similar to a structure seen in the Halo 2 multiplayer map [[Ascension]], the circular structures on the exterior of Alpha Halo (visible in the opening menu of Halo 1), or Delta Halo's Control Room. It also looks like the dock that the Forerunner ship at the end of Halo 2 was stationed in, or the platform in the Halo's Library that is home to the installation's Index. Bungie may also be referring to the [[Jjaro]] station in [[Marathon]] [[Infinity]] (an artifact used to contain a being within a sun). Also, in [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]], the [[Dyson Portal]] is described very similarly to the structure, albeit much [http://www.seryan.com/msfm/specialpics/H3-ArtifactCompare.jpg]   smaller.
-=== Campaign ===
+{{Spoiler End}}
-The campaign in ''Halo 3'' consists of ten levels which tell the story of the final days of [[human]]ity and the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili's]] conflict with the Prophet of Truth's Covenant forces.
-#[[Arrival]] - "''Brace for impact.''" (cutscene, tutorial on single player)
+== Features ==
-#[[Sierra 117]] - ''"Rise up. Start the fight."''
+===[[Equipment]]===
-#[[Crow's Nest]] - ''"Clear the base, whatever it takes."''
-#[[Tsavo Highway]] - ''"Mount up. Get to [[Voi]]."''
-#[[The Storm]] - ''"Reclaim the city. Make a hole."''
-#[[Floodgate]] - ''"Stop the [[Flood|infestation]]. Find [[Cortana]]."''
-#[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]] - ''"Search the waste for the [[Cartographer]]."''
-#[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]] - ''"Breach the barrier. Stop [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]]."''
-#[[Cortana (level)|Cortana]] - ''"Cleanse [[High Charity]]. Save Cortana."''
-#[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]] - ''"Light [[Installation 08|the ring]]. Destroy the Flood."''
-=== Multiplayer ===
+*[[Bubble Shield]]
-A total of 24 multiplayer maps are available in ''Halo 3''. As of [[2021 (real world)|2021]], three additional maps were added to ''Halo 3'' in ''The Master Chief Collection'' from the cancelled ''[[Halo Online]]'' - bringing the total map count for this version of ''Halo 3'' up to 27.
+*[[Power Drainer]]
+*[[Trip Mine]]
+*[[Portable Gravity Lift]]
+*[[Radar Jammer]]
+*[[Flare]]
+*[[Regenerator]]
+*[[Positional Shield|Personal Shield]]
-{{col-begin}}
+===Power Ups===
-{{col-2}}
+*[[Active Camouflage]]
-==== Default ====
+*[[Overshield]]
-*[[Construct]]
+*[[Agility]]
-*[[Epitaph]]
+*[[Invincibility]]
-*[[Guardian (map)|Guardian]]
+*[[Custom Power Up]]
-*[[High Ground]]
-*[[Isolation]]
-*[[Last Resort]]
-*[[Narrows]]
-*[[Sandtrap]]
-*[[Snowbound]]
-*[[The Pit]]
-*[[Valhalla]]
-==== Heroic Map Pack ====
+==Weapons==
-{{Main|Heroic Map Pack}}
+These are the confirmed weapons known to be in the game (all are subject to change):
-<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 3'' page-->
-*[[Foundry]]
-*[[Rat's Nest]]
-*[[Standoff]]
-==== Legendary Map Pack ====
+===[[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]===
-{{Main|Legendary Map Pack}}
+*[[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System]] (Dual Wieldable)
-<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->
+*[[M7|M7/Caseless Sub-Machine Gun]] (Dual Wieldable)
-*[[Avalanche]]
+*[[MA5C ICWS Assault Rifle]]
-*[[Blackout]]
+*[[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle]]
-*[[Ghost Town]]
+*[[M90A Close Assault Weapon System|M90A Close Assault Weapon System Shotgun]]
-{{col-2}}
+*[[SRS99D|SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifle]]
-==== Cold Storage ====
+*[[M41 Rocket Launcher|M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launcher]]
-{{Main|Cold Storage}}
+*[[W/AV Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle]]
-Cold Storage is downloadable through Xbox Live Marketplace for free and is the seventh downloadable map for ''Halo 3''. It was released on 07/07/08, Bungie Day, as a free gift to the entire ''Halo 3'' community around the world.
+*[[Missile Pod]] (Support)
+*[[M7057 Defoliant Projector]] (Support)
+*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|AIE-486H Machine Gun]] (Support)
+*[[Frag Grenade|M9 HE-DP Fragmentation Grenade]]
-====Mythic Map Pack====
+===[[Covenant]]===
-{{Main|Mythic Map Pack}}
+*[[Plasma Pistol]] (Dual Wieldable)
-<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->
+*[[Plasma Rifle]] (Dual Wieldable)
-*[[Assembly]]
+*[[Needler]]
-*[[Orbital]]
+*[[Covenant Carbine|Carbine]]
-*[[Sandbox]]
+*[[Particle Beam Rifle]]
+*[[Fuel Rod Cannon]]
+*[[Energy Sword]]
+*[[Plasma Cannon|Plasma Turret]] (Support)
+*[[Covenant Ball Turret|Ball Turret]] (Stationary)
+*[[Plasma Grenade]]
-====Mythic Map Pack II====
+====[[Brutes]]====
-{{Main|Mythic II Map Pack}}
+*[[Spiker|Type-25 "Spiker" Carbine]] (Dual Wieldable)
-*[[Citadel]]
+*[[Mauler]] (Dual Wieldable)
-*[[Heretic]]
+*[[Brute Shot]]
-*[[Longshore]]
+*[[Gravity Hammer]]
+*[[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade|Type-2 "Spike" Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade]]
+*[[Type-3 Antipersonnel/Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade|Type-3 "Firebomb" Antipersonnel/Antimateriel Incendiary Grenade]]
-====''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''-exclusive====
+===[[Forerunner]]===
-*[[Edge]]
+*[[Sentinel Beam]]
-*[[Icebox]]
-*[[Waterfall]]
-{{col-end}}
-=== Appearance ===
+===Other===
-==== Service tags ====
+*[[Brute Plasma Rifle]] - Unconfirmed but likely replaced by the [[Spiker]] & [[Mauler]].
-The service tag is how players can be identified quickly on the battlefield, instead of the long names and complex number combinations which are not suitable for battle situations that require quick tactical orders or communication. The service tag is comprised of a letter followed by two numbers. A few examples of service tags are K90, C27, A12, S86, D17, and D21.
-Certain service tags are disallowed, and entering them will yield the error message "This Service Tag is currently in use by the UNSC." Generally, tags that identify ''Halo'' characters, trademarks, or offensive words are disallowed. Such tags include: "[[John-117|I17]]", "[[Wikipedia:Nintendo 64|N64]]", "[[Wikipedia:Playstation 2|P52]]", "[[Wiktionary:Ass|A55]]", "[[Wiktionary:Poo|P00]]", "[[Wikipedia:Jew|J00]]", "[[Wikipedia:Fag (slang)|F49]]", "A23", and "[[Wikipedia:Teat|T17]]". "O00" is blocked due to its usage in [[Temporary Profile]]s. Anything ending in 00 is blocked.
+==Vehicles==
+===Covenant===
+[[Image:Starry Night by the Ark.PNG|200px|thumb|right|A Covenant Carrier Battle Group]]
+*[[Ghost (Vehicle)|Ghost]]
+*[[Brute Chopper|Chopper]]
+*[[Brute Prowler|Prowler]]
+*[[Scarab]]  (Rumored to be a useable vehicle)
+*[[Spectre]] (Rumored to be a usable vehicle)
+*[[Shadow]] (Rumored to be a usable vehicle)
+*[[Wraith]]
+*[[Banshee]]
-According to Bungie, as of March 14 the most used Service Tags by players of ''Halo 3'' are, in descending order, ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|O07]]'', ''[[wikipedia:M16 rifle|M16]]'' , ''I69'', ''P26'', ''[[Sadie's Story|S80]]'', ''N99'', ''[[Wikipedia:F/A-18 Hornet|F18]]'', ''[[Wikipedia:Water|H20]]'', ''I87'', and ''[[Wiktionary:Die|D13]]''.{{Citation needed}}
+====Non-Usable====
+*[[Scarab]]
+*[[Phantom|Phantom Dropship]]
+*[[Seraph|Seraph Fighter-Interceptor]]
+*[[CCS-class Battlecruiser]]
+*[[Assault Carrier]]
-==== Armor permutations ====
+===UNSC===
-{{Main|Armor customization (Halo 3)}}
+*[[Mongoose|M274 Mongoose ULATV]]
-There are two player models which players can choose from, the standard [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN]] model or an [[Sangheili|Elite]] model. Each model has several armor permutations which can be combined. All armor permutations do not have any effects on gameplay.
+*[[M12 Warthog LRV]]
-{{Armor/Permutation/H3}}
+*[[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]]
+*[[Troop Transport Warthog|M831 TT Warthog]]
+*[[M808 Scorpion MBT]] (Unknown model. Possibly B, or C model)
+*[[Hornet|Hornet Gunship]]
+*[[UNSC Elephant]]
-==== Emblems ====
+====Non-Usable====
-{{Main|Multiplayer Emblems}}
+*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]
-An Emblem is a highly customizable image that appears on the right arm of a Spartan and the back of an Elite during multiplayer matches, they are there to give a player an identity for themselves. ''Halo 3'' introduces several new emblems for the player to use along with new backgrounds to further customize that emblem.
+*[[Albatross|Albatross Heavy Dropship]]
+*[[Longsword|C709 Longsword Fighter-Interceptor]]
+*{{UNSCShip|Adriatic}}
+*{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} ('''FFG-201''')
+*[[UNSC Battle Cruiser|Unnamed UNSC Battlecruiser]]
-==== Colors ====
+===Speculation===
-There are ten base and primary colors, each with three shades of one another that are used to customize your multiplayer color and emblem. On the armor detail color, there is a small painted VI most noticeable on Mark VI shoulder.
+*[[Rapture]]
-*'''''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==
+==Characters==
-===Original ''Halo 3''===
+[[Image:HailToTheChief.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Screenshot of The [[Master Chief]]]]
-''For subjects that appear in the terminals, see [[Terminal (Halo 3)#Appearances|here]].''
+[[Image:Master Chief & The Arbiter.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Master Chief and the Arbiter]]
-{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5
+===Major Characters===
-|title-1=Characters|
+'''UNSC'''
-'''[[Human]]'''
+*[[John-117|Master Chief Petty Officer SPARTAN John-117]]
-*[[John-117]]
+*[[Cortana]]
-*[[Avery Johnson]]
+*[[Sergeant Johnson|Sergeant Major A.J. Johnson]]
-*[[Miranda Keyes]]
+*[[Miranda Keyes|Commander Miranda Keyes]]
-*[[Terrence Hood]]
+*[[Lord Hood|Fleet Admiral Sir Terrence Hood]]
-*[[Hocus]] {{1st}}
+*[[Gunnery Sergeant Pete Stacker]]
-*[[Reynolds]] {{1st}}
-*[[Marcus Stacker]]
-*[[Chips Dubbo]]
-'''[[Sangheili]]'''
+'''Covenant Separatists'''
-*[[Thel 'Vadam]]
+*[[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]]
 *[[Rtas 'Vadum]]
-*[[N'tho 'Sraom]] {{1st}}
+'''Covenant Loyalists'''
-*[[Usze 'Taham]] {{1st}}
-'''[[San'Shyuum]]'''
 *[[Prophet of Truth]]
-'''[[Jiralhanae]]'''
+'''Flood'''
-*[[Cethegus]] {{1st}}
-*[[Tartarus]] {{Mo}}
-'''[[Unggoy]]'''
-*[[Flipyap]] {{Fm}}
-'''[[Flood]]'''
 *[[Gravemind]]
-'''[[Artificial intelligence]]'''
+'''Forerunner'''
-*[[Cortana]]
 *[[343 Guilty Spark]]
+[[Image:brutecaptain.jpg|100px|thumb||right|A Render of a [[Brute]] Captain]]
-|title-2=Species and entities|
+===Minor Characters===
-*[[Human]]
+'''Co-Op Characters'''
-**[[UNSC Marines]]
+*[[N’tho ‘Sraom]]
-*[[Sangheili]]
+*[[Usze ‘Taham]]
-**[[Special Operations Sangheili|SpecOps]]
-**[[Sangheili Major|Major]]
-**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]
-*[[Jiralhanae]]
-**[[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]]
-**[[Jiralhanae Chieftain|Chieftain]]
-**[[Jiralhanae Captain Ultra|Captain Ultra]] {{1st}}
-**[[Jiralhanae Captain Major|Captain Major]] {{1st}}
-**[[Jiralhanae Captain|Captain]]
-**[[Jiralhanae Bodyguard|Bodyguard]] {{1st}}
-**[[Jiralhanae Jumper|Jumper]]
-**[[Jiralhanae Stalker|Stalker]] {{1st}}
-**[[Jiralhanae Ultra|Ultra]] {{1st}}
-**[[Jiralhanae Major|Major]]
-**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]]
-*[[Unggoy]]
-**[[Special Operations Unggoy|SpecOps]]
-**[[Unggoy Heavy|Heavy]]
-**[[Unggoy Major|Major]]
-**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]]
-*[[Kig-Yar]] (''Ruuhtian'')
-**[[Kig-Yar Major|Major]]
-**[[Kig-Yar Sniper|Sniper]]
-**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]]
-*[[Lekgolo]]
-**[[Mgalekgolo]]
-*[[Yanme'e]]
-**[[Yanme'e Minor|Minor]]
-*[[Flood]]
-**[[Pod infector]]
-**[[Flood combat form]]
-**[[Flood carrier form]]
-**[[Flood pure form]] {{1st}}
-***[[Flood stalker form]] {{1st}}
-***[[Flood ranged form]] {{1st}}
-***[[Flood tank form]] {{1st}}
-*[[Artificial intelligence]]
-**[[Smart AI]]
-***[[Avatar]]
-**[[Sentinel]]
-***[[Aggressor Sentinel]]
-***[[Constructor]]
-***[[Guardian Sentinel]] {{1st}} {{C|Hologram only}}
-**[[Monitor]]
-*[[Fish]]
-|title-3=Organizations|
+'''UNSC'''
-*[[Ecumene]]
+*[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marine Infantryman]]
-**[[Forerunner Fleet Command]] {{Fm}}
+*[[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers|UNSC Marine Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
-*[[UEG]]
+*[[ONI|Office of Naval Intelligence Personnel]]
-**[[UNSC]]
+*[[UNSC|UNSC Citizens]]
-***[[UNSC High Command]]
-****[[UNSC Communications Commission]] {{Fm}}
-***[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
-****[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s
-***[[UNSC Navy]]
-****[[Seventh Fleet]] {{1st}}
-*****[[Battle Group Victory]] {{1st}}
-****[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare]]
-*****[[SPARTAN-II program]]
-***[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
-****[[ONI Recon 111]] {{1st}}
-**[[Voi Greater Outlands Police Bureau]] {{Fm}}
-**[[Western African Committee on Missing Persons]] {{Fm}}
-*[[Covenant separatists]]
-**[[Fleet of Retribution]] {{1st}}
-*[[Covenant]]
-**[[Covenant military]]
-**[[Covenant fleet]]
-**[[Vheiloth]]
-*[[Flood]]
-|title-4=Locations|
+'''Covenant Separatists'''
-*[[Epoloch system]] {{1st}}
+*[[Elites|Elites (Sangheili)]]
-**[[Requiem]] {{1st}}
+*[[Grunts|Grunts (Unggoy)]] (some)
-*[[Installation 00]] {{1st}}
+*[[Hunters|Hunters (Lekgolo)]] (some)
-**[[Cartographer]]
-**[[Foundry (location)|Foundry]] {{1st}}
-**[[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]] {{1st}}
-*[[Installation 08]] {{1st}}
-**[[Control Room (Installation 04)|Control Room]]
-**[[Phase pulse generator]]
-*[[High Charity]]
-**[[Sanctum of the Hierarchs]]
-**[[Mausoleum of the Arbiter]]
-*[[Sol system]]
-**[[Earth]]
-***[[East African Protectorate]]
-****[[Kenya]]
-*****[[Crow's Nest (location)|Crow's Nest]] {{1st}}
-*****[[New Mombasa]] {{Mo}}
-******[[Mombasa Tether]] {{c|Wreckage}}
-*****[[Outpost C9]] {{1st}}
-*****[[Voi]] {{1st}}
-******[[Traxus Factory Complex 09]] {{1st}}
-******[[Traxus Factory Complex 71]] {{1st}}
-*****[[Voi Municipal Water Pump House 03]] {{1st}}
-*****[[Tsavo]] {{1st}}
-******[[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]] {{1st}}
-*******[[Checkpoint 8]] {{Fm}}
-****[[Tanzania]]
-*****[[A2 Hydroelectric Facility]] {{1st}}
-*****[[Arusha]] {{Fm}}
-*****[[Mount Kilimanjaro]] {{1st}}
-*****[[Zanzibar Island]]
-******[[Wind Power Station 7]]
-***[[Sector 331]] {{Fm}}
-|title-5=Events|
+'''Covenant Loyalists'''
-*[[Human-Covenant War]]
+*[[Prophets (San 'Shyuum)]]
-**[[Battle of Installation 05]] {{Mo}}
+*[[Brutes|Brutes (Jiralhanae)]]
-**[[Battle for Earth]]
+*[[Jackals|Jackals (Kig-Yar)]]
-**[[Battle of Installation 00]] {{1st}}
+*[[Drones|Drones (Yanme'e)]]
-***[[Battle of the Citadel]]
+*[[Grunts|Grunts (Unggoy)]] (some)
-*[[Great Schism]]
+*[[Hunters|Hunters (Lekgolo)]] (some)
-*[[Raid on High Charity]] {{1st}}
-*[[Raid on Installation 08]] {{1st}}
-*[[Voi Memorial]] {{1st}}
-|title-6=Weapons|
+'''Flood'''
-====UNSC====
+*[[Infection Form]]
-;Usable
+*[[Combat Form]]
-*[[7 wood]] {{1st}}
+*[[Carrier Form]]
-*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] {{1st}}
-*[[Class-2 Guided Munition Launch System]] {{1st}}
-*[[BR55HB battle rifle]]
-*[[LAU-65D/SGM-151 missile pod]] {{1st}}
-*[[M247T machine gun]]
-*[[M41 rocket launcher]]
-*[[M41 Vulcan]]
-*[[M512 smooth-bore high-velocity cannon]]
-*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]
-*[[M68 Gauss cannon]]
-*[[M6C/SOCOM]] {{MCCo}}
-*[[M6G magnum]]
-*[[M7 SMG]]
-*[[M7057 flamethrower]]
-*[[M7S SMG]] {{MCCo}}
-*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
-*[[M90 shotgun#M90A variant|M90A shotgun]] {{1st}}
-*[[MA5C assault rifle]]
-*[[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]]
-*[[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine]] {{C|Gametype-specific use only}}
-;Unusable
+==Halo 3 [[Multiplayer]]==
-*[[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile]]
+===Xbox Live===
-*[[M370 autocannon]]
+According to Bungie in EGM, Halo 3 will be taking Xbox Live to the next level. If you create a gametype, you can specify how many types of shields you have and what vehicles are on the map. You can advertise your gametype and if it gets good ratings it may become a matchmade game. If you have the vision camera you will be able to            with your friends, and there are now two ranking systems, one of which is based on actual military ranks instead of numbers. This number is your total amount of games and your rank increases the more you play any matchmaking gametype (including unranked). The ranked gametypes are apparently still ranked by numbers.
-*[[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW/AC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm]]
-*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
-*[[Point-defense gun]]
-**[[M870 Rampart point defense gun]]
-*[[Surface-to-air missile launcher]] {{1st}}
-*[[Improvised UNSC bomb]] {{1st}} {{C|Story-specific use only}}
-====Covenant====
+===Maps===
-;Usable
+[[Image:H3 map.jpg|right|thumb|A concept model of High Ground.]]
-*[[Class-2 directed energy cannon]]
-*[[Fuel rod cannon]]
-*[[Class-1 directed energy cannon#Light plasma cannon (Prowler)|Light plasma cannon]]
-*[[Energy sword]]
-**[[Type-1 energy sword]]
-*[[Plasma grenade]]
-**{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}
-*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity hammer]]
-**[[Akelus Workshop gravity hammer]]
-*[[Jovokada Workshop spike grenade]]
-*[[Orgudam Workshop firebomb]] {{1st}}
-*[[Spike cannon]]
-*[[Spiker]]
-**[[Paegaas Workshop Spiker]]
-*[[Plasma pistol]]
-**{{Pattern|Eos'Mak|plasma pistol}}
-*[[Plasma rifle]]
-**{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
-*[[Brute shot]]
-**[[Jovokada Workshop Brute Shot]]
-*[[Plasma mortar#Type-26 35cm Directed-Energy Mortar|Type-26 Directed-Energy Mortar]]
-*[[Shade]]
-**{{Pattern|Rizsheda|Shade}}
-*[[Needler]]
-**[[Type-33 needler]]
-*[[Fuel rod gun]]
-**{{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}
-*[[Beam rifle]]
-**{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}
-*[[Carbine]]
-**{{Pattern|Vostu|carbine}}
-*[[Ukala Workshop Mauler]] {{1st}}
-*[[Plasma cannon]]
-**{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}
-;Unusable
+*[[Valhalla (Level)|Valhalla]]
-*{{Pattern|Shuku|sentry turret}} {{1st}}
+*[[High Ground (Level)|High Ground]]
-*[[Energy projector]]
+*[[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]]
-*[[Focus cannon]]
+*[[Epitaph (Level)|Epitaph]]
-*[[Heavy plasma cannon]]
+*[[Last Resort (Level)|Last Resort]]
-*[[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]
+*[[Sandtrap (Level)|Sandtrap]]
-*[[Pulse laser turret]]
+*[[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]]
-*{{Pattern|Skar'wa|Mantis}} {{1st}}
+*[[Narrows (Level)|Narrows]]
+*[[Gym Class (Level)|Gym Class]]
-====Forerunner====
+'''Unknown Maps'''
-;Usable
-*[[Sentinel Beam]]
-|title-7=Vehicles|
+Most of these maps were found in the Beta code; names and actual level are all subject to change.
-==== UNSC ====
-;Usable
-*[[AV-14 Hornet]]
-*[[M12 Warthog]]
-**[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]
-**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]]
-**[[M831 Troop Transport]]
-**[[M12 Warthog#Other models|M864 Arctic]] {{1st}}
-*[[M274 Mongoose]]
-*[[M313 Elephant]] {{1st}}
-**E-2073 46833-S {{1st}}
-*[[M808C Scorpion]]
-;Unusable
+*[[Construct (Level)|Construct]]
-*[[Albatross]]
+*[[Cyberdyne (Level)|Cyberdyne]]
-*[[Cart]] {{1st}}
+*[[Isolation (Level)|Isolation]]
-*[[Crassus-class supercarrier]] {{1st}}
+*[[Warthog Inc (Level)|Warthog Inc.]]
-*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]
-*[[Drop pod]]
-**[[M8823 drop pod]]
-*[[F-99 Wombat]] {{1st}}
-*[[GA-TL1 Longsword]]
-*[[S-2 Traxus Cargo Transporter]] {{1st}}
-*[[Tractor unit]]
-*[[UNSC frigate]]
-**{{Class|Charon|light frigate}} {{1st}}
-***{{UNSCShip|Aegis Fate}} {{1st}}
-***{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} {{1st}}
-==== Covenant ====
+===Gametypes===
-;Usable
+*[[Assault]]
-*[[Chopper]]
+*[[Capture the flag]]
-**[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]] {{1st}}
+*[[King of the Hill]]
-*[[Banshee]]
+*[[Oddball]]
-**{{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}} {{1st}}
+*[[Juggernaut]]
-*[[Ghost]]
+*[[Slayer]]
-**{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}
+*[[Territories]]
-*[[Wraith]]
+*[[VIP]]
-**{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
+*[[Infection]]
-*[[Qavardu Workshop Prowler]] {{1st}}
-;Unusable
+Players can also set up custom games. [http://www.subnova.com/20070518.221403/ Custom game settings] from the Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta give us an idea of what can be defined in custom gametypes.
-*{{Pattern|Kerel|assault carrier}}
-**''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' {{1st}}
-*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
-**''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]'' {{1st}}
-*[[Drop pod]]
-**{{Pattern|Udka|Assault Carapace}}
-*[[High Charity]]
-*[[Seraph]]
-**{{Pattern|Kai|seraph}}
-*[[Scarab]]
-**{{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}
-*[[Wraith]]
-**{{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} {{1st}}
-*[[Phantom]]
-**{{Pattern|Ru'swum|Phantom}}
-====Forerunner====
+===Player Customization===
-;Unusable
+{{Main|Armor Permutations}}
-*[[Keyship]]
-**[[Forerunner Dreadnought]]
-|title-8=Technology and equipment|
+Originally discovered in the Halo 3 Beta code by hackers, high levels of player customization have now been confirmed by GamePro's June issue.
-;[[Equipment]]
+:''"Halo 3's online mode offers new armor permutations that allow players to customize their persona's from head to toe."'' it has also been confirmed that  you can unlock armor permutations via campaign and online.
-*[[Bubble Shield]]
-*[[Power drain|Power Drain]] {{1st}}
-*[[TR/9 Antipersonnel Mine|Trip Mine]] {{1st}}
-*[[Portable gravity lift|Portable Gravity Lift]] {{1st}}
-*[[Radar jammer|Radar Jammer]] {{1st}}
-*[[Flare]] {{1st}}
-*[[Regenerator]] {{1st}}
-*[[Deployable Cover]] {{1st}}
-*[[Invincibility]] {{1st}}
-*[[Forerunner automated turret|Automated Turret]] {{1st}}
-*[[Cloaking]] {{1st}}
-;[[Power-up]]s
+:''"IGN AU: How do they actually find it? Is it linked to multiplayer or single player?
-*[[Active Camouflage]]
-*[[Custom Powerup]] {{1st}}
-*[[Overshield]]
-;Armor
+Lars Bakken: It's linked to the entire game, and the way it's unlocked is through milestones that you hit, with achievements. It's linked to a point total basically, in your achievements.
-*[[Jiralhanae power armor]] {{1st}}
-*[[Kig-Yar combat harness]]
-*[[Kig-Yar targeting headgear]]
-*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
-**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] {{c|upgraded helmet only}}
-**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]]
-***[[ROGUE-class Mjolnir|Rogue]] {{1st}}
-***[[CQB-class Mjolnir|CQB]] {{1st}}
-***[[EOD-class Mjolnir|EOD]] {{1st}}
-***[[SECURITY-class Mjolnir|Security]] {{1st}}
-***[[RECON-class Mjolnir|Recon]] {{1st}}
-***[[SCOUT-class Mjolnir|Scout]] {{1st}}
-***[[EVA-class Mjolnir|EVA]]
-***[[Project HAYABUSA]] {{1st}}
-*[[ODST armor]]
-*[[Sangheili harness]]
-**[[Arbiter body armor]]
-**[[Ascetic harness]] {{1st}}
-**[[Assault harness]] {{1st}}
-**[[Commando harness]] {{1st}}
-**[[Flight harness]] {{1st}}
-**[[Ultra-class armor]]
-**[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
-*[[Unggoy combat harness]]
-;Other
+IGN AU: Through single player and multiplayer.
-*[[Covenant communication node]] {{1st}}
-*[[Covenant storage device|Covenant data storage unit]]
-*[[Plasma battery|Covenant plasma battery]]
-*[[Roadblock|Covenant roadblock]]
-*[[Data crystal chip]]
-*[[Covenant watchtower]]
-*[[Distress beacon]] {{1st}}
-*[[Energy shielding]]
-**[[Sangheili personal energy shield]]
-*[[Fusion drive]]
-*[[Holotank]]
-**[[Portable holo-pedestal]]
-*[[Identification friend or foe]]
-*[[Kig-Yar point defense gauntlet]]
-*[[Medical scanner]] {{1st}}
-*[[Methane tank]]
-*[[Portable computer]]
-*[[Repulsor engine]]
-*[[Shield door]]
-*[[Fusion coil|UNSC fusion core]]
-*[[UNSC Navy uniforms]]
-**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]
-**[[UNSC Navy working uniform]]
-*[[Z-9930 Information Vector Console]] {{1st}}
-|title-9=Miscellaneous|
+Lars Bakken: Yep, for both, it's combined."''
-*[[49-6-39]] {{Fm}}
-*[[Equipment Control Key Code]] {{Fm}}
-*[[Remote Network Control]] {{Fm}}
-*[[Sangheili (language)]]
-*[[Standard Issue Personel - Mobile Field Bunk]] {{1st}}
-*[[UNSC site operation security initiatives]] {{Fm}}
-}}
-===''Halo: The Master Chief Collection only''===
+====Variants====
-{{Main|Halo: The Master Chief Collection}}
+*[[MJOLNIR Armor]] - Mark VI
-Following the release of ''Halo 3'' onto the PC version of ''Halo: The Master Chief Collection'', more story elements have appeared, a number of which are carried over from ''[[Halo Online]]''.
+*[[EVA Armor]] - Extra Vehicular Activity armor
-{{/Appearances/MCC}}
+*[[CQB Armor]] - Close Quarters Battle armor
+*[[Unknown Armor]]
+*Bungie has hinted to more types of armor in the June 8, 2007 Weekly Update. Also in June 22, 2007 Weekly Update: "Players were using different permutations than we’ve shown"
-== Development ==
+== Online & 4 Player Co-Op ==
-=== Design ===
+The previous installment of the Halo series had implmented a 2-player Online Co-Op play (As seen in the "Switch to Co-Op" option in the Pregame Lobby). But was taken out of the final version due to balance and connection issues.
-{{Expand-section}}
+[[Image:One Spartan and Three Sangheilis.jpg|200px|thumb|All four playable characters for Co-Op.]]
+Originally Bungie confirmed Co-Op play on a system with two player split screen. They later confirmed a 4 player Co-Op option over Xbox Live or System Link.[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack] Unlike previous Co-Op renditions this time each player takes on an individual canon approach. The first player will be the [[Master Chief]], the second will be the [[Arbiter]], the third will be [[N’tho ‘Sraom]], with the fourth being [[Usze ‘Taham]].
-=== Engine ===
+This will encourage replaying the game more and enjoying the game differently. Each player has the same abilities only having their starting weapons differing: Assault Rifle for Humans and Carbines for Elites.
-{{Main|Halo 3 Engine}}
-The unnamed '''''Halo 3'' Engine'''<ref name="igntrailer">[http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/706/706251p1.html '''E3 2006''': ''Halo 3 Trailer Impressions'']</ref> is the game engine developed for and implemented in ''Halo 3'' and ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''. Its unique features include advanced graphics technologies such as [[wikipedia:High Dynamic Range|high dynamic range]], global lighting, and [[wikipedia:Depth of field|depth of field]] effects within cutscenes.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158071 '''1 Up''': ''Bungie Says Halo 3 Graphics are Coming Together'']</ref>
-=== Audio ===
+N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham are characters added for the 3 and 4 player coop. The two new Elites, joining the Arbiter and Master Chief, both have real bios and appropriate fiction, but they will not be appearing in the cinematics and so on. They are designed to be believable and useful allies, without affecting the fictional arc in a negative way – and they do not appear in the game as AI controlled opponents during one or two player games.
-''Halo 3'' utilises Waves audio plugin which allows audio to be processed in real time as the game engine generates the audio calls.<ref name="waves">[https://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?cid=12878 '''Bungie.net''': ''Waves Audio Plug-ins in Halo 3'']</ref>
-{{Expand-section}}
-== Matchmaking ==
+==[[Forge]]==
-{{Main|Matchmaking}}
+Forge is a "map editor" that can be used to edit multiplayer maps.  When you start forge you take the role as a [[monitor]].  You get to fly around the map in real time (like you're actually playing the game) and can place, grab, move, or delete objects from the map.  The items can be crates, barricades, fusion cores, and even spawn/capture points.  You can place weapons, equipment, and vehicles (except the [[elephant]]).  Everything can be edited like ammo count, respawn times, and other things.  You only have a certain amount of points until you can't purchase any more objects for the map.
-Matchmaking is where people can play with and against each other through a specially designed search system and multiple playlists. In matchmaking, [[Experience Points|EXP]] and [[Skill (Halo 3)|Skill]] can be earned to raise ranks. Also, on some maps like "Guardian" and "Narrows", various equipment such as the [[Flare]] and [[Radar jammer|Radar Jammer]] have been removed due to balance changes.
-=== Playlists ===
+At any time you can push up on the D-pad and turn into your normal multiplayer character and start playing the level.  You can do this over Xbox Live, System Link, and Splitscreen.  Anyone can play and edit with you.  Forge also keeps track of the score and kills for you too.  While your editing you can even create your own "gametypes" per say.  An example would be an RTS Slayer match.  Each team has one [[monitor]] who builds things for the team to use.  The monitor can also delete things from the other team as well.  Although none of these will ship with the game you can recreate them yourself.
-{{Main|Playlist}}
-Playlists are lists of different game variations from free-for-all to team games. They are split into Ranked, Social, Hardcore, Community, DLC, Tournaments and Double EXP Weekends.
-=== Veto ===
+Once you're done editing a map in Forge, you can pass it on to your friends through Halo 3's file share to use in normal custom games.  Bungie.net will serve as a hub to find user-created stages as well.  They'll have an area for Bungie-recommended maps that are made by the community, and they'll have a way for you to search for others.  Once you tag a level for download on Bungie.net it'll automatically transfer to your Xbox 360 hard drive the next time you log into Xbox Live and start up Halo 3.
-The Veto system is a new addition to ''Halo 3''. In a game, after the map and game type loads for each player, a 10 seconds countdown starts. If the majority of players in the match decide to veto, by pressing the (X) button, before the countdown ends, a different map and gametype from the playlist will be selected to be played on.
-If a map and gametype is vetoed by a majority of players, the option to veto will be lost during the next countdown. In some cases, players will see the map and gametype change, but players still get the veto option. This is just because the host's connection cannot support the map, or if anyone in the party cannot play the map. When this happens, you still have the right to veto the next map and game type.
+== Achievements ==
+{{Main|Halo 3 Achievements}}
-=== Ranks ===
+''Halo 3'' has 49 achievements worth a total of 1000 Gamerscore.
-{{Main|1=Rank (Halo 3)|l1=Rank}}
-The ranking system is based on real military ranks. To progress in rank, players must earn the required amount of EXP. For [[Commissioned officer|Officer]] ranks, players must also reach a certain skill level in a ranked playlist. If a player earns a certain amount of experience, but does not reach the required skill level to reach the next officer rank, they will instead be promoted to a higher grade of their current rank (For example, A [[Major]] who earns 200 [[Experience Points|EXP]] but does not have a skill level of 35 will be promoted to Major, Grade 2 upon earning 300 EXP).
-Each Officer rank has a "final" grade which is represented by a unique name instead of a number. Gunnery Sergeant also has this feature. Many players judge others that have the grade 4 rank or "gold bars" as a sign of lack in skill, though not necessarily always true. ''Halo 3'' uses the [http://research.microsoft.com/osa/apg/trueskill.aspx Trueskill] system created by Microsoft to determine skill level in ranked playlists.
+== Soundtrack ==
+Apparently, Microsoft is hosting a Halo Soundtrack Competition for entrants into the Halo 3 soundtrack by third party bands (reminiscent of Breaking Benjamin's "Blow Me Away" from Halo 2). One of their applicants, Director, has created a song titled "''Director vs. Halo 3''", which can be found [http://www.gametrailers.com/player/23245.html?type= here]
-== Modes ==
+== New Features ==
-=== Custom games ===
+*The [[Man Cannon]] is an addition capable of catapulting a player across a [[multiplayer]] map. It seems to have replaced the teleporter for Halo 3.
-{{Main|Custom game}}
+* Energy Shield doors have been added to some multiplayer levels, which allow players to pass through, but cannot be shot through. Spike grenades can stick to these walls
-In the Custom Games Lobby, players are given the option to choose the gametypes and maps players have made and want to play with their friends, these include Custom Game types and Map Variants. Unlike matchmaking, custom games do not give EXP.
+*The shotgun light on the iron sights looks to have been changed from green back to blue (the light is right above the ammo gauge).
+*Decorators, such as grass and weeds, will move when too close to a grenade explosion or rocket explosion. They will also be affected by the weather, such as wind. Some of these decorators are said to be completely destructible. When you die in the water, your body floats downstream and the audio sounds as if you really are underwater.
+*Matchmaking will feature more customizations akin to the pre-game options from ''[[Halo]]''. As revealed in a Weekly Update, these customizations include a feature for manipulating gravity. <ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=ohhhhhhhtakeit</ref>
+*There is a more detailed way of changing your button layout.
+*A "Replay Feature" was explained in the EGM issue. The Feature re-creates the entire battle using pure game data as opposed to video files.
+[[Image:Halo3_emotionfix.png|thumb|269px|The new piece of Halo 3 art-(note the EYES above).]]
+*[[Phantom]] dropships are now destructible. <ref>The really fun thing about “Omnipotence” over “Medusa” is the ability to take out vehicles, including Phantoms (and more) with a single pistol shot. [http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?cid=9610 Chetz N Hax]</ref>
+*A new "Veto" system has been placed into the Halo 3 Matchmaking. Before the game starts for any game, players can choose whether to veto them out. If half of the player's votes are casted to veto, the game will assign a new map for the gametype.
+*The left thumbstick can now toggle crouch.
+*The game includes an innovative "gamma toggling" option
+*The Brute Shot now carries 6 grenades per magazine, rather than 4.
+*You now can customize the helmet and armor on multiplayer, but each of these permutations must be unlocked before they can be used. <ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12616</ref>
+*There is now a face under the Spartan's helmets which can only be seen (as of now) by a glitch.
+*Scarabs are now destructible (confirmed in the Halo 3 E3 2007 trailer).
+*The Master Chief will fight alongside the Arbiter for at least some of the campaign.<ref> http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=ethreeblowout </ref>
+*Confirmed in the Bungie Weekly Update for 7/13/07, the Saved Films feature can be used in the campaign as well as multiplayer.
+*4 player online Co-op has been confirmed.  However, only 2 players can play on one console at a time (so the other two will need to play through system link or through Xbox Live).  Also, unlike the previous installments, each player (including the 3rd and 4th) will be separate elite characters by the names of N’tho ‘Sraom and Usze ‘Taham with their own story and background. <ref> http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack </ref>
+*The Elite's HUD when playing multiplayer is not identical to the SPARTAN'S. The shield gauge is more curved, and there are circles instead of a rounded square around the choosen grenade.
-==== Standard gametypes ====
+== Confirmed facts about Halo 3 ==
-<!--In-game description-->
+[[Image:Spikers.jpg|thumb|200px|Spikers, and visible secondary weapons are two of Halo 3's new features.]]
-*[[Slayer]] - Kill your enemies. Kill your friends' enemies. Kill your friends.
+*Bungie have confirmed that there will be no Clan support in Halo 3. However, there may be an Xbox Live Dashboard update that supports clans.
-*[[Oddball]] - Hold the skull to earn points. It's like Hamlet, with guns.
+*Online Cooperative support for up to 4 players simultaneously.[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176032]
-*[[King of the Hill]] - Control the hill to earn points. Earn points to win. It's good to be king.
+*The matchmaking system from Halo 2 will be revamped. The system will be based on two different ranks, skill and experience, in order to make the system more fair and to reflect the effect of experience on players' profiles.<ref>http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3155479</ref>
-*[[Capture the Flag]] - Invade your opponent's stronghold, seize their flag, and return it to your base to score.
+*Call signs will be used instead of small HUD emblems to identify allies. Example: your ID is E77, and a team mate looks in your direction an arrow saying "E77" will appear over your head; in the Beta, if pointed at, your gamertag will appear.
-*[[Assault]] - Carry your bomb to the enemy base, plant it, and defend it until it detonates.
+*[[Master Chief]]'s gauntlets and armor have also changed noticeably.
-*[[Territories]] - Defend your territory and control the land. Teams earn points for territories they control.
+*Bungie says that despite several triple wielding illustrations, that is purely fictional and was drawn with an artistic license. Triple-wielding will not be a feature
-*[[Juggernaut]] - If you meet the Juggernaut, kill the Juggernaut.
+*The combat AI is said to be in testing.
-*[[Infection]] - The timeless struggle of human versus zombie. If you die by a zombie's hand, you join their ranks.
+*There will be an in-game video recorder that will allow the player to send and receive machinima videos over Xbox Live.<ref>[http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2006/10/27/1up-confirms-halo-3-news-more-to-come/ 1up-confirms-halo-3-news-more-to-come]</ref>
-*[[VIP]] - One player on each team is Very Important. Take down the enemy's VIP for points, but take care of your own.
+*Bungie revealed that the game would have a new "materials system" so advanced that "you could see light reflect off the ground and onto his armor", which will be able to "[show] the difference between his armor and the rubber undersuit". The site also includes that "It's so detailed that if you bring the camera close to the Master Chief's visor, you see everything in front of him reflected in it, right down to the ammo counter in his rifle" <ref>[http://uk.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/halo3/news.html?sid=6149725]</ref>. In addition, there would be new advanced texturing to reflect permanent, persistent damage.
+*In the trailer, Master Chief's Mark VI armor is battle-worn and plasma-scared. Developer [[Marcus R. Lehto]]'s response: "The Chief has seen horrific battles, and we're actually showing that on him this time round."
+*Actress [[Julie Benz]] is not voicing [[Miranda Keyes]] for Halo 3 as she was never approached by Bungie to reprise the role. <ref>[http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting=%7B586AE81D-35CC-4DE1-AAD8-920B33FDDDFC%7D Dexter's No. 1 Gal — Julie Benz — Previews a Killer Finale] Friday, December 15, 2006 <BR>'''''TVGuide.com:''' Are you all done with your voice work for the Halo 3 video game?<BR>
+'''Julie Benz:''' You know what? I am actually not a part of Halo 3. I was informed a couple of weeks ago that they are actually changing the voice of Captain Miranda Keyes, and giving her an accent.''</ref>
+*Bungie has confirmed crates in the game in one of their updates.
+*Although ''Halo 3'' was planned to end the Halo series, future Halo games haven't been entirely ruled out. On the [http://www.bungie.net/Games/Halo3/content.aspx?link=Halo3AnnounceFAQ Halo 3 FAQ] from the official Bungie website it says, "Q: Is this the last ever Halo game? A: It is the conclusion to this story arc." Fans note that it is therefore possible that future games could be produced in the Halo universe, even if this particular story arc isn't continued. This was confirmed when Bungie released that the game [[Halo Wars]] will be released and is in creation.
+*Secondary weapons are now visible; for example larger weapons will be on the back, and smaller weapons will be on the character's leg (Beta).<ref>[[:Image:Spikers.jpg]]</ref>
+*Bungie has confirmed that the "face" in the [[Starry Night|Starry Night commercial]] was nothing more than reflections of clouds and Covenant ships.{{Verify source}}
+*It has been recently confirmed by bungie in one of their recent updates that female voice will be in the final game but the male voice will be the default. "3) Yes. You may select gender for voice, the default is male."<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12695]</ref>
+*In the December 15 Bungie weekly update Frankie stated that Brutes would NOT be playable characters in Halo 3.<ref>''The fact is, Brutes in Halo 3 will be significantly more exciting, clever, graphically impressive, terrifying, numerous and angrier than in Halo 2, but they won't be playable, especially since you, in the role of Master Chief, will be spending a significant amount of effort and ammunition reducing their population.''[http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=notinkansas Bungie Weekly Update] Posted by [[Frankie]] at 12/15/2006 10:47 AM PST</ref>
+*Weapons can now be reloaded individually when dual wielding. The right bumper will correspond with the right weapon and the left bumper will correspond with the left weapon. When not dual wielding, the right bumper will reload and the left bumper will switch grenade types. The X button will be used for equipment, as revealed in Bungie's update.
+*Actress [[Jen Taylor]] will continue to voice Cortana, as revealed in a Bungie Weekly Update.
+*''Some'' of the Elites, formerly a major faction of the Covenant, are now allied with the humans to fight against the Covenant and the Flood together, mainly because they recognize the magnitude of the Flood menace (as seen on the [http://www.halo3.com Halo 3 website]). It is believed that they will be known as the Heretics (led by the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]]) as opposed to the Separatists, who would continue to fight the humans, like in [[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]].
+* Halo 3 will be released on September 25, 2007 in North America, while the European release will be a day later, on September 26.
+* Halo 3's HUD is curved, giving the feel of the real hemet.
+* The beeping sound made when your shields are low, is very soft, and the bar is at the top/middle of the screen as opposed to the lower-left corner.
+* The motion tracker has a wider range.
+* In a recent update, Bungie has stated that the Mjolnir Armor variants will not play an important role in campaign, and that it is just for aestetic appeal in multiplayer. However, that does not mean they won't make any appearances in other corners of the Halo universe.
-==== Custom gametypes ====
+==Trivia and Other==
-In ''Halo 3'', there are a number of options that can be changed for custom games. By pressing X in the pregame lobby the host can change the default options, to whatever the player chooses and can save the changes when finished by pressing X again to save as custom game type.
+[[Image:Pumaontire.jpg|thumb|200px|Puma on Tire]]
+*In one screenshot, the word "Puma" can be seen on the tires of the [[Warthog]], this is possible homage to the popular online [[Machinima]] series [[Red vs Blue]], which uses the Halo game engine. "Puma" came from Episode 2, where Red Team was discussing what to name their new LRV (a warthog), and "puma" came up as a suggestion.
+*In screenshots in the campaign mode and the Halo Trailer, there is [[Master Chief]] armed with the new [[MA5C Assault Rifle]], and in the middle of the gun, there is the [[Marathon]] symbol, [[:Image:Marathon on AR.JPG|Click here for Image]].
+*For Christmas 2006, Microsoft & Bungie gave the U.S. soldiers in Iraq a chance to play the Halo 3 multiplayer public pre-alpha. <ref>[http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12501/US-Soldiers-Get-to-Play-Halo-3-Beta-Footage-Leaked/]</ref>
+*Halo 3's release date is two more 7s. September 25 is 9+2+5. 9-2=7. 5+2=7. 9+2=11+5=16. Then, 1+6=7. Also September 25, 2+5=7.
+*On Cops & Robbers commercial for the 360 at the XBL Marketplace one of the license plates says HA LO307 aka Halo 3 07.
-Options that can be changed:
+===Viral Marketing===
-*Damage resistance
+{{Main|Iris}}
-*Shield multiplier
-*Shield recharge rate
-*Immune to headshots
-*Grenade counts (Grenade Regeneration, on or off)
-*Infinite ammo
-*Weapon pickup (Enabled, Disabled)
-*Player speed
-**(25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 125%, 150%, 200%, 300%)
-*Player gravity
-**(50%, 75%, 100%, 200%)
-*Vehicle use (Full Use, Passenger only, None)
-*Motion tracker (off, friendlies only, normal, enhanced)
-**Range (10m, 25m, 75m, 100m, 150m)
-*Indestructible vehicles (On, off)
-*Player forced Colors (Like Black or Zombie)
-**Meaning all players in game will be forced to the color of your choice.
-*Over shields and active camouflage can be given to a certain team/player or everyone on spawn or re-spawn.
-=== Forge ===
+On June 11th, 2007, at 10:26AM PDT, a viral marketing campaign for ''Halo 3'' started, called "''[[Iris]]''".
-{{Main|Forge}}
-Forge is an "object editor" that can be used to edit multiplayer maps. It does not allow as much freedom to edit/make maps as a PC map editor, such as the ''[[Halo Custom Edition|Halo: Custom Edition]]'' and ''[[Halo 2 (Windows Vista)|''Halo 2'' for Windows Vista]]'' editing kits. Players can, however, edit objects, spawn points, weapons, teleporters and properties of objects on the map, etc. While in a forge map, players may start editing maps by press up on the D pad; when a player goes into edit mode they take on the appearance of a Forerunner Monitor similar to 343 Guilty Spark. The player now obtains the ability to spawn weapons, vehicles and objects in-game, as well as move and adjust them. New DLC maps like Sandbox and Foundry will allow a player to make their own map using the amount of objects included in the map. While the forge may not allow as much freedom as other map editors, it makes it easier for a player to make a map with "simple" objects.
-=== Theater ===
+===Trailers===
-{{Main|Theater}}
-The Theater mode allows players to save films from the [[Campaign]], [[Multiplayer]], and [[Forge]], and also get film clips and screen shots. This feature of ''Halo 3'' has been exploited for making [[Machinima]] videos and Montages.
-==== Films ====
+====Announcement Trailer====
-Saved Films allow a player to view any game, campaign or multiplayer, from any angle. It uses game data to re-create the games, which makes file sizes very small (5 MB for a 15-minute multiplayer match). In the film, players can either watch themselves play through an entire mission or match, or use a bird's eye view to see the bigger scope of how the match or mission plays. Players can go anywhere they want, within the limitations of invisible barriers, so that players cannot fly as high as possible or go very far from their character. In multiplayer matches, players can fast forward or rewind the film so that players can relive the parts you missed. Campaign films cannot be rewound for technical reasons. Only the previous 25 games will be saved under the recent films category on the Xbox 360 console. Older films will be deleted.
+{{Main|Halo 3 Announcement Trailer}}
-==== Clips ====
-When playing a film, players can record a particular part of the film from any angle they want. Doing this allows players to look back at their saved clip without having to watch the entire film. Players, however, cannot record clips of campaign films due to unknown technical reasons. If players are in a party viewing a film, they will not be able to record clips, nor take screenshots. Also, players may find that when viewing a film clip in a party, the film will not load until there is only one player left in the party.
-==== Screenshots ====
-Screenshots can be taken in any sort of film; all screenshots taken by Xbox Live players are sent to [[Bungie.net]] via the Internet. You must be in single-player theater or film to take a screenshot. Screenshots that are favored by many or impress Bungie employees may be uploaded to [[Bungie Favorites]].
-== Soundtrack ==
-{{Main|Halo 3: Original Soundtrack}}
-The ''Halo 3: Original Soundtrack'' was composed by [[Martin O'Donnell]] with the help of [[Michael Salvatori]] and was released on November 20, 2007. It is a two-disc set featuring all the music heard in-game, in order of appearance.
-== Marketing promotions ==
+At E3 2006, Bungie released their announcement trailer.  It required long hours and hard work from many, many Bungie staffers, and utilizes real-game assets, fiction and locations from parts of the "real" game."  It shows the Master Chief walking through some wreckage of the New Mombasa space elevator with Cortana appearing at several intervals to give her lines.  He then arrives at a cliff where the Covenant forces are hovering over a Forerunner structure (believed to be the Ark).  The trailer ends with the Forerunner structure opening and firing a beam of light.
-=== Viral Campaigns ===
-==== Beta and Epsilon ====
-{{Main|Halo 3 Beta|Halo 3 Epsilon}}
-The ''Halo 3'' Beta was a phase in the development of ''Halo 3'', produced by Bungie Studios and organized by Microsoft. A public version of the beta was released to the public for three weeks to give people an early chance to play the game and to test amounts of stress on the servers.
-Several months after the Beta was closed down, Bungie released ''Halo 3 Epsilon'', an internal-only ''Halo 3'' build, to Microsoft employees. The Epsilon featured Campaign (both single-player and cooperative gameplay) on the level Tsavo Highway, as well as Forge and multiplayer on six maps: Epitaph, High Ground, Last Resort, Sandtrap, Snowbound, and Valhalla.
+The Trailer fueled speculation about what was going to happen in the game, particularly [[Cortana]]'s last line in the trailer: "''This'' is the way the world ends,"<ref>''Please have Cortana's lines pronounced so that I don't see 36 threads about it.''<BR><BR>"I have defied gods and demons." <BR><BR>"I am your shield, I am your SWORD."<BR><BR>"I know you, your past, your future."<BR><BR>"This is the way the world ends."<BR><BR>[[Frankie]] --[http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=weeklyupdatemay1206 Weekly Update May 12, 2006]</ref> which references the first of the [[Cortana Letters]]. The line itself refers to [[wikipedia:T._S._Eliot|T. S. Eliot]]'s ''The Hollow Men'', which ends:
-==== Iris ====
-{{Main|Iris}}
-On June 11, 2007, at 10:26AM PDT, the viral marketing campaign for ''Halo 3'' started, with a believed "hacking" of Bungie.net's forums throughout the next several months fans followed the various clues and hints to unlock "servers" which would reveal the final moments of the Forerunners. [[Halo 3: The Cradle of Life|Cradle of Life]]: The Cradle of Life is a short flash animation web comic, and is one of the first parts of the Iris campaign.
-==== Believe ====
+:''This is the way the world ends''
-{{Main|Believe}}
+:''Not with a bang but a whimper.''
-Believe was the marketing slogan and campaign for ''Halo 3'' developed by both Bungie Studios and Microsoft. The word "Believe" appears to be honoring the legacy of SPARTAN-117, citing him as a hero of humanity whose brave actions inspired other servicemen of the United Nations Space Command during the final days of the Human-Covenant War. It has been noted that the Believe trailers took place about 50 years after ''Halo 3''{{'}}s storyline.
-=== Trailers ===
+Cortana's emphasis on "this" implies she is rejecting the poem, and that the world will end with a bang. Likely referring to the Halo's being activated.
-==== Announcement trailer ====
-{{Main|Halo 3 Announcement Trailer}}
-''Halo 3'' was officially announced via a cinematic trailer rendered in real-time, on May 9, 2006 during the Microsoft press conference. The reveal utilized real-game assets, fiction and locations. The trailer shows John-117 walking through wreckage of the [[New Mombasa]] space elevator with Cortana appearing at several intervals. He then stops at the edge of a cliff where the Covenant forces are hovering over a [[Forerunner]] [[Portal at Voi|structure]].  The trailer ends with the structure opening and firing a beam of light.
-==== Starry Night ====
+====Starry Night Trailer====
 {{Main|Starry Night}}
-The Starry Night trailer was released on December 4, 2006 during Monday Night Football on ESPN. It shows two children staring at the stars talking about whether there is life out there in the universe, before switching to a dazed [[John-117|Master Chief]] recovering from some form of blast. Once back on his feet, he picks up his helmet and then uses a [[Bubble Shield]] to defend himself from an incoming [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]]'s plasma mortar. He then quickly charges forward, eventually jumping over a cliff into a swarm of [[Covenant Empire|Covenant Loyalists]]. It is speculated, yet left to interpretation, that the two children are [[John-117]] and [[Kelly-087]] when they were young.
-==== ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute? ====
-{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?}}
-The Et Tu Brute ViDoc was released before the end of 2006 and was a behind-the-scenes look at the development of ''Halo 3'', specifically focusing on the Brutes in ''Halo 3''. This 7:03 min clip interviews various Bungie employees about the Brutes, their development and flaws in ''Halo 2'', and how they were expanded upon in ''Halo 3''.
-==== ViDoc: Is Quisnam Protero Damno! ====
-{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Is Quisnam Protero Damno!}}
-The Is Quisnam Protero Damno ViDoc was released several months before the release of the ''Halo 3'' Beta. The video focuses on the multiplayer in ''Halo 3''. This 7:12 minute clip interviews various Bungie employees about the development of the various multiplayer aspects of the game.
-==== ViDoc: Cinema Paradiso ====
+Starry Night Trailer was released on December 4, 2006 with its format designed for TV Ads.  It shows two kids staring at the stars talking about whether there are aliens before switching to a dazed Master Chief recovering from some form of blast.  Once he gets back on his feet, he uses a [[Bubble Shield]] to defend himself from an incoming Wraith plasma mortar and then charges forward, eventually jumping over a cliff into a swarm of Covenant Loyalists.
-{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Cinema Paradiso}}
-Cinema Paradiso is the third and final ViDoc released by Bungie before the release of ''Halo 3''. Released on September 20, 2007 the 7:13 video interviews various Bungie employees about the development of the theater and forge features of the game.
-==== E3 2007 Trailer ====
+====E3 2007 Trailer====
 {{Main|Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer}}
-Revealed at the end of Microsoft's E3 press conference on July 11 this trailer was the final trailer to show off the actual game itself and unlike the previous trailers, the ''Halo 3'' E3 2007 trailer focused on showing various gameplay and cinematic clips. While the trailer did little to further knowledge about the ''Halo 3'' plot, it confirmed many speculations about the game, the least of which was that the Arbiter and the [[John-117|Master Chief]] will fight alongside one another in the game.
-==== Halo: Landfall ====
+The final trailer for Halo 3 was released during E3 2007.  Unlike the others, this trailer focused on showing various gameplay and movie clips.  While the trailer did little to further knowledge about the Halo 3, it confirmed many speculations about the game, the least of which was that the Arbiter and the Master Chief will fight alongside one another in the game at some point.
-{{Main|Halo: Landfall}}
-Halo: Landfall is a trilogy of short films that were designed to promote the release of ''Halo 3''. Directed by [[Neill Blomkamp]] with props and costume design by [[WETA Workshop]] Landfall tells the story of two [[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODSTs]] on a mission to coordinate Master Chief's rescue.
-=== Merchandise and Promotions ===
-{{Halo 3 editions}}
-''Halo 3'' was released in three separate versions. The Standard Edition contains the game disc, manual, and a small poster with the game's control-map and artwork. The Limited Edition, contained in a metal case, contains the game disc, manual, poster, interactive Xbox 360 bonus disc with several featurettes, and a hard cover bound "Bestiarum", which is a collection of information and art covering the species, cultures, and civilizations of ''Halo 3''. The final version was marketed as the "Legendary Edition", which contains the game disc, manual, poster, interactive bonus disc, Bestiarum (on one of the DVD discs), Legendary DVD containing special content exclusive to the Legendary Edition, and a scale replica of the Master Chief's helmet as a case for the three discs.
-The launch of ''Halo 3'' also coincided with the release of various games, action figures, collectibles and marketing promotions. This included a Halo 3 Spartan Edition Controller and [[Halo 3 Covenant Edition Controller]] that features ''Halo 3'' themed artwork from renowned artist Todd McFarlane. The controllers included a Master Chief figurine. While previous ''Halo'' action figure series were produced by [[Joyride Studios]] the studios closure in 2007 allowed Todd McFarlane's [[McFarlane Toys]] to release ''Halo 3'' Action Figures. On September 18, 2007 Wizkids released the [[Halo ActionClix]] collection. The tabletop game features miniature characters and vehicles from the ''Halo'' universe. Microsoft also collaborated with Pepsi-Cola to release the first promotional soft drink for a video game. [[Mountain Dew Game Fuel]] was a soda which was released on August 13, 2007 and was available for 12 weeks to promote the launch of ''Halo 3''. 7-Eleven sold a Slurpee version of the drink along with several collectible cups. On September 16, 2007 Microsoft released a ''Halo 3'' edition of the Xbox 360. The console includes various ''Halo 3'' themed items including a ''Halo 3'' headset, and special exclusive gamer pics and themes only available to those who purchase the console.  As part of the ''Halo 3'' marketing assault Microsoft also released a Halo Trilogy-themed [[Halo 3 Zune|Zune media player]]. It features Halo content in many media formats including exclusive artwork from the trilogy and a special [[Red vs Blue]] PSA. Master Replicas also released ornament [[Halo 3 Scale Replica Weapons|Halo 3 scale replica weapons]]. [[Wikipedia:Burger King|Burger King]] also announced a ''Halo 3'' Promotion from a Microsoft press release on August 9, 2007, the promotion which started September 24  including limited edition FRYPODS and 42 oz drink cups featuring Halo designs and characters on food wrappings. Pontiac produced a special [[wikipedia:Pontiac G6|Pontiac G6]] GXP Street Edition, outfitted with a ''Halo 3'' styled paint job. It was part of a sweepstakes hosted by [[wikipedia:Best Buy|Best Buy]], called the ''Best Buy Play & Win Sweepstakes''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12761 '''Bungie.net''': ''Best Buy’s Golden Gift to Halo Players'']</ref>
+== References ==
-There was also a song called [[Face It]] commissioned by Microsoft in Australia, performed by Australian rapper ''Phrase'' and the Australian band ''Karnivool''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFtwu__b31E '''Youtube''' ''- Face it'']</ref>
+<references/>
-== Release and reception ==
-{{Halo 3 reviews}}
-''Halo 3'' was called the most sought-after video game of 2007,<ref>[http://www.vita.mn/story.php?id=12329421 '''Vita.mn''': Video games: ''Halo effect'']</ref><ref>[http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/14463/Master-Chief-Immortalized-in-Wax-at-Madame-Tussauds/ '''Team Xbox by IGN''': ''Master Chief Immortalized in Wax at Madame Tussauds'']</ref> and one of the most hyped video games of all time.<ref name="pittsburgh">[http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_529167.html '''Pittsburgh Tribune-Review''': ''Halo 3 gamers brave midnight openings'']</ref><ref>[http://www.totallygn.com/2009/06/12/halo-3/ '''Totally IGN''': ''Halo 3'']</ref><ref>[http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/halo_s_new_heights_keep_gamers_up_at_night_06-18-2008_09_52_07.html '''Beaumont Enterprise''': ''Halo's new heights keep gamers up at night'']</ref>
-Prior to its launch, ''Halo 3'' was expected to be one of the biggest entertainment events of the year,<ref>[http://www.daytondailynews.com/e/content/oh/story/entertainment/2007/09/24/ddn092507lifehalo.html '''Dayton Daily News''': '''Halo 3' drops the hammer'']</ref> and among the biggest entertainment releases of all time.<ref>[http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/may07/05-15Halo3LaunchPR.mspx '''Microsoft News Center''': ''“Halo 3” to Make Entertainment History on Sept. 25'']</ref><ref>[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=130125&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1055079&highlight= '''GameStop''': ''Hollywood and GameStop Roll out the Red Carpet for Halo 3 Launch'']</ref><ref>[http://www.ioltechnology.co.za/article_page.php?iSectionId=2887&iArticleId=4061398 '''IOL Techonology''': ''Halo 3 vying with movie blockbusters'']</ref><ref>[http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/16187/Halo-3/ '''Daily Star''': ''Simply The Best 7 Days A Week: Game On: Halo 3'']</ref> Additionally, ''Halo 3'' was expected to stir the sales of the Xbox 360 console<ref>[http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-9783413-17.html '''CNET News''': ''Why 'Halo 3' will decide the Xbox 360's fate'']</ref><ref>[http://www.ioltechnology.co.za/article_page.php?iSectionId=2887&iArticleId=5020969 '''IOL Technology''': ''Microsoft's 'Halo 3' launches amid spectacle'']</ref> - being a "killer application".<ref>[http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/life/stories/2007/09/25/1_HALO25_--_home_entertainme.AR0_ART_09-25-07_D3_C580JGG.html '''The Columbus Dispatch''': ''All hail Halo 3'']</ref><ref>[http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070925-9999-1n25halo.html '''SignOnSanDiego''': ''Microsoft pins Xbox 360 hopes on 'Halo 3' sales'']</ref> The craziness of the ''Halo 3'' launch was compared to the madness of the iPhone, Harry Potter books and Star Wars movies releases.{{Ref/Reuse|pittsburgh}}
-As with its predecessors, ''Halo 3'' was considered a very successful, record-breaking game. With 1.7 million preorders in the U.S, few expected it not to break any records. 24 hours after release, however ''Halo 3'' had generated a record-breaking $170 million in the U.S, beating the $155 million that Microsoft was expecting. Although Microsoft never released a 24-hour sales figure, it is estimated to have sold in the region of 2.4 - 2.5 million copies within 24 hours of availability in the U.S. - approximately 1.8 million units after 8 hours - with that number increasing to 3.3 million units, 12 days after release. Within 24 hours, over 1.1 million gamers had played ''Halo 3'' on Xbox Live. One week after release, over 2.7 million players - nearly one-third of the total Xbox LIVE members at that time - had played it on Xbox Live. As of November 17, 2008, ''Halo 3'' had reportedly sold 8.8 million copies worldwide.
-''Halo 3'' has received mainly positive reviews from both the online gaming sites and country specific magazines. Each review has praised it, stating ''"the winning formula is still apparent"'' with ''"multiplayer constantly surprising and engaging"'', while new features of ''Forge'' and ''Saved Films'' were singled out as particularly interesting new features. ''Halo 3'' has also gone on to win a number of awards from:
+==Related Links==
+===Internal===
+*[[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer]]
+*[[Halo 3 Credits]]
+*[[Starry Night|60sec ESPN Commerical Starry Night]]
+*[[ViDoc: Et Tu Brute]] - a 7 min documentry about the Brutes ViDoc: Et Tu Brute
+*[[ViDoc: Is Quisnam Protero Damno]]
+*[[Halo 3 Beta]]
+*[[Mountain Dew Game Fuel]] - Halo 3 themed Mountain Dew
+*[[Halo 3 Zune]] - A limited edition Microsoft Zune.
+*[[Halo 3 Achievements]]
+*[[Halo 3: The Cradle of Life]]
+*[[Halo 3 Official Strategy Guide]]
+*[[Halo 3: Original Soundtrack]]
+*[[Burger King]]
-*'''''Spike TV Awards''''': Best Multiplayer Game, Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew.
+===External===
-*'''''TIME''''': Game of the Year.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/top10/article/0,30583,1686204_1686305_1692236,00.html '''TIME''': ''Top 10 Everything of 2007'']</ref>
+*[http://www.haloeastereggs.net/story.php?id=83 Brand New leaked hornet video]
-*'''''Geezer Gamers''''': Geezer Game of the Year, Multiplayer Game of the Year.
+*[http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?link=Halo3Announcement Bungie's Announcement]
-*'''''Gametrailers''''': 2007's Best Xbox 360 Game of the Year, Best Multiplayer of the Year, Best First Person Shooter
+*[http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0494232/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnx0dD0xfGZiPXV8cG49MHxrdz0xfHE9aGFsb3xmdD0xfG14PTIwfGxtPTUwMHxjbz0xfGh0bWw9MXxubT0x;fc=22;ft=43;fm=1| IMDB Entry on Halo 3]
-*'''''X-Play Presents "G-Phoria"''''': Game of the Year.
+*[http://www.haloeastereggs.net/eastereggs.php?gamename=Halo%203 Halo 3 Easter Eggs]
-*'''''EDGE''''': The Edge Award For Interactive Innovation.
+*[http://halo3.com Halo 3 Website] - Main Halo 3 Website
-*'''''IGN''''': Xbox 360 Best Online Multiplayer, Xbox 360 Most Innovative Design.
+*[http://halo.msn.com/ ''Halo 3'' at MSN.com]
+*[http://www.Halo3spot.com   Halo 3 News]
+*[http://www.bungie.net/Forums/posts.aspx?postID=12126838&postRepeater1-p=1 Halo 3 Walkthrough]
+*[http://www.Halo3countdown.com   Halo 3 Countdown]
-== ''Halo 3: ODST'' ==
+[[Category:Halo 3| ]]
-{{Main|Halo 3: ODST}}
+[[Category:Games]]
-''Halo 3: ODST'' was originally intended to be campaign extension that covered the events of the [[Battle of Earth]], and ends roughly one month before ''Halo 3'' begins. However, during its development, ''ODST'' quickly evolved into what was essentially a full game in its own right. In ''ODST'', the player takes control of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper as he navigates though the Covenant occupied New Mombasa trying to discover the fate of his fellow squad members.
-== Trivia ==
-*At precisely 6:36pm PST on the 28th of February 2009, in a three-minute and nineteen second game of Infection on Foundry, four players participated in ''Halo 3'''s one billionth match.<ref name="billionth">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=CGHV33KGD2R9D3W9V4QY7MF9Q '''Bungie.net''': ''One BILLION Served'']</ref> In comparison, ''[[Halo 2]]'' has to date only had 800 million games played.
-*For Christmas 2006, Microsoft and [[Bungie]] gave U.S. Troops in Iraq a chance to play the ''Halo 3'' multiplayer alpha build of the game.<ref>[http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12501/US-Soldiers-Get-to-Play-Halo-3-Beta-Footage-Leaked/ '''Team Xbox''': ''U.S. Soldiers Get to Play Halo 3 Beta, Footage Leaked'']</ref>
-*On the Cops & Robbers commercial for the Xbox 360 at the Xbox Live Marketplace, one of the license plates says HA LO307, or ''Halo 3'' 07.
-*The game has 39,377 lines of dialogue, most of them randomly triggered during game play.<ref>[http://nikon.bungie.org/news.html?item=20971 '''Halo.Bungie.org''': ''Halo Dialogue Statistics, from the source'']</ref>
-*The original ''Halo 3'' before the Auto-Update 2 patch contained 49 [[Achievement]]s, which is a seven reference [[Seven|7]]x7=49, and these together are worth 1000 [[Gamerscore]].
-*To date, the Campaign kill count online has surpassed the current Human population on [[Earth]].
-*Argos, a UK retail store, started accidentally selling copies of the game one week prior to the actual release date. All ''Halo 3'' products were removed from shelves when the store realized its mistake. However, a number of copies still made it into the hands of the public and a video showcasing the ending made it onto YouTube.
-*''Halo 3'' multi-player was shown at the Penny Arcade Expo as the final round of the Omegathon and showed the level [[Guardian (map)|Guardian]] before its release date.
-*''Halo 3'' has been referenced in [[List of outside references to the Halo series|various examples of outside media]]. Footage of ''Halo 3'' can be seen in an episode of [[wikipedia:Sarah Connor Chronicles|The Sarah Connor Chronicles]] and [[wikipedia:Glee (TV series)|Glee]] as well as in the feature film [[Wikipedia: Jumper (film)|Jumper]], [[Wikipedia:Bride Wars|Bride Wars]], [[Wikipedia:Knight Rider (2008 film)|Knight Rider]], and [[Wikipedia:|CSI: Miami]], although in Jumper and CSI, an original Xbox controller is used. Also, ''Halo 3'' game play is featured in music videos for the songs <nowiki>'</nowiki>''[[Wikipedia:Beggin'#Other cover versions|Beggin]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> by [[Wikipedia:Madcon|Madcon]] and <nowiki>'</nowiki>''[[Wikipedia:Riverside (song)|Riverside]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> by [[Wikipedia:Sidney Samson|Sidney Samson]]. In addition, in the movie [[Wikipedia: Eagle Eye|Eagle Eye]], the two main characters venture into a Circuit City, where they receive shocking news. In the background before they enter a room, one can see a ''Halo 3'' promotional poster behind them. This poster can also be seen in the background in ''[[Wikipedia:The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008 film)|The Day the Earth Stood Still]]''.
-*''Halo 3'' was released on the 25th of September, this is most likely a [[seven]] reference (2+5=7).
-*[[Forge]] is one of the new features not seen in previous games. Along with [[Theater]] mode, these two allow things not available in other games. Forge is accurately described as an object editor, allowing the player to customize many aspects of the game from scenery to weapons.
-*As of 1 March 2009, the total amount of online [[Matchmaking]] time accounted to 2,023,153,340,764 seconds, equal to 64,109 years of playtime.{{Ref/Reuse|billionth}}
-*Players who played this game with their current LIVE account will unlock the ''Halo 3'' [[Nameplates|Visual Flair]] in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
-*During development, Bungie staff planned out where all the missions take place on the Ark, including cut content. This was done to assist level designers with the creation of skyboxes among other things for the game.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Lorestream|fYaxRoAf96s|HALO|Halo Lore Stream: The Halo Array|Y=2018|M=04|D=06|343 discuss the Halo Array}}
-==Gallery==
-===Logos===
-<gallery>
-File:EPK H3 Logo.jpg|The full ''Halo 3'' logo.
-File:Halo 3 Logo Large.png|The abbreviated version of the ''Halo 3'' logo.
-</gallery>
-===Cover art===
-<gallery>
-File:Halo3-GameCover.jpg|The cover art for ''Halo 3''.
-File:H3 Full Cover Art No Logos.jpg|The full cover art.
-</gallery>
-===Concept art===
-<gallery>
-File:Halo 3 promo 1.jpg|Concept art of John-117 leading a group of ODSTs.
-File:Halo 3 promo 2.jpg|Concept art of John-117 standing behind Cortana.
-File:Halo 3 promo 3.jpg|Concept art of John-117 with Pelican flying overhead.
-File:Halo 3 promo 4.jpg|Concept art of UNSC personnel in a town.
-File:H3 - Manual interior.jpg|Concept art of John-117 amidst the ruins of the [[Mombasa Tether]].
-File:H3 - Poster Chief-Arby.jpg|Concept art of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and John-117.
-File:H3 - Concept - Master chief.jpg|Concept art of John-117 with an [[M41B SPNKr]].
-</gallery>
-=== Screenshots ===
-<gallery>
-File:H3 MasterChiefhighres.jpg|Early image of John-117.
-File:Val ext3.jpg|The map Valhalla.
-</gallery>
-=== Manual cover art candidates ===
-<gallery>
-File:Halo3 manual 1.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 in a group of Marines.
-File:Halo3 manual 2.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 standing in front of a Pelican.
-File:Halo3 manual 3.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 and Cortana.
-File:Halo3 manual 4.jpg|Proposed cover art for the ''Halo 3'' manual featuring John-117 and the Arbiter fighting together.
-</gallery>
-===Promotional material===
-<gallery>
-File:Pontiac H3.jpg|The ''Halo 3''-themed Pontiac.
-File:Pontiac H3 2.jpg|The interior of the Pontiac.
-File:H3 Promotional Chief image.jpg|Image of [[John-117]] used in several Halo 3 promotional works.
-File:H3 EGMCover.jpg|Artwork of three [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]]s featured on the cover of [[Wikipedia:Electronic Gaming Monthly|Electronic Gaming Monthly]].
-File:H3 EGMCoverAlt.jpg|A recolored version of the previous artwork.
-File:H3 Teaser Rd8 01HR.jpg|Title promotional poster.
-File:H3 Promotional Poster.jpg|Promotional poster.
-File:H3 Promotional Poster Horizontal.jpg|Expanded version of the promotional poster.
-File:H3 ChiefPromo1.jpg|Promotional sketch of John-117.
-File:H3 ChiefPromo2.jpg|Another promotional sketch.
-File:H3 ChiefPromo3.jpg|Another promotional sketch.
-File:H3 Concept GameProSketch1.jpg|Concept sketch of the ''Halo 3'' ''[[Wikipedia:GamePro|GamePro]]'' magazine cover.
-File:H3 Concept GameProSketch2.jpg|Another concept sketch of the ''GamePro'' cover.
-File:H3 - Multiplayer concept art.jpg|Finalized artwork for the ''GamePro'' magazine cover.
-File:H3 Concept OXMCover.jpg|Concept of a ''Halo 3''-themed cover for the ''[[Wikipedia:Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine]]''.
-</gallery>
-==Notes ==
-{{Ref/Notes}}
-== Sources ==
-{{Ref/Sources|2}}
-==See also==
-*[[Halo 3 credits|Halo 3 Credits]]
-*[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]
-== External links ==
+[[fr:Halo de 3]]
-*[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/default.aspx ''Official project page on '''Bungie.net''']
-{{Navbox/Media/Games}}
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