Editing Halo 3

{{Title|''Halo 3''}}

{{Status|RealWorld}}

{{References}}

{{Game infobox

|name= ''Halo 3''

|image= [[File:Halo3coverart.JPG|300px]]

|developer= [[Bungie|Bungie LLC.]]

|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]

|engine=[[Blam engine]]

|writer=[[Joseph Staten]]

|releasedate= September 25, 2007 {{C|United States}}<br>

September 26, 2007 {{C|United Kingdom}}<br>

|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>

}}

{{Quote|Finish the fight.|''Halo 3'' tagline.}}

'''''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]].

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.

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.

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.}}

''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]]''.

=== Plot synopsis ===

[[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".]]

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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".  

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.

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]].

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]].

''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.

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.

=== Campaign ===

#[[Arrival]] - "''Brace for impact.''" (cutscene, tutorial on single player)

#[[Crow's Nest]] - ''"Clear the base, whatever it takes."''

#[[The Ark (level)|The Ark]] - ''"Search the waste for the [[Cartographer]]."''

#[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]] - ''"Breach the barrier. Stop [[Prophet of Truth|Truth]]."''

#[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]] - ''"Light [[Installation 08|the ring]]. Destroy the Flood."''

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.

==== Default ====

<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 3'' page-->

*[[Foundry]]

*[[Rat's Nest]]

*[[Standoff]]

{{Main|Legendary Map Pack}}

<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->

*[[Avalanche]]

*[[Blackout]]

*[[Ghost Town]]

{{Main|Cold Storage}}

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.

<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->

*[[Assembly]]

*[[Orbital]]

*[[Sandbox]]

*[[Citadel]]

*[[Longshore]]

*[[Edge]]

*[[Icebox]]

*[[Waterfall]]

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.

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}}

{{Main|Armor customization (Halo 3)}}

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.

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.  

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.

*'''''Steel''''', '''Silver''', and '''''White'''''

*'''''Red''''', '''Mauve''', and '''''Salmon'''''

*'''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.

''For subjects that appear in the terminals, see [[Terminal (Halo 3)#Appearances|here]].''

'''[[Human]]'''

*[[Chips Dubbo]]

*[[Thel 'Vadam]]

*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]

*[[Usze 'Taham]] {{1st}}

'''[[San'Shyuum]]'''

*[[Prophet of Truth]]

'''[[Jiralhanae]]'''

*[[Cethegus]] {{1st}}

*[[Tartarus]] {{Mo}}

'''[[Unggoy]]'''

*[[Flipyap]] {{Fm}}

'''[[Flood]]'''

'''[[Artificial intelligence]]'''

|title-2=Species and entities|

*[[Human]]

**[[UNSC Marines]]

**[[Special Operations Sangheili|SpecOps]]

**[[Sangheili Major|Major]]

**[[Sangheili Minor|Minor]]

**[[Jiralhanae War Chieftain|War Chieftain]]

**[[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor]]

**[[Kig-Yar Minor|Minor]]

**[[Mgalekgolo]]

|title-3=Organizations|

*[[Ecumene]]

**[[Forerunner Fleet Command]] {{Fm}}

*[[UEG]]

**[[UNSC]]

***[[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|

*[[Epoloch system]] {{1st}}

**[[Requiem]] {{1st}}

**[[Foundry (location)|Foundry]] {{1st}}

**[[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]] {{1st}}

******[[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]] {{1st}}

***[[Sector 331]] {{Fm}}

|title-5=Events|

*[[Human-Covenant War]]

**[[Battle of Installation 05]] {{Mo}}

**[[Battle for Earth]]

**[[Battle of Installation 00]] {{1st}}

***[[Battle of the Citadel]]

*[[Raid on Installation 08]] {{1st}}

*[[Voi Memorial]] {{1st}}

*[[7 wood]] {{1st}}

*[[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]]

*[[M6C/SOCOM]] {{MCCo}}

*[[M6G magnum]]

*[[M90 shotgun#M90A variant|M90A shotgun]] {{1st}}

*[[SRS99D-S2 AM sniper rifle]]

*[[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine]] {{C|Gametype-specific use only}}

*[[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile]]

*[[M370 autocannon]]

*[[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====

*[[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]]

*[[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}}

;Usable

**E-2073 46833-S {{1st}}

*[[M808C Scorpion]]

*[[Albatross]]

*[[Cart]] {{1st}}

*[[Crassus-class supercarrier]] {{1st}}

*[[D77H-TCI Pelican]]

*[[Drop pod]]

**[[M8823 drop pod]]

*[[F-99 Wombat]] {{1st}}

*[[GA-TL1 Longsword]]

*[[S-2 Traxus Cargo Transporter]] {{1st}}

*[[Tractor unit]]

==== Covenant ====

**{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}

*[[Qavardu Workshop Prowler]] {{1st}}

;Unusable

*[[Keyship]]

|title-8=Technology and equipment|

*[[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

**[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]

*[[Unggoy combat harness]]

*[[Covenant communication node]] {{1st}}

*[[Z-9930 Information Vector Console]] {{1st}}

|title-9=Miscellaneous|

*[[49-6-39]] {{Fm}}

===''Halo: The Master Chief Collection only''===

{{Main|Halo: The Master Chief Collection}}

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]]''.

== Development ==

=== Design ===

{{Expand-section}}

=== 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 ===

''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 ==

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 ===

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 ===

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.

=== Ranks ===

{{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.

=== Custom games ===

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.

==== Standard gametypes ====

*[[Slayer]] - Kill your enemies. Kill your friends' enemies. Kill your friends.

*[[Oddball]] - Hold the skull to earn points. It's like Hamlet, with guns.

*[[King of the Hill]] - Control the hill to earn points. Earn points to win. It's good to be king.

*[[Capture the Flag]] - Invade your opponent's stronghold, seize their flag, and return it to your base to score.

*[[Assault]] - Carry your bomb to the enemy base, plant it, and defend it until it detonates.

*[[Territories]] - Defend your territory and control the land. Teams earn points for territories they control.

*[[Juggernaut]] - If you meet the Juggernaut, kill the Juggernaut.

*[[Infection]] - The timeless struggle of human versus zombie. If you die by a zombie's hand, you join their ranks.

*[[VIP]] - One player on each team is Very Important. Take down the enemy's VIP for points, but take care of your own.

==== Custom gametypes ====

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.

*Immune to headshots

*Grenade counts (Grenade Regeneration, on or off)

*Weapon pickup (Enabled, Disabled)

*Vehicle use (Full Use, Passenger only, None)

*Motion tracker (off, friendlies only, normal, enhanced)

**Range (10m, 25m, 75m, 100m, 150m)

*Indestructible vehicles (On, off)

=== 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 ===

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 ====

==== 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 ==

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.

==== 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.

 

=== Trailers ===

==== 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.

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? ====

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''.

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 ====

{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Cinema Paradiso}}