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{{era|H3}}
{{Title|''Halo 3''}}
{{Ratings}}                    
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Game Info Box                     
{{References}}
|name=''Halo 3''
{{Game infobox
|image=HALO 3 BOXART.jpg
|name= ''Halo 3''
|Developer=[[Bungie Studios|Bungie LLC.]]
|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]], [[Theater]], [[Co-Op]] ,
|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=DL-DVD
September 27, 2007 {{C|Japan}}<br>
|Current Version=1.2
November 14, 2014 {{C|Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One}}<br>
|Website=[http://www.halo3.com halo3.com]
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 shooter video game, based on the fictional events and settings in the [[Halo Universe]]. It was developed by [[Bungie Studios]] and published by [[Microsoft]]. ''Halo 3'' was released on September 25th, 2007 exclusively for the [[Xbox 360]].            
'''''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]].


''Halo 3'' is the sequel to ''[[Halo 2]]'' and concludes the current story arc that the previous two games told. It involves [[SPARTAN-II|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]] returning to [[Earth]] in order to stop the [[Prophet of Truth]] from activating [[The Ark]], thus activating the Halos, which would result in the extermination of all life in the galaxy. Shortly into the game, he also has to contend with the arrival of the [[Flood]] on Earth, as well as retrieve [[Cortana]] from the wrath of the evil [[Gravemind]].
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.


Even though the game does not progress directly on from the end of ''[[Halo 2]]'', it's cliff-hanger, ''[[Halo: Uprising]]'', a mini comic book series released by Marvel, filled in the missing segments between Halo 2 and ''Halo 3'' on Earth.
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.


''Halo 3'' was released on the long-awaited September 25th in North America and Australia, the 26th in Europe, and the 27th in Japan. It has been rated ''M'' for Mature (blood, gore, violence, and mild language) by the [[wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], but M 17+ means that ''Halo 3'' is '''recommended''' for 17 years or older, not restricted (this is only a rating for parental guidance) by the [[wikipedia:OFLC (Australia)|OFLC]], but in many stores, like GameStop, ID was required because anyone under the age of seventeen is unable to buy a copy of ''Halo 3''. Europe's PEGI rating system gave the game a ''16+'' rating, which serves as a guideline rather than as a rule. However the UK Release is rated 15 by the BBFC which means it is slightly easier to purchase.
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.}}


Exactly like its predecessors, ''Halo 3'' was a very prosperous, record-breaking game. Accompanied by its record-breaking 1.7 million preorders in the U.S, it was set for release on the sought-after 25th of September, and few expected it not to break any records. 24 hours after release, ''Halo 3'' had generated a record-breaking $170 million in the U.S., transcending the number that Microsoft was expecting, $155 million, which later was beaten by Grand Theft Auto IV's worldwide $310 million. Microsoft never released a 24-hour sales number, but 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. <ref>[http://www.vgchartz.com/games/game.php?id=6964&region=All VGChartz News]</ref>
== Synopsis ==
=== Characters and setting ===
''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]].


==Campaign==
The game takes place after the events of the ''[[Halo 2]]'', directly after the events that transpired in ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.
[[Campaign]] consists of 10 levels, of which nine are playable, and tell the story of ''Halo 3''.


#[[Arrival]] - ''"Brace for impact."'' (Cutscene, tutorial on single player)
=== Plot synopsis ===
#[[Sierra 117 (Level)|Sierra 117]] - ''"Rise up. Start the fight."''
{{Spoiler/begin}}
#[[Crow's Nest (Level)|Crow's Nest]] - ''"Clear the base, whatever it takes."''
[[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]]".]]
#[[Tsavo Highway (Level)|Tsavo Highway]] - ''"Mount up. Get to [[Voi]]."''
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.
#[[The Storm (Level)|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 [[Truth]]."''
#[[Cortana (Level)|Cortana]] - ''"Cleanse [[High Charity]]. Save [[Cortana]]."''
#[[Halo (Halo 3 Level)|Halo ]] - ''"Light [[Installation 04 (II)|the ring]]. Destroy the [[Flood]]."''


===Plot===
[[File:UNSC Underground Facility Crow's Nest.PNG|thumb|280px|UNSC underground facility "Crow's Nest".]]
[[Image:Master Chief & The Arbiter.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The [[Master Chief]] and the [[Thel 'Vadamee|Arbiter]] in the East African jungle featured in the level [[Sierra 117]].]]


The storyline begins several weeks after the events of ''[[Halo 2]]''. [[SPARTAN-117]] enters [[Earth]]'s atmosphere and crash lands in an east African jungle. After being retrieved by [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery Johnson]], the [[Thel 'Vadamee|Arbiter]], and a handful of [[UNSC Marine|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. [[SPARTAN-117]] and the Arbiter continue on their way to the extraction zone with the second squad, fighting off numerous Covenant troops in the process, but upon reaching the extraction zone, Avery Johnson's [[Pelican]] group consisting of two Pelicans, are ambushed and shot down by [[Banshees]]. Johnson and his men are then captured and taken prisoner by a number of Brutes led by a Gravity Hammer-wielding Chieftain. The Master Chief, Arbiter, and company fight their way through hordes of enemies and eventually rescue them, after which a Pelican arrives and picks them up.
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.


[[Image:UNSC Underground Facility Crow's Nest.PNG|right|280px|thumb|[[UNSC]] Underground Facility "Crow's Nest".]]
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 Pelican brings them to [[Crow's Nest (Base)|Crow's Nest]] which is used as a local base of operations by the [[UNSC]]. Here, Commander [[Miranda Keyes]] and [[Lord Hood]] plan a last-ditch effort to stop the Covenant from activating a [[Forerunner]] artifact uncovered outside the ruins of the city of [[New Mombasa]]. Their plan is to have the Master Chief with a small group of marines to punch a hole in Truth's anti air defense, so that Lord Hood can initiate a low level strike on the artifact. Their planning is quickly interrupted when power is cut and the Prophet of Truth broadcasts an announcement to all surviving human forces that their doom is inevitable. Soon after that, the Covenant Loyalist discovers the facility and mount a heavy assault. After a brief struggle, the outpost is lost and is blown by a bomb activated by SPARTAN-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]]. Shortly afterward, SPARTAN-117 along with a handful of Marines destroy all Covenant anti-air defenses so that Lord Hood can lead the last of Earth's frigates against Truth and the artifact. As Hood mounts his attack on Prophet, Truth activates the artifact and creates an enormous slipspace portal, into which all the Covenant ships retreat.
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.  


At the same time, a [[Covenant]] cruiser controlled by the [[Flood]], a parasitic species, had broken through the [[Elite's]] Quarantine of [[High Charity]] and arrived suddenly via slipspace and crashes into Voi, and the parasite quickly spreads throughout the entire city. As the Human forces attempt to fight the infestation, many are infected by the Flood. The [[Covenant Separatists]] lead by Shipmaster [[Rtas 'Vadum]], arrives at [[Earth]] and assists the struggle against the infestation. The Elites inform Commander Keyes that a UNSC construct is aboard the crashed Flood ship, and identified it as [[Cortana]]. After retrieving Cortana, SPARTAN-117 returned to the Shadow of Intent to oversee the repairs made by [[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]]. However, it is only a recorded message from her. Cortana informs that the [[Gravemind]] is coming to Earth with an army of Flood, and that on the other side 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 SPARTAN-117 firmly tells Hood that he trusts her.
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.


Lord Hood remained on Earth to defend it against the incoming Flood invasion while Commander Keyes and the Elites journeys through the Portal. Arriving at the Ark, the Covenant Separatist engages on the Covenant Loyalist fleet while the UNSC launches a ground campaign. After landing on the Ark, 343 Guilty Spark helps lead 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 Covenant Separatists must deactivate three shield generators which are inside three separate towers. While SPARTAN-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 SPARTAN-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 slip-space and crashes onto the Ark, releasing [[Flood Drop Pods|Flood Dispersal Pods]] as it falls.  
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.


After handling with the nearby infestation, SPARTAN-117 leads the remaining UNSC and surviving Sangheli forces via armored vehicles in an assault on the [[Citadel]] containing the Control Room, which is heavily defended by Covenant Loyalist forces. Once inside the Citadel, Truth broadcast 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. Knowing she can't kill all of the Brutes, Keyes realizes that she must kill Johnson and herself to stop the rings from being activated. From behind, Truth fires several Spiker rounds at Keyes, and then pushes Johnson's hand down on the Ark's terminal, activating 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.


Just as SPARTAN-117 and the Arbiter reach the top, two [[Flood Tank Forms]] confront them. Gravemind, 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, SPARTAN-117 and the Arbiter slaughtered all the [[Covenant]] forces defending Truth. Upon arrival to the Ark's Control Terminal, they find Johnson mourning over Keyes' dead body, and Truth partially infected. The Arbiter, after a short confrontation with Truth over the truth of the Halos, executes Truth with his [[Energy Sword]], while the Master Chief 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, by Keyes' crashed 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".  


The duo manage to escape from the Citadel via access hole near the elevator they used earlier. SPARTAN-117 then experience hallucinations of Cortana and follows the figure to a control panel. He then activated the panel, surprised to see that the Ark is manufacturing a [[Installation 04 (II)|replacement Halo]] in the event of one being destroyed. Knowing that the threat of the Flood is undeniably apocalyptic, SPARTAN-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 and fights against the Flood to retrieve Cortana (knowing that she still has the Index she acquired from [[Installation 04]]). Once retrieved, Cortana instructs the Spartan to overload ''High Charity's'' engines in order to destroy the Gravemind. The Arbiter arrives via Banshee to assist the Spartan in fighting the Flood. The two escaped from ''High Charity'' before it explodes using a damaged but still flyable Pelican.
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.


The surviving [[Sangheli|Elites]] and UNSC personnel return to Earth, leaving only Sergeant Johnson, SPARTAN-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 Drop Pods|Flood Dispersal Pods]] to prevent the activation of the [[Halo Array]]. 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. 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. SPARTAN-117 successfully destroys the Monitor with the Spartan Laser and tries to mend Johnson. Mortally wounded, Johnson urged the Spartan to send him out "with a bang".  
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]].


With the Halo activated, SPARTAN-117 and the Arbiter race towards the frigate ''Forward Unto Dawn'' using Johnson's Warthog. With no time to reach the cockpit, the Master Chief 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.
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]].
{{Spoiler/end}}


Back on Earth, Lord Hood holds a memorial service in honor for those who died in the [[Human-Covenant War]], with the Arbiter and many Marines in attendance. With Truth dead, the Covenant destroyed, 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 Covenant Separatist returned to their [[Sanghelios|home planet]]. Then, the credits roll.
== Gameplay ==
''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.


After the credits, it is revealed that SPARTAN-117 and Cortana are still alive aboard the rear section of the ''[[Forward Unto Dawn|Dawn]]'', which had apparently torn off before going through the other side of the portal. The Spartan floats to a cryotube and as he climbs in, Cortana comments ''"I'll miss you."'' He replies ''"Wake me, when you need me."''
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.


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 an [[Legendary Planet|unknown planet]].
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.


====Characters====
{{Expand-section}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=====Major Characters=====
'''[[UNSC]]'''
* [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]]
* [[Artificial Intelligence|AI Construct]] [[Cortana (AI)|Cortana]]
* [[Sergeant Major]] [[Avery J. Johnson]]
* [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]]
* [[Fleet Admiral]] [[Lord Terrence Hood]]


'''[[Covenant Separatist]]s'''
=== Campaign ===
*[[Arbiter (Rank)|The Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]
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.
*[[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]


'''[[Covenant Loyalist]]s'''
#[[Arrival]] - "''Brace for impact.''" (cutscene, tutorial on single player)
*[[High Prophet of Truth]]
#[[Sierra 117]] - ''"Rise up. Start the fight."''
#[[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."''


'''[[Flood]]'''
=== Multiplayer ===
*[[Gravemind]]
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.


'''[[Forerunner]]'''
*[[343 Guilty Spark (Monitor)|343 Guilty Spark]]
{{col-2}}
=====Minor Characters=====
'''[[UNSC]]'''
*[[Lieutenant]] "[[Hocus]]"
*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Reynolds]]
*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Pete Stacker]]
*[[Private First Class]] [[Chips Dubbo]]
'''[[Covenant Separatist]]s'''
*[[Ntho Sraom]]
*[[Usze 'Taham]]
'''[[Forerunners]]'''
*[[Librarian]]
*[[Didact]]
*[[Mendicant Bias]]
*[[Offensive Bias]]
{{col-end}}
====Unnamed Minor Characters====
=====Sentient=====
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
'''UNSC'''
==== Default ====
*[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
*[[Construct]]
**[[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Infantryman]]
*[[Epitaph]]
**[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]]
*[[Guardian (map)|Guardian]]
**[[UNSC Marine Corps|Dropship Pilots]]
*[[High Ground]]
*[[UNSC Navy]]
*[[Isolation]]
**[[UNSC Navy|Fighter Pilots]]
*[[Last Resort]]
**[[UNSC Navy|Crewman]]
*[[Narrows]]
*[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]
*[[Sandtrap]]
**[[ONI Recon 111|Reconnaissance Personnel]]  
*[[Snowbound]]
*[[Voi Factory Workers]]
*[[The Pit]]
*[[Valhalla]]


'''Covenant Separatists'''
==== Heroic Map Pack ====
*[[Sangheili]]
{{Main|Heroic Map Pack}}
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 3'' page-->
*[[Foundry]] 
*[[Rat's Nest]]
*[[Standoff]]


'''Covenant Loyalists'''
==== Legendary Map Pack ====
*[[San 'Shyuum]]
{{Main|Legendary Map Pack}}
*[[Jiralhanae]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Avalanche]]
*[[Unggoy]]
*[[Blackout]]
*[[Kig-yar]]
*[[Ghost Town]]
*[[Yanme'e]]
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
'''Flood'''
==== Cold Storage ====
*Standard Forms
{{Main|Cold Storage}}
**[[Infection Form]]s
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.
**[[Combat Form]]s
**[[Carrier Form]]s
*[[Pure Form]]s
**[[Tank Form]]s
**[[Stalker Form]]s
**[[Ranged Form]]s


'''Forerunner'''
====Mythic Map Pack====
*[[Sentinel]]s
{{Main|Mythic Map Pack}}
*[[Constructor]]s
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->
*[[Monitor]]s
*[[Assembly]]
{{col-end}}
*[[Orbital]]
*[[Sandbox]]


==Features==
====Mythic Map Pack II====
===[[Weapons]]===
{{Main|Mythic II Map Pack}}
These are the weapons in the game:
*[[Citadel]]
{{col-begin}}
*[[Heretic]]
{{col-2}}
*[[Longshore]]
====[[United Nations Space Command]]====
=====Standard=====
*[[MA5C Individual Combat Weapon System]] (Assault Rifle)
*[[BR55HB SR Battle Rifle]] (Battle Rifle)
*[[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System]] (Magnum)
*[[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun]] (SMG)
*[[M9 Fragmentation Grenade|M9 HE-DP Fragmentation Grenade]] (Frag Grenade)
*[[M41 SSR MAV/AW|M41 SSR MAV/AW Rocket Launcher]] (Rocket Launcher)
*[[M90 Close Assault Weapon System]] (Shotgun)
*[[SRS99D-S2 AM Sniper Rifle]] (Sniper Rifle)
*[[Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle]] (Spartan Laser)


=====Support=====
====''Halo: The Master Chief Collection''-exclusive====
*[[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun]] (Machine Gun Turret)
*[[Edge]]
*[[LAU-65D/SGM-151]] (Missile Pod)
*[[Icebox]]
*[[M7057/Defoliant Projector]] (Flamethrower)
*[[Waterfall]]
{{col-end}}


====[[Forerunner]]====
=== Appearance ===
*[[Sentinel Beam]]
==== Service tags ====
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.


===[[Equipment]]===
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.
*[[Bubble Shield]]
*[[Power Drain]]
*[[Trip Mine]]
*[[Portable Grav Lift]]
*[[Radar Jammer]] - Removed from Matchmaking (appeared in community maps for [[Bungie vs World]] and [[7 on the 7th]] playlists)
*[[Flare]] - Removed from Matchmaking (appeared in community maps for the [[Bungie vs World]], and [[7 on the 7th]] playlists)
*[[Regenerator]]
*[[Deployable Cover]] - Not in Matchmaking by default
*[[Invincibility]] - Campaign only
*[[Automated Turret]] - Campaign only
*[[Cloaking]] - Campaign only
*[[Active Camouflage]] - Multiplayer only (similar to [[Cloaking]])
*[[Overshield]] - Multiplayer only (similar to [[Invincibility]])
*[[Custom Power Up]] - Custom games, and the [[MLG (playlist)]] only


====[[Covenant]]====
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}}
=====Standard=====
*[[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade]] (Plasma Grenade)
*[[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword]] (Energy Sword)
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol]] (Plasma Pistol)
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle]] (Plasma Rifle)
*[[Type-26 ASG|Type-26 Anti-Personal Stationary Gun]] (Shade)
*[[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher]] (Needler)
*[[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon]] (Fuel Rod Gun)
*[[Type-50 Sniper Rifle System]] (Beam Rifle)
*[[Type-51 Carbine]] (Covenant Carbine)


=====Support=====
==== Armor permutations ====
*[[Type-52 Directed Energy Support Weapon]] (Plasma turret)
{{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.
{{Armor/Permutation/H3}}


=====[[Jiralhanae]] (Brute)=====
==== Emblems ====
*[[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade]] (Spike Grenade)
{{Main|Multiplayer Emblems}}
*[[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer]] (Gravity Hammer)
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.  
*[[Type-3 Antipersonnel/Antimatériel Incendiary Grenade]] (Incendiary Grenade)
*[[Type-25 Carbine]] (Spiker)
*[[Type-25 Grenade Launcher]] (Brute Shot)
*[[Type-52 Pistol]] (Mauler)
[[Image:Flamethrower.jpg|thumb|Players were thrilled to hear that the [[Flamethrower]] would make its return in ''Halo 3''.]]
{{col-end}}


===[[Vehicles]]===
==== Colors ====
{{col-begin}}
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.
{{col-2}}
*'''''Steel''''', '''Silver''', and '''''White'''''
====[[UNSC]]====
*'''''Red''''', '''Mauve''', and '''''Salmon'''''
*[[Behemoth-class Troop Transport]] (Elephant)
*'''''Orange''''', '''Coral''', and '''''Peach'''''
*[[AV-14 Hornet]] (Hornet)
*'''''Gold''''', '''Yellow''', and '''''Pale'''''
*[[Warthog#M12 Warthog LRV|M12 Warthog LRV]] (Chaingun Warthog)
*'''''Sage''''', '''Green''', and '''''Olive'''''
*[[M12G1 Warthog LAAV]] (Gauss Warthog)
*'''''Teal''''', '''Aqua''', and '''''Cyan'''''
*[[M274 Mongoose ULATV]] (Mongoose)
*'''''Blue''''', '''Cobalt''', and '''''Sapphire'''''
*[[M808B Scorpion MBT]] (Scorpion)
*'''''Violet''''', '''Orchid''', and '''''Lavender'''''
*[[M831 TT Warthog|M831 Troop Transport]] (Troop Transport Warthog)
*'''''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.


=====Non-usable=====
==Appearances==
*{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} (FFG-201)
===Original ''Halo 3''===
*{{UNSCShip|Aegis Fate}} (FFG-307)
''For subjects that appear in the terminals, see [[Terminal (Halo 3)#Appearances|here]].''
*[[D77H-TCI Pelican|D77H-TCI Pelican Dropship]] (Pelican)
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5
*[[Albatross|Albatross Heavy Dropship]] (Albatross, wreckage appears on [[Sandtrap]])
|title-1=Characters|
*[[C709 Longsword-class Starfighter|C709 Longsword Fighter-Interceptor]] (Longsword Interceptor)
'''[[Human]]'''
{{col-2}}
*[[John-117]]
*[[Avery Johnson]]
*[[Miranda Keyes]]
*[[Terrence Hood]]
*[[Hocus]] {{1st}}
*[[Reynolds]] {{1st}}
*[[Marcus Stacker]]
*[[Chips Dubbo]]


====[[Covenant]]====
'''[[Sangheili]]'''
=====Standard=====
*[[Thel 'Vadam]]
*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft]] (Banshee)
*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]
*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle]] (Ghost)
*[[N'tho 'Sraom]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-25 Wraith]] (Wraith)
*[[Usze 'Taham]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Artillery]] (Anti Air Wraith - Usable via [[How_to_Pilot_an_AA_Wraith|glitch]])


=====[[Brute Sandbox|Jiralhanae]] (Brute)=====
'''[[San'Shyuum]]'''
*[[Type-25 Rapid Assault Vehicle]] (Brute Chopper)
*[[Prophet of Truth]]
*[[Type-52 Infantry Support Vehicle]] (Brute Prowler)


=====Non-Usable=====
'''[[Jiralhanae]]'''
*[[Assault Carrier]]
*[[Cethegus]] {{1st}}
*[[CCS-class Battlecruiser]]
*[[Tartarus]] {{Mo}}
*[[Forerunner Dreadnought]]
*[[Covenant Seraph-Class Starfighter|Seraph Fighter-Interceptor]]
*[[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform]] (Scarab)
*[[Type-52 Troop Carrier]] (Phantom)
{{col-end}}


==Multiplayer==
'''[[Unggoy]]'''
===Maps===
*[[Flipyap]] {{Fm}}
====Standard Maps====
[[Image:Val ext3.jpg|right|thumb|The map Valhalla.]]
On release, ''Halo 3'' was shipped out with 11 [[multiplayer]] maps that could be played over [[Xbox Live]]. ''Halo 3'' has the smallest number of multiplayer maps released on launch, as ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' had 13, and ''[[Halo 2]]'' had 12. To combat this lack of maps, many players customized the maps using the new feature, [[Forge]].
The Maps Epilogue, Sand Tarp, Boundless and Pit Stop are official re-edited maps by Bungie, which include small changes like the removal of shield doors, weapon spawns and vehicle spawns.


*[[Construct (Level)|Construct]]
'''[[Flood]]'''
*[[Epitaph (Level)|Epitaph]]/[[Epilogue (Level)|Epilogue]]
*[[Gravemind]]
*[[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]]
*[[High Ground (Level)|High Ground]]
*[[Isolation (Level)|Isolation]]
*[[Last Resort (Level)|Last Resort]] 
*[[Narrows (Level)|Narrows]] 
*[[Sandtrap (Level)|Sandtrap]]/[[Sand Tarp (Level)|Sand Tarp]]
*[[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]]/[[Boundless (Level)|Boundless]]
*[[The Pit (Level)|The Pit]]/[[Pit Stop (Level)|Pit Stop]]
*[[Valhalla (Level)|Valhalla]]


====Heroic Map Pack====
'''[[Artificial intelligence]]'''
{{main|Heroic Map Pack}}
*[[Cortana]]
[[Image:Heroicmaps.jpg|right|thumb|Foundry, Rat's Nest, and Standoff: the three Heroic Maps]]
*[[343 Guilty Spark]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the ''Halo 3'' page-->
The [[Heroic Map Pack]] is downloadable through Xbox Live Marketplace. Previously an 800 point purchase, it is now available as a free download. The maps included in this Map Pack are:


*[[Foundry (Level)|Foundry]]
|title-2=Species and entities|
*[[Rat's Nest (Level)|Rat's Nest]]
*[[Human]]
*[[Standoff (Level)|Standoff]]
**[[UNSC Marines]]
*[[Sangheili]]
**[[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]]


====Legendary Map Pack====
|title-3=Organizations|
{{main|Legendary Map Pack}}
*[[Ecumene]]
<!--dates of release and previous prices belong on the map pack page, not on the halo 3 page-->
**[[Forerunner Fleet Command]] {{Fm}}
The [[Legendary Map Pack]] is downloadable through Xbox Live Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points. Microsoft dropped the price on July 7, Bungie Day to 600 Microsoft Points, but discontinued the previously included Bungie Pro bonus. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[UEG]]
*[[Avalanche (Level)|Avalanche]]
**[[UNSC]]
*[[Blackout (Level)|Blackout]]
***[[UNSC High Command]]
*[[Ghost Town (Level)|Ghost Town]]
****[[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]]


====Cold Storage====
|title-4=Locations|
{{main|Cold Storage (Level)}}
*[[Epoloch system]] {{1st}}
This map is downloadable through Xbox Live Marketplace for free and is the [[7|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.
**[[Requiem]] {{1st}}
*[[Installation 00]] {{1st}}
**[[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}}


====Mythic Map Pack====
|title-5=Events|
{{main|Mythic Map Pack}}
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
The [[Mythic Map Pack]] is downloadable through Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points, or by obtaining a code for the map pack through obtaining a copy of [[Halo Wars|Halo Wars Limited Edition]]. The maps included in this map pack are:
**[[Battle of Installation 05]] {{Mo}}
*[[Assembly (Level)|Assembly]]
**[[Battle for Earth]]
*[[Orbital (Level)|Orbital]]
**[[Battle of Installation 00]] {{1st}}
*[[Sandbox (Level)|Sandbox]]
***[[Battle of the Citadel]]
*[[Great Schism]]
*[[Raid on High Charity]] {{1st}}
*[[Raid on Installation 08]] {{1st}}
*[[Voi Memorial]] {{1st}}


They also include three new skulls to find within the maps. There are also new achievements. Finding all of the skulls unlocks a [[Vidmaster Challenge: Brainpan|Vidmaster achievement]].
|title-6=Weapons|
====UNSC====
;Usable
*[[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]]
*[[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}}


====ODST Map Pack====
;Unusable
{{main|ODST Map Pack}}
*[[Anvil-II air-to-surface missile]]
The ODST Map pack (also known as the "Mythic Map Pack part 2") is an upcoming map pack being released with ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''. It will be available on Xbox LIVE marketplace as a standalone map pack sometime after the release of ''ODST''. It is considered by Bungie as part of the Mythic Map Pack.
*[[M370 autocannon]]
*[[Citadel (Level)|Citadel]]
*[[Machine-linked autocannon#M9109 ASW/AC 50mm|M9109 ASW/AC 50mm]]
*[[Heretic (Level)|Heretic]]
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
*[[Longshore (Level)|Longshore]]
*[[Point-defense gun]]
**[[M870 Rampart point defense gun]]
*[[Surface-to-air missile launcher]] {{1st}}
*[[Improvised UNSC bomb]] {{1st}} {{C|Story-specific use only}}


==Appearance==
====Covenant====
====Service Tags====
;Usable
The Service Tag is how you and your team 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.
*[[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}}


When certain specific Service Tag coding is entered for example: I17 ''(117)''  an error message will appear stating ''"This Service Tag is currently in use by the UNSC"'' and to choose another. Another error message will happen when ''"N64"'' and ''"P52"'' (Nintendo 64 and Playstation 2) are entered but this is due to trademark infringement of the companies, and as a result the service tag will not be allowed. Similar error messages are shown if you put in "A55", "N00", "P00", "F00", "J00", "F49", and "T17" as they are offensive references. "O00 has also been blocked as it is reserved as guest service tags. "A23" is also blocked.  Anything ending in 00 is blocked.
;Unusable
*{{Pattern|Shuku|sentry turret}} {{1st}}
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Focus cannon]]
*[[Heavy plasma cannon]]
*[[Plasma cannon (starship)|Plasma cannon]]
*[[Pulse laser turret]]
*{{Pattern|Skar'wa|Mantis}} {{1st}}


According to [[Bungie]], as of March 14th the most used Service Tags by players of ''Halo 3'' are, in descending order, ''O07'', ''M16'', ''I69'', ''P26'', ''S80'', ''N99'', ''F18'', ''H20'', ''I87'', and ''D13''.
====Forerunner====
;Usable
*[[Sentinel Beam]]


====Armor Permutations====
|title-7=Vehicles|
{{main|Armor Permutations}}
==== UNSC ====
There are two player models which you can choose from, the standard [[Spartan II|Spartan]] model or an [[Elite]] model. Each model has several armor permutations which can be combined. All [[Armor]] permutations do not have any effects on gameplay.
;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]]


====Emblems====
;Unusable
{{Main|Multiplayer Emblems}}
*[[Albatross]]
An Emblem is a highly customizable image that appears on the right arm of a Spartan and the back an Elite.
*[[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]]
*[[UNSC frigate]]
**{{Class|Charon|light frigate}} {{1st}}
***{{UNSCShip|Aegis Fate}} {{1st}}
***{{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} {{1st}}


Emblems also show your teammates what Spartan you are. This was made by the ONI Research Center of the Spartan Program and has no use at all since the Spartans can check each other through Service Tags, so Emblems are just an addition.
==== Covenant ====
;Usable
*[[Chopper]]
**[[Barukaza Workshop Chopper]] {{1st}}
*[[Banshee]]
**{{Pattern|Irdnekt|Banshee}} {{1st}}
*[[Ghost]]
**{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}
*[[Wraith]]
**{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*[[Qavardu Workshop Prowler]] {{1st}}


According to Bungie on March 14th 2008, Weekly Update;
;Unusable
*'''Most Popular Emblems:''' Phoenix, Jolly Roger, Valkyrie, Crossed Sword and Champion
*{{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}}


====Colors====
====Forerunner====
There are 10 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), and there is a stripe on the Spartans' leg and arm.
;Unusable
*'''''Steel''''', '''Silver''', and '''''White'''''
*[[Keyship]]
*'''''Red''''', '''Mauve''', and '''''Salmon'''''
**[[Forerunner Dreadnought]]
*'''''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.


According to Bungie on the March 14th 2008, Weekly Update;  
|title-8=Technology and equipment|
*'''Most Popular Primary Colors:''' Steel, White, Blue, Cobalt, Green, Sage
;[[Equipment]]
*'''Least Popular Primary Colors:''' Lavender, Pale, Salmon, Peach and Mauve
*[[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}}


==Matchmaking==
;[[Power-up]]s
[[Matchmaking]] is where people can play with and against each other through a specially designed search system and multiple playlists. In Matchmaking [[EXP]] and [[Skill]] can be earned to raise ranks. You have a highest skill which cannot be taken away, but your current skill level can decrease if you play poorly in that variant. Also, on some maps like Guardian and Narrows, various equipment such as the [[Flare]] and [[Radar Jammer]] have been removed due to balance changes.
*[[Active Camouflage]]
*[[Custom Powerup]] {{1st}}
*[[Overshield]]


===Playlists===
;Armor
[[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. The Community Playlist returned on July 7, 2008 with the release of the free map Cold Storage.
*[[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]]


====Ranked====
;Other
The Ranked playlists are the more serious playlists. [[Skill]] can be raised and [[EXP]] can be gained.
*[[Covenant communication node]] {{1st}}
*[[Lone Wolves]] - Various gametypes free for all up to six players.
*[[Covenant storage device|Covenant data storage unit]]
*[[Team Slayer]] - Slayer based gametypes with two teams of three to four players per team.
*[[Plasma battery|Covenant plasma battery]]
*[[Team Objective]] - Objective based gametypes with two teams of three to four players. ''This playlist has been expired.''
*[[Roadblock|Covenant roadblock]]
*[[Team Doubles]] - Various gametypes with two teams of two players.
*[[Data crystal chip]]
*[[Squad Battle]] - Various gametypes with two teams of six designed to fill some of the void left by excising Ranked Big Team Battle from the ''Halo 3'' Playlists.
*[[Covenant watchtower]]
*[[MLG]] - Various MLG gametypes on MLG map variants with two teams of three to four players. ''The MLG map variants were updated to v6 in the April 2009 playlist update.''
*[[Distress beacon]] {{1st}}
*[[Team SWAT]] - Ranked teams of 3/4 players playlist where players have to kill others with headshots (or enough body shots).
*[[Energy shielding]]
*[[Team Snipers]] - Ranked 4v4 playlist. Sniper Rifle spawns (no secondary weapons unless the game is shotty snipers) on maps forged with Beam Rifles.
**[[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}}


====Social====
|title-9=Miscellaneous|
The Social playlists are the more relaxed playlists. [[EXP]] can be gained and guests are allowed.
*[[49-6-39]] {{Fm}}
*[[Rumble Pit]] - Various gametypes free for all up to eight players. ''Have now been updated to DLC.''
*[[Equipment Control Key Code]] {{Fm}}
*[[Big Team Battle]] - Various gametypes with two teams of five to eight players. ''This playlist has been expired.''
*[[Remote Network Control]] {{Fm}}
*[[Social Slayer]] - Slayer based gametypes with two teams of five players.
*[[Sangheili (language)]]
*[[Social Skirmish]] - Objective based gametypes with two teams of four to five players.
*[[Standard Issue Personel - Mobile Field Bunk]] {{1st}}
*[[Multi-Team]] Various gametypes with four teams of two players. (This includes the "Rocket Race" gametype since the original playlist has as of September 2008, retired.)
*[[UNSC site operation security initiatives]] {{Fm}}
*[[Action Sack]] - The ''Halo 2'' gametype made a return in June 2009. This unique 4v4 playlist rewards you no exp if you win, but there is plenty of fun to be had. It includes some gametypes you may have played before, such as Team Rockets and Team Fiesta, and will have some brand new gametypes exclusive to this gametype such as Ninja Assault. This is a 1 bomb assault gametype with a twist. The Bomb Carrier will have active camo and moves slightly quicker than others but is a lot weaker and easier to kill. There will be plenty of other playlists when it is released into matchmaking.
}}
The DLC Playlists have now been deleted. Now it is two new social playlists instead:
*[[Social Team DLC]] It's like a mix of Social Slayer and Social Skirmish but it's a DLC playlist so you need to buy Legendary Map pack pack to play it. It's two teams of four to five players like in Slayer and Skirmish. ''Now updated to include Mythic maps.''
*[[Social Big Team]] Like in Big Team Battle, two teams of five to eight players but it's DLC like Social Team DLC.
 
====Hardcore====
The Hardcore playlists are the more realistic and competitive playlists. [[Skill]] can be raised and [[EXP]] can be gained. (Note: the Hardcore playlist has been retired, and the MLG, Team SWAT, and Team Snipers playlists have been moved into the Ranked Playlist as of August 4th, 2009)
*<!--Please Create Page-->[[Head to Head]] - [[Slayer]], [[Oddball]] and [[King of the Hill]] gametypes free for all up to two players. ''This playlist has been retired.''
*[[MLG]] - Various MLG gametypes on MLG map variants with two teams of three to four players. ''The MLG map variants were updated to v6 in the April 2009 playlist update.''
*[[Team SWAT]] - Ranked teams of 3/4 players playlist where players have to kill others with headshots (or enough body shots).
*[[Team Snipers]] - Ranked 4v4 playlist. Sniper Rifle spawns (no secondary weapons unless the game is shotty snipers) on maps forged with Beam Rifles.
 
====Tournaments====
The Tournaments are temporary playlists involving prizes. [[Skill]] can be raised and [[EXP]] can be gained.
*[[Living Dead]] - [[Infection]] up to thirteen players.
*[[Valentines Day]] - Various gametypes with two teams of two.
 
====Community====
This playlist made a comeback as of July 7, 2008; with the free release of the map [[Cold Storage]], but was taken off by July 11.  [[EXP]] can be gained and guests are allowed.
*Icy Treats - Various gametypes of free for all on the newly released map Cold Storage.


<!--Notes about a specific playlist don't belong here-->
===''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]]''.
{{/Appearances/MCC}}


====Double EXP Weekend====
== Development ==
=== Design ===
{{Expand-section}}


*The Double EXP Weekend variants are temporary playlists involving new gametypes. The double amount of [[EXP]] can be gained and guests are allowed.
=== Engine ===
* [[Grifball]] - Neutral [[Assault]] on a custom [[Foundry]], or [[Sandbox]] map variant with two teams of three to four players.
{{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>


*[[Living Dead]] - [[Infection]] up to thirteen players. Now requires the [[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]] and the [[Mythic Map Pack|Mythic]] maps.
=== 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}}


*[[Legendary Brawl]] - Various gametypes on Standard, [[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]] and [[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]] maps, free for all up to twelve players.
== Matchmaking ==
*[[Mythic Brawl]] - Various gametypes on Standard, [[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]], [[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]] and [[Mythic Map Pack|Mythic]] maps, free for all up to twelve players.
{{Main|Matchmaking}}
*[[Fiesta]] - Various gametypes with random weapons on Standard, [[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]] and [[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]] Maps.
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.
*[[Team Snipers]] - Sniper based [[Team Slayer]] on Standard, [[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]] and [[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]] maps.
*[[Rockets]] - Rocket based gametypes free for all up to eight players.
*[[3 Ball]] - [[Oddball]] with 3 Oddballs and four teams of three players.
*[[Team Melee]] - A variety of gametypes featuring Melee weapons [[Gravity Hammer]] and/or the [[Energy Sword]].
*[[Rocket Race]] - A [[VIP]] variant in which a team of 2 players must reach certain objective before the opposing team does, While riding in a mongoose and scoping out the others using Rocket Launchers.
*[[Team Flag]] - A skirmish variant, where teams of five compete for the flag in [[Heroic Map Pack|Heroic]] and [[Legendary Map Pack|Legendary]] maps.


===Veto===
=== Playlists ===
The Veto system is new for the Halo franchise. Vetoing a map and game type is a very useful thing these days. In a game, after the map and game type loads for each player, a 10 second 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. (Note that not all playlists have the Veto option).
{{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.


For Example: If there are a total of eight people in the game (classic four versus four), and five or more people veto, the map and game type will change. If only four or less players veto, however the map and gametype will remain and be played on.
=== 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, the option to veto will be lost during the next countdown. Sometimes you will see the map and gametype change, but you 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. However, you cannot veto on a few gametypes, such as [[Grifball]] (however, between the 6th and 9th of August 2009 when this playlist was up, players were allowed to veto, however, neither the map nor the gametype was altered).
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==
=== Ranks ===
The ranking system is based on real military ranks. To progress in Rank, players must earn the required amount of [[EXP]]. For [[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 [[EXP]] but does not have a skill level of 35 will be promoted to Major, Grade 2 upon earning 300 EXP).
{{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.
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.


''Halo 3'' uses the [http://research.microsoft.com/osa/apg/trueskill.aspx Trueskill] system created by Microsoft to determine skill level in ranked playlists.
== Modes ==
{{col-begin}}
=== Custom games ===
{{col-2}}
{{Main|Custom game}}
====Enlisted Ratings====
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.
*[[Recruit]]
*[[Apprentice]] (grades 1 and 2)
*[[Private (Halo 3)|Private]] (grades 1 and 2)
*[[Corporal (Halo 3)|Corporal]] (grades 1 and 2)
*[[Sergeant (Halo 3)|Sergeant]] (grades 1, 2, and 3)
*[[Gunnery Sergeant (Halo 3)|Gunnery Sergeant]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Master Sergeant)
{{col-2}}
====Officer Ratings====
*[[Lieutenant (Halo 3)|Lieutenant]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and First Lieutenant)
*[[Captain (Halo 3)|Captain]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Staff Captain)
*[[Major (Halo 3)|Major]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Field Major)
*[[Commander (Halo 3)|Commander]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Strike Commander)
*[[Colonel (Halo 3)|Colonel]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Force Colonel)
*[[Brigadier (Halo 3)|Brigadier]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Brigadier General)
*[[General (Halo 3)|General]] (grades 1, 2, 3, and Five Star General)
{{col-end}}
===Custom Games===
In the [[Custom Games]] Lobby you can choose the gametypes and maps you have made and want to play with your friends, these include Custom Game types and Map Variants. These games don't give you exp but they are still fun to play around with friends.


====Standard Game Types====
==== Standard gametypes ====
<!--In-game description-->
<!--In-game description-->
*[[Slayer]] - Kill your enemies. Kill your friends' enemies. Kill your friends.
*[[Slayer]] - Kill your enemies. Kill your friends' enemies. Kill your friends.
Line 468: Line 622:
*[[VIP]] - One player on each team is Very Important. Take down the enemy's VIP for points, but take care of your own.
*[[VIP]] - One player on each team is Very Important. Take down the enemy's VIP for points, but take care of your own.


====Custom Game types====
==== Custom gametypes ====
In ''Halo 3'', there are a number of options that can be changed. Press X in the lobby to change the default options, when changing press X again to save as custom game type.
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.


Options that can be changed:
Options that can be changed:
Line 491: Line 645:
*Over shields and active camouflage can be given to a certain team/player or everyone on spawn or re-spawn.
*Over shields and active camouflage can be given to a certain team/player or everyone on spawn or re-spawn.


===[[Forge]]===
=== 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]]'' and ''[[Halo 2 Vista]]'' editing kits. You can, however, edit objects, spawn points, weapons, teleporters and properties of objects on the map, etc. And, when playing a map on forge, players may take control as a monitor (very similar to 343 Guilty Spark) and will obtain the ability to spawn weapons, vehicles and objects in-game, as well as move/adjust them too. You can also get more forging items if you get any of the new map packs from Bungie.
{{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.
The Forge may not allow as much "freedom", but makes it easier to adjust levels. Allowing you to make things with "simple" objects much easier.


 
=== Theater ===
===Theater===
{{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.
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====
==== Films ====
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, you can either watch your own player play through the entire mission or you can use a different way: bird's eye view. You can go anywhere you want, but they will limit your movement so that you cannot fly as high as possible or go very far from your character. You can also fast forward or rewind the film so that you can relive the parts you missed. On Campaign you can't rewind the film. Only your previous 25 games will be saved under the recent films category on your console. Older films will be deleted. (Note: If you haven't received the February Auto-Update, after your first 25 film slots are filled, about 1 out of the 3-5 films in future will only be saved due to a glitch. The AU fixes this glitch, but not entirely however, as all games played on Local area Network on the 360 still mostly have this problem.)
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.


====Clips====
==== Clips ====
When playing a film you record a particular part of the film from any angle you want. Doing this allows you to look back at your greatest moments without having to watch the entire film, however, sometimes the [[HUD]] will not show up in a first person view, or the time bar showing the elapsed time appears, which is normally a problem because it normally can't be removed or the HUD can't be brought up for the start of the clip. If you would like to make a clip in FPS mode, but you accidentally get out of it, or switch to another player, you can just click on the right thumbstick to return to FPS mode. You cannot record clips of campaign films, but you can take screenshots. If you are in a party viewing a film, you will not be able to record clips, nor take screenshots.
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 ====
Screenshots can be taken in any sort of film; all screenshots taken by Xbox Live players are sent to [http://www.bungie.net Bungie.net] via the Internet. You must be in single-player theater or film to take a screenshot. If your screenshot is favored by many and also [[Bungie]] employees they may put it on [[Bungie Favorites]]. The favorites link can be found [http://www.bungie.net/online/communityfiles.aspx?filefilter=772007&sort=3 here]
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==
== Soundtrack ==
[[Image:200px-halo3soundtrack.jpg|right|thumb|Halo 3 Soundtrack Cover Art]]
{{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.
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.
As the ''[[Halo: Original Soundtrack]]'', the music is in more of a medley format. However, similar to the ''[[Halo 2: Original Soundtrack]]'' Volume 2, tracks are divided into 'suites' corresponding to each level in the game. A number of bonus tracks and a third-party song will be contained on the second disc of the album: 'LvUrFR3NZ' by Princeton.


Previews of the ''Halo 3: Original Soundtrack'' can be heard on the official site <ref>http://www.halo3ost.com/</ref>.
== Marketing promotions ==
=== 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.


==Marketing Promotions and Release==
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.
====Viral Marketing====


==== Iris ====
{{Main|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.


On June 11th, 2007, at 10:26AM PDT, a viral marketing campaign for ''Halo 3'' started, called "''[[Iris]]''".
==== Believe ====
{{Main|Believe}}
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====
=== Trailers ===
=====[[Halo 3 Announcement Trailer]]=====
==== 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 John-117 walking through some wreckage of the [[New Mombasa]] space elevator with Cortana appearing at several intervals to give her lines. He then stops at the edge of a cliff where the Covenant forces are hovering over a [[Forerunner]] structure (the portal to the Ark).  The trailer ends with the Forerunner structure opening and firing a beam of light.
{{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.


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.''
==== Starry Night ====
{{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.


:"I have defied gods and demons."
==== ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute? ====
:"I am your shield, I am your Sword."
{{Main|Halo 3 ViDoc: Et Tu, Brute?}}
:"I know you, your past, your future."
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''.
:"This is the way the world ends."


[[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:
==== 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.


:''This is the way the world ends''
==== ViDoc: Cinema Paradiso ====
:''Not with a bang but a whimper.''
{{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.


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 installations being activated.
==== 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.  


====[[Starry Night]] Trailer====
==== Halo: Landfall ====
Starry Night Trailer was released on December 4, 2006 with its format designed for TV Ads. It shows two children 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 picks up his helmet and then he uses a [[Bubble Shield]] to defend himself from an incoming [[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage|Wraith]]'s plasma mortar and then charges forward, eventually jumping over a cliff into a swarm of [[Covenant Loyalists]]. It has been rumored that the two kids are [[John]] and [[Kelly]] when they were young.
{{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.


====[[Halo 3 E3 2007 Trailer]]====
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>
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.


====[[Believe]]====
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>
Believe is a Microsoft marketing campaign for ''Halo 3''.


It features the word "Believe" as a tag line, and appears to be honoring the legacy of SPARTAN-117, citing him as a hero of the United Nations Space Command Defense Force whose brave actions inspired other servicemen during the Human-Covenant War. It has also been cited that it has been linked to the popular message board Neogaf. Its been noted that the Believe trailers took place about 50 years after ''Halo 3'''s storyline.
== 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}}


====[[Landfall]]====
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: Landfall is a trilogy of short films designed to promote ''Halo 3'' as well as test the potential for a live-action [[Halo Movie]].


====Versions====
''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:
{{Halo 3 Versions}}
''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''.  
*'''''Spike TV Awards''''': Best Multiplayer Game, Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew.
*'''''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>
*'''''Geezer Gamers''''': Geezer Game of the Year, Multiplayer Game of the Year.
*'''''Gametrailers''''': 2007's Best Xbox 360 Game of the Year, Best Multiplayer of the Year, Best First Person Shooter
*'''''X-Play Presents "G-Phoria"''''': Game of the Year.
*'''''EDGE''''': The Edge Award For Interactive Innovation.
*'''''IGN''''': Xbox 360 Best Online Multiplayer, Xbox 360 Most Innovative Design.


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 slip-cover packaging unfolds into a large heavy-stock poster of Master Chief.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12531</ref> Gamestation stores in the UK also offered a limited edition Master Chief figurine only available to the first 1000 pre-orders.<ref>[http://www.mcfarlanes-figures.com/halo-3.html McFarlane Toys Figurines]</ref>
== ''Halo 3: ODST'' ==
{{Main|Halo 3: ODST}}
''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.


====Products and Collectibles====
== Trivia ==
[[Image:Halo3-360.jpg|thumb|Halo 3 Edition [[Xbox 360]] with [[Spartan II|SPARTAN]] gold and dark green hardware.]]
*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.
*[[Halo 3 Spartan Edition Controller]]
*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>
*[[Halo 3 Covenant Edition Controller]].
*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.
*[[Mountain Dew Game Fuel]] is a new version of Mountain Dew soda which was released on August 13th, 2007 and was available for 12 weeks.
*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>
*Bungie has worked with Jasman Toys and they will be showcasing the new [[Halo Laser Tag Replica Guns]].
*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]].
*Todd McFarlane's line of [[McFarlane Toys|Halo 3 Action Figures]].
*To date, the Campaign kill count online has surpassed the current Human population on [[Earth]].
*There is a ''Halo 3'' edition of the Xbox 360. It was released on September 16th, and has other items in the box like a wired ''Halo 3'' headset, however it only has 20 gigabytes of hard drive space.
*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.
*The [[Halo 3 Zune]] is a Zune in a Halo Trilogy-theme. It features Halo content in many media formats. Included in the Zune, are trailers, music, and artwork, from the critically acclaimed Halo series and a special [[Red vs Blue]] episode.
*''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 scale replica weapons]]. These are just ornaments and are not toys.
*''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]]''.
*[[Burger King]] announced a ''Halo 3'' Promotion from a Microsoft press release on August 9th, 2007 including limited edition FRYPODS and 42 oz drink cups.
*''Halo 3'' was released on the 25th of September, this is most likely a [[seven]] reference (2+5=7).
*[[Halo ActionClix]] including special figures like Jump Pack Brutes, [[Master Chief]] with dual Spikers, Brute Stalkers, and a few others.
*[[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}}


====''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''====
==Gallery==
ODST is a campaign extension that covers events leading up to ''Halo 3''. The trailer opens up on a security camera in New Mombassa. It shows several scenes of destruction before turning upward and showing several [[HEV]] Pods fall towards the city. It first appeared on Bungie.net. It now has circulated through YouTube and other video hosting websites.  You take control of an ODST soldier, and survive through the Covenant-controlled New Mombassa.  Campaign will be similar to normal Halo games, but since you are no longer a Spartan nor Elite, you will have to choose your battles carefully. Bungie recently stated that the expansion is set to be released in the end of 2009.
===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>


==Reviews and Reaction==
===Cover art===
{{Halo 3 Receptions}}
<gallery>
''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.
File:Halo3-GameCover.jpg|The cover art for ''Halo 3''.
File:H3 Full Cover Art No Logos.jpg|The full cover art.
</gallery>


''Halo 3'' has won a number of awards from its first release date:
===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>


*'''''Spike TV Awards''''': Best [[Multiplayer]] Game, Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew
=== Screenshots ===
*'''''TIME''''': Game of the Year. <ref> http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/top10/article/0,30583,1686204_1686305_1692236,00.html </ref>
<gallery>
*'''''Geezer Gamers''''': Geezer Game of the Year, Multiplayer Game of the Year.
File:H3 MasterChiefhighres.jpg|Early image of John-117.
*'''''Gametrailers''''': 2007's Best Xbox 360 Game of the Year.
File:Val ext3.jpg|The map Valhalla.
*'''''X-Play Presents "G-Phoria"''''': Game of the Year.
</gallery>
*'''''EDGE''''': The Edge Award For Interactive Innovation


{{sectstub}}
=== Manual cover art candidates ===
{{clear}}
<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>


==Trivia==
===Promotional material===
[[Image:H3limitedmanual.jpg|thumb|The Manual that comes with the ''Halo 3'' Limited Edition. This manual's cover is different from the regular version.]]
<gallery>
*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>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=CGHV33KGD2R9D3W9V4QY7MF9Q</ref> In comparison, ''[[Halo 2]]'' has to date only had 798 million games played.
File:Pontiac H3.jpg|The ''Halo 3''-themed Pontiac.
*For Christmas 2006, Microsoft and [[Bungie]] gave the U.S. soldiers in Iraq a chance to play the ''Halo 3'' multi-player public pre-alpha. <ref>[http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/12501/US-Soldiers-Get-to-Play-Halo-3-Beta-Footage-Leaked/]</ref>
File:Pontiac H3 2.jpg|The interior of the Pontiac.
*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.
File:H3 Promotional Chief image.jpg|Image of [[John-117]] used in several Halo 3 promotional works.
*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 Dialogue Statistics, from the source] - HBO, November 12, 2007</ref>
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]].
*The original ''Halo 3'' (before the Auto-Update 2 patch) contained 49 [[Achievements]], which is a seven reference [[7]]x7=49, and these together are worth 1000 [[Gamerscore]] points.
File:H3 EGMCoverAlt.jpg|A recolored version of the previous artwork.
*To date, the Campaign kill count online has surpassed the current Human population on [[Earth]].
File:H3 Teaser Rd8 01HR.jpg|Title promotional poster.
*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.
File:H3 Promotional Poster.jpg|Promotional poster.
*''Halo 3'' multi-player was shown at the Penny Arcade Expo as the final round of the Omegathon and showed the level [[Guardian (Level)|Guardian]] before its release date.
File:H3 Promotional Poster Horizontal.jpg|Expanded version of the promotional poster.
*''Halo 3'' game play footage can be seen in an episode of [[wikipedia:Sarah Connor Chronicles|The Sarah Connor Chronicles]] as well as in the feature film Jumper, Knight Rider, and CSI: Miami, although in Jumper and CSI, an original X-Box controller is used. Also, ''Halo 3'' game play is featured in the music video for the song Beggin' by Madcon. In addition, in the new movie Eagle Eye, the two main characters venture into a Circuit City, where they receive shocking news. In the background before they enter a room, you can see a ''Halo 3'' promotional poster behind them.
File:H3 ChiefPromo1.jpg|Promotional sketch of John-117.
*''Halo 3'' was released on the 25th of September, this is most likely a [[seven]] reference (2+5=7).
File:H3 ChiefPromo2.jpg|Another promotional sketch.
*[[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 a object editor, allowing the player to customize many aspects of the game from scenery to weapons.
File:H3 ChiefPromo3.jpg|Another promotional sketch.
*Before and during the launch of ''Halo 3'', 7-11 sold 3 different ''Halo 3'' cups to advertise the game.
File:H3 Concept GameProSketch1.jpg|Concept sketch of the ''Halo 3'' ''[[Wikipedia:GamePro|GamePro]]'' magazine cover.
*Mountain Dew came out with a new drink called '[[Mountain Dew Game Fuel|Game Fuel]]' for the ''Halo 3'' launch.
File:H3 Concept GameProSketch2.jpg|Another concept sketch of the ''GamePro'' cover.
*As of 1st 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>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=CGHV33KGD2R9D3W9V4QY7MF9Q</ref>
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>


==Sources==
==Notes ==
<references/>
{{Ref/Notes}}
== Sources ==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}


==Links==
==See also==
===Internal===
*[[Halo 3 credits|Halo 3 Credits]]
*[[Changes in Halo 3]]
*[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]
*[[Halo 3 Credits]]
*[[ViDoc: Et Tu Brute]] - a [[7]] min documentary about the Brutes
*[[ViDoc: Is Quisnam Protero Damno]]
*[[ViDoc: Cinema Paradiso]]
*[[Halo 3 Beta]]
*[[Halo 3 Epsilon]]
*[[Halo 3 Zune]] - A limited edition Microsoft Zune.
*[[Halo 3: The Cradle of Life]]
*[[Halo 3 Official Strategy Guide]]


===External===
== External links ==
*[http://halo3.com Halo 3 Website] - The Official ''Halo 3'' Website
*[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/default.aspx ''Official project page on '''Bungie.net''']
*[http://www.addictgaming.com/videos/Halo_3/Halo_3_Trail/ Halo 3 Trail Commercial]
*[http://halowiki.net halowiki.net] - ''Halo 3'' Multiplayer Strategy


{{Halo Games}}
{{Navbox/Media/Games}}
[[fr:Halo de 3]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:3, Halo}}
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Halo 3| ]]
[[Category:The Real World]]
[[Category:Canon]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Bungie games]]

Latest revision as of 05:59, September 24, 2024

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Halo 3
Halo3coverart.JPG

Developer(s):

Bungie LLC.

Publisher(s):

Microsoft Game Studios

Writer(s):

Joseph Staten

Composer(s):

Martin O'Donnell
Michael Salvatori

Engine:

Blam engine

Platform(s):

Xbox 360
Xbox One
PC

Release date(s):

September 25, 2007 (United States)
September 26, 2007 (United Kingdom)
September 27, 2007 (Japan)
November 14, 2014 (Halo: The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One)
July 13, 2020 (Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC)

Genre(s):

First-person shooter

Mode(s):

Campaign Mode, Co-Op, Multiplayer, Forge, Theater

Rating(s):

ESRB: Mature (M) for Blood and Gore, Mild Language, and Violence
CERO: (D) Ages 17 and up
PEGI: 16+ (Europe only)
BBFC: 15 (UK only)
USK: 18 (Germany only)
ACB: Mature (M) for Moderate Science Fiction Violence

 

"Finish the fight."
— Halo 3 tagline.

Halo 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie Studios and published by Microsoft. It is a sequel to Halo 2 and concludes the original Halo trilogy. Halo 3 was released on 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 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 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 July 14, 2020, the game was released on July 13 for PC platforms.[1][2][Note 1]

Synopsis[edit]

Characters and setting[edit]

Halo 3 spans over three different settings, starting with the East African Protectorate on Earth, then to the Forerunners' Ark installation, and finally on Halo Installation 08. The game continues the Master Chief's efforts in stopping the Covenant from activating the Halo rings. The Covenant has become embroiled in a civil war, with the Elites allied with humanity against the main body of the hegemony, now led solely by the Prophet of Truth. Meanwhile, the 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[edit]

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Promotional image for Halo 3 featuring John-117 with an MA5C assault rifle and Thel 'Vadam with a Vostu-pattern carbine on the campaign level Sierra 117.
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 November 17th, 2552. John-117 enters Earth's atmosphere and crash-lands in an east African jungle. After being retrieved by Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, and a handful of 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 Brute-led Covenant troops in the process, but upon reaching the extraction zone, Avery Johnson's Pelican group consisting of two Pelicans, are ambushed and shot down by Banshees. Johnson and his men are then captured and taken prisoner by a number of Brutes led by a 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.

UNSC underground facility "Crow's Nest".

The Pelican brings them to Crow's Nest which is used as a local base of operations by the 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 Forerunners 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 pods 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 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.

Just as John-117 and Thel 'Vadam reach the top, two Flood tank forms 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 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.

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 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 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'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 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 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 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 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 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 Forerunner world.

Spoilers end here.

Gameplay[edit]

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 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 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 deployable equipment as well as giving players the ability to use turret weapons. Equipment is a collection of tools accessible to players to assist them in their objectives. This ranges from a spherical shield that protects players temporarily, a device that drains power from electrical appliances to 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.

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Campaign[edit]

The campaign in Halo 3 consists of ten levels which tell the story of the final days of humanity and the Sangheili's conflict with the Prophet of Truth's Covenant forces.

  1. Arrival - "Brace for impact." (cutscene, tutorial on single player)
  2. Sierra 117 - "Rise up. Start the fight."
  3. Crow's Nest - "Clear the base, whatever it takes."
  4. Tsavo Highway - "Mount up. Get to Voi."
  5. The Storm - "Reclaim the city. Make a hole."
  6. Floodgate - "Stop the infestation. Find Cortana."
  7. The Ark - "Search the waste for the Cartographer."
  8. The Covenant - "Breach the barrier. Stop Truth."
  9. Cortana - "Cleanse High Charity. Save Cortana."
  10. Halo - "Light the ring. Destroy the Flood."

Multiplayer[edit]

A total of 24 multiplayer maps are available in Halo 3. As of 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[edit]

Heroic Map Pack[edit]

Main article: Heroic Map Pack

Legendary Map Pack[edit]

Main article: Legendary Map Pack

Cold Storage[edit]

Main article: 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.

Mythic Map Pack[edit]

Main article: Mythic Map Pack

Mythic Map Pack II[edit]

Main article: Mythic II Map Pack

Halo: The Master Chief Collection-exclusive[edit]

Appearance[edit]

Service tags[edit]

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: "I17", "N64", "P52", "A55", "P00", "J00", "F49", "A23", and "T17". "O00" is blocked due to its usage in Temporary Profiles. 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, O07, M16 , I69, P26, S80, N99, F18, H20, I87, and D13.[citation needed]

Armor permutations[edit]

Main article: Armor customization (Halo 3)

There are two player models which players can choose from, the standard SPARTAN model or an Elite model. Each model has several armor permutations which can be combined. All armor permutations do not have any effects on gameplay.

v • d • e
 
List of armor permutations in Halo 3
Bungie Armor • CQB • EOD • EVA • HAYABUSA • Mark V • Mark VI • ODST • Recon • Rogue • Scout • Security • Katana
MCC-exclusive Spartan armor
Air Assault • Aviator • COS • Compass • Deadeye • Demo • Hammerhead • Hivemind • Infiltrator • Lancer • Mirage • Navigator • Nomdagro • ODST (COMM • DEMO • HVY • TAC) • Pioneer • Rhine • Soldier • Suture • Tanker • Warrior
MCC-exclusive Elite armor
Fractures Spartan armor

Emblems[edit]

Main article: Multiplayer Emblems

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.

Colors[edit]

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
  • 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[edit]

Original Halo 3[edit]

For subjects that appear in the terminals, see here.

Characters

Human

Sangheili

San'Shyuum

Jiralhanae

Unggoy

Flood

Artificial intelligence

Species and entities

Organizations

Locations

Events

Weapons

UNSC

Usable
Unusable

Covenant

Usable
Unusable

Forerunner

Usable

Vehicles

UNSC

Usable
Unusable

Covenant

Usable
Unusable

Forerunner

Unusable

Technology and equipment

Equipment
Power-ups
Armor
Other

Miscellaneous


Halo: The Master Chief Collection only[edit]

Main article: 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.

Species and entities

Organizations

Locations

Weapons

Technology and equipment

Miscellaneous




Development[edit]

Design[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Engine[edit]

Main article: Halo 3 Engine

The unnamed Halo 3 Engine[3] is the game engine developed for and implemented in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST. Its unique features include advanced graphics technologies such as high dynamic range, global lighting, and depth of field effects within cutscenes.[4]

Audio[edit]

Halo 3 utilises Waves audio plugin which allows audio to be processed in real time as the game engine generates the audio calls.[5]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Matchmaking[edit]

Main article: Matchmaking

Matchmaking is where people can play with and against each other through a specially designed search system and multiple playlists. In matchmaking, EXP and Skill can be earned to raise ranks. Also, on some maps like "Guardian" and "Narrows", various equipment such as the Flare and Radar Jammer have been removed due to balance changes.

Playlists[edit]

Main article: 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[edit]

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[edit]

Main article: Rank

The ranking system is based on real military ranks. To progress in rank, players must earn the required amount of EXP. For 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 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 Trueskill system created by Microsoft to determine skill level in ranked playlists.

Modes[edit]

Custom games[edit]

Main article: Custom game

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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

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.

Options that can be changed:

  • Damage resistance
  • 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[edit]

Main article: 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 and 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[edit]

Main article: 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[edit]

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.

Clips[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

Main article: 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[edit]

Viral Campaigns[edit]

Beta and Epsilon[edit]

Main articles: 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.

Iris[edit]

Main article: 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. 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[edit]

Main article: Believe

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[edit]

Announcement trailer[edit]

Main article: 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 structure. The trailer ends with the structure opening and firing a beam of light.

Starry Night[edit]

Main article: 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 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 Wraith's plasma mortar. He then quickly charges forward, eventually jumping over a cliff into a swarm of 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?[edit]

Main article: 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![edit]

Main article: 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[edit]

Main article: 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[edit]

Main article: 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 Master Chief will fight alongside one another in the game.

Halo: Landfall[edit]

Main article: 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 ODSTs on a mission to coordinate Master Chief's rescue.

Merchandise and Promotions[edit]

Features Standard Collector's (Limited) Legendary
Image of contents Halo 3 Standard.JPG Halo 3 Limited.JPG Halo 3 Legendary.JPG
Game disc & manual Yes Yes Yes
Interactive Xbox 360 disc No Yes Yes
Bestiarum No Yes (Book) Yes (DVD)
Legendary DVD No No Yes
Master Chief helmet case No No Yes

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 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. 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 Pontiac G6 GXP Street Edition, outfitted with a Halo 3 styled paint job. It was part of a sweepstakes hosted by Best Buy, called the Best Buy Play & Win Sweepstakes.[6]

There was also a song called Face It commissioned by Microsoft in Australia, performed by Australian rapper Phrase and the Australian band Karnivool.[7]

Release and reception[edit]

Internet sites
Reviewer Score
Gamepro 5/5
TeamXbox 9.3/10
IGN 9.5/10
GameInformer 9.75
1up A+
Gametrailers 9.8/10
Famitsu 37/40
X-play 5/5
ComputerVideogames 9.6/10
GameSpot 9.5/10
Country magazines
Official Xbox Magazine (UK) 9/10
Official Xbox Magazine (IT) 9.8/10
Official Xbox Magazine (US) 10/10
Official Xbox Magazine (Australia) 10/10
Compilation websites
Metacritic 94%
Game Rankings 93%

Halo 3 was called the most sought-after video game of 2007,[8][9] and one of the most hyped video games of all time.[10][11][12] Prior to its launch, Halo 3 was expected to be one of the biggest entertainment events of the year,[13] and among the biggest entertainment releases of all time.[14][15][16][17] Additionally, Halo 3 was expected to stir the sales of the Xbox 360 console[18][19] - being a "killer application".[20][21] The craziness of the Halo 3 launch was compared to the madness of the iPhone, Harry Potter books and Star Wars movies releases.[10]

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:

  • Spike TV Awards: Best Multiplayer Game, Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew.
  • TIME: Game of the Year.[22]
  • Geezer Gamers: Geezer Game of the Year, Multiplayer Game of the Year.
  • Gametrailers: 2007's Best Xbox 360 Game of the Year, Best Multiplayer of the Year, Best First Person Shooter
  • X-Play Presents "G-Phoria": Game of the Year.
  • EDGE: The Edge Award For Interactive Innovation.
  • IGN: Xbox 360 Best Online Multiplayer, Xbox 360 Most Innovative Design.

Halo 3: ODST[edit]

Main article: Halo 3: ODST

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[edit]

  • 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.[23] 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.[24]
  • 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.[25]
  • The original Halo 3 before the Auto-Update 2 patch contained 49 Achievements, which is a seven reference 7x7=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 before its release date.
  • Halo 3 has been referenced in various examples of outside media. Footage of Halo 3 can be seen in an episode of The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Glee as well as in the feature film Jumper, Bride Wars, Knight Rider, and 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 'Beggin' by Madcon and 'Riverside' by Sidney Samson. In addition, in the movie 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 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.[23]
  • Players who played this game with their current LIVE account will unlock the Halo 3 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.[26]

Gallery[edit]

Logos[edit]

  • The full Halo 3 logo.

    The full Halo 3 logo.

  • The abbreviated version of the Halo 3 logo.

    The abbreviated version of the Halo 3 logo.

Cover art[edit]

  • The cover art for Halo 3.

    The cover art for Halo 3.

  • The full cover art.

    The full cover art.

Concept art[edit]

  • Concept art of John-117 leading a group of ODSTs.

    Concept art of John-117 leading a group of ODSTs.

  • Concept art of John-117 standing behind Cortana.

    Concept art of John-117 standing behind Cortana.

  • Concept art of John-117 with Pelican flying overhead.

    Concept art of John-117 with Pelican flying overhead.

  • Concept art of UNSC personnel in a town.

    Concept art of UNSC personnel in a town.

  • Concept art of John-117 amidst the ruins of the Mombasa Tether.

    Concept art of John-117 amidst the ruins of the Mombasa Tether.

  • Concept art of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and John-117.

    Concept art of Arbiter Thel 'Vadam and John-117.

  • Concept art of John-117 with an M41B SPNKr.

    Concept art of John-117 with an M41B SPNKr.

Screenshots[edit]

  • Early image of John-117.

    Early image of John-117.

  • The map Valhalla.

    The map Valhalla.

Manual cover art candidates[edit]

  • Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 in a group of Marines.

    Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 in a group of Marines.

  • Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 standing in front of a Pelican.

    Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 standing in front of a Pelican.

  • Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 and Cortana.

    Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 and Cortana.

  • Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 and the Arbiter fighting together.

    Proposed cover art for the Halo 3 manual featuring John-117 and the Arbiter fighting together.

Promotional material[edit]

  • The Halo 3-themed Pontiac.

    The Halo 3-themed Pontiac.

  • The interior of the Pontiac.

    The interior of the Pontiac.

  • Image of John-117 used in several Halo 3 promotional works.

    Image of John-117 used in several Halo 3 promotional works.

  • Artwork of three Spartan-IIs featured on the cover of Electronic Gaming Monthly.

    Artwork of three Spartan-IIs featured on the cover of Electronic Gaming Monthly.

  • A recolored version of the previous artwork.

    A recolored version of the previous artwork.

  • Title promotional poster.

    Title promotional poster.

  • Promotional poster.

    Promotional poster.

  • Expanded version of the promotional poster.

    Expanded version of the promotional poster.

  • Promotional sketch of John-117.

    Promotional sketch of John-117.

  • Another promotional sketch.

    Another promotional sketch.

  • Another promotional sketch.

    Another promotional sketch.

  • Concept sketch of the Halo 3 GamePro magazine cover.

    Concept sketch of the Halo 3 GamePro magazine cover.

  • Another concept sketch of the GamePro cover.

    Another concept sketch of the GamePro cover.

  • Finalized artwork for the GamePro magazine cover.

    Finalized artwork for the GamePro magazine cover.

  • Concept of a Halo 3-themed cover for the Official Xbox Magazine.

    Concept of a Halo 3-themed cover for the Official Xbox Magazine.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ This article uses the Pacific Time Zone to determine the release date.

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Finish The Fight
  2. ^ Twitter'
  3. ^ E3 2006: Halo 3 Trailer Impressions
  4. ^ 1 Up: Bungie Says Halo 3 Graphics are Coming Together
  5. ^ Bungie.net: Waves Audio Plug-ins in Halo 3
  6. ^ Bungie.net: Best Buy’s Golden Gift to Halo Players
  7. ^ Youtube - Face it
  8. ^ Vita.mn: Video games: Halo effect
  9. ^ Team Xbox by IGN: Master Chief Immortalized in Wax at Madame Tussauds
  10. ^ a b Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Halo 3 gamers brave midnight openings
  11. ^ Totally IGN: Halo 3
  12. ^ Beaumont Enterprise: Halo's new heights keep gamers up at night
  13. '^ Dayton Daily News: Halo 3' drops the hammer
  14. ^ Microsoft News Center: “Halo 3” to Make Entertainment History on Sept. 25
  15. ^ GameStop: Hollywood and GameStop Roll out the Red Carpet for Halo 3 Launch
  16. ^ IOL Techonology: Halo 3 vying with movie blockbusters
  17. ^ Daily Star: Simply The Best 7 Days A Week: Game On: Halo 3
  18. ^ CNET News: Why 'Halo 3' will decide the Xbox 360's fate
  19. ^ IOL Technology: Microsoft's 'Halo 3' launches amid spectacle
  20. ^ The Columbus Dispatch: All hail Halo 3
  21. ^ SignOnSanDiego: Microsoft pins Xbox 360 hopes on 'Halo 3' sales
  22. ^ TIME: Top 10 Everything of 2007
  23. ^ a b Bungie.net: One BILLION Served
  24. ^ Team Xbox: U.S. Soldiers Get to Play Halo 3 Beta, Footage Leaked
  25. ^ Halo.Bungie.org: Halo Dialogue Statistics, from the source
  26. ^ YouTube - HALO, Halo Lore Stream: The Halo Array (Retrieved on Apr 6, 2018)

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

v • d • e
 
List of games in the Halo franchise
Original trilogy
Sequel FPS games
Standalone FPS games
Strategy games
Twin-stick shooter games
Virtual reality games
Arcade games
Game compilations
Mobile games
Tabletop games
Board games
Cancelled projects
Rejected pitches and internal prototypes
*Asterisks indicate upcoming releases
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