Halo: Campaign Evolved - To Play Bonus Missions First or Not?

Halo: Campaign Evolved introduces a series of additional missions that delve into events preceding the original Halo storyline, featuring Master Chief and Avery Johnson. These missions are distinct from the primary narrative, offering players flexibility in their approach: they can be tackled before, during, or after the main campaign. This new content also brings an array of terminals and 32 extra collectible skulls, which allow players to modify their gameplay experience and are scattered across all missions, including these new bonus chapters.

After experiencing both the primary and bonus content, the recommendation leans towards playing the bonus missions after completing the main narrative of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Although these missions are chronologically set before the main story, their thematic connection to the original game is somewhat limited, functioning more as a standalone adventure. The primary reason for this suggestion lies in the weapon distribution within the game. The bonus missions quickly make a wide array of weaponry available, potentially diminishing the carefully paced introduction of weapons in the original campaign. The main story gradually introduces new firearms and equipment, allowing players to fully appreciate each new or remastered weapon. Experiencing all weapons at once, as offered in the bonus missions, can detract from this gradual discovery and enjoyment.

However, an exception arises for players keen on immediately utilizing certain gameplay modifiers. The bonus missions notably house the "Grunt Birthday Party skull," a sought-after collectible. For those who wish to activate this particular skull from the outset of their playthrough, engaging with the bonus missions first becomes a strategic choice. This trade-off involves sacrificing the intended weapon progression for early access to a unique gameplay alteration.

Ultimately, the decision of when to engage with the bonus missions rests on player preference. For a richer, more traditional Halo experience that respects the original game's design principles, a post-campaign approach to the bonus content is advisable. Yet, for players prioritizing immediate access to specific gameplay modifiers, a preliminary dive into these prequel missions could be beneficial.