Are the bonus missions worth tackling first in Halo: Campaign Evolved?

One of the standout features in Halo: Campaign Evolved is the addition of three new bonus missions that take place two years prior to the events of the original Halo campaign. This mini-adventure, featuring Master Chief and Avery Johnson, is distinct from the main storyline, allowing you to tackle it before, after, or even during the main campaign if you’re feeling adventurous.

The remake also introduces new terminals and 32 extra skulls—collectible modifiers scattered throughout each mission, including the bonus ones, that let you customize your gameplay experience.

After completing both the main story and the bonus missions, I suggest you hold off on the bonus content until after finishing Halo: Campaign Evolved’s main narrative. You might wonder why, given that these missions are set before the original Halo, but they don’t tie in closely with the main game, functioning more as a standalone experience.

A key reason for this recommendation is that the bonus missions offer a more sandbox-like experience with weapons, providing access to nearly every gun in a short span. In contrast, the main campaign gradually introduces weapons, allowing you to savor each remade firearm or new addition one at a time, rather than overwhelming you with options all at once.

Since the weapons you encounter are integral to the original game, I found myself wishing I had played the campaign first. However, the bonus missions do include the Grunt Birthday Party skull, so if you’re eager to experience the game with that modifier active, you might want to dive into the bonus missions first to snag it.