View source for Halo 3

{{Short description|2007 video game}}
{{About|the video game|the Nine Inch Nails song that uses this pseudonym|Head Like a Hole}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title     = Halo 3
| image     = Halo 3 final boxshot.JPG
| developer = [[Bungie]]
| publisher = [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
| writer    = [[Joseph Staten]]
| composer  = {{ubl|[[Martin O'Donnell]]|[[Michael Salvatori]]}}
| series    = ''[[Halo (franchise)|Halo]]''
| platforms = [[Xbox 360]]
| released  = {{Video game release|AU/NA|September 25, 2007|EU|September 26, 2007}}
| genre     = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes     = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Halo 3''''' is a 2007 [[first-person shooter]] video game developed by [[Bungie]] for the [[Xbox 360]] console. The third installment in the [[Halo (franchise)|''Halo'' franchise]] following ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' (2001) and ''[[Halo 2]]'' (2004), the game's story centers on the interstellar war between 26th-century humanity, a collection of alien races known as the [[Covenant (Halo)|Covenant]], and the alien parasite known as the [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]]. The player assumes the role of the [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]], a cybernetically enhanced supersoldier, as he battles the Covenant and the Flood. In cooperative play, other human players assume the role of allied alien soldiers. The game features vehicles, weapons, and gameplay elements familiar and new to the series, as well as the addition of saved gameplay films, file sharing, and the [[Forge (level editor)|Forge]] map editor—a utility which allows the player to perform modifications to multiplayer levels.

''Halo 2'' had originally been intended to wrap up the story begun with ''Combat Evolved'', but development difficulties led to a cliffhanger ending. Bungie began developing ''Halo 3'' shortly after ''Halo 2'' shipped. The game was officially announced at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2006, and its release was preceded by a multiplayer beta open to select players who purchased the Xbox 360 game ''[[Crackdown (video game)|Crackdown]]''. Microsoft spent $40{{nbsp}}million on [[Marketing of Halo 3|marketing the game]], in an effort to sell more game consoles and broaden the appeal of the game beyond the established ''Halo'' fanbase. Marketing included cross-promotions and an [[alternate reality game]]. 

''Halo 3'' was released on September 25 and grossed US$170{{nbsp}}million on its first day of release, rising to $300{{nbsp}}million in its first week. The game sold in excess of 14.5&nbsp;million copies and was the [[2007 in video gaming#United States|best-selling video game of 2007 in the United States.]] More than one million people played ''Halo 3'' on [[Xbox Live]] in the first twenty hours. Overall, the game was well received by critics, with the Forge and [[multiplayer]] offerings singled out as strong features; however, some reviewers criticized single-player aspects, especially the plot and campaign layout. ''Halo 3'' is frequently listed [[List of video games considered the best|as one of the greatest video games of all time]]. A sequel, ''[[Halo 4]]'', released in November 2012, was developed by [[343 Industries]]. ''Halo 3'' was re-released as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' for the [[Xbox One]] in November 2014 and for [[Windows]] on July 14, 2020.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Halo3-gameplay.png|thumb|left|[[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]] aims his assault rifle at a group of Covenant Grunts. A piece of activated equipment, called the bubble shield, is shown.]]
''Halo 3'' is a [[shooter game]] where players primarily experience gameplay from a first-person perspective. Much of the gameplay takes place on foot, but also includes segments focused on [[vehicle|vehicular]] combat. Combat focuses on the use of weapons, grenades, and melee attacks, which are available to a player in most situations. Players may [[dual wield|dual-wield]] some weapons for additional firepower, forgoing the use of grenades and melee attacks. Unlike previous installments, the player's secondary weapon is visible on their player model, holstered or slung across the player's back.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 2006 |title=Cover Story: Halo 3 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |volume=1 |issue=210 |pages=86–103}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' introduces support weapons, cumbersome two-handed weapons that slow the player when carried, but offer greatly increased firepower in return.<ref name="ignburning">{{cite web |url = https://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/08/10/halo-3-burn-baby-burn |title = Burn, Baby! Burn! |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = Goldstein, Hilary |date = August 10, 2007 |website = IGN |pages = 1–2 |archive-date = November 27, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141127104500/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/08/10/halo-3-burn-baby-burn |url-status = live }}</ref>

In addition to weapons, ''Halo 3'' contains a new class of gear called equipment;<ref name="ign review"/> these items have various effects, ranging from defensive screens to shield regeneration and flares. Only one piece of equipment can be carried at a time.<ref name="edge179" /> The game's vehicular component has been expanded with new drivable and [[Game artificial intelligence|AI]]-only vehicles.<ref name="gamespot-review"/><ref name="Bungie-podcast082707">{{cite web |url = http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/8/5/d85ce76f-0cb2-41df-aaae-a8c96790332b/Bungie_Podcast_082807.mp3 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111106122952/http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/8/5/d85ce76f-0cb2-41df-aaae-a8c96790332b/Bungie_Podcast_082807.mp3 |archive-date = November 6, 2011 |title = Bungie Podcast |access-date = August 24, 2011 |publisher = Bungie |format=[[MP3]] |date = August 28, 2007}}</ref>

''Halo 3'' contains non-gameplay additions, such as Forge, a map-editing tool. Forge enables players to insert and remove game objects, such as weapons, crates, and vehicles into existing multiplayer maps.<ref name="Bungie-podcast082707" /> Almost all weapons, vehicles, and interactive objects can be placed and moved on maps with Forge.<ref name="BWU-07-08-03">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12685 |title = Bungie Weekly Update: 08/03/07 |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = O'Connor, Frank |date = August 3, 2007 |publisher = Bungie |archive-date = December 24, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131224213233/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12685 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Players can enter Forge games and edit and manipulate objects in real time. A budget limits the number of objects that can be placed.<ref name="manual"/> Players may also save up to 100 films of gameplay to their Xbox 360's hard drive,<ref name="100 gamesaves">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12661 |title = Bungie Weekly Update: 7/13/07 |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = Smith, Luke |date = July 13, 2007 |publisher = Bungie |archive-date = December 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225120759/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12661 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="h3betaSavedFilms">{{cite web |url = http://www.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaSavedFilms |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110916081900/http://www.bungie.net/content.aspx?link=h3betaSavedFilms |archive-date = September 16, 2011 |title = Saved Films and File Share |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = O'Connor, Frank |date = May 15, 2007 |publisher = Bungie}}</ref> viewing the action from any angle and at different speeds.<ref name="handson">{{cite web |url = http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/20070511-mulitplayerbeta.htm |title = Hands-On: Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = Atkin, Denny |date = May 11, 2007 |work = Xbox.com |publisher= [[Microsoft]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070514061557/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/20070511-mulitplayerbeta.htm |archive-date = May 14, 2007}}</ref> ''Halo 3'' offers a form of file sharing, where items such as saved films, screenshots, and custom variants can all be uploaded to Bungie's official website. Anyone can browse user created content that has been uploaded to Bungie's website and tag it to automatically download to their console next time they sign into Xbox Live on ''Halo 3''.<ref name="edge179">{{cite magazine |magazine = [[Edge (magazine)|Edge (UK)]] |title = Finish the Fight |date=September 2007 |volume=1 |issue = 179 |pages = 66–77 |issn = 1350-1593}}</ref><ref name="BWU-07-08-17">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12718 |title = Bungie Weekly Update: 8/17/07 |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = Smith, Luke |date = August 17, 2007 |publisher = Bungie |archive-date = December 25, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131225094141/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12718 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

{{clear}}

=== Modes ===
''Halo 3''{{'}}s story or campaign mode can be played alone or [[Cooperative video game|cooperatively]] with up to three other players via [[Xbox Live]] or [[System Link]]. Instead of each player being an identical character in cooperative play, as in previous ''Halo'' games, the first player plays as [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]], the second player as the [[Arbiter (Halo)|Arbiter]], and the final two players controlling the Covenant Elites N'tho 'Sraom and Usze 'Taham. Each player has identical abilities, although their starting weapons vary.<ref name="soundofsack">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack |title = The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3 |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = Smith, Luke |date = July 31, 2007 |website = Bungie.net |archive-date = October 23, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131023130636/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack |url-status = dead }}</ref> Hidden skulls found on each level cause changes to the gameplay when enabled, such as giving the enemies extra health, changing in-game dialogue, or modifying AI behavior.<ref name="skulls">{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12828|title=Get the Most Out of Skulls|publisher=Bungie|date=October 3, 2007|access-date=August 24, 2011|archive-date=October 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151846/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12828|url-status=dead}}</ref> These skulls, as well as the difficulty level and the speed at which the level is completed, provide multipliers to the total score.<ref name="edge179" /> Players are awarded [[gamerscore]] points for unlocking [[Achievement (video gaming)|Achievements]] by reaching a certain score in each level.<ref name="scoring">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=h3campaign |title = Halo 3 How-to: Campaign Scoring 101 |author = Sketch |date = September 25, 2007 |access-date = August 24, 2011 |archive-date = January 21, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130121175253/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=h3campaign |url-status = dead }}</ref>

[[Local area network]] or Xbox Live supports up to sixteen players in multiplayer matches, with game modes including variations of [[deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]] and [[Capture the flag (video games)|Capture the Flag]]. Players must actively seek out other players through their Xbox Live Friends list, using the party invite system, or the LAN search feature to play multiplayer matches with their own custom rules and customized maps. If they are connected to Xbox Live however, a player can choose to have the game decide for them the exact rules and map to play on, as well as finding additional people to play against or with, using the "Matchmaking" system (the automated grouping of players of similar skill). A player will decide from a selection of developer designed "playlists" which each contain a certain way to experience the game.<ref name="MMplaylists">{{cite web | url = http://www.bungie.net/online/playlists.aspx?mode=1 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110701142633/http://www.bungie.net/online/playlists.aspx?mode=1 | archive-date = July 1, 2011 | title = Matchmaking Playlists | access-date = August 25, 2011 | last = Armstrong | first = Chad "Shishka" | publisher = Bungie}}</ref>

Like other multiplayer Xbox 360 titles, ''Halo 3'' uses a customized version of [[TrueSkill]] ranking system for its matchmaking on a per-playlist basis. A linear measure of a player's experience with the matchmade portion of the game and each particular playlist is also tracked (denoted as [[Experience point|EXP]]).<ref name="1up-3155479">{{cite web |url = http://www.1up.com/previews/halo-3_16 |title = The Five Best Things About Halo 3 |access-date = April 28, 2007 |author = Smith, Luke |date = November 24, 2006 |website = [[1UP.com|1UP]] |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110523164933/http://www.1up.com/previews/halo-3_16 |archive-date = May 23, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}</ref> To help players have an enjoyable time online, several peace-of-mind features are implemented within easy reach, such as avoid/feedback options on a player's service record, as well as voice chat mute straight from the in-game scoreboard.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/halo-3-gets-shutup-button-6165796 |title=Halo 3 gets shutup button |author=Surette, Tim |date=February 12, 2007 |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010082257/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/halo-3-gets-shutup-button-6165796 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 }}</ref> Like ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'' supports downloadable content and updates.<ref>{{cite web |author=Smith, Luke |date=October 9, 2007 |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12844 |title=Halo 3: Matchmaking Playlist Update 1 |publisher=Bungie |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151721/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12844 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The online services for the original Xbox 360 version of the game went offline in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/as-halo-3-xbox-360-servers-are-turned-off-forever-fans-share-tributes-to-bungies-classic/1100-6499618/ |title=As Halo 3's Xbox 360 Servers Are Turned Off Forever, Fans Share Tributes To Bungie's Classic |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=January 13, 2022 |website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=January 14, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113172323/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/as-halo-3-xbox-360-servers-are-turned-off-forever-fans-share-tributes-to-bungies-classic/1100-6499618/ |archive-date=January 13, 2022 }}</ref>

== Synopsis ==

=== Setting and characters ===
{{See also|Factions of Halo|List of Halo characters}}
''Halo 3'' is set in a science fiction setting during the years 2552 and 2553. Humanity is at war with a genocidal alliance of alien races known as the [[Factions of Halo#Covenant|Covenant]]. After years of conflict, a Covenant fleet discovers Earth during ''[[Halo 2]]''.<ref name="manual">{{cite book | year=2007 | editor=Bungie| title=Halo 3 Instruction Manual | publisher=[[Microsoft Game Studios]]}}</ref> "Halos" are massive ringworlds, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of kilometers in diameter, scattered across the galaxy. These rings were constructed thousands of years ago by a race known as the [[Forerunner (Halo)|Forerunners]] as weapons of last resort against the parasitic alien species known as the [[Flood (Halo)|Flood]]. When activated, the Halos would destroy all [[sentience|sentient]] life in the galaxy, depriving the Flood of its food. The Forerunners disappeared after they activated the rings. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', whilst fleeing the Covenant, the UNSC ship ''Pillar of Autumn'' stumbled upon one of these Halos, Installation 04. Against the wishes of the ring's artificial intelligence (AI) caretaker, [[343 Guilty Spark]], the human supersoldier [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]] destroyed the ring to stop the threat from Halo and the Flood. The Covenant, unaware of the destructive nature of the rings, attempt to fire another ring, Installation 05, during ''Halo 2'' to fulfill their religious prophecy. One race in the Covenant, the Elites, learn the truth about the rings, and join forces with humanity to stop the installation's firing. Though they are successful, the unexpected shutdown triggers a fail-safe protocol, priming all the rings for firing from one location, referred to as the Ark. Still oblivious to the true nature of the rings, the Covenant High Prophet of Truth and the remaining loyalist Covenant proceed to head to Earth, where they believe the Ark is buried.

''Halo 3''{{'}}s protagonist is Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, an enhanced supersoldier known as a "[[Spartan-II|Spartan]]". Master Chief fights alongside the Arbiter, a disgraced Covenant Elite commander. Two other Elite characters, N'tho 'Sraom and Usze 'Taham, appear as the third and fourth players in cooperative play.<ref name="soundofsack" /> Supporting characters from previous games return, including human soldiers [[Avery J. Johnson|Avery Johnson]] and [[Miranda Keyes]].<ref name="manual" /> Also playing a role in the story is the Flood leader known as the "[[Gravemind]]". In ''Halo 2'', the Gravemind escapes from confinement, invades the Covenant mobile capital city of ''High Charity'', and captures the human AI [[Cortana (Halo)|Cortana]].<ref name="manual" />

=== Plot ===
After the events of the comic tie-in ''[[Halo: Uprising]]'',<ref name="H_uprising">{{cite web |url= http://www.halo3.com/html/Halo_Uprising.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070616141911/http://halo3.com/html/Halo_Uprising.html |archive-date = June 16, 2007 |title = Halo: Uprising On Halo3.com|author = Bungie|date = June 14, 2007|publisher=Microsoft Game Studios|quote = ...{{nbsp}}the miniseries will bridge the gap between ''Halo 2'' and the upcoming release of the highly-anticipated ''Halo 3'' video game{{nbsp}}...|access-date = August 24, 2011 }}</ref> the Master Chief arrives on Earth in east Africa, where he is found by [[Sgt. Johnson (Halo)|Johnson]] and the Arbiter. The Chief and company return to a UNSC outpost where Keyes and [[Characters of Halo#Terrence Hood|Lord Hood]] plan a final effort to stop the Covenant leader, the High Prophet of Truth, from activating a Forerunner artifact the Covenant have excavated. The Chief clears [[Anti-aircraft warfare|anti-air]] Covenant defenses so Hood can lead the last of Earth's ships against the Prophet, but Truth activates the buried artifact, creating a [[slipspace]] portal which he and his followers enter. A Flood-infested ship crash-lands nearby; Elite forces arrive and vitrify the Flood-infected areas of Earth, stopping the threat. Following a message Cortana left aboard the Flood ship, the Chief, Arbiter, Elites, Johnson, Keyes and their troops follow Truth through the portal. Joining them is [[343 Guilty Spark]], who aids the Chief as he has no function to fulfill after the destruction of his Halo.

Traveling through the portal, the humans and Elites discover an immense artificial structure known as the Ark, far beyond the edges of the [[Milky Way|Milky Way galaxy]]. Here, Truth can remotely activate all the Halos. The Flood arrive aboard ''High Charity'' in full force, beginning to infest the installation. Truth captures Johnson, as he needs a human to use Forerunner technology. Keyes is killed attempting a rescue, and Johnson is forced to activate the rings. Gravemind forges a [[Ceasefire|truce]] with the Chief and Arbiter to stop Truth and defeat the remainder of his army, rescuing Johnson and halting the installations' activation. After the Arbiter kills Truth, Gravemind turns on the Chief and Arbiter.

The Chief, Arbiter, and Guilty Spark discover that the Ark is constructing another Halo to replace the one that the Chief previously destroyed. The Chief decides to activate this Halo; the Halo would eliminate the Flood infestation on the Ark while sparing the galaxy at large from destruction. To activate the ring, the Chief rescues Cortana, who has the Activation Index of the destroyed Halo, from ''High Charity'' and destroys the city. Arriving on the new Halo, Cortana warns that Gravemind is trying to rebuild itself on the ring. The Chief, Arbiter, and Johnson travel to Halo's control room to activate the ring. Guilty Spark explains that because the ring is not yet complete, a premature activation will destroy it and the Ark. When Johnson ignores his warning, Guilty Spark fatally wounds him to protect "his" ring. Although the Chief destroys Guilty Spark, Johnson soon dies of his injuries. Chief activates the ring, and escapes the ring's self-destruction on the UNSC [[frigate]] ''Forward Unto Dawn''. However, the force of Halo's blast causes the slipspace portal to collapse, resulting in only the front half of ''Forward Unto Dawn'', carrying the Arbiter, making it back to Earth.

A memorial service is held on Earth for the fallen heroes of the Human-Covenant war, during which the Arbiter and Lord Hood briefly exchange words regarding the fallen Master Chief. After the memorial service, the Arbiter and his Elite brethren depart for their home planet. Meanwhile, the rear half of the ''Forward Unto Dawn'' drifts in unknown space. Cortana drops a distress beacon, but acknowledges it may be many years before they are rescued. As the Master Chief enters [[cryonics|cryonic sleep]], Cortana confides to him that she will miss him, but he comforts her by telling her "wake me when you need me." If the game is completed at the Legendary difficulty level, the scene continues to show the piece of ''Forward Unto Dawn'' drifting towards an unknown planet, setting up the events of ''[[Halo 4]]''.

== Development ==
''Halo 2'' was a critical and commercial success, but its development had taken a toll on Bungie. The game's development was fraught and rushed, resulting in the final act of the game's campaign being cut.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/> Bungie was openly critical of the game's shortcomings,<ref name="1up-does bungie hate halo 2">{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|author-link=Luke Smith (writer)|date=January 26, 2007|url=http://www.1up.com/news/bungie-hates-halo2|title=Does Bungie Hate Halo 2?|website=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=February 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019142721/http://www.1up.com/news/bungie-hates-halo2|archive-date=October 19, 2012}}</ref> and viewed a third ''Halo'' game as a chance to do right by fans for ''Halo 2''{{'}}s problems, as well as the final ''Halo'' game the studio would make before moving onto other projects. Lingering dissatisfaction with Bungie's acquisition by Microsoft in 2000 and a desire for more favorable profit-sharing on ''Halo 3'' led to an agreement where Bungie would become an independent studio after shipping a set number of new ''Halo'' games.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo">{{cite web|author=Haske, Steven|date=May 30, 2017|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history/|title=The Complete, Untold History of Halo|work=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|publisher=Vice Media|url-status=live|access-date=March 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315011247/https://waypoint.vice.com/en_us/article/xwqjg3/the-complete-untold-history-of-halo-an-oral-history|archive-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref>

After ''Halo 2'' shipped, Bungie cofounder [[Jason Jones (programmer)|Jason Jones]] went on sabbatical, leaving the ''Halo 3'' team with little direction or leadership; different staff members wrestled over who would take on creative positions for the new game, and no clear creative direction was decided upon. Story writer [[Joseph Staten]] took a vacation after coming into conflict with other staff members, meaning there was no clear person who was responsible for the game's story for a portion of development. The story was drafted by a committee, then presented to senior Bungie members. Composer Martin O'Donnell recalled he did not feel the draft would work, as it left out previous characters and plot threads. Having recently seen the film [[Serenity (2005 film)|''Serenity'']], he insisted that characters should die to increase the stakes. Staten returned to do edits after the plot had been established.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/>

''Halo 2'' had popularized online multiplayer matchmaking and social features like player parties and voice chat. The Xbox 360 integrated many similar features into Xbox Live, but changed the underlying system. Designer Max Hoberman recalled that instead of creating new features, he spent a year fixing broken features to get back to parity with ''Halo 2''.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/>

Compared to the harried pace of ''Halo 2''{{'}}s development which necessitated painful cuts to ship the game on time, Bungie staffers recalled ''Halo 3''{{'}}s development as much more smooth, with more time to add features like Forge mode.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/>

Bungie remained quiet as to what their new project was, leaving comments in their weekly update alluding to a "new project".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=updatemay05 |title=Bungie Weekly Update: 05/05/06 |author=O'Connor, Frank |date=May 5, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |publisher=Bungie |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006165032/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=updatemay05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The game was officially announced with a [[Real-time computing|real-time]] [[Cutscene|cinematic]] [[film trailer|trailer]] at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2006.<ref name="announcement">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3Announcement |title = Halo 3 Announced |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = Achronos, Tom |date = May 9, 2006 |publisher = Bungie |archive-date = January 20, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130120194920/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=Halo3Announcement |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In comparison with ''Halo 2''{{'}}s tight-lipped development, Bungie was more transparent about the process for ''Halo 3''.<ref name="vice-untoldhistoryhalo"/> Bungie kept the public informed on game development via weekly updates on their web site. During development, the game was divided into single player and multiplayer [[Software build|builds]]; this made debugging and testing the much smaller multiplayer files quicker.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=8858 |title=Bungie Weekly Update: 09/01/06 |author=O'Connor, Frank |date=September 1, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |publisher=Bungie |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006201104/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=8858 |url-status=dead }}</ref> While details of ''Halo 3''{{'}}s multiplayer were widely disseminated in the sixteen months leading up to the release,<ref name="1up prev">{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|date=November 6, 2006|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=2&cId=3155028|title=''Halo 3'' Xbox 360 Preview|publisher=1UP|access-date=October 25, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014075825/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=2&cId=3155028|archive-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref> the single-player aspect of the storyline was kept relatively secret throughout much of the development to build up interest. The first campaign screenshots did not appear until a year after the announcement trailer, on July 5, 2007, as a "tease" for the planned pace of marketing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12625 |title=Bungie Weekly Update: 07/06/07 |author=O'Connor, Frank |date=July 6, 2007 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |publisher=Bungie |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006180213/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12625 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A public [[beta test]] of the game's online multiplayer features, as well as saved films and file share, took place four months before the full release.<ref name=multiplayermadness>{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=MPBetaAndVidocRelease |title = Inside Bungie: Multiplayer Madness! |access-date = August 24, 2011 |author = O'Connor, Frank |date = April 10, 2007 |publisher = Bungie |quote = The Halo 3 Multiplayer Beta will go live on May 16th at 12:00 AM PDT and run through June 6th at 11:59 PM PDT. |archive-date = February 1, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130201032607/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=MPBetaAndVidocRelease |url-status = dead }}</ref> Access to the beta required a ''[[Crackdown (video game)|Crackdown]]'' disc.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/news/crackdown-disc-required-halo-3 | title = Crackdown disc required to play Halo 3 Beta | publisher = 1UP | first = Patrick | last = Klepek | date = February 9, 2007 | access-date = August 24, 2011 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110805015909/http://www.1up.com/news/crackdown-disc-required-halo-3 | archive-date = August 5, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

AI behavior was enhanced and improved; the behavior of enemy Brutes the player faces was modified, giving them a "[[Herd behavior|pack mentality]]" that causes the aliens to perform similar actions at the same time and altering gameplay.<ref name="ign review"/><ref name="et tu brute">{{cite web |author=O'Connor, Frank |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=9340 |title=Et Tu Brute?! |date=December 6, 2006 |publisher=Bungie |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006195527/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=9340 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Graphics ===
''Halo 3'' uses a proprietary, in-house [[Game engine|graphics engine]].<ref name="igntrailer">{{cite web |author = Sanders, Kathleen |date = May 9, 2006 |url = https://uk.ign.com/articles/2006/05/09/e3-2006-halo-3-trailer-impressions |title = E3 2006: Halo 3 Trailer Impressions |access-date = August 24, 2011 |website = IGN |quote = ...{{nbsp}}rendered in real-time on the [[Xbox 360]] using the current version of the ''Halo 3'' engine. |archive-date = February 17, 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220217231721/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/09/e3-2006-halo-3-trailer-impressions |url-status = live }}</ref> It employs graphics technologies such as [[High-dynamic-range rendering|high dynamic range]], global lighting, and [[depth of field]] effects within cutscenes.<ref>{{cite web |author=Klepek, Patrick |date=March 19, 2007 |url=http://www.1up.com/news/bungie-halo-3-graphics-coming |title=Bungie Says Halo 3 Graphics are Coming Together |publisher=1UP |access-date=August 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805005518/http://www.1up.com/news/bungie-halo-3-graphics-coming |archive-date=August 5, 2011  }}</ref> [[Motion blur]]ring was absent from the beta, but was added to the final game.<ref>{{cite web|author=Booker, Logan |date=November 1, 2007 |url=http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Review/97254,halo-3.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122054245/http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/Review/97254%2Chalo-3.aspx |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |title=Halo 3 – Console Games – Game – Reviews |publisher=[[Atomic (magazine)|Atomic]] |access-date=August 25, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Most dynamic objects in the game cast real-time shadows on themselves and the environment around them, including the game's plant life. ''Halo 3'' uses [[normal mapping|normal]], [[bump mapping|bump]], and [[parallax mapping]] to give surfaces more detail without dramatically increasing the number of polygons. Players can see distances of up to {{convert|10|mi|km|spell=in}} away, all fully three-dimensional.<ref name=scivsfi/> The engine is capable of real-time reflections, but are often unused as Bungie considered it a waste of resources.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12834 |publisher=Bungie |date=October 5, 2007 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |author=O'Connor, Frank |title=Bungie Weekly What's Update 10/05/07 |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020010744/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12834 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Halo 3'' uses two frame buffers instead of the usual single buffer, allowing Bungie to preserve as much of dynamic range as possible for the game's lighting without adversely affecting the frame rate. As a consequence, the game natively renders at 1152×640 resolution instead of [[720p]]. The image can be upscaled to [[1080p]] by the Xbox 360.<ref name=640p>{{cite web |author=Smith, Luke |date=September 28, 2007 |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12821 |title=You owe me 80p! |publisher=Bungie |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104125445/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12821 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dobson, Jacob |date=September 28, 2007 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/halo-3-not-hd-runs-at-640p-pixel-counters-claim/ |title=''Halo 3'' not HD: Runs at 640p, Pixel Counters Claim |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010060756/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/28/halo-3-not-hd-runs-at-640p-pixel-counters-claim/ |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Halo 3'' has also been enhanced for [[Xbox One X]], rendering at 1920p upscaled to [[2160p]] in [[High-dynamic-range video|HDR]] at a solid 30fps.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinmurnane/2017/11/28/10-year-old-halo-3-is-enhanced-for-the-xbox-one-x-is-it-any-good/ |title=10-Year-Old 'Halo 3' Is Enhanced For The Xbox One X. Is It Any Good? |last=Murnane |first=Kevin |date=March 31, 2020 |website=[[Forbes]] |access-date=March 31, 2020 |archive-date=May 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522113402/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinmurnane/2017/11/28/10-year-old-halo-3-is-enhanced-for-the-xbox-one-x-is-it-any-good/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Audio ===
As with all titles on the Xbox 360, ''Halo 3'' fully supports [[Surround sound|5.1 surround sound]] audio.<ref name=productinfo>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/gamedetailpage.htm |title= Halo 3 – Game Detail Page |access-date = August 25, 2011 |work=Xbox.com |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070918110826/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/gamedetailpage.htm |archive-date = September 18, 2007}}</ref> In the game, there are over 50,000 pieces of audio, with nearly 40,000 of those being NPC dialogue.<ref name="edge179" /> This is far more than in either of the preceding ''Halo'' titles; ''Halo 2'' had over 15,000 pieces of dialogue. The AI controlling this dialogue is designed to ensure the exchanges flow naturally and convincingly.<ref name=scivsfi>{{cite episode | title = Halo 3: Sci vs. Fi | url = http://tv.majorleaguegaming.com/video/community-video/825991325001-sci-vs-fi-halo-3-documentary | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723083608/http://tv.majorleaguegaming.com/videos/1725-sci-vs-fi-halo-3-documentary | archive-date = July 23, 2011 | access-date = June 18, 2011 | series = Sci vs. Fi | network = [[Syfy]] | air-date = September 25, 2007}}</ref> Separate recordings were made for nearby and distant gunfire to make for a more believable sound experience in the public beta,<ref name=betaaudio>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12505 |title=Bang Bang: Audio in the Halo 3 Beta |author=Smith, Luke |publisher=Bungie |date=May 28, 2007 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225093928/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12505 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the finished game uses [[Waves Audio]] plugins to modify dialog and other audio in-game depending on conditions.<ref name=finalaudio>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?cid=12878 |title=Waves Audio Plug-ins in Halo 3 |author=Smith, Luke |publisher=Bungie |date=October 19, 2007 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224170956/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?cid=12878 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Distant gunfire sounds, which may first seem like pre-recorded ambient sound, may often be the result of an actual firefight happening elsewhere in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=10898 |title=Bungie Weekly Update 2/26/2007 |author=Achronos, Tom |publisher=Bungie |date=February 26, 2007 |access-date=August 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224210609/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=10898 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Martin O'Donnell|Marty O'Donnell]] again composed the original score for the game. Some pieces of the game's music are produced with a much larger real orchestra than any pieces in the prior two games. For example, the music for the announcement trailer was recorded with a 60-piece orchestra and a 24-piece [[choir]].<ref name="announcement" />  The ''[[Halo 3 Original Soundtrack]]'' was released on November 20, 2007.<ref name="sumthing">{{cite web |url=http://www.sumthing.com/itemDetails.aspx?id=3469 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923070557/http://www.sumthing.com/itemDetails.aspx?id=3469 |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |title=Halo 3 Original Soundtrack (2-CD Set) |publisher=[[Sumthing Distribution]] |date=November 20, 2007 |access-date=August 25, 2011}}</ref> Included on the soundtrack is an original composition submitted by fans and judged by Nile Rodgers, Michael Ostin, and Marty O'Donnell.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/halo-3-soundtrack-contest-announced |title=''Halo 3'' Soundtrack, Contest Announced |author=Pigna, Kris |date=October 17, 2007 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |publisher=1UP |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522221919/http://www.1up.com/news/halo-3-soundtrack-contest-announced |archive-date=May 22, 2011  }}</ref>

Voice actors returning to reprise their roles in ''Halo 3'' include [[Jen Taylor]] as Cortana, David Scully as Sergeant Johnson and the Elites, [[Keith David]] as the Arbiter, [[Tim Dadabo]] as 343 Guilty Spark, [[Ron Perlman]] as Lord Hood, [[Robert Davi]] as Rtas 'Vadum, and [[Steve Downes]] as the voice of Master Chief. The game also features new voices, with [[Terence Stamp]] and Justis Bolding replacing ''Halo 2'' voice actors [[Michael Wincott]] and [[Julie Benz]] as the [[Prophet of Truth]] and [[List of Halo characters|Miranda Keyes]] respectively.<ref name="voice">{{cite web |url=http://www.dvice.com/archives/2007/11/the-faces-of-halo.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825230859/http://dvice.com/archives/2007/11/the-faces-of-halo.php |archive-date=August 25, 2009 |title=The Faces of Halo |author=Schleicher, Stephen |date=November 22, 2007 |work=Dvice.com |publisher=[[Syfy]] |access-date=August 25, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Additional voices include celebrity presenter [[Jonathan Ross]],<ref name="redcarpet">{{cite web |url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-plans-star-studded-halo-3-launch |title = Microsoft plans star-studded Halo 3 launch in UK |access-date = August 25, 2011 |author = Martin, Matt |date = September 18, 2007 |work = GamesIndustry.biz |publisher = [[Eurogamer]] |archive-date = May 9, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120509191735/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-plans-star-studded-halo-3-launch |url-status = live }}</ref> [[Nathan Fillion]], [[Adam Baldwin]], [[Alan Tudyk]], [[Katee Sackhoff]], and [[John DiMaggio]].<ref name="voice"/> Members of the ''Halo'' [[machinima]] ''[[Red vs. Blue]]'' ([[Burnie Burns]], [[Gus Sorola]], [[Matt Hullum]], [[Jason Saldaña]], [[Geoff Ramsey]], and [[Joel Heyman]]) have [[cameo appearance|cameo]] roles.<ref name="manual"/>

== Release ==
[[Image:Halo 3 Nasdaq.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A ''Halo 3'' launch event was held at the [[NASDAQ]] building in New York City on September 25, 2007.]]
{{Main|Marketing of Halo 3}}
Microsoft spent more than $40{{nbsp}}million [[Marketing of Halo 3|marketing ''Halo 3'']]. The goal of the campaign was to sell more Xbox 360 consoles and widen the appeal of the game beyond the "''Halo'' faithful" to casual as well as hardcore gamers. Marketing took the form of stages, including trailers of the game, real-time cinematics, recorded gameplay sequences, pre-rendered [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]], and live action film.<ref name=brandweek>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.brandweek.com/bw/magazine/current/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003637129|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210123556/http://www.brandweek.com/bw/magazine/current/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003637129 |archive-date=February 10, 2008 |title=Anatomy Of An Onslaught: How Halo 3 Attacked |magazine=[[Brandweek]] |date=September 10, 2007 |author=Hein, Kenneth |access-date=August 25, 2011}}</ref> On September 12, 2007, the "Believe" ''Halo 3'' ad campaign, focused on the epic nature of the story and heroism told through [[diorama]]s and third party accounts of Master Chief's service, began with the video "Museum" and continued on past the game's release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/watch-the-new-halo-3-ad-museum/ |author=McElroy, Justin |title=Watch the new Halo 3 ad: "Museum" |access-date=August 25, 2011 |date=September 12, 2007 |publisher=Joystiq |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912223207/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/watch-the-new-halo-3-ad-museum/ |archive-date=September 12, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Throughout the course of development Bungie released four "developer documentaries" that explained the processes behind creating parts of the game. A large-scale multiplayer beta test was played on Xbox Live with more than 800,000 members of the public being able to take part and experience the game for themselves.<ref name=brandweek /> Beginning in June 2007, an [[alternate reality game]] called [[Iris (game)|''Iris'']] involved players in slowly revealing background information for the game.<ref name=brandweek /> The actual release was met with worldwide launch parties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/launch/newyorkcity.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071026073756/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/h/halo3/launch/newyorkcity.htm|archive-date=October 26, 2007 |title=New York City Halo 3 Launch Event |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |work=Xbox.com |date=September 25, 2007 |access-date=August 25, 2011}}</ref>

''Halo 3'' also had marketing tie-ins and promotions. [[PepsiCo]] announced a new line of soft drink, a variant of [[Mountain Dew]] named Game Fuel, branded with the ''Halo 3'' logo and the Master Chief.<ref>{{cite web |author=Brudvig, Erik |date=July 31, 2007 |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/07/31/halo-3-box-arrives-at-ign-offices |title=Halo 3 Box Arrives at IGN Offices |access-date=August 25, 2011 |website=IGN |archive-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618072607/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/07/31/halo-3-box-arrives-at-ign-offices |url-status=live }}</ref> Much of the advertising focused on appealing to the general public, rather than just hardcore fans of the game; for example, some [[7-Eleven]] stores advertised ''Halo 3'' and sold specialty cups and copies of the game.<ref name="kotaku">{{cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/2007/08/09/halo-3-becomes-fastest-selling-pre-ordered-video-game-in-history-soaring-past-1-million-milestone/|title="Halo 3" Becomes Fastest-Selling Pre-Ordered Video Game in History, Soaring Past 1 Million Milestone|publisher=Microsoft|date=August 9, 2007|access-date=September 18, 2011|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215053644/https://news.microsoft.com/2007/08/09/halo-3-becomes-fastest-selling-pre-ordered-video-game-in-history-soaring-past-1-million-milestone/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gamestation]] stores in the UK offered a limited edition Master Chief figurine to the first 1000 preorders.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcfarlanes-figures.com/halo-3.html |title=Halo 3 Becomes The World's Biggest Selling Game |publisher=McFarlane Toys |date=September 25, 2007 |access-date=January 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131015203/http://www.mcfarlanes-figures.com/halo-3.html |archive-date=January 31, 2009}}</ref>

The game's final testing copy before its gold release—codenamed "Epsilon" and confirmed by Bungie to be almost complete<ref name="BWU-07-08-17" />—was [[Internet leak|leaked to the Internet]] months before the game's release date. Microsoft reacted to this leak by having the Xbox Live accounts of gamers caught playing the leaked copy banned until the year 9999.<ref name="epsilonleak">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/halo-3-epsilon-cheaters-banned-until-9999-ad-6235634? |title=Halo 3 Epsilon cheaters banned until 9,999 AD |access-date=August 25, 2011 |author=Thorsen, Tor |date=September 7, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509190152/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/halo-3-epsilon-cheaters-banned-until-9999-ad-6235634 |archive-date=May 9, 2012 }}</ref> Retail copies of the game, complete with photographs of the open game box, started to appear on the internet auction site [[eBay]] weeks before release,<ref name="ebayprerelease">{{cite news|url = http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=8824|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070914195646/http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=8824|url-status = dead|archive-date = September 14, 2007|title = Early Copy of Halo 3 Sells on eBay|access-date = August 25, 2011|author = Yam, Marcus|date = September 11, 2007|work = [[DailyTech]]}}</ref> followed by UK catalog retailer [[Argos (retailer)|Argos]] accidentally releasing some of their copies a week early. Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division were quoted as being "disappointed" that the Argos leak happened, but stated they had no intention for punishing them for an "honest mistake".<ref name="argosrelease">{{cite web |url = http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-wont-punish-argos |title = Microsoft won't punish Argos |access-date = August 25, 2011 |author = Elliott, Phil |date = September 20, 2007 |work = GamesIndustry.biz |publisher = [[Eurogamer]] |archive-date = February 14, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110214205012/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-wont-punish-argos |url-status = live }}</ref> The retail copy was also leaked online over a week before release, with the 6.14 [[gigabyte]] file of the game [[ripping|ripped]] from a disc and downloaded by thousands of people within 24 hours. Videos of the ending of ''Halo 3'', obtained from the leaked copy, were captured and posted on [[video hosting service|video sharing sites]].<ref name="h3leak">{{cite web |author=Martin |first=Matt |date=September 21, 2007 |title=Halo 3 leaked online |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/halo-3-leaked-online |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830142331/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/halo-3-leaked-online |archive-date=August 30, 2011 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |work=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>

''Halo 3'' was released on September 25, 2007, in three separate retail versions: "Standard", "Limited", and "Legendary". 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, Xbox 360 bonus disc with featurettes, and a hardcover-bound "Bestiarum", a collection of information and art covering the species, cultures, and civilizations of ''Halo 3''. The Legendary Edition contains the game disc, manual, poster, interactive bonus disc, the Bestiarum on a DVD, Legendary DVD containing exclusive content, 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 name="versions">{{cite web |url = http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12531 |title = Three Versions of Halo 3 |access-date = August 25, 2011 |author = O'Connor, Frank |date = June 8, 2007 |publisher = Bungie |archive-date = September 27, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130927154940/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12531 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Some of the Limited Edition versions of ''Halo 3'' were found to have a defect in the hub that kept the discs in place, which could lead to scratched discs. Microsoft introduced a disc replacement program in response.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/gameplay/discreplacement-program.htm |title=XBox Disk Replacement Program |access-date = August 25, 2011 |date=January 23, 2008 |publisher= [[Microsoft]] |work=Xbox.com |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070820210755/http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/gameplay/discreplacement-program.htm |archive-date = August 20, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Yam, Marcus |url=http://www.dailytech.com/Early+Halo+3+Limited+Edition+Owners+Plagued+by+Scratched+Discs/article9010c.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090102204520/http://www.dailytech.com/Early+Halo+3+Limited+Edition+Owners+Plagued+by+Scratched+Discs/article9010c.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 2, 2009 |title=Early Halo 3 Limited Edition Owners Plagued by Scratched Discs |access-date=August 25, 2011 |date=September 22, 2007 |work=[[DailyTech]] }}</ref>

On the day before its official release, 4.2&nbsp;million units of ''Halo 3'' were in retail outlets.<ref name="gamespot-4.2mil retail">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/analyst-42m-halo-3s-already-at-retail-6179772 |title=Analyst: 4.2M Halo 3s already at retail |access-date=August 24, 2011 |date=September 24, 2007 |last1=Sinclair |first1=Brendan |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130913030712/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/analyst-42m-halo-3s-already-at-retail-6179772 |archive-date=September 13, 2013 }}</ref>

''Halo 3'' was made a free download for Xbox Live Gold subscribers through the "Games with Gold" program in October 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/64172/halo-3-now-free-with-xbox-live-games-with-gold-till-november/|title=Halo 3 now free with Xbox Live Games with Gold till November|publisher=[[Future plc]]|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine|Official Xbox Magazine UK]]|first=Aiofe|last=Wilson|date=October 16, 2013|access-date=October 16, 2013|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019030048/http://www.oxm.co.uk/64172/halo-3-now-free-with-xbox-live-games-with-gold-till-november/|url-status=live}}</ref> It became playable on the [[Xbox One]] via [[backward compatibility]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/four-halo-games-now-xbox-one-backwards-compatible-/1100-6453502/|title=Four Halo Games Now Xbox One Backwards Compatible With Free DLC|first=Chris|last=Pereira|date=September 22, 2017|website=gamespot.com|access-date=September 25, 2017|archive-date=September 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925230140/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/four-halo-games-now-xbox-one-backwards-compatible-/1100-6453502/|url-status=live}}</ref> An Xbox One-native version of the game, presenting the graphics at [[1080p]] and 60 frames per second, was included as part of ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' for the Xbox One in 2014. ''Halo 3'' was re-released again as part of the Windows version of ''The Master Chief Collection'' in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Radulovic |first1=Petrana |title=Halo 3 coming to PC on July 14 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/7/21315912/halo-3-pc-release-steam-microsoft-store |website=Polygon |access-date=July 10, 2020 |date=July 7, 2020 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708064933/https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/7/21315912/halo-3-pc-release-steam-microsoft-store |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Downloadable content==
''Halo 3'' supports multiplayer map downloadable content as well as game updates via Xbox Live.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Graft, Kris|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/tgs-making-a-home-halo-japan|title=TGS: Making a Home for Halo in Japan|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|date=September 21, 2007|access-date=June 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116031625/http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7242&Itemid=2|archive-date=November 16, 2007}}</ref> The first three post-release multiplayer maps, "Standoff", "Rat's Nest", and "Foundry", were released as a pack on December 11, 2007, collectively known as the "Heroic Map Pack".<ref name="bungieheroic">{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12983 |title=Heroic Map Pack Announced for Halo 3 |author=Smith, Luke |publisher=Bungie |date=November 19, 2007 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151831/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=12983 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A second group of three maps including a remake of ''Halo 2'' map "Lockout", titled "Blackout", a new map "Ghost Town" and a remake of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' map "Sidewinder", titled "Avalanche" were bundled as the "Legendary Map Pack", on April 15, 2008.<ref name = legendarypack>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=H3LegendaryMapPack |title=Legendary Map Pack |publisher=Bungie |author=Smith, Luke |access-date=August 25, 2011 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151826/http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=H3LegendaryMapPack |url-status=dead }}</ref> These maps introduced visual filters to the Forge pallet, which change the way the maps look.<ref>{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|date=April 4, 2008|url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13475|title=Bungie Weekly Update: 4/04/08 – Legendary Forge|publisher=Bungie|access-date=August 25, 2011|archive-date=October 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151833/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13475|url-status=dead}}</ref> A remake of the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' map "Chill Out", titled "Cold Storage", was released as a free download on "Bungie Day", July 7, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14568 |title=Bungie Weekly Update: 7/03/08 |author=Smith, Luke |publisher=Bungie |access-date=July 3, 2008 |archive-date=October 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011151828/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=14568 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The third multiplayer map pack, titled the "Mythic Map Pack" and consisting of the maps "Orbital", "Assembly", and "Sandbox", was included with the Limited Collectors Edition of ''[[Halo Wars]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Pereira, Chris|date=November 6, 2008|url=http://www.1up.com/news/halo-wars-hits-xbox-360|title=Halo Wars Hits Xbox 360 in February|publisher=1UP|access-date=November 7, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622064324/http://www.1up.com/news/halo-wars-hits-xbox-360|archive-date=June 22, 2011}}</ref> The map pack was released over the Xbox Live Marketplace on April 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bailey, Kat|date=March 23, 2009|url=http://www.1up.com/news/halo-3-mythic-map-pack_2|title=Halo 3 Mythic Map Pack Coming April 9|publisher=1UP|access-date=September 18, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020055431/http://www.1up.com/news/halo-3-mythic-map-pack_2|archive-date=October 20, 2012}}</ref> The fourth and final multiplayer map pack, "Mythic II Map Pack", was released on February 2, 2010. The map pack includes the three new maps from ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'': "Citadel", "Longshore", and a remake of ''Halo 2'' map "Midship", titled "Heretic".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-3-Mythic-II-Map-Pack/00000000-0000-400c-80cf-00084d5307e6 |title=Halo 3 Mythic II Map Pack |work=Xbox.com |date=February 2, 2010 |access-date=June 18, 2011 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |archive-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617073453/http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Halo-3-Mythic-II-Map-Pack/00000000-0000-400c-80cf-00084d5307e6 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first version update for ''Halo 3'' was released on February 19, 2008, and addressed various bugs such as melee contest resolution and saved-film theater errors.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 19, 2008|url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13280|title=Halo 3 AutoUpdate is Up|author=O'Connor, Frank|publisher=Bungie|access-date=August 25, 2011|archive-date=December 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225015210/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=13280|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next update (called a Title Update) was released September 23, 2008, and includes new Achievements, a new XP ranking system, and various new ways to detect and stop cheating in the game.<ref>{{cite web|author=Smith, Luke|date=September 5, 2008|url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=15422|title=Bungie Weekly Update: 9/05/08|publisher=Bungie|access-date=September 13, 2011|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213033843/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=15422|url-status=dead}}</ref> No further ''Halo 3'' updates were planned.<ref>{{cite web |author=Smith, Luke|url=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16449 |title=Weekly What's Update: 12/12/08|publisher=Bungie |date=December 12, 2008|access-date=August 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604010104/http://www.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16449|archive-date=June 4, 2009}}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Sales ===
[[Image:Bill Gates Halo 3 launch.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bill Gates]] selling the first official copy of ''Halo 3'' at Best Buy in [[Bellevue, Washington]]]]
First-day sales of ''Halo 3'' reached $170{{nbsp}}million in the U.S., setting a record for highest gross of a video game within 24 hours of its release.<ref name=170M/> The performance beat the previous record setter—''Halo 2''—which earned $125{{nbsp}}million within 24 hours of its launch.<ref name=170M>{{cite web|url=http://au.gamespot.com/news/halo-3s-first-day-us-haul-170-million-6179914 |website=GameSpot |title=Halo 3's first-day US haul = $170M |date=September 26, 2007 |access-date=January 16, 2008 |author=Thorsen, Tor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926044401/http://au.gamespot.com/news/halo-3s-first-day-us-haul-170-million-6179914 |archive-date=September 26, 2012 }}</ref> The game was preordered by more than one million people in North America.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Thorsen, Tor |author2=Boyes, Emma |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/na-halo-3-preorders-top-1m-6176418 |title=NA Halo 3 preorders top 1M |access-date=May 29, 2011 |date=August 9, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010080700/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/na-halo-3-preorders-top-1m-6176418 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 }}</ref> Worldwide more than US$300{{nbsp}}million worth were sold in the first week, helping to more than double the sales of the Xbox 360 when compared with the weekly average before the ''Halo 3'' launch.<ref name="sales"/> By 2010, Microsoft reported total grosses at $600&nbsp;million.<ref name="bloomberg_2010-08-26">{{cite web|last=Bass|first=Dina|date=August 26, 2010|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-08-26/the-halo-effect-of-microsofts-halo|title=The Halo Effect of Microsoft's Halo|website=[[Bloomberg Businessweek]]|url-status=live|access-date=November 18, 2021|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118044640/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-08-26/the-halo-effect-of-microsofts-halo}}</ref>

In the U.S., ''Halo 3'' sold 3.3 million copies in its first 12 days on sale,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/npd-halo-effect-helps-sept-sales-hit-13b-6181307 |title=NPD: Halo effect helps Sept. sales hit $1.3B |access-date=August 25, 2011 |author=Sinclair, Brendan |date=October 18, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090031/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/npd-halo-effect-helps-sept-sales-hit-13b-6181307 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 }}</ref> increasing to 3.7&nbsp;million copies by November 15, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/npd-october-retail-gaming-tally-tops-11-billion-6183006 |title=NPD: October retail gaming tally tops $1.1 billion |access-date=November 15, 2007 |author=Sinclair, Brendan |date=November 15, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010081112/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/npd-october-retail-gaming-tally-tops-11-billion-6183006 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 }}</ref> ''[[Reuters UK]]'' estimated that ''Halo 3'' may have sold up to 5.2&nbsp;million copies worldwide in the first two weeks after launch.<ref name="sales">{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/10/05/tech-microsoft-halo3-dc-idUKN0438777720071005 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |date=October 4, 2007 |work=Reuters |author=Hillis, Scott |title=Microsoft says "Halo" 1st-week sales were $300 mln |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520165800/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/10/05/tech-microsoft-halo3-dc-idUKN0438777720071005 |archive-date=May 20, 2011 }}</ref> By November 30, 2007, ''Halo 3'' had sold 5{{nbsp}}million copies worldwide, and as of that point, was the [[2007 in video gaming#United States|best-selling video game of 2007 in the U.S.]], even though the game is only available on one console.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://variety.com/2007/digital/news/videogame-sequels-hit-geek-peak-1117976843/ |title=Videogame sequels hit geek peak |author=Fritz, Ben |date=November 30, 2007 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=December 3, 2007 |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217231721/https://variety.com/2007/digital/news/videogame-sequels-hit-geek-peak-1117976843/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 3, 2008, Microsoft announced that ''Halo 3'' had sold {{nowrap|8.1 million}} copies.<ref name="2008-01-03 sales">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/ms-177-million-360s-sold-6184291 |author=Sinclair, Brendan |title=MS: 17.7 million 360s sold |date=January 3, 2008 |website=GameSpot |access-date=January 4, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515214254/http://uk.gamespot.com/news/ms-177-million-360s-sold-6184291 |archive-date=May 15, 2012 }}</ref> The game drew over a million Xbox Live members to play online in the first 20 hours, making it the biggest day for Xbox Live gaming in history.<ref name="1milxbox">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.informationweek.com/halo-3-sales-smash-game-industry-records/d/d-id/1059689 |title=Halo 3 Sales Smash Game Industry Records |magazine=[[InformationWeek]] |access-date=August 25, 2011 |date=September 27, 2007 |first=Paul |last=McDougall |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110093315/http://www.informationweek.com/halo-3-sales-smash-game-industry-records/d/d-id/1059689 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="gi-1bil">{{cite web |author=Martin, Matt |date=March 3, 2009 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/one-billion-halo-3-matches-played-over-live |title=One billion Halo 3 matches played over Live |work=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=August 25, 2011 |archive-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620231457/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/one-billion-halo-3-matches-played-over-live |url-status=live }}</ref> The game returned to the top 20 sales charts more than a year after its release in February 2009; ''Gamasutra'' reported that the boost might have been due to the release of ''Halo Wars''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Alexander, Leigh|date=March 20, 2009|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=22845|title=NPD: February Top 20 Shows F.E.A.R. 2 Lurking, Halo 3 Return|website=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=August 25, 2011|archive-date=June 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605112804/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=22845|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to Microsoft, ''Halo 3'' had sold 14.5&nbsp;million copies {{As of|2012|lc=y}}.<ref name=haloway>{{cite web|date=July 11, 2012|url=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo3|title=Xbox 360 Best Selling Games Statistics|work=Halo Waypoint|access-date=July 24, 2012|publisher=[[Microsoft]]|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014015330/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo3|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the U.S., the game was [[2007 in video gaming#United States|the best-selling video game of 2007]]<ref name="gamasutra-bestselling2007">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006 | title=NPD: 2007 U.S. Game Industry Growth Up 43% To $17.9 Billion | last1=Boyer | first1=Brandon | website=[[Gamasutra]] | publisher=[[UBM plc|UBM Tech]] | access-date=August 24, 2011 | date=January 18, 2008 | archive-date=January 18, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118235201/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=17006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and the fourteenth best-selling game of the 2000s decade.<ref>{{cite web|author=Grubb, Jeff|date=January 16, 2020|url=https://venturebeat.com/business/the-top-20-best-selling-games-of-the-decade-in-the-u-s/|title=NPD: The top 20 best-selling games of the decade in the U.S.|website=[[VentureBeat]]|access-date=November 29, 2024}}</ref>

''Advertising Age'' reported that movie studio executives were convinced the release of ''Halo 3'' harmed box office receipts; the week's take was 27% less than the previous year's yield.<ref>{{cite web|author=Watts, Steve|date=October 15, 2007|url=http://www.1up.com/news/film-execs-blame-halo-3|title=Film Execs Blame ''Halo 3'' For Poor Box Office|publisher=1UP|access-date=August 25, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014075902/http://www.1up.com/news/film-execs-blame-halo-3|archive-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref> While some executives decided the disparity in estimated and actual gross for films like ''[[The Heartbreak Kid (2007 film)|The Heartbreak Kid]]'' was due more to the film's poor reception, other analysts believed that "the audience on [''Halo 3''] is the 18-to-34 demographic, similar to what you'd see in cinemas" and that this led to a decrease in receipts.<ref>{{cite web|author=Akner, Claude|date=October 15, 2007|url=http://adage.com/article/news/bad-box-office-blame-halo/121130/|title=Bad Box Office? Blame 'Halo'|publisher=[[Advertising Age]]|access-date=October 20, 2007|archive-date=February 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229193613/http://adage.com/article/news/bad-box-office-blame-halo/121130/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later research suggested that the ''Halo 3'' players still watched the same amount of television and movies, regardless of the time they spent playing the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/halo-3-fans-play-videogame-around-their-television-and-movie-schedules-808291.htm|title="Halo 3" Fans Play Videogame Around Their Television and Movie Schedules|publisher=[[Marketwire]]|author=Honig, Steve|access-date=January 8, 2008|date=January 8, 2008|archive-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616034609/http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/halo-3-fans-play-videogame-around-their-television-and-movie-schedules-808291.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Critical reception ===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 94/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/halo-3/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Halo 3 (Xbox360: 2007): Reviews |access-date=May 7, 2011 |website=[[Metacritic]] |archive-date=October 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029204703/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/halo-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 1UP = A+<ref name="1up-review">{{cite web|author=Hsu, Dan |date=September 21, 2007 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/halo-3 |title=Halo 3 (Xbox 360) |publisher=1UP |access-date=May 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604001724/http://www.1up.com/reviews/halo-3 |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
| Edge = 10/10<ref name="edgereview">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/halo-3-review/|title=Halo 3 Review|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|date=September 27, 2007|access-date=June 12, 2012|archive-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403133506/http://www.edge-online.com/review/halo-3-review/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EuroG = 10/10<ref name="euroG-review">{{cite web| author=Fahey, Rob| url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/halo-3-review| title=''Halo 3'' – Review| access-date=September 23, 2007| date=September 23, 2007| website=[[Eurogamer]]| archive-date=February 3, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203074659/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/halo-3-review| url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam = 37/40<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/famitsu-gives-halo-3-a-37-40/|title=Famitsu gives Halo 3 a 37/40|work=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|first=Alexander|last=Sliwinski|date=September 19, 2007|access-date=February 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128190844/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/famitsu-gives-halo-3-a-37-40/|archive-date=January 28, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GI = 9.75/10<ref name="game informer review">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200710/R07.0923.1932.21255.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011004324/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200710/R07.0923.1932.21255.htm|archive-date=October 11, 2007|title=Game Informer: Halo 3|author=Vore, Bryan|date=October 1, 2007|access-date=October 3, 2007|url-status=dead|magazine=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9.5/10<ref name="gamespot-review"/>
| GT = 9.8/10<ref name="gametrailers review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/mo6ast/halo-3-review |title=Halo 3 Video Game, Review |date=September 23, 2007 |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=June 24, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705154715/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/mo6ast/halo-3-review |archive-date=July 5, 2012 }}</ref>
| IGN = 9.5/10<ref name="ign review"/>
| OXM = 10/10<ref name="oxm-review">{{cite magazine|author=Reyes, Francesca|date=November 6, 2007|url=http://www.oxmonline.com/halo-3|title=Halo 3|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|access-date=June 19, 2011|archive-date=October 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010194244/http://www.oxmonline.com/halo-3-review|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| XPlay = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="X-Play R">{{cite web|url=http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1609/Halo_3.html |title=X-Play: Halo 3 Review |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] |author=Hunt, Jonathan |access-date=November 6, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511170624/http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1609/Halo_3.html |archive-date=May 11, 2008 }}</ref>
}}

''Halo 3'' received critical acclaim upon its release. It holds an average of 94/100 on aggregate website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic"/> ''Pro-G''{{'}}s Wesley Yin-Poole assured readers that ''Halo 3'' lived up to the enormous hype surrounding it, writing that the game was "everything we hoped it would be, and much, much, more".<ref name=progrev>{{cite web| author=Yin-Poole, Wesley|url=http://www.pro-g.co.uk/xbox360/halo_3/review.html |title= Pro-G ''Halo 3'' Review | access-date=May 20, 2011 | date=September 23, 2007| publisher=Pro-G|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905004650/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_3/review.html|archive-date=September 5, 2008}}</ref> Reviewers including ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Rob Fahey, ''[[GamesRadar]]''{{'}}s Charlie Barrett, and ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s [[Jeff Gerstmann]] felt that the underlying formula of previous ''Halo'' games was unchanged, but that this was not a detriment.<ref name="euroG-review"/> "Every type of Halo fan, from the hardcore to the casual to the brand new, will find something to satisfy them in Master Chief's third adventure," Barrett asserted,<ref name="gamespot-review"/><ref name="gamesradar-review">{{cite web| author=Barrett, Charlie| url=https://www.gamesradar.com/halo-3-review/| title=GamesRadar ''Halo 3'' Review| access-date=September 23, 2007| date=September 23, 2007| publisher=[[GamesRadar]]| archive-date=August 29, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829081929/http://www.gamesradar.com/halo-3-review/| url-status=live}}</ref> while ''IGN''{{'}}s Hilary Goldstein referred to ''Halo 3'' as "the most complete game available on any console", specifically stating "the Forge and the replay functionality raise the bar for console shooters so high, it may never be surpassed this generation."<ref name="ign review">{{cite web|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/09/25/halo-3-collectors-edition-review|title=''Halo 3'' Review|author=Goldstein, Hilary|date=September 23, 2007|access-date=October 2, 2007|website=IGN|pages=1–5|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206001428/https://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/09/25/halo-3-collectors-edition-review|url-status=live}}</ref> The gameplay additions to the game, such as equipment and new vehicles, were praised; Gerstmann and Goldstein noted that equipment had much more relevance in multiplayer matches than the campaign.<ref name="ign review"/><ref name="gamespot-review"/>

Reception of the single-player aspect varied. Yin-Poole wrote that while the [[cliffhanger]] ending of ''Halo 2'' was disappointing, the campaign of ''Halo 3'' was much more satisfying.<ref name=progrev/> Gerstmann, ''[[GameSpy]]''{{'}}s Gabe Graziani, and Goldstein maintained that the campaign was too short, especially on easier difficulty levels or with three additional players in co-op.<ref name="gamespot-review"/><ref name="gamespy review">{{cite web| url=http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/halo-3/821976p1.html| title=GameSpy ''Halo 3'' Review| author=Graziani, Gabe| access-date=September 23, 2007| date=September 23, 2007| publisher=[[GameSpy]]| archive-date=April 6, 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406141809/http://uk.xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/halo-3/821976p1.html| url-status=live}}</ref> Goldstein was highly critical of the eighth level, stating "the penultimate chapter is so bad, just thinking about it puts a rotten taste in my mouth." ''[[The New York Times]]''{{'}} Charles Herold said the game had a "throwaway" plot and Total Video Games judged the single-player aspect ultimately disappointing.<ref name=nytreview>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/technology/27games.html|author=Herold, Charles|date=September 27, 2007|access-date=October 3, 2007|title=Halo 3 Mimics Halo 2, With Some Improved Graphics|work=[[The New York Times]]|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210235614/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/technology/27games.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="tvg review">{{cite web|author=Wilcox, Jon |date=September 27, 2007 |title=TVG Review: ''Halo 3'' |url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/Halo-3/review-11659.html |publisher=Total Video Games |access-date=October 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216141738/http://www.totalvideogames.com/Halo-3/review-11659.html |archive-date=December 16, 2008 }}</ref> Goldstein and Steve West of ''[[Cinema Blend]]'' thought a part of the game's story was lost by not having the Arbiter featuring as prominently as the character was in ''Halo 2''.<ref name="ign review"/><ref>{{cite web|author=West, Steve|date=September 27, 2007|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Xbox-360-Halo-3-Campaign-Review-6543.html|title=''Halo 3'' Campaign Review|publisher=Cinema Blend|access-date=October 10, 2007|archive-date=October 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019051337/http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Xbox-360-Halo-3-Campaign-Review-6543.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Most publications agreed that multiplayer was by far one of the best features; ''IGN'' said that the multiplayer map lineup was the strongest of the series,<ref name="ign review" /> and ''GameSpy'' added that "each [multiplayer] map is extremely well-tuned".<ref name="gamespy review"/> The Forge level editor and saved films features were singled out as particularly strong features,<ref name="gamespot-review"/> in addition to the voice acting and score.<ref name="game informer review"/><ref name="gamespy review"/>

Other complaints focused on the artificial intelligence; critics praised the enemy AI but complained that the intelligence of the player's allies was far poorer.<ref name="ign review" /><ref name="gamespot-review">{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/halo-3/reviews/halo-3-review-6179646/ |title=Halo 3 for Xbox 360 Review – Xbox 360 Halo 3 Review |access-date=September 25, 2007 |author=Gerstmann, Jeff |date=September 23, 2007 |website=GameSpot |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321034601/http://uk.gamespot.com/halo-3/reviews/halo-3-review-6179646/ |archive-date=March 21, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/halo-34.htm|publisher=[[How Stuff Works]]|access-date=January 4, 2008|title=Halo 3 Criticisms|first=Rick|last=Mayda|date=October 10, 2007|archive-date=January 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113180223/http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/halo-34.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Bryan Vore of ''[[Game Informer]]'' said that human faces and some textures were just "embarrassing".<ref name="game informer review"/>

''Halo 3'' was nominated for seven awards from the [[Spike TV|Spike TV Awards]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-3-bioshock-top-spike-tv-noms/1100-6182621/ |title=Halo 3, BioShock top Spike TV noms |author=Magrino, Tom |date=November 11, 2007 |access-date=November 11, 2007 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=December 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220021308/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-3-bioshock-top-spike-tv-noms/1100-6182621/ |url-status=live }}</ref> of which it won "Best Multiplayer Game" and "Most Addictive Video Game Fueled by Dew".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYSA00208122007-1.htm |title=Spike TV Announces 2007 'Video Game Awards' Winners |access-date=December 9, 2007 | publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210005055/http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYSA00208122007-1.htm |archive-date = December 10, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> It won ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]''{{'}}s "Game of the Year", and ''[[IGN]]'' chose it as the Best Xbox 360 Online Multiplayer Game and Innovative Design of 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1686204_1686305_1692236,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225073746/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1686204_1686305_1692236,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 25, 2010|title=50 Top 10 Lists of 2007 – Top 10 Video Games|author=Grossman, Lev|publisher=[[TIME (magazine)|TIME]]|access-date=March 10, 2008 | date=December 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/17.html|title=Best of 2007: Best Online Multiplayer Game (Xbox 360) |website=IGN |access-date=January 14, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409142127/http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/20.html|archive-date=April 9, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/20.html |title=Best of 2007: Most Innovative Design (Xbox 360) |website=IGN |access-date=January 14, 2008|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227100728/http://uk.bestof.ign.com/2007/xbox360/17.html|archive-date=December 27, 2007}}</ref> The [[Visual Effects Society]] awarded Bungie the "Best Real Time Visuals in a Video Game" for ''Halo 3''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=news&cid=13240 |author=Smith, Luke |title=Visual Effects Society Honors Bungie |publisher=Bungie |date=February 11, 2008 |access-date=February 20, 2011 |archive-date=December 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225120039/http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=news&cid=13240 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Halo 3'' took the ''Calvin Award'' for "Best Videogame" as selected by Box Office Prophets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/column/index.cfm?columnID=10506 |publisher=Box Office Prophets |date=February 18, 2008 |access-date=February 20, 2008 |title=2008 Calvin Awards: Best Videogame |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214001948/http://boxofficeprophets.com/column/index.cfm?columnID=10506 |archive-date=February 14, 2009  }}</ref> ''Halo 3'' also took the award for Xbox 360 Game of the Year 2007 from ''[[GameTrailers]]'', and was voted by fans as Game of the Year on [[G-Phoria]]. ''Halo 3'' won the ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' Award For Interactive Innovation in August 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/halo-3-scoops-edge-award-interactive-innovation/ |title=Halo 3 Scoops Edge Award for Interactive Innovation |publisher=[[Edge Magazine]] |date=August 11, 2008 |access-date=August 11, 2008 |archive-date=August 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812114557/http://www.edge-online.com/news/halo-3-scoops-edge-award-interactive-innovation |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Halo 3'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Action Game of the Year]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Outstanding Achievement in Online Gameplay]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2008&idGame=936 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Halo 3 |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=November 8, 2023}}</ref> In 2010, the game was included as one of the titles in the book ''[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die|last=Mott |first=Tony |year=2010 |publisher=Quintessence Editions Ltd.|location=London |isbn=978-1-74173-076-0 |page=725}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Halo 3}}
* {{Official website|http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/default.aspx|''Halo 3'' at Bungie}}
* {{Official website|https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-3/xbox-360|''Halo 3'' at Halo Waypoint}}
* {{Halopedia|Halo_3|''Halo 3''}}

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