It’s been nearly 16 years since Halo 3: ODST was released, and chances are that many of you have forgotten some crucial details about this entry. So, with the Helldivers 2 x Halo 3: ODST crossover launching on August 26th, let’s take a look at 10 things you might not remember about this game.
1. Halo 3: ODST Was Originally an Expansion
The highly anticipated Helldivers 2 x Halo ODST crossover wouldn’t even exist if Bungie hadn’t chosen to release Halo 3: ODST as a separate game. For those who don’t know, ODST was supposed to be a small-scale DLC for Halo 3.
However, as Bungie progressed with development, its ambitions and goals were few, which ultimately expanded the project and led to its release as a separate entry in the franchise. With Halo 3: ODST, Bungie gave us a new game mode, customization options, and, of course, a brand new campaign.
2. First Entry to Not Feature Master Chief
Master Chief in Halo Infinite. (Image via Microsoft)
John-117, or better known as the Master Chief, is undoubtedly the face of the Halo franchise. He’s a character who’s instantly recognizable anywhere and even has armor in Helldivers 2. However, with ODST, Bungie took a different route by not featuring the Chief.
That’s right, it was the first game in the series at that point to do so. Why was that the case? Well, Bungie wanted to deliver a more realistic story with this game and introduce more characters from the Halo verse.
3. Halo 3: ODST Did Have Elites
Dead elites in Halo 3: ODST. (Image via Redditor Bobafett3820)
One of the biggest complaints from both veterans and newcomers to Halo 3: ODST is the fact that it doesn’t have Elites. Many criticize Bungie for leaving out one of the franchise’s most iconic enemies, as they would’ve been the perfect foes for ODSTs.
However, the truth is that Elites do appear in the game, just not in the way you’d expect. Just explore the city, and you’ll come across bodies of dead Elites. So technically, Bungie didn’t skip out on anything.
4. Bungie Dropped a Destiny Teaser in Halo 3: ODST
Destiny Awaits poster in Halo 3: ODST. (Image via Halo Fandom)
Even veterans who had gone through multiple playthroughs of Halo 3: ODST back in the day missed out on an easter egg which hinted at Bungie’s next game, Destiny.
Related: 10 Weapons That Are Perfect for Helldivers 2 Halo ODST Crossover
There was a poster in the game that read, ‘DESTINY AWAITS,’ which referenced the title, which was in early stages of development at the time. However, with Halo: The Master Chief Collection, 343 Industries replaced the poster and removed this reference altogether from the game.
5. A Playable ODST Became a Spartan in Halo 5
Edward Buck in Halo 5: Guardians. (Image via Microsoft)
Halo 3: ODST brought players to a number of playable characters, including Edward Buck. Playing as Buck was quite an experience, but what many might not remember is that he returned in Halo 5: Guardians as a Spartan IV.
Now a member of Fireteam Osiris, Buck was tasked with retrieving Doctor Halsey and going after Master Chief. Clearly, his skills as an ODST were too valuable to be left, which earned him a promotion to the ranks of a Spartan.
6. Halo 3: ODST was One of Bungie’s Last Halo Titles
Bungie logo. (Image via Sony)
Despite delivering a legendary run with the Halo franchise, Bungie wasn’t in the mood to continue the series after Halo 3. However, Microsoft knew it had a golden goose and wanted to push for more entries.
As a compromise, Bungie agreed to craft Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach as its final contributions before finally freeing itself from Microsoft. These farewell games certainly had a bigger impact than anything 343 Industries managed to deliver.
GameHalo 3: ODSTRelease Year2009DeveloperBungieOriginal PlatformXbox 360
7. ODSTs Don’t Have Any Augmentations
Helldivers 2 x Halo ODST. (Image via Arrowhead Game Studios)
For those who are unfamiliar with the Halo universe, the upcoming Helldivers 2 crossover might seem like a chance to suit up as the iconic Spartans. However, that’s not really the case.
Related: With the Clues Piling Up, a New Halo in 2026 Feels More Likely Than Ever
The crossover features ODSTs, who aren’t super soldiers or have any kind of genetic augmentations like the Spartans. Basically, they’re elite special forces trained to function in some hostile environments and are more like real-world special operations units.
8. Halo 3: ODST is a Darker Game
A still from Halo 3: ODST. (Image via Microsoft)
Many Halo fans say that Reach is one of the darkest entries in the franchise, and that’s for a good reason. The fall of an entire planet at the hands of the Covenant, alongside countless civilians and Spartans’ lives lost, was a tragedy. However, many forget the fact that Halo 3: ODST exists. Just dive into this game, and you’ll be terrified of its dark and gloomy atmosphere.
9. Halo 3: ODST Gave Us Firefight Mode
Shooting in Halo 3: ODST. (Image via Microsoft)
It’s fair to say that Firefight is one of the most iconic games in the Halo franchise, or even the entirety of gaming. In this co-op survival, you and up to three friends must go toe-to-toe against waves of enemies, with the overall difficulty going up as you get ahead.
Related: Halo Fans Can’t Afford to Ignore What’s Happening on the GOG Dreamlist
For many, it was a defining experience of their early Halo experience. Honestly, it’s hard to think about the Halo franchise without this mode, and it was ODST that brought it to the table.
10. Halo 3: ODST‘s Timeline
Enemies in Halo 3: ODST. (Image via Microsoft)
Considering the fact that Halo 3: ODST was originally a standalone experience, it’s understandable that many Helldivers 2 players, and even longtime Halo fans, might be unsure where it fits into the timeline. To clarify, the entirety of ODST happens during the same period as Halo 2 and Halo 3, specifically in the year 2552.
With that said, did we miss any details you think players might have forgotten about Halo 3: ODST? Let us know in the comments below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
