As we approach 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the Halo franchise, the iconic sci-fi video game series stands at the brink of significant growth. Exciting rumors have begun surfacing regarding the development of a sequel to Halo Infinite, a comprehensive remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, and adaptations of Halo: The Master Chief Collection for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. However, the scope for innovation goes beyond these anticipated sequels, as Halo Studios is uniquely positioned to explore narratives from the franchise’s expansive media universe, encompassing comics, novels, and the Paramount+ television series. One highly anticipated idea is the development of Halo Wars 3, drawing from the rich lore presented in the book Halo: Divine Wind.
Insight into Halo: Divine Wind
In the novel Retribution, ONI agent Veta Lopis and her team, comprising Spartan IIIs Ash-G099, Mark-G313, and Olivia-G291, infiltrate the Brute-led Covenant remnant faction known as the Keepers of the One Freedom. Their mission involves monitoring the faction’s enigmatic leader, Castor. Following a brief but critical Flood outbreak in Awakening the Nightmare, the Banished exploit the Forerunner Dreadnought located in High Charity on the Ark, inadvertently releasing remnants of the former Covenant, led by a San’Shyuum Prelate.
The Banished successfully retrieve fragments of a Forerunner slipspace crystal intended to reactivate a portal on the Ark, which would facilitate Atriox’s return to the Milky Way galaxy. However, with the portal on Earth under Cortana’s command, Atriox directs Escharum and the Keepers to locate a concealed Ark portal on Reach. The Keepers achieve this feat, yet they seize Atriox’s Lich as he arrives on the planet, embarking towards the Ark with the intention of activating the installation and commencing the Great Journey, which the Keepers still fervently believe in. Throughout this time, the Keepers partner briefly with the Prelate to activate the installation and the Halo array, but their efforts are ultimately thwarted by Lopis, the Spirit of Fire, and forces from the Banished.
Conclusion of Halo: Divine Wind
During the Keeper’s expedition on the Ark, nearly all members are eliminated, leaving only Castor and the Elite blademaster Inslaan ‘Gadogai. When they are on the brink of activating the Ark, they come to a stark realization that the installation is not the sacred site they believed it to be, and the concept of the Great Journey has been a deception. Driven by vengeance against their foes due to Lopis’s betrayal, they carve a path of destruction. While Mark-G313 is murdered by the Prelate, Lopis, Ash-G099, and Olivia-G291 regroup with the Spirit of Fire to continue their battle against the Banished and the remaining Covenant forces.
The intricate storyline involving Veta Lopis and Castor unfolds across five novels: Halo: Last Light, Halo: Retribution, Halo: Shadows of Reach, Halo: Divine Wind, and Halo: Silent Storm.
Exploring the Potential of Halo Wars 3 from Halo: Divine Wind
Nearly a decade has elapsed since the release of Halo Wars 2, igniting fans’ desire to see the conclusion of the narrative centered on the Ark, especially as teased in its iconic finale. Upon completing the game on Legendary difficulty, players witness Dr. Ellen Anders aboard the newly constructed Halo Installation 09 in slipspace, abruptly halted by one of Cortana’s Forerunner Guardians. While the ongoing conflict between the Banished and the Spirit has been revisited numerous times, the fate of Anders remains shrouded in mystery.
Initially, concept art and plans for a cut DLC campaign aimed at resolving these unanswered plot lines were abandoned for unknown reasons. In light of the substantial gap between the releases of Halo Wars titles, Halo Studios faces an opportunity to address the lingering threads from Halo Wars 2 with the development of Halo Wars 3.
In addition to featuring the Banished and the UNSC, Halo Wars 3 could potentially introduce the Covenant and Created factions, enriching unit variety and delving into the broader narrative of the Halo universe beyond Master Chief’s perspective.
Potential Storylines for Halo Wars 3
Halo Wars 3 could directly follow the narrative established in Divine Wind, showcasing the Spirit of Fire as it grapples with a multi-faceted conflict on the Ark. With the reactivation of a portal, the Spirit might dispatch Lopis and her Spartan IIIs alongside a small contingent to seek Anders’ Halo ring. This storyline could be bifurcated into two narratives: one tracking the Spirit’s confrontations with Banished and Covenant forces, while the other follows Lopis’s journey to recover Anders from the Created, all while striving to garner UNSC reinforcements.
This dual storyline could intertwine with the broader Halo universe, illustrating Let ‘Volir’s struggle to assert control amidst the apparent demise of Atriox and Escharum, while Lopis comes to terms with the disappearance of the Infinity, raising the stakes for all involved.
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