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8. Walkthrough
Halo: Combat Evolved

8. Walkthrough

Detailed walkthrough for Halo: Combat Evolved's first mission, 'The Pillar of Autumn.' Learn how to escape the ship as Covenant forces board, and master the game's basic mechanics and controls.

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Detailed walkthrough for Halo: Combat Evolved's first mission, 'The Pillar of Autumn.' Learn how to escape the ship as Covenant forces board, and master the game's basic mechanics and controls.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    You awaken from cryo-sleep aboard the Pillar of Autumn after Planet Reach has fallen to the Covenant.
  2. 2
    The game will first present cutscenes showing the Pillar of Autumn arriving, Captain Keyes and Cortana discussing the Covenant's pursuit, and Sergeant Johnson preparing marines.
  3. 3
    (For Easy, Normal, Heroic difficulties only) Before exiting your cryo-tube, your health will be displayed. Exit the tube and familiarize yourself with the controls.
  4. 4
    Follow the technician to a red square. Face the yellow lights on the wall and look at each one until they turn green. This calibrates your mouse settings (inverted or normal).
  5. 5
    Follow the technician to a yellow square. Stand in it to have your shields brought online. Once fully charged, exit the square to see how shields discharge and recharge.
  6. 6
    Captain Keyes will then request you proceed to the bridge. Elites will attack the upper room.
  7. 7
    Exit the room and follow the technician. The door will jam; go through the opening to the left.
  8. 8
    Jump over pipes and proceed through the opening ahead. Turn right and enter the door across from you.
  9. 9
    Enter the next door in the hallway. In the larger room, turn left and crouch under the half-open door. Elites may be present but the door will close on them.
  10. 10
    Turn right and go through the first door on your left. Enter the door across from you. Marines may assist in taking out any Elites.
  11. 11
    Head left and follow the hallway to an opening where marines are fighting. Proceed through the opening.
  12. 12
    A marine may offer guidance to the bridge; you can ignore him and proceed through the entrance at the other side of the room, as there's nothing else of note in this area.
  13. 13
    In the next hallway, head left to find an entrance.
Tips
  • On Legendary difficulty, you start with shields, health, and the motion tracker already active, skipping the initial calibration sequences.
  • On Easy, Normal, and Heroic, the motion tracker is not available until later in the level.
  • When your shields are low, take cover to allow them to recharge automatically before re-engaging enemies.
  • Escape the Pillar of Autumn intact.
  • Learn the basic controls and mechanics of Halo: Combat Evolved.

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