Mission overview
The opening mission teaches movement, shields, grenades, weapon swapping, and the basic difference between plasma and ballistic damage while the crew evacuates the ship.
Recommended loadout: A plasma weapon paired with the pistol covers both shield damage and precision finishing.
Objective priorities
- Follow the evacuation route without outrunning friendly support.
- Use plasma to strip Elite shields, then finish with precision fire.
- Enter the escape-pod sequence with ammunition rather than spending every pickup.
Combat and difficulty tips
- Short bursts make the assault rifle more useful beyond point-blank range.
- Doorways create safe firing lanes when Covenant groups push together.
- On higher difficulties, retreat behind Marines instead of trading damage in open corridors.
What this guide confirms
Mission order and campaign placement are checked against the current campaign index and official product material. Encounter-specific advice is kept separate from confirmed story facts, and the page does not claim unverified collectible, checkpoint, or boss locations.
Frequently asked questions
What number mission is The Pillar of Autumn?
The Pillar of Autumn is mission 1 of 13 in Halo: Campaign Evolved and belongs to the Alpha Halo arc.
What loadout should I use for The Pillar of Autumn?
A plasma weapon paired with the pistol covers both shield damage and precision finishing.