Halo: Campaign Evolved features a variety of collectibles that offer both gameplay advantages and lore expansion. Players can discover 42 skulls, which function as gameplay modifiers, and 13 terminals, which provide background information on the Halo universe.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Skulls
Skulls in Halo: Campaign Evolved act as modifiers that can alter playthroughs. These range from beneficial buffs to challenging handicaps, with some offering purely cosmetic or humorous effects. A total of 42 skulls are available, with 39 hidden across the game's 13 levels. The remaining three are unlocked automatically after finding two other skulls. Of the discoverable skulls, 26 are returning "legacy" skulls from previous Halo titles, while 16 are entirely new additions. Collecting all skulls is a prerequisite for tackling the Legendary All Skulls On (LASO) challenges and for earning the Headhunter achievement or trophy.
Players can enable unlocked skulls from the level select menu before starting a new campaign or a specific mission. Skulls can significantly change gameplay dynamics. For example, the "Bandana" skull grants infinite ammo and grenades, while "Blind" disables the HUD and weapon display. For a greater challenge, "Mythic" increases enemy health, and "Iron" means dying in co-op sends you to the last checkpoint, while solo play restarts the level.
Some skulls offer unique effects, such as "Acrophobia," which grants "rifles AND wings," or "Cowbell," which reduces the physics mass of objects. Others like "Famine" reduce the ammo found in enemy weapons by half, and "Black Eye" dictates that shields only recharge after meleeing enemies. For a more visual alteration, "Perspective" switches the player camera to third-person.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Terminals
Terminals in Halo: Campaign Evolved serve as gateways to expanded lore, offering players insights into the game's narrative and universe. There is one terminal to be found in each of the game's 13 levels. Interacting with a terminal reveals additional story details. These terminals are hidden within the levels alongside the 39 skulls that must be found for completionists.
Each level contains a unique terminal, contributing to the overall collectible count. The locations of these terminals, like the skulls, are detailed level by level. Players can access guides for specific missions to pinpoint the exact location of both skulls and terminals. For instance, the terminal in "The Pillar of Autumn" is called "Approach," while "Halo" contains the "Forgotten" terminal. The "Assault on the Control Room" level features the "Tangent I" terminal, and "The Library" includes "Tangent III."