'Halo 4' Easter Egg Guide

If the Halo series has become known for something other than its dense mythology and unpredictable gameplay, it's a sense of humor. It's one of the things that distinguished the series from so many other 'space marine' adventures, and kept players scouring every nook and cranny for flourishes and inside-jokes.

It's no surprise then that Easter eggs and hidden items are already being found within Halo 4, ranging from the mildly odd to downright hilarious. Saving humanity is important, to be sure. But the Forerunners aren't going anywhere.More

We've gathered up the latest ones to be uncovered, but who knows how many secrets are buried in Halo 4's campaign, multiplayer, and Spartan Ops. The order here is roughly chronological in terms of campaign acts, and bear only the smallest of spoilers. Those who are weary of even mission beats being revealed can steer clear, but you'll be missing out.

Master Chief's Service Record

The opening of Halo 4 has likely already been seen by most who intend to, and after the exploration of John's childhood trauma, the Chief jumps into action like he's spent four years asleep. Cortana's sense of urgency - bolstered by the closing moments of Forward Unto Dawn - may not encourage exploration. Of course, that means passing by the first easter egg of the game.

Most players will run down the catwalk from Forward Unto Dawn's cryo-chambers to the command center without hesitation, and completely ignore the set of stairs leading into the lower level. Simply approach the terminal placed below, and be treated to a complete detailing of John-117's service record. In other words, a complete plot summary of the first three Halo titles up to Halo 4's opening scene.

We'll bet most players will already be familiar, but it's worth a listen for those who may have forgotten some of the finer points. And considering how much the ensuing campaign will forever change the Halo universe, a refresher won't go amiss. It may not be one of the most mind-blowing terminals in the game, but it's a start.

Next: In-Game Limited Edition Halo 4

In-Game Limited Edition Halo 4

Halo 4 fans who sprang for the Limited Edition of the game instead of the standard copy already know how much extra content and collectibles were included. Apparently, the package was deemed so exquisite by 343, they had to place it within the game itself. The collapsing parallel universes at work in making that a reality make our heads hurt, but it's still a quirky Easter egg.

The Limited Edition can be found in the control room where the first Covenant encounter takes place. When facing the main viewport, the game case can be found to the left. It's fairly hard to miss if you're familiar with its singular style (recreated with freakish accuracy, if we may say).

Next: Requiem Crash Site Covenant Devices

Requiem Crash Site Covenant Devices

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The burning husks of Covenant Cruisers scarring the surface of Requiem make for one of the more stunning vistas in the game's earlier chapters. In the mission of the same name, the Chief is immediately tasked with finding a way through the wreckage in the immediate vicinity. Players might walk by one of the somewhat-intact ships, missing the Elite and data log contained within.

Simply find the Elite and you're in the right spot. There's no need to take out the alien, since he's on his way out anyway. It's the glowing interface behind him that's the real Easter egg. We won't go into specifics, but the voice players will hear is none other than Dr. Catherine Halsey discussing the inevitability of AI rampancy. Or, in this case, how one AI might prove to be an exception.

The second device atop the center-most Covenant hull grants the player access to the Covenant Battlenet, hinting at the plot ready to unfold, and Master Chief's role in the proceedings. The Covenant's presence around the Forerunner Shield World is no coincidence, as Cortana astutely notes: "the Covenant are always looking for something." Look they did, and when they found what they were after, they waited. For years, it seems - almost since the events of Halo 3 came to a close.

Until the Chief arrived, that is...

Next: Spartan Portraits

Spartan Portraits

This Easter egg is one of the only ones (so far) that requires a bit of a challenge in accessing. Once the Chief exits the crash site and steps into the sunlight, a mountain path littered with Warthogs extends out to the left. Before players run gleefully towards the UNSC's one-of-a-kind vehicle, take in the surroundings. On the right edge of the cliffs stands an outcropping of rock with a rather distinct tree and protruding metal framework.

A few death-defying hops and a drop between the boulders grants access to a lower ledge. From there, simply look up at what appears to be a series of burn marks and impacts along the underside of the structure. It may not be an image of Master Chief on a grilled cheese sandwich, but it's darn close.

Next: Double Rainbow All The Way

Double Rainbow All The Way

That's right: even 343 isn't immune to the double rainbow meme. This one is fairly straightforward, and those familiar with the source material will get the joke implicitly. After the first section of the 'Reclaimer' mission, the hulking Mammoth will cross a river next to a large waterfall. When the Mammoth stops, the double rainbow can be seen in all its glory.

343, unfortunately, still can't answer the one question Halo fans will now be left asking: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?