The Pillar of Autumn sets the tone for everything that follows in Halo: Campaign Evolved, and its collectibles do the same. Three Skulls and one Terminal are tucked away across this opening mission, and none of them are sitting in plain sight. Miss them here and you'll be replaying the level later. This guide covers every location in order, so you can grab them all on your first run.
Where is the Terminal in Pillar of Autumn?
The Terminal sits toward the end of the mission, in a room that's easy to walk straight past if you're focused on the objective marker.
Here's the exact sequence:
- Play through the mission until you reach the damaged control room with the cracked window visible in the background.
- Cross through the door on the far side of that room.
- Immediately after passing through, turn left instead of continuing straight.
- An open doorway will be visible on your left.
- Enter and head to the back of the room.
- The Terminal is against the rear wall. Interact with it to register the collectible.
Terminal room, Pillar of Autumn
Where are all 3 Skulls in Pillar of Autumn?
The three Skulls in this mission are spread across different sections of the level, each requiring a small detour from the main path.
Skull 1: Speed Limit
This one is in the starting room before you've even left the tutorial area, which means it's gone forever if you push forward without looking around.
At one end of the starting room, two sets of large containers are stacked against the wall. One set has three containers stacked high, the other has only two. Jump onto the two-container set, then use that height to reach the overhead platform above.
Walk to the far end of the platform and you'll find the Speed Limit Skull waiting there.
Speed Limit Skull platform
Skull 2: Magnified
Follow the mission objectives through the linear path until you enter a large room designated B02L. The room contains several large connected units running down its length.
Halfway down the first unit, the Magnified Skull is sitting on top. Jump up to collect it before moving on.
Skull 3: Perspective
The third Skull is in the Bridge room, where the story brings you to meet Captain Keyes.
Wait for the cutscene to finish. Once control returns, move to the front end of the Bridge. Two pilots are seated side by side, and a ladder sits between them. Climb down the ladder (or drop) and check behind it at the bottom. The Perspective Skull is there.
Does the order you collect them matter?
No, but the mission's linear structure means Skull 1 and Skull 2 are only accessible at specific points during your forward progress. Skull 1 in particular is in the very first room, so if you've already moved past it, you'll need to replay the mission from the start to pick it up. The Terminal and Skull 3 both appear later in the level, so there's more flexibility there.
For a full breakdown of every Skull across all missions, the complete Halo: Campaign Evolved Skulls guide covers all 42 with their effects listed. If you're still figuring out how long the full campaign runs, check out the how long to beat Halo: Campaign Evolved guide for time estimates across difficulty levels and completionist runs.
For more walkthroughs, tips, and mission breakdowns, browse the full Halo: Campaign Evolved guides collection and stay ahead of every collectible the game throws at you.