Halo Wars 2
In short: Halo Wars 2 is a strategy game released in 2017 by 343 Industries, Creative Assembly, available on PC and Xbox. Our score: 8.1/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
A real-time strategy game set in the Halo universe. Players command armies of UNSC forces or the alien Banished in tactical battles.
Halo Wars 2 is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, set in the iconic Halo universe. Released in 2017, it serves as a direct sequel to the original Halo Wars and bridges the narrative gap between Halo 5: Guardians and future Halo titles. The game thrusts players into large-scale conflicts, allowing them to command either the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) forces, led by Captain Cutter, or the formidable alien faction known as the Banished, led by the ruthless Atriox. The core gameplay loop involves base building, resource management, and strategic unit deployment to outmaneuver and defeat enemy forces. Each faction boasts a unique roster of units, abilities, and leaders, encouraging diverse playstyles and tactical approaches. The game successfully translates the grandeur and intensity of Halo lore into the RTS genre, offering both a compelling single-player campaign and robust multiplayer options. The single-player campaign of Halo Wars 2 offers a gripping narrative that expands on the Halo universe. Following the events of the first game, the Spirit of Fire, a UNSC vessel, awakens above the Ark - a Forerunner installation crucial to galactic stability. They soon encounter the Banished, a brutal mercenary group that splintered from the Covenant. The story is rich with character development, introduces new lore elements, and features impressive cinematic cutscenes that enhance the overall experience. Players will navigate var…
Game details
- Developer: 343 Industries, Creative Assembly
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PC, Xbox
- Category: strategy
Our review
Halo Wars 2 successfully brings the large-scale battles of the Halo universe to the real-time strategy genre. Creative Assembly, known for their work on the Total War series, delivers a solid RTS experience that feels both familiar to Halo fans and accessible to newcomers. The campaign offers a compelling narrative, expanding on the lore and providing a good challenge. Multiplayer, especially the innovative Blitz mode, adds significant replay value. While some traditional RTS players might find it a bit streamlined for consoles, it's a fantastic entry that proves Halo can thrive in different genres.
Pros
- Engaging campaign story
- Accessible RTS mechanics
- Innovative Blitz multiplayer mode
- Faithful to Halo lore
- Excellent cinematic cutscenes
Cons
- Might feel too simplified for hardcore RTS players
- Limited unit customization compared to other RTS games
FAQ
- Is Halo Wars 2 canon to the main Halo storyline?
- Yes, Halo Wars 2 is fully canon within the Halo universe. Its story bridges important narrative gaps and introduces key characters and factions that are relevant to the overarching lore.
- Can I play Halo Wars 2 if I haven't played the first Halo Wars?
- Absolutely! While Halo Wars 2 continues the story, the game does a good job of providing enough context for new players to understand what's happening. The core gameplay mechanics are also well-explained.
- Is Halo Wars 2 better with a controller or keyboard and mouse?
- Halo Wars 2 was designed with console players in mind, so the controller scheme is surprisingly intuitive and responsive. However, many PC players still prefer the precision of a keyboard and mouse for RTS games. It largely comes down to personal preference.
- Does Halo Wars 2 have a strong multiplayer community?
- While not as massive as some other esports titles, Halo Wars 2 maintains a dedicated and active multiplayer community, especially in ranked modes and the popular Blitz mode. Matchmaking usually finds games relatively quickly.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026