Editing Halo Wars

{{Title|''Halo Wars''}}

{{Game infobox

|name= ''Halo Wars''

|image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|300px]]

|primary-dev= [[Ensemble Studios]]

|support-dev=[[Robot Entertainment]] {{C|Post-launch support}}

|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]

|engine=[[Phoenix engine]]

|writer=[[Graeme Devine]]

|composer=[[Stephen Rippy]]

|platform= [[Xbox 360]]

|releasedate= '''US''': March 3, 2009 <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5126557/ces-09-whoops-halo-wars-release-date-still-march-3 '''Kotaku''': ''CES 09: Whoops! Halo Wars Release Date Still March 3'']</ref><br />

'''UK''': February 27, 2009<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24 '''Amazon.co.uk''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)'']</ref>

|genre= [[Real-time strategy]]

|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op Campaign Mode]], Skirmish

|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, and Violence<br>

[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)

'''''Halo Wars''''' is the first [[real-time strategy]] game in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' franchise]]. The game takes place in the year [[2531]], 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', during the [[Covenant]] [[Massacre of the Outer Colonies|assault]] on the [[Outer Colonies]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game was developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is an Xbox 360 exclusive. Notably, ''Halo Wars'' was the first game in the series to receive a "'T' for Teen" rating from the [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], downgraded from the "'M' for Mature" rating given to previous installments; however, [[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]] rated the game 16+ as with prior ''Halo'' games. Downloadable content and support were handled by [[Robot Entertainment]], a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after the latter studio's closing.

The release of ''Halo Wars'' fulfilled the original concept that ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was supposed to be a real-time strategy game before being turned into a third-person shooter, and then a first-person-shooter. A sequel, ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', was released on [[2017|February 21, 2017]].<ref>[http://kotaku.com/surprise-halo-wars-2-is-coming-1721996606 ''Kotaku''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)]''</ref><ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/08/04/gamescom-2015-halo-wars-2-announced ''IGN''': ''GAMESCOM 2015: HALO WARS 2 ANNOUNCED'']</ref> Players who pre-ordered [[Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition|''Halo Wars 2'' Ultimate Edition]] received early access to ''[[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition]]'', a remastered version of the game, on December 20, 2016.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/halo-wars-de-early-access '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars: DE Early Access'']</ref>

[[File:Harvest Plasma Glassed.jpg|thumb|left|[[Harvest]], just after the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives in the system.]]

{{Quote|At this point in time, the [[Covenant]] is at its most evil. They are hell-bent on the destruction of humanity, on scouring us from the universe.|Graeme Devine, Lead Writer, formerly Lead Developer.}}

During the final days of the [[Harvest campaign]], [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]], a Marine assigned to the support ship {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} under the command of [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]], is patrolling the northern regions of the planet [[Harvest]]. While Forge is on patrol, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with the survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Alpha Base (Halo Wars level)|Alpha Base]]''</ref> Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Forerunner]] [[Relic (location)|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Professor [[Ellen Anders]]' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Approach]]''</ref> [[Grizzly]] tanks deployed from ''Spirit of Fire'' cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, [[Arcadia]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Relic Interior]]''</ref>

Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew find that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant. Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] of [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from [[Pirth City]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia City]]''</ref> Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for Spartan [[Team Omega]] to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Arcadia Outskirts]]''</ref> At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|undiscovered ruins]] surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype [[Rhino]] plasma artillery to penetrate it.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Dome of Light]]''</ref> Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a [[R'awuw-pattern Scarab|Scarab]], only partially complete though capable of destroying any UNSC forces in its line of sight. After the Scarab's destruction, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]]''</ref> Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a [[Trove|mysterious planet]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 180''</ref>

Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the [[Flood]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Anders' Signal]]''</ref> Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]]''</ref> The UNSC forces withdraw back to the ''Spirit of Fire'' as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] emerging to deal with the Flood.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]]''</ref> ''Spirit of Fire'' manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref> ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Proclamation's Tithe|Covenant destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Repairs]]''</ref>

Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as the [[Apex Site]], revealing a fleet of [[Forerunner dreadnought|Forerunner warships]] which the Covenant plan on using against humanity. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]], teleporting to the surface of the shield world's interior and linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the shield world.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]]''</ref> Removing the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL drive]], the UNSC move it into the Apex, planning to detonate it - the chain-reaction will send the Shield World's sun into a [[supernova]], destroying the installation and the fleet, denying it to the Covenant and saving humanity from near total defeat and extinction. The Arbiter attempts to stop them, but his [[Elites]] are killed by Red Team, and Forge manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Reactor (Halo Wars level)|Reactor]]''</ref> Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the shield world, evacuate to ''Spirit of Fire'', and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the shield world's debris.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape]]''</ref>

Now unable to return to human space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the crew enter [[Cryo-chamber|cryonic storage]]. The ship begins her long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, acknowledging the sergeant's sacrifice.

''Spirit of Fire'', lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On [[2534|February 10, 2534]], the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". At the end of the [[Halo Wars credits|credits]], Serina is be heard saying, ''"Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."''

[[File:HWSPARTAN.PNG|thumb|A Spartan from [[Team Omega|SPARTAN Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor in the ''Halo Wars'' announcement trailer.]]

In ''Halo Wars'', players command armies of both old and new UNSC units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. ''Halo Wars'' will immerse gamers in an early period of the ''Halo'' universe, allowing them to experience events 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. Players are given the [[Circle Menu]] to control buildings and increase their arsenal.

With the guidance of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes. Each group has its own strengths and abilities in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious over their foes.

[[Campaign]] consists of fifteen levels which tells the story of ''Halo Wars''.

#[[Alpha Base (Halo Wars level)|Alpha Base]] - ''"Forge rallies the troops and retakes Alpha Base."''

#[[Relic Approach]] - ''"Get Alpha Base up and running and find what the Covenant are up to.''"

#[[Relic Interior]] - ''"Forge and Anders are trapped in the relic. They must be rescued."''

#[[Arcadia City]] - ''"The Covenant invasion of Arcadia is in full swing. Evacuation of its civilian population is UNSC's top priority."''

#[[Arcadia Outskirts]] - ''"The civilian evacuation is complete. UNSC forces must safely withdraw from the city.''"

#[[Dome of Light]] - ''"Uncover what the Covenant were after on Arcadia."''

#[[Scarab (level)|Scarab]] - ''"Send in ground units to destroy a Covenant super weapon."''

#[[Anders' Signal]] - ''"Forge and Recon Groups ECHO and INDIA start the search for Anders."''

#[[The Flood (level)|The Flood]] - ''"Find Anders and rescue her before it's too late."''

#[[Shield World (level)|Shield World]] - ''"Spirit of Fire is being drawn against her will into the belly of a hostile planet. Ground force deployed to the planet's surface will be abandoned if the Spirit of Fire doesn't act quickly…"''

#[[Cleansing]] - ''"Cleanse the infection forms from Spirit's hull before they penetrate the interior."''

#[[Repairs]] - ''"Repair Spirit of Fire and drive Covenant forces back."''

#[[Beachhead (Halo Wars level)|Beachhead]] - ''"Protect Anders and escort her to the LZ."''

#[[Reactor (Halo Wars level)|Reactor]] - ''"Pull the reactor core to the Apex Site."''

#[[Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape]] - ''"Help the Spirit of Fire's crew escape the Shield world."''

[[File:HW Screenshots 003.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Covenant]] forces engage humans on the level ''Chasms''.]]

Just like other ''Halo'' games, ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''' live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Teams are differentiated by the color of the units. There is no specific information regarding player ranking but players are able to achieve the ranks of Recruit, Lieutenant, Major, Commander, Colonel, Brigadier, and General. Multiplayer is up to 6 players at a time in a match. Two player online Co-op for the campaign story is available in the game.{{Ref/Reuse|xbox360fanboy.com}}

Multiplayer maps are mostly based on the locations introduced in campaign. There are fourteen maps in the original release, and the number rose to eighteen after the release of downloadable contents.

*[[Beasley's Plateau]]

*[[Blood Gulch (Halo Wars level)|Blood Gulch]]

*[[Chasms]]

*[[Crevice]]

*[[The Docks]]

*[[Exile (Halo Wars level)|Exile]]

*[[Frozen Valley]]

*[[Fort Deen]]

*[[Pirth Outskirts]]

*[[Labyrinth]]

*[[Release (level)|Release]]

*[[Repository]]

*[[Terminal Moraine]]

*[[Tundra]]

The [[Historic Battle DLC|Historic Battle Map Pack]] was released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 21, 2009 and sells for 800 Microsoft Points. Along with 4 new maps, the DLC includes 4 new achievements as well. The maps included in this Map Pack are:

*[[Barrens (Halo Wars map)|Barrens]]

*[[Glacial Ravine]]

At the start of matches or levels, players are given one base with one scout unit and a limited amount of [[resources]]. Using their scout unit (Warthogs for UNSC, Ghosts or Choppers for Covenant), the player can seek out more resources to build manufacturing sites and supply pads, which in turn let the player build more powerful units and gain resources faster. Bases can be built only in select sites, and a base already occupying that site must be destroyed before another can be built. Multiplayer matches are won by destroying the opposing team's bases, while campaign missions can call for other victory requirements.

Throughout the campaign and in Skirmishes, the player must advance their technology in order to increase their army's power. When technology is increased, more units, upgrades, and buildings become available. For instance, infantry units can receive additional members or stronger weaponry. Field Armories or Temples (and the upgrades within them) can become available with increased technology as well.

The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading [[UNSC reactor|reactor]]s. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the [[Ages of Doubt|Age of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation|Age of Reclamation]] respectively. Both factions can also advance by capturing [[Forerunner secondary reactor]]s.

When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, or a Forerunner secondary reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. Losing a source of tech level in the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use.

====Veterancy points====

Veterancy points increase a unit's statistics, including attack, attack speed, defense, and hitpoints. A unit's veterancy point is indicated by the number of stars the unit has above its health bar. The stars, or ''Veterancy Points'', are acquired only after a unit or a group of units have defeated enemy structures, units, vehicles, or other combat-related situations. They are also gained by upgrading the unit. A mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point.  

A unit has a maximum of 3 stars, except a Spartan-commandeered vehicle, which has a maximum of 14 "Veterancy Points" for Scorpions/Grizzlies and Hornets/Sparrowhawks. All other Spartan-commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". There are some special units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level ''Anders' Signal'') that have a maximum of 6 ''Veterancy Points''.

Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC are [[leader]]s, which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Leaders include [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Avitus]], and the [[Prophet of Regret]].  

In Campaign, the abilities "[[Transport]]", and "[[Heal and Repair]]" are available, while other bombs vary between levels. In Skirmish, all of the UNSC leaders have the aforementioned abilities, along with the "[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]" ability as well as a bomb depending on the leader.

{| border = "1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"

| colspan="6" align="center"| '''UNSC Leaders'''

! Captain Cutter

| Bases start with Station || N/A || MAC Blast/ODST Drop || Elephant || ODST

|-

| Supply Pads start as Heavy Supply Pads || Warthog Ram/Shotgun barrage || Carpet Bomb || Cyclops || Grizzly

| Upgrade costs & durations reduced by 50% || Repairs || Cryo Bomb || Gremlin || Sparrowhawk

| colspan="6" align="center"| '''Covenant Leaders'''

! Leader !! colspan = "2"|Hero ability !! colspan = "3"|Unique unit

! Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee

| colspan = "2" |Rage || colspan = "3"|Suicidal Grunts

! Brute Army Commander

| colspan = "2" |Vortex || colspan = "3"|Brute/Brute Chopper

|-

! Prophet of Regret

| colspan = "2" |Cleansing Beam ||colspan = "3"|Honor Guard Elites

<!--

Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) that can be called from the ''Spirit of Fire''.  

The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the Jiralhanae Commander) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". The Prophet of Regret's ability is to glass enemy forces (known as the "Cleansing Beam" in ''Halo Wars''), which causes significant damage to both structures and units, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|Chopper]].

Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">[http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html '''Videogamer''': ''Halo Wars Hands-on Preview'']</ref>

*'''[[Transport]]''': Call a Pelican down to transport selected units (maximum of three vehicles and six infantry units) to a selected area of the map.

*'''[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]''': A bomb that deactivates any leader powers and prevents others being activated in a short radius during the effect.<ref name="gametrailers.com">[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41104.html '''Game Trailers''': ''Halo Wars Video Game, TGS 2008: Demonstration (Cam)'']</ref>

*'''[[Heal and Repair]]''': Heals all units and repairs all structures in a selected area.<ref name = "Gamereactor">[http://www.gamereactor.no/grtv/?id=3396&sid=5bb9748a525446234980eb00694fb89a '''Gamereactor TV''': ''TGS08: Halo Wars Gameplay Presentation'']</ref>

*'''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#Halo Wars|Blast]]''': Calls down a MAC blast from ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s onboard MAC. Upgrades allow for more shots before the power has to recharge. This power is exclusive to Captain Cutter.

*'''ODST Drop''': ODST pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resources each. The pods will spawn a whole ODST squad, which is much faster than training them in a Barracks or via the Elephant. However, if reactors are destroyed or a bonus reactor garrison squad is killed, the player won't be able to to drop more.<ref>[http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html '''E3.G4TV''': ''Hands On: Halo Wars'']</ref>

*'''[[GBU-1105 bomb|Cryo bomb]]''': The Cryo Bomb freezes any units and buildings, including the player's, within the blast radius. Units are unable to move when frozen, and buildings halt all activity. When frozen, air units have a chance of falling to the ground, shattering instantly. The more the Cryo Bomb is upgraded, the freeze time and the chance to make air units fall increases. This power is exclusive to Professor Anders. Any units that are equipped with shields fare better against the cryo bomb and also have extra time escaping then other ground units.

*'''[[Carpet bombing|Carpet Bomb]]''': Calls in a bomber to wipe out a large area. Effective against mass infantry or ground vehicles. The more times it is upgraded, the stronger and larger the carpet bomb is. This power is exclusive to Sergeant Forge.

In addition to the eight new achievements from the Historic Battle Map Pack, there are a total of 58 [[achievement]]s in ''Halo Wars'', worth 1200 [[Gamerscore]].

Halo Wars Skulls, just like previous skulls in other ''Halo'' games, are hidden in the campaign for the player to find, and when activated, modify gameplay elements. However, unlike previous games, players must eliminate a certain amount of particular enemy units in that level for the skull to appear in the game. When found, skulls are available for the player to activate in the game's pause menu in both campaign and Skirmish. Skulls that put players on the upper hand lowers the their final scores, while "Debuff skulls", skulls that put players in a disadvantageous situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that make no change to the game's difficulty. Some skulls retain the names and effects from previous games, such as Cowbell, Catch, and Grunt Birthday Party.

Black Boxes are collectibles in the ''Halo Wars'' campaign that when collected, they add new events in the [[Halo Wars Timeline Events|Halo Wars Timeline]]. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them and can be picked up by any unit. When the player collects one they can just resign straight away and they will still have it. The timeline covers many of the important events from the games and the novels. There is only one black box on each campaign level in the game.

As of February 28, 2010 (or March 1, 2010), ''Halo Wars'' and [[Halowars.com]] support was transferred from Robot Entertainment to [[Halo Waypoint]]. It was stated that Waypoint would provide "exciting plans", but this has yet to come to fruition.<ref name="halowars.com">[http://www.halowars.com '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''']</ref>

On November 16, 2010, it was announced that Halo Wars Online Stat Tracking would no longer be supported. Along with the act, [[343 Industries]] and Halo Waypoint planned to release one final Title Update to fix a cutscene bug in Theater from Title Update 4, and to disconnect the game from the site, moving the forums to Halo Waypoint's. This change was to occur on December 15, 2010.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/953396/953396/ShowThread.aspx#953396 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)'']</ref> However, on December 8, 2010, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint announced a reversal in their decision to cease Online Stat Tracking, citing they were "...always uncomfortable with the idea...", and "...decided that the current plan of action was not in line with how we have always intended to support Halo games and the Halo franchise in general."<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/963172/963172/ShowThread.aspx#963172 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Wars Stat-Tracking To Continue'']</ref> The ''Halo Wars'' forums have been merged with Waypoint's forums and since then, Title Updates 5 and 6 have been released.<ref>[http://www.giantbomb.com/guides/halo-wars-title-updates/2055/ '''Giant Bomb''': ''Halo Wars Title Updates'']</ref>

''Halo Wars'' features a "[[Skirmish|Skirmish Mode]]", where the player can battle on multiplayer maps against an AI opponent in 1vs1, 2vs2 and 3vs3 match. There are 14 skirmish and [[multiplayer]] maps.{{Ref/Reuse|halowars.com}} There are two modes in Skirmish, [[Standard]] and [[Deathmatch (Halo Wars)|Deathmatch]]. Three more modes are available if the player has the Strategic Options DLC (800 Microsoft Points): Keepaway, Tug of War, and Reinforcements.

In '''Standard''' mode, players start off with a tech level of 0 and 800 resources. All units must be upgraded including turrets and leader abilities. The population limit starts at 30 for the UNSC and 40 for the Covenant. In '''Deathmatch''', players start with 15,000 resources and a tech level of 4 for the UNSC, and 3 for the Covenant (Building a Temple increases the tech level to six, but more importantly give the player the leader). All the player's units, buildings and leader abilities are already fully upgraded. The player's population starts at 15 and they gain 10 population for taking over a base, up to 99. When they lose a base, the population limit goes down by 10. In '''Keepaway''' mode, players capture the flag from their opponent and bring it back to their base. In '''Tug of War''' mode, the objective is who can field and maintain the strongest army who wins. In '''Reinforcements''' mode, the player needs to adapt their tactics as they are granted waves of troops, much like an endurance battle.

====Cut content====

Six units, the UNSC [[Cougar]], UNSC [[Fox Cannon]], [[Covenant Air Artillery]], Covenant [[Gorgon (cut vehicle)|Gorgon]], the UNSC [[Falcon (deleted aircraft)|Falcon]], and the UNSC Leviathan were under development early in the game along with the ability to actually construct individual buildings. The developers later announced that these units been cut, as they had decided to focus on more recognizable ''Halo'' units and simpler gameplay.

[[File:HwaIMG-9055-control.jpg|thumb|left|The post alpha [[Halo Xbox controls|control scheme]] for ''Halo Wars'' (outdated).]]

Another piece of deleted content is ambient life (i.e. Thorn Beasts, Harvest Whale, etc.) This may have been because the game already has some minor 'pathfinding issues' and the wildlife would have just been an obstacle.

-->

*[[Serina]] {{1st}}

;San'Shyuum

*[[Prophet of Regret]]

*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{1st}}

*[[Avitus]] {{1st}}

*[[Flood]]

**[[Unggoy Minor|Minor]]

*[[Covenant]]

***[[Fleet of Glorious Interdiction]]

*******[[Team Omega]] {{1st}}

*[[Epsilon Indi system]]

*[[Human-Covenant War]]

*[[11A2R1 naval coilgun battery]] {{1st}}

*[[Assault cannon]]

*[[Spike cannon]]

*[[AC-220 Vulture]] {{1st}}

***[[CCS-U624]] {{Fm}}

**''[[Proclamation's Tithe]]'' {{1st}}

====Forerunner====

*[[Forerunner dreadnought]] {{1st}}

*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]][[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|/Mark IV]]

**[[UNSC Supply Pad|Supply Pad]] {{1st}}

**[[UNSC reactor|Reactor]] {{1st}}

**[[UNSC Field Armory|Field Armory]] {{1st}}

**[[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]] {{1st}}

**[[UNSC Airpad|Airpad]] {{1st}}

**[[UNSC Vehicle Depot|Vehicle Depot]] {{1st}}

**[[M5 Talos]] base turret

**[[Covenant warehouse|Warehouse]] {{1st}}

**[[Covenant temple|Temple]] {{1st}}

**[[Covenant shield generator|Shield generator]] {{1st}}

**[[Covenant hall|Hall]] {{1st}}

**{{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}} {{1st}}

*[[Anti-vehicle barrier]]

*{{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}} {{1st}}

*[[Sentinel]]s

**[[Aggressor Sentinel]]s

**[[Protector Sentinel]]s {{1st}}

**[[Watcher Sentinel]]s {{1st}}

*[[Energy Wall]]

*[[Forerunner supply elevator]] {{1st}}

*[[Sentinel factory]] {{1st}}

*[[Flood colony]] {{1st}}

*[[Flood den]] {{1st}}

*[[Flood launcher]] {{1st}}

*[[Flood blister]]

*[[Flood nest]] {{1st}}

*[[Flood root]] {{1st}}

[[File:Marines.PNG|thumb|140px|[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]].]]

*[[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II]]: SPARTAN-IIs are individually trained units who are arguably superior to all UNSC and Covenant infantry types. SPARTANs are equipped with a regenerating shield in addition to a health bar. They begin with dual-wielded [[M7/Caseless Submachine Gun|SMGs]] and can hijack all enemy vehicles except the [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] and [[AC-220 Vulture|Vulture]] gunship for balance purposes, bringing them under player control; they can also commandeer allied vehicles. They can be upgraded to wield [[AIE-486H Heavy Machine Gun|chain guns]] and [[M6 Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle|Spartan Lasers]], as well as neural implants, which help them hijack vehicles much more quickly.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on">[http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/890/890357p1.html E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on]. ''Alex Simmons''. Accessed on 2008-17-07</ref> When a SPARTAN takes control of an allied or enemy vehicle, the Spartan's rank is added to the vehicle's rank and the vehicle's stats are greatly increased. Spartans can also engage in hand-to-hand combat against certain enemies ([[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Elite Honor Guards]], [[Pod infector|Infection Forms]], etc). Only three SPARTANs can be deployed at a time and do not contribute to the player's population limit. They are outfitted with the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|MJOLNIR Mk. IV]]; the in-game units possess traits that are trademarks of the Mk. V armor, however, this is for gameplay considerations and is not accepted as canon.  

*[[Hellbringers]]: Also known as "Flamethrower units", these Marines are specialists equipped with heavier armor and flame-throwers that can be used to torch entire infantry units. They can be upgraded with flash bang grenades, which stun enemies when hit, napalm ammunition, which allows their attacks to burn slightly afterward, and oxide tanks, which also increase damage. They are incapable of attacking air units, obviously because of their shorter hit range. They can run somewhat faster than standard Marines.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/>

*[[UNSC Marine Corps|UNSC Marines]]: Marines are the basic infantry of the UNSC who are armed with [[MA5 series]] rifles and have the special ability to throw [[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade|grenades]].<ref name = "CES 09">[http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/hdvideos/36151/Halo-Wars-CES-09-Cam-Footage.html ''Halo Wars'' CES 09 Cam Footage]. ''G4''. Accessed on 2009-01-20</ref> The squads can be upgraded to replace their [[grenade]]s with [[rocket launcher]]s (called RPGs in-game), making them more effective against vehicles and giving them superior attack power against air units.<ref name = "IGN E3 2008: ''Halo Wars'' Hands-on"/> They usually operate in squads of four but may add another member to their squads via the "[[UNSC Marine Corps/Gameplay#Halo_Wars|New Blood]]" upgrade<ref name = "CES 09"/>, and a [[hospital Corpsman|medic]] via the medic upgrade, adding up to a total of six squad members. However, the medic can only heal existing squad members, and cannot resurrect fallen squad mates.

*[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s: Also known as "Helljumpers", in reference to the heat of the HEV pods they use to descend from orbit, this is an available upgrade for marine squads. It can be upgraded at the [[UNSC Barracks|Barracks]].<ref name = "OXM">January 2009, ''Official Xbox Magazine'', pp 38-43</ref> The upgrades effects allow the player to substitute standard marine squads with ODST teams (armed with M90 shotguns), as well as the HEV drop. The HEV drops can also be used as a weapon similar to the MAC Blast and also like the MAC blast the ability to drop has to be used in a visible area. To do so, the player must select the HEV drop ability and put them over the area that they wish to drop them in. ODST squads still possess the rocket launcher ability that is previously upgraded for the marine squads. They are only available as the special upgrade for Captain Cutter. Effects include increased line of sight and more hitpoints.

*[[M12 Warthog]]: Can jump gaps, and has a ramming ability as its special attack. May be upgraded so its passenger has a grenade launcher. Ramming ability is strong enough to destroy a Ghost.<ref name = "CES 09">[http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/hdvideos/36151/Halo-Wars-CES-09-Cam-Footage.html Halo Wars CES 09 Cam Footage]. ''G4''. Accessed on 2009-01-20</ref> Warthogs can collect resources from crates found on the battlefield.

*[[M808B Scorpion]]: The Scorpion is the basic UNSC tank. It can be upgraded to the "[[Grizzly]]" variant.

**Upgrade 1: The Scorpion gains the "canister shell" secondary ability which is superior against infantry.

**[[M850 Grizzly|Grizzly variant]]: An upgrade of the Scorpion, it possesses two cannons and a machine gun. This upgrade is only available when the player chooses [[John Forge|Sergeant Forge]] as his or her [[Hero Units|hero unit]] in [[Skirmish|Skirmish mode]] or [[multiplayer]].

*[[M312 Elephant]]: The Elephant, as it is more commonly known, can carry squads into combat and can fulfill the role of a barracks in the field, along with having the ability to be upgraded with a cannon (though only if deployed), twin engines to upgrade speed, and ceramic armor to allow the Elephant to take more damage. During the campaign, it is used to tow the ''Spirit of Fire'''s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] up a mountain to the Apex. During multiplayer and skirmish, it is [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]]'s unique unit. Note that the dialogue of the Elephant is drastically reduced after the "Defense Turret" upgrade is unlocked.

*[[XRP12 Gremlin]]: A combat support vehicle, the Gremlin is [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]]'s unique unit. It attacks with an EMP cannon that disables vehicles or non-infantry units temporarily. It can be upgraded to fire farther and hit harder and to make the EMP blast chain through multiple vehicles. The Gremlin has absolutely no combat efficiency against air units. Gremlins cannot do very much damage to infantry.

*[[M9 Wolverine]]: The Wolverine is a specialized anti-aircraft vehicle that uses guided missiles to shoot down enemy aircraft, such as [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]] or {{Pattern|Bkowe'nei|Vampire}}s. While powerful in this aspect, it is especially weak against infantry and anti-armor vehicles, and must be heavily protected. It can be upgraded with a volley ability to unleash a fusillade against buildings. It can also be upgraded to use Dual Launchers, increasing the number of missiles it fires, increasing its damage.

*[[SP42 Cobra]]: The Cobra is a heavy anti-armor vehicle armed with a pair of rail cannons which can easily tear apart enemy armor. It can be outfitted with stronger armor when locked down and its rail cannons can be upgraded to penetrate multiple enemies. Its special ability allows it to lock down for greater range, at the expense of mobility. Cobras cannot attack aerial units.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/vehicledepot.aspx#Cobra]</ref>

*[[D77-TC Pelican]]: The Pelican is used via a UNSC ability that is called from the ''Spirit of Fire'' menu. The pickup area is selected, then the drop-off area. The Pelican can transport multiple units at one time. A single Pelican drop can airlift 6 infantry squads and three vehicles. It cannot carry Elephants. If it is destroyed, all units being carried by it are lost as well, except Spartans, who drop to the ground safely.

*[[B-65 Shortsword]]: Shortsword bombers perform low-altitude bombing runs for support on the battlefield.

*[[AV-14 Hornet]]: The Hornet is a light gunship that can carry two passengers to provide support and fire on enemy ground and air targets. The first upgrade, "Wingmen", allow two Marines equipped with rocket launchers to ride on the Hornet for increased damage. A second passive upgrade, "Chaff Pods", allows for better avoidance of missile attacks.

**[[AV-22 Sparrowhawk]]: The Hawk is a further upgraded version of the Hornet that is equipped with a mounted [[laser]] for large damage. The dual autocannons have a slower rate of fire but sport increased damage per shot. (Unique to [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]])

*[[AC-220 Vulture]]: The Vulture is a large gunship that can deliver heavy amounts of fire against all targets. It can be upgraded once to double the number of missiles to eight in its special attack "barrage", which previously carries four. It is the UNSC "Über-unit", and though it is nowhere near as strong or resilient as the Scarab, it makes up for this deficiency by being less than a third of the cost of a Scarab in both population and supplies.

*[[Pod]]: This dropship, larger than both the Pelican and Vulture, delivers extremely large cargo, such as portions of [[Firebase]]s, to predetermined ground positions.

*[[D82-EST Darter]] - The Darter is used to deliver supplies, such as munitions and construction equipment, from the ''Spirit of Fire'' to firebases on the ground.

*[[Firebase]]: Provides the basic base of the UNSC with optional "add-on" buildings that can increase its usefulness. May be upgraded to a Station then a Fortress ([[James Gregory Cutter|Captain Cutter]] Can drop in already upgraded Stations and starts with a Fortress).

**[[UNSC Field Armory|Field Armory]]: A combination of machine shop and laboratory that provides high-tech upgrades for the UNSC.

**[[UNSC Supply Pad|Supply Pad]]: Supply Pads are used to get supplies from the ''Spirit of Fire'' via Darter dropships. Can also be upgraded to Heavy Supply Pads to double the rate of resupply.

**[[M5 Talos]] base turret: Initially armed with an [[M202 XP Machine Gun]]. The turret may be outfitted with a rail cannon for use against vehicles, a flame mortar for use against infantry, or a missile launcher for use against aircraft. Only available on "Station/Fortress" Command bases.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/firebase.aspx#Turret]</ref> They can be upgraded to Medium Turrets and Large Turrets at the [[UNSC Field Armory|Field Armory]].

*[[Unggoy|Grunts]]: Fight in lances consisting of a [[Sangheili Minor|Minor Elite]] (or, depending on the player's selected leader, a [[Jiralhanae Minor|Minor Brute]]) and several Grunts. They have the secondary ability to throw plasma grenades and can be upgraded with needlers, additional members, and a [[Deacon]] to boost combat capabilities through spirituality.<ref>[http://halowars.com/images/cov/covenant_grunt_squad.jpg Image of Covenant Grunt Squad]</ref>

*[[Sangheili|Elites]]: In addition to leading Unggoy lances, Elites serve many other roles, such as drivers of vehicles and pilots of aircraft.

**[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guard Sangheili]]: Honor Guards serve as powerful anti-infantry units, or more rather, a close combat substitute for Jackals. They can be upgraded with energy shields which notably increase survivability, and active camouflage and are the leader-specific unit of the [[Prophet of Regret]].

**[[Ripa 'Moramee]]: An antagonist in the campaign and a leader unit in multiplayer. The Arbiter starts with dual energy swords and rage special attack that drains resources but makes 'Moramee go on a "killing spree". Upgrades for rage mode include restored health with every kill, cheaper cost to maintain rage, and an increased damage bonus for all friendly nearby units. 'Moramee can also upgrade his armor to reflect some damage back to the attacker, increase damage, and to incorporate permanent active camouflage. Ripa 'Moramee will face extreme difficulty against sentinels, even in rage mode. Counter this weakness with any unit that can attack air units or with the Arbiter "Fiendish Return" upgrade.

**Needler Elites: A pair of Elites that wield [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needlers]] and have an [[energy shielding|energy shield]]. They cannot be trained in skirmish mode even if a Covenant leader is played, and are exclusive to campaign mode.

*[[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]]: Hunters are heavily armored and armed with fuel rod-launching assault cannons, like they are in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. They are the Covenant's primary anti-vehicle infantry. When upgraded, they can receive their traditional shield, a "Spirit Bond" to increase damage given that both of the initial Hunters are alive (this means resurrected Hunters do not receive the Spirit Bond upgrade), and later they can fire a more powerful beam from their cannons.

*[[Kig-Yar|Jackals]]: Jackals fight in pairs in ''Halo Wars'' and provide a good defense against Marines armed with conventional weapons but little defense against grenades, explosives or vehicles. They are originally armed with carbines without shields but can be upgraded to incorporate point defense gauntlets, beam rifles, and eventually stronger gauntlets in the later stages of the Covenant tech tree.

*[[Jiralhanae|Brutes]]: In battle the Brutes wield Brute shots, which are devastating against infantry and effective against light vehicles. Due to their limited battlefield use prior to the events of ''[[Halo 2]]'', they are apparently leader-specific units belonging to the unknown [[Avitus|Chieftain]]. They can be upgraded to have [[Jump Pack Jiralhanae|Jump packs]] and install EMP grenades in their brute shots.<ref name="xbox.com">http://www.xbox.com/NR/rdonlyres/31804095-7B32-4CE2-A17E-3CB54A3692EF/0/HaloWars_MNL_EN.PDF</ref>

*[[San'Shyuum|Prophet]]: A Prophet fight from his [gravity throne]]s, and can attack enemy infantry with his destructive plasma weapons. The only usable in-game Prophet is the [[Prophet of Regret]], who can only be used if he is chosen as a "leader" before the start of the game.{{Ref/Reuse|xbox.com}} The Prophet's plasma cannons can be upgraded to fuel rod cannons for increased damage. His second upgrade adds a pair of Offensive Protectors to protect him and his final upgrade gives him full flight capabilities. His leader power is called "Cleansing", where an energy projector's beam is called down from an orbiting warship to quickly incinerate anything beneath it. The glassing beam can be upgraded to deal more damage.

**[[Protector Sentinel|Protectors]] - A pair of Sentinel-like Protectors guard the Prophet of Regret after the player researches "Ancestral Perversion".

*[[Type-47 Scarab]]: The Scarab is a super-unit that can destroy infantry, ground vehicles and aircraft with ease. The Scarab is extremely resilient to most weapons fire. Earlier versions of the Scarab have been encountered in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''. [[Spartans]] are unable to hijack Scarabs, with the exception of one campaign level in which the Covenant abandons a Scarab, allowing the player to take control of it. The Scarab is unique in its ability to traverse what is considered 'rough terrain'. In other words, Scarabs can climb over cliffs, mountains and some structures. This makes it the only playable ground unit in the game able to do so.{{Ref/Reuse|gametrailers.com}}

*[[Type-47 Scarab#Super_Scarab|Super Scarab]]: Seen in the 7th campaign level is a larger and more powerful version of the Scarab. It does not move around the map as its legs are not built yet. However, it relies on power generators scattered throughout the map for energy to turn its head. Despite the vulnerability of its power sources, the Super Scarab is still a very dangerous threat capable of incinerating anything in moments.

*{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}: The Ghost is a light attack vehicle that excels against infantry but not other vehicles. It can be upgraded with a ramming boost ability (similar to the [[Warthog]]'s Ram ability), the ability to strafe to avoid incoming grenades and rockets, and to have a light energy shield.

*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}: The Wraith is the main battle tank of the Covenant and is armed with a plasma mortar and a plasma turret capable of decimating enemy infantry and vehicles. It can also be upgraded to allow for the "Scorch" special ability, as well as to have an energy shield. The mortar can also be upgraded to increase overall damage.

**[[Type-26 Wraith#Honor_Guard_Wraith|Honor Guard Wraith]]: This downloadable variant of the Wraith is exclusive only to the special edition of the game.

*[[Type-30 Light Excavation/Anti-Fortification Platform|Locust]]: A smaller counterpart to the Covenant [[Type-47 Ultra Heavy Assault Platform|Scarab]] which is described as a 'building killer'. When upgraded with the Overdrive Ability, the Locust is able to drain its shields to inflict extra damage. Another upgrade for the Locust allows its shield to regenerate faster, which can be bolstered by the 'Shield of the Forerunners' upgrade to compound the recharge speed.

<div class="tabbox">

<div class="tab">Aerial</div>

*{{Pattern|Dextro Xur|Spirit}}: The Spirit is the Covenant counterpart to the UNSC Pelican, capable of carrying vehicles and infantry in addition to giving them fire support. The screen for the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' is not available for the Covenant Leaders and therefore these cannot be called upon to transport troops or vehicles in skirmish or multiplayer modes.

*[[Huragok|Engineer]]: Sent into combat zones to repair damaged vehicles and structures, as well as squads of infantry. The upgrade, State of Grace, will increase its repair rate while the "Harmonious Digestion" upgrade, will increase its speed. An Engineer may repair other Engineers, but not itself.<ref>http://www.halowars.com/GameInfo/Covenant.aspx</ref>

*[[Covenant citadel|Outpost/Keep/Citadel]]: Provides the basic base of the Covenant with optional 'add on' buildings that can increase its usefulness. Outpost can be upgraded to Keep and then to a Citadel.

**[[Covenant shield generator|Shield Generator]]: Provides shielding for the whole Citadel. It is possible to have multiple shield generators, thus improving the Citadel's shielding.

**[[Covenant warehouse|Warehouse]]: The warehouse is how the Covenant receive supplies. Gravity lifts bring supplies down and workers move them to their proper area. The warehouse can be upgraded to a blessed warehouse, which will receive supplies more often.

**[[Kewu Umppi'pa'-pattern citadel turret|Plasma Turret]]: The main defenses of a Covenant base, the Turret first starts with Plasma Turrets, but can be upgraded with a Plasma Mortar, [[Class-2 Projectile cannon|Fuel Rod Cannon]], or a [[needle cannon]].

**[[Covenant temple|Temple]]: A Covenant research building, the upgrades are very expensive but are very effective and powerful.

**[[Summit (building)|Summit]]: The roost of the Covenant air force, the Summit builds Banshees, Vampires and Engineers.

**[[Covenant hall|Hall]]: The home of Covenant soldiers, Grunt lances, Jackal pairs and Hunter pairs are trained here. The building also researches minor upgrades for Covenant infantry.

**[[Factory]]: The manufacturing plant of the Covenant, the Factory builds Ghost scouts, Wraith tanks and Locust walkers.

*[[Anti-vehicle barrier]]: Same device used to block tunnels on the level [[Tsavo Highway]] in ''Halo 3'', most likely used for defense. To be used, infantry needs to go on it like a [[Covenant watchtower|Lookout Tower]]. It is both available in campaign and certain maps in multiplayer<ref>http://xbox360.gamespy.com/dor/objects/857436/halo-wars/images/halo-wars-20081009024128843.html</ref>

*[[Rizsheda-pattern Shade|Shade]]: The ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' variant of the Shade is featured as a defensive Structure. This is only available in Campaign.<ref>http://www.mondoxbox.com/immagini.php?game=1128&view=1&start=9#topnav</ref>

*[[Covenant watchtower]]: Can be used to garrison infantry units from both players (in co-op), increasing their combat capabilities.

*{{Pattern|Emp'seam|Antlion}}: A massive turret featured in campaign where the Antlion looks like a upgraded version for the Heavy Turret. It's power is very high and it is advisable to take it out with the MAC Blast. It is also featured as a neutral garrison able structure on [[Tundra]]. Here it fires in barrages and takes time to recharge. It is indestructible (but as always, the garrisoned troops can be killed).

*[[Gravity lift]]: Each Covenant base has a [[Gravity lift|Gravity Lift]] right outside. Gravity Lifts let the Covenant's players to do "Hot Dropping" which allows to send any units (except the Scarab) directly to their Leader's location.<ref>[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3172311&p= 1]</ref>

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<div class="tab">Ship support</div>

*[[Glassing]]: This appears to be used as a Covenant super weapon. The glassing ship can fire this from orbit to destroy ground positions and units. Can be upgraded for an even more devastating effect. This is named the "[[Energy projector|Cleansing Beam]]" in the game and is the [[Prophet of Regret]]'s leader power.

*MAC Rounds: These explosive rounds are fired from an orbiting ship onto the target in the designated area the player chooses. The orbiting ship (''Spirit Of Fire'') can fire MAC rounds to decimate Ground positions and units alike. This can be upgraded to have even more devastating power. In the game this is known as a "MAC Blast" and is Captain Cutter's leader power.

*ODST: The ODST is a super unit only available to Captain Cutter. They are more powerful than normal marines and can be dropped from orbit. For more information on the ODSTs go to one of the previous articles: UNSC, Section: infantry, Unit: orbital drop shock trooper.

====Neutral Units====

*[[Unidentified insurrectionist group|Insurrectionist Infantry]]: Can be found occupying neutral base sites, and the area around any Forerunner structures and/or garrisonable areas that give bonuses, supply elevators, reactors, etc. They come usually armed with Assault Rifles, and in conjunction may use Rocket Launchers and snipers.

<div class="tabbox">

<div class="tab">Forerunner</div>

*[[Sentinel]]: Standard Sentinel, fires a standard beam, doing medium damage. Occupies Forerunner Neutral base sites and bonuses.

*[[Forerunner Supply Elevator]]: Produces supplies when infantry are garrisoned inside it. Equivalent to an additional Supply Pad or Warehouse. Means players can build one less Supply Pad/Warehouse.