Editing Halo Wars 2

{{Title|''Halo Wars 2''}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{New content}}
{{Game infobox
|name=''Halo Wars 2''
|image=[[File:HW2 cover.png|300px]]
|developer=[[343 Industries]]<ref name="waypoint hw2">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-wars-2 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars 2'']</ref> <br>
[[Creative Assembly]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|publisher=[[Microsoft Studios]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|platform=[[Xbox One]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/><ref name="Teaser">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMiiffLQcvE '''YouTube''': ''Halo Wars 2: Announce Teaser'']</ref><br>
[[Wikipedia:Windows 10|Windows 10]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/><ref name="Teaser"/>
|releasedate=[[2017|February 21, 2017]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|genre=[[Real-time strategy]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|modes=
|rating= 
}}
{{Quote|Know your enemy.|Official tagline<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjN1eWhzPeA '''YouTube''': ''Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer'']</ref>}}
'''''Halo Wars 2''''' is a 2017 [[real-time strategy]] video game which serves as a direct sequel to ''[[Halo Wars]]'', developed by [[Creative Assembly]] and [[343 Industries]] and published by [[Microsoft Studios]].<ref name="waypoint hw2"/> Set in the year [[2559]], the game focuses on a [[Second Ark Conflict|conflict]] for control of [[Installation 00|the Ark]] between the [[UNSC]] and the [[Banished]]. It was first revealed at Gamescom [[2015]] with a [[Halo Wars 2: Announce Teaser|teaser trailer]] and was playable at [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2016]].<ref name="hogs">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/the-hog-wild-req-drop '''Halo Waypoint''': ''The Hog Wild Req Drop'']</ref> The game was released simultaneously on [[Wikipedia:Windows 10|Windows 10]] and [[Xbox One]] on [[2017|February 21, 2017]].<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
==Plot==
===Characters and setting===
{{Quote|There's a sense of scale and scale that I think was maybe missing from Halo Wars.|Frank O'Connor<ref name="gamespot">[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-wars-2-new-story-details-and-images-revealed/1100-6440811/ '''GameSpot''': ''Halo Wars 2 New Story Details and Images Revealed'']</ref>}}
[[File:Atriox trailer concept art.jpg|thumb|250px|Concept art of Atriox and the Banished.]]
''Halo Wars 2'' takes place 28 years after the events of ''[[Halo Wars]]'' in [[2531]],<ref name="gamespot"/> after {{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}} ''{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}'' had floated adrift in space for decades and declared by the rest of the [[United Nations Space Command]] as "lost with all hands".<ref>[[Halo Wars Timeline Events|''Halo Wars'' Timeline Events]]</ref> The remaining crew of the ''Spirit of Fire'' are awoken from [[Cryo chamber|cryo-sleep]] above the [[Forerunner]]s' [[Installation 00]], previously the setting for ''[[Halo 3]]''. Led by [[Captain]] [[James Cutter]], the crew of ''Spirit of Fire'' encounter the mercenary faction known as the [[Banished]], led by the cunning [[Jiralhanae]] warlord [[Atriox]].<ref name="waypoint hw2"/> Having previously battled the [[Covenant]], the Banished rose to power in wake of the empire's fall in [[2552]] by gaining control of numerous assets from the Covenant.<ref name="E32">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhCnA4bH84g '''YouTube''': ''Halo Wars 2: Behind the Scenes'']</ref>

According to franchise director [[Frank O'Connor]], a primary theme of the game is two commanders from two very different backgrounds facing off against each other in an attempt to gain control of Installation 00. The crew of the ''Spirit of Fire'', having been in cryo-sleep since 2531, are unaware of the nature of the installation, nor do they know the result of the [[Human-Covenant War]]. In an effort to return home, [[James Cutter|Captain James Cutter]] leads the ship's crew to the surface of Installation 00 to search for a way to reconnect with the rest of the UNSC. It is at this time that the crew encounter Atriox and the Banished. While ''Halo Wars 2'' is tonally designed to feel like a direct continuation of ''Halo Wars'', managing director [[Kevin Grace]] stated that the game would have a similar tone to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', as the game's setting is primarily contained within one location.<ref name="gamespot"/>

===Plot synopsis===
{{Spoiler}}
[[File:HW2-SoF.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives at the Ark.]]
In [[2559]], after 28 years of drifting through space, the ''Spirit of Fire'' begins to return to operational status. In a message to Captain James Cutter, the ship's [[Smart AI|AI]] [[Serina]] outlines the current state of affairs, stating that she has awakened the crew due to an unexpected development. Serina herself is long gone, with her report a mere recording; at the end of her seven-year [[Rampancy|operational lifespan]], she terminated herself in accordance with UNSC final dispensation regulations. Cutter meets with [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] on the observation deck, where she is already at hard work investigating the current situation: the ''Spirit of Fire'' has been transported through slipspace to an unknown location outside [[Milky Way|the galaxy]]. Looming below them is an [[Installation 00|enormous megastructure]], evidently the source of the mysterious slipspace transit. An encrypted transmission of UNSC origin is intercepted from the surface of the construct and recon teams are deployed to investigate.

[[File:HW2-Jerome&Isabel-01.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Jerome-092]] encounters [[Isabel]].]]
Scouting the surface, [[Spartan-II]] [[Red Team]] comes across signs of battle and a [[Henry Lamb Research Outpost|deserted science outpost]]. Inside they meet a frightened logistics AI who identifies herself as [[Isabel]]. Almost immediately, the Spartans are ambushed by a large [[Jiralhanae]]. In a lopsided fight to the alien's favor, [[Douglas-042]] is seriously wounded. The Spartans fall back, evacuating their now-unconscious comrade, and escape the outpost with hostile forces in pursuit. While the others board a Pelican, [[Alice-130]] stays behind to hold off the attackers, her fate uncertain. Aboard the ''Spirit of Fire'', a shaken Isabel briefs Captain Cutter and the crew on the new threat: A Jiralhanae warlord, [[Atriox]], who rebelled against the [[Covenant]] during the [[Human-Covenant War]], amassing a mercenary army known as the [[Banished]], who have now attacked the Ark and massacred the humans under Isabel's charge. The AI pleads the crew to flee, but Cutter instead chooses to stay and stop the Banished on the Ark.

The ''Spirit of Fire'' crew begin their campaign against the Banished with a strike on a salvage operation led by Atriox's lieutenant [[Decimus]], while Anders works to find a way to contact the UNSC. Decimus and his local forces are eventually defeated, but he manages to escape. In the Banished base's wreckage, data is discovered pointing to a [[Cartographer]] — a map room of the entire installation. To prevent the Banished from making use of the Cartographer, Captain Cutter decides to mount an assault on the site. While the UNSC forces secure the access point to the Cartographer, the narrative returns to Alice-130, who has been carrying out her own operations against the Banished behind their lines. She launches an operation to rescue UNSC prisoners while using another abandoned research outpost to reestablish contact with the ''Spirit of Fire''. After successfully doing so, she is placed in command of the UNSC forces in the area by Captain Cutter, with the intent of continuing a local campaign against the Banished.

[[File:HW2-Isabel&Co-03.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Isabel outlines her plan to destroy the ''[[Enduring Conviction]]''.]]
Meanwhile, the UNSC forces reach the Cartographer, and after meeting some resistance from the Banished and the Ark's [[Sentinel]]s, they gain access to the central chamber. Interfacing with the Cartographer, Professor Anders learns that Atriox has been using the site to take over the Ark's entire [[Teleportation grid|portal network]], allowing him to quickly transport his forces across the installation. Destroying a key control node will deny the Banished access to the portals. Anticipating the UNSC's plans, Atriox has stationed forces led by Decimus in the area. After a lengthy battle, the UNSC forces manage to destroy the portal node and kill Decimus. However, their victory is short-lived as the ''Spirit of Fire'' falls under attack by the Banished flagship ''[[Enduring Conviction]]''. While the ''Spirit'' fights off the attack in space, Alice-130 and her forces must survive waves of Banished forces without orbital support. Aboard the ''Spirit of Fire'', Professor Anders introduces a bold plan: in order to reestablish contact with the UNSC, they will launch a [[Halo Array|Halo ring]]. It is revealed that the Ark maintains a nearly complete Halo in its [[Foundry]] as an emergency replacement. Additionally, Anders has discovered a means to disable the ring's firing mechanism, though it can only be deployed to one of the sites of the original installations. Cutter resolves that since [[Installation 04]] was discovered relatively close to [[Reach]], a [[Superluminal communications|communications beacon]] deployed in its former site may feasibly reach the UNSC.

[[File:HW2-Sentinel bombardment.png|thumb|250px|[[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] attacking the ''Enduring Conviction''.]]
However, the plan cannot proceed before the present threat of the ''Enduring Conviction'' is addressed. Isabel outlines a plan to use a Forerunner [[particle cannon]] on the Ark's surface to fire on the [[assault carrier]], while she and [[Jerome-092]] will board the flagship through its [[gravity lift]]. Anders manages to activate the particle cannon, though it only disables the ''Enduring Conviction''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Energy shielding|shields]]. Jerome and Isabel then head to the gravity lift but their Pelican is shot down on the way. After UNSC forces besiege the Banished base at the gravity lift, Jerome successfully boards the lift, infiltrates the carrier, and inserts Isabel into its systems. She then fires the ship's ventral [[energy projector]] on the Banished troops below, feeding off of her rage over their massacre of the Ark personnel under her care. The beam soon penetrates the Ark's crust, rousing the installation's [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s. Swarms of the Sentinels descend upon the ''Enduring Conviction'', ramming themselves into the carrier in massive numbers. While Jerome fights off Banished Jiralhanae inside the ship, the Sentinels finally manage to bisect the ship, stopping in perfect synchrony once they have punched through. Jerome picks up Isabel and jumps off the ship toward the Ark.

[[File:HW2 I04C.png|thumb|250px|left|The [[Installation 09|new Halo]] above the Ark.]]
In the aftermath, Atriox and [[Shipmaster]] [[Let 'Volir]] survey the wreckage of the ''Enduring Conviction''. As they assess their losses, both are surprised to witness [[Installation 09|a Halo]] rising from the Ark's Foundry. Atriox immediately orders 'Volir to send all his forces on the ring to prevent the humans from gaining a foothold. While the UNSC work to establish a presence on the new Halo, the Banished mount their own invasion there through access portals at the Ark's Foundry. After the UNSC forces destroy Banished bases sending troops to the Halo, they travel to the new ring as well through the access portal. Atriox contacts Captain Cutter and makes an offer to spare the crew of the ''Spirit of Fire'' — if they leave. Cutter staunchly refuses, pointing out that Atriox did not extend similar mercy to the personnel he slaughtered before their arrival. On the Halo, the UNSC must reach the [[control room]] and disarm the ring before it can reach human space, while the Banished continue to send in forces in an effort to gain control of the installation. The control room is shielded, but Anders manages to take control of an initially hostile [[Retriever Sentinel]] and use the machine to disable the energy barrier.

[[File:HW2-Anders meets a Guardian.png|thumb|250px|Anders facing a [[Guardian]].]]
While Anders enters the control room to disable the Halo's firing systems and deploy a communications beacon, the UNSC must hold off waves of Banished attacks before she can complete her work. Interfacing with the control room's [[The Core|core]], Anders manages to cordon off a section of the ring's landmass housing the majority of the Banished troops and launch it into space. The UNSC forces then evacuate from the ring, but Anders has no time to make it out of the control room before the Halo enters a [[slipspace portal]] toward its destination — the [[Soell system]], the original site of Installation 04. Anders assures Captain Cutter that she intends to return as soon as possible, perhaps only in several weeks, before her signal is cut off. Cutter resolves to continue the fight against the Banished on the Ark before Anders returns, while Atriox, furious about his defeat, looks upon a massing of his forces.

On its way to the Soell system, the Halo unexpectedly drops out of slipspace. An [[elevator]] descends to the control room's central chamber and Anders returns to the surface, where she is confronted by a [[Guardian]].
{{Spoiler End}}
{{Clear}}

==Gameplay==
''Halo Wars 2'' is a [[real-time strategy]] video game with two playable factions: the [[United Nations Space Command]] and the [[Banished]].<ref name="eurogamer">[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-06-13-halo-wars-2-release-date-set-for-february '''Eurogamer.net''': ''Halo Wars 2 release date set for February'']</ref>

===Campaign===
The ''Halo Wars 2'' [[campaign]] consists of twelve missions.<ref name="campaignvid">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0KlMmIyefo '''YouTube''': ''Halo Wars 2 All Cutscenes (Game Movie) 1080p HD'']</ref>

#"[[The Signal]]" - ''"Spartan Jerome and Red Team investigate the source of a UNSC emergency signal."''
#"[[A New Enemy]]" - ''"Captain Cutter dispatches a strike team to launch an attack against [[Atriox]]'s lieutenant, [[Decimus]]."''<ref name= "HW2GP">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sphveQodNCU HALO WARS 2 CAMPAIGN GAMEPLAY | EXCLUSIVE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS MISSION]</ref>
#"[[Ascension (Halo Wars 2 level)|Ascension]]" - ''"Spartan Jerome and his forces fight through Banished fortifications on the way to the [[Cartographer#Installation 00|Cartographer]]."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[One Three Zero]]" - ''"Fighting behind enemy lines, Spartan Alice must rescue UNSC prisoners to open up a second front in the war against the Banished."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[The Cartographer]]" - ''"Professor Anders and Jerome arrive at the Cartographer to discover the secret of Atriox's command over the Ark."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[Lights Out]]" - ''"Jerome must destroy The Banished's [[Teleportation grid|portal network]] controls and cripple Atriox's transport capabilities across the Ark."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[From the Deep]]" - ''"Alice must defend against the Banished as they assault her rag-tag band of survivors."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[Hold the Line]]" - ''"In part one of Isabel's plan, the UNSC must defend a Forerunner cannon as it immobilizes the Banished's carrier and breaks through its shields."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[Under The Dark]]" - ''"In part two of Isabel's plan, Jerome and Isabel infiltrate a Banished compound and prepare to enter the belly of the beast."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[The Foundry]]" - ''"Alice and Douglas lead an assault to cut off the wave of Banished boarding the [[Installation 09|Halo]]."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[The Halo]]" - ''"A reunited Red Team must push back the Banished invasion of the Halo so Anders can reach the [[Control Room]]."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>
#"[[Last Stand]]" - ''"Cutter and his crew must fend off the Banished in a final defense of Anders as she prepares the Halo for its voyage."''<ref name="campaignvid"/>

====Extra Campaign====
Campaign DLC released after the original game.
;'''Operation: SPEARBREAKER'''
{{Main|Operation: SPEARBREAKER}}
#"[[Gatecrashers]]" - ''"Major [[Vaughan]] leads his [[Boomerang Company]] ODSTs to a Banished operation site."''
#"[[Not on My Watch]]" - ''"Major Vaughan and his ODST team battle to stop the Banished from launching a Forerunner [[Despair-class fighter|ship]]."''
;'''Awakening the Nightmare'''
{{Main|Awakening the Nightmare}}
#"[[What Could Go Wrong?]]" - ''"Voridus launches a Scarab assault through Sentinel-heavy territory to break into High Charity."''
#"[[Fighting Retreat]]" - ''"Pavium and his troops prepare an exit route to extract High Charity salvage."''
#"[[Light the Fuse]]" - ''"Pavium must rescue Voridus and clear a path to the Forerunner structure nearby."''
#"[[The Archive]]" - ''"Voridus desperately seeks a way to reactivate the Ark's sentinel defenses in an effort to stop the spread of the Flood."''
#"[[Manifestation]]" - ''"Voridus and Pavium must assist the Ark's defenses in a final push to contain the Flood threat."''

===Multiplayer===
The [[multiplayer]] mode of ''Halo Wars 2'' features a number of gamemodes and supports up to six players.<ref name="eurogamer"/>

====Skirmish====
The [[Skirmish]] mode allows players, through solo or [[cooperative play]], to battle against AIs with a range of difficulty levels. [[Strongholds]] is a fast-paced, timed gamemode where players must control more bases than their opponent when the timer stops to win.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-GFPrCarxU '''Youtube:''' ''15 Minutes of Halo Wars 2 Gameplay - E3 2016'']</ref> [[Domination]] centers around players building bases, armies, and battling for control of the map. [[Deathmatch]] involves players building up their own bases and armies, though players battle to eliminate one another rather than taking control of the map.

;Maps
*[[Ashes]]
*[[Badlands]]
*[[Bedrock]]
*[[Fissure]]
*[[Frontier]]
*[[Highway]]
*[[Mirage]]
*[[Rift]]
*[[Sentry]]
*[[Vault]]

====Blitz====
{{Main|Blitz}} 
Blitz is a new gamemode with a unique approach to RTS gameplay.<ref name="waypoint hw2"/> In Blitz, players contest control points by positioning their forces over particular areas of the map. When one team holds more control points than the other, they start accumulating points until the balance is redressed. The first team to hit 200 points, or the highest scoring team after 12 minutes wins the game.

;Maps
*[[Proving Grounds]]

====Blitz Firefight====
Using the same gameplay as Blitz, Blitz Firefight will focus players on survival of countless waves. Player must hold the control points as long as they can while the enemies number increases over new wave of attack.

====Terminus Firefight====
{{Main|Terminus Firefight}} 
A brand new cooperative experience to the Firefight family. In Terminus Firefight, up to three players amass armies to defend both their bases, and their Forerunner terminus node against an ever-increasing and intensifying hoard of attacking enemies.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/introducing-halo-wars-2-awakening-the-nightmare]</ref>

;Maps
*[[The Last Bastion]]

===Base assembly===
''Halo Wars 2'' uses a [[Socket Base|socket base]] system similar to the original ''Halo Wars'', with some differences. ''Halo Wars 2'' introduces Minibases as a new feature allowing the player to build subsidiary "Battle Bases" or "Supply Bases". Visually, the various base structures are no longer constructed from the base hub and are instead delivered by dropships.

{{HW buildings|HW2}}

===Units===
''Halo Wars 2'' features a number of units carried over from the previous ''Halo Wars'', as well as several all-new ones. Unlike ''Halo Wars'' in which each Hero Unit is given unique abilities and Super Units, each faction now has only one type of Super Unit: the [[G81 Condor|G81 Condor Gunship]] for the UNSC and the [[Banished Scarab]] for the Banished. For neutrals, Sentinals have the [[Retriever Sentinel]] as Super Unit and the Flood has the [[Abomination]] as Super Unit.

Unlike ''Halo Wars'', units are no longer listed by role such as Building Killer, Infantry Killer or even Vehicle Killer. They are now listed as their role in their unit such as Reconnaissance, Sniper, Anti-Air Walker, etc.

When producing a unit, it has three colors to indicate its strengths against various unit categories, namely Infantry, Air, Vehicles and Buildings, each represented with an icon, respectively as:
*Green - Good unit to deal with.
*Yellow - Okay to deal with.
*Red - Poor unit to deal with.
If the icon is clear the unit cannot attack that type of unit.

A units' strength against enemies, however, does not determine its capabilities to deal with them; sometimes numbers can close the gap or maintain it. Cannon Fodder, for example, does poorly against all units but will deal considerable damage if engaged with large numbers and buffed with Methane Wagon and Goblins.

Veterancy is now limited to three ranks unlike ''Halo Wars'' where there are five. Each veterancy rank increases one's units' attack and defense capabilities.

Super Units are labelled with a special icon on the minimap, while Hero Units are commonly labelled with a star.

The following units are available for the UNSC and the Banished, respectively:
<!--The use of the units' non-technical names in the following list is intentional and is for reasons of consistency with the game's presentation.-->
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-3}}
;UNSC
*[[Marines]] - Squads of basic infantry.
*[[ODST]]s - Elite infantry squads. Only available via leader power.
*[[Hellbringers]] - Flamethrower-equipped Marines.
*[[Sniper]]s - Stealthy reconnaissance and marksman unit.
*[[Cyclops]] - Anti-tank powered exoskeleton.
*[[Douglas-042]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
*[[Jerome-092]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
*[[Alice-130]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
*[[Jackrabbit]] - Fast reconnaissance vehicle.
*[[Warthog]] - Light reconnaissance and attack vehicle.
*[[Scorpion]] - Main battle tank.
*[[Grizzly]] - Superheavy tank.
*[[Wolverine]] - Anti-air vehicle.
*[[Kodiak]] - Self-propelled artillery piece.
*[[Darter]] - Supply dropship.
*[[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] - General purpose dropship.
*[[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican Gunship]] - Air support.
*[[D81-LRT Condor|Condor Dropship]] - Special purpose dropship.
*[[G81 Condor|Condor Gunship]] - Super Unit.
*[[Hornet]] - Attack VTOL.
*[[Nightingale]] - Heal and repair support aircraft.
*[[Vulture]] - Superheavy ground-attack gunship.
*[[Morgan Kinsano|Kinsano]]'s Cyclops - Hellbringer officer, hero unit.
*[[Flame Warthog]] - Warthog with powerful flamer.
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis|Mantis]] - Core mech
*[[Colossus]] - Heavy Mech
*[[Avery Johnson|Johnson]]'s [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) ADS|Green Machine]] - Mech hero, hero unit.
*[[Jerome-092|Commander Jerome]] - Hero unit.
*[[August-099]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Leon-011]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Robert-025]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Mastodon]] - Armored APC. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Cryo Troopers]] - Cryoweapon-equipped Marines. Can be upgraded via leader power upgrades.
*[[ZAV-48 Frostraven|Frostraven]] - Cryo aircraft. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Bison]] - Hero Unit, Cryo APC.
*[[Sunray 1-1]] - Hero ODST squad. Only available in [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]
{{Col-3}}
;Banished
*[[Grunts]] - Basic infantry.
*[[Suicide Grunts]] - [[Suicide attack|Kamikaze]] Grunt squads.
*[[Jiralhanae Jumper|Jump Pack Brutes]] - Fast-moving melee-focused infantry.
*[[Jiralhanae Warlord|Warlord]] - Field commander, melee-focused Brute hero unit.
*[[Atriox's Chosen]] - Ranged hero unit.
*[[Sangheili Ranger|Elite Rangers]] - Anti-infantry marksmen and skirmishers.
*[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman|Honor Guard]] - Melee-focused Elite hero unit; equipped with [[active camouflage]]
*[[Huragok|Engineers]] - Heal and repair specialists.
*[[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] - Superheavy infantry.
*[[Banished Ghost|Ghost]] - General scout/attack vehicle.
*[[Banished Chopper|Chopper]] - Scout/anti-infantry vehicle.
*[[Marauder]] - Fast, medium tank.
*[[Type-26 Wraith|Wraith]] - Heavy mortar tank.
*[[Reaver]] - Anti-aircraft walker.
*[[Banished Locust]] - Siege walker.
*[[Blisterback]] - Heavy air and artillery unit.
*[[Banished Scarab]] - Super Unit.
*[[Shroud]] - Support vehicle able to cloak nearby units.
*[[Banshee]] - Multirole attack flier.
*[[Spirit]] - General purpose dropship.
*[[Lich]] - Superheavy deployment dropship.
*[[Decimus]] - Brute officer, ultimate hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Mgalekgolo Captain|Hunter Captain]] - Hunter Officer, ranged hero unit.
*[[Goliath]]s - Melee-focused hunters.
*[[Skitterer]] - Lekgolo controlled scout vehicle. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Banished Phantom]] - Mobile Air Support. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Sangheili Enforcer]]s - Shielded, fast moving anti-building unit. Can uses stasis grenades.
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] - Hero Unit.
*[[Unggoy Rider|Grunt Rider]] - Powerful melee unit.
*[[Heavy Grunts]] - All-rounder tough Grunts.
*[[Cannon Fodder]] - Grunt light infantry.
*[[Methane Wagon]] - Methane Support Vehicle. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Banished Goblin|Grunt Goblin]] - Grunt Mech Hero Unit.
*[[Jiralhanae Grenadier|Brute Grenadiers]] - Armored Brutes with Grenade Launchers.
*[[Huragok|Infused Engineer]] - Heal and repair specialist, fires infusion gel
*[[Banished Scarab#Volatile Scarab|Volatile Scarab]] - Super Unit, fires infusion gel.
*[[Voridus]] - Melee-focused Brute hero unit
*[[Type-26 Wraith#Variants|Wraith Invader]] - APC capable Wraith. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Pavium]] - Ranged Brute hero unit, repairs buildings.
{{Col-3}}
;Neutrals
*[[Aggressor Sentinel]] - Sentinel Basic Unit.
*[[Protector Sentinel]] - Offense Sentinel.
*[[Controller Sentinel]] - Sentinel Hero Unit.
*[[Retriever Sentinel]] - Sentinel Super Unit.
*[[Infection Form]] - Flood ground infection form.
*[[Abomination]] - Flood Super Unit.
*[[Flood spawner form]] - Flood mobile production unit.
*Flood [[Seeder infector]] - Flood aerial infection form.
*Flood [[Infestor]] - Flood vehicle infection form.
{{Col-end}}

===Leaders===
Like in ''Halo Wars'', players in multiplayer pick a leader to play as, each of whom have a set of unique "Leader Powers" and units. Leaders for the UNSC include [[James Cutter/Gameplay|Captain Cutter]], [[Ellen Anders/Gameplay|Professor Anders]], [[Isabel/Gameplay|Isabel]], and [[John Forge/Gameplay|Sergeant Forge]], with four characters, [[Morgan Kinsano]], [[Avery Johnson/Gameplay|Sergeant Johnson]], [[Jerome-092/Gameplay|Jerome-092]] and [[Serina/Gameplay|Serina]], added post-launch as [[downloadable content]]. [[Atriox/Gameplay|Atriox]], [[Decimus/Gameplay|Decimus]], and [[Let 'Volir/Gameplay|Let' Volir]] serve as the leaders for the Banished faction, with five new characters, [[Colony/Gameplay|Colony]], [[Ripa 'Moramee/Gameplay|Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Yapyap/Gameplay|Yapyap]] the Destroyer, [[Pavium]], and [[Voridus]], added post-launch as DLC. However each of the leaders is now able to use the same super units, unlike ''Halo Wars'' where each leader had their own super unit unique to them. Each leader has their own privileges; for example, Professor Anders can deploy two types of super unit at one time (G81 Condor Gunship and Retriever Sentinel) or Yapyap, who can recruit Cannon Fodder without using any resources.

Unlike ''Halo Wars'', where each leader had only one leader power, each leader on ''Halo Wars 2'' now has a set of 10 unique leader powers split into 5 tiers, either passive or active. Player must assign leader points to unlocked leader powers in order to unlock the next tier of leader powers. This gives the player a new challenge, as leader powers now no longer can be upgraded from the war council / armory and player have to assign leader points wisely to gain the advantage and win the battle-or, in terminus firefight, survive more waves.

====Leaders and specialties====
Each of the leaders in ''Halo Wars 2'' has a certain specialty with select unique units and leader powers. Like in ''Halo Wars'', some of the leaders can be summoned to the field as hero units. Some Leaders only available in the campaign.

;UNSC
*[[James Cutter/Gameplay|Captain Cutter]]: Infantry and bombardment
*[[Isabel/Gameplay|Isabel]]: Advanced UNSC technology and hacking abilities
*[[Ellen Anders/Gameplay|Professor Anders]]: Forerunner technology
*[[John Forge/Gameplay|Sergeant Forge]]: Hero unit; heavy tanks
*[[Morgan Kinsano/Gameplay|Morgan Kinsano]]: Hero unit; flame-based weaponry
*[[Avery Johnson/Gameplay|Sergeant Johnson]]: Hero unit; mechs and bunkers
*[[Jerome-092/Gameplay|Jerome-092]]: Hero unit; inspires allies
*[[Serina/Gameplay|Serina]]: Cryo-based weaponry
*[[Vaughan/Gameplay|Major Vaughan]]: Hero unit; Special Operations; Operation: SPEARBREAKER Campaign only.

;Banished
*[[Let 'Volir/Gameplay|Let 'Volir]]: Stealth and surprise attacks
*[[Atriox/Gameplay|Atriox]]: Defense-based gameplay
*[[Decimus/Gameplay|Decimus]]: Hero unit; head-on attack, health siphoning
*[[Colony/Gameplay|Colony]]: Front-line units and healing
*[[Ripa 'Moramee/Gameplay|Ripa 'Moramee]]: Hero unit; stasis fields
*[[Yapyap/Gameplay|Yapyap The Destroyer]]: Advanced Grunt unit
*[[Pavium/Gameplay|Pavium]]: Hero unit; defensive and economic tactics
*[[Voridus/Gameplay|Voridus]]: Hero unit; blitz attack with incendiary arsenals

;Leader Points and Leader Powers
When the player acquires leader points, they can be applied on several leader powers, special abilities that can aid the player on the battlefield. Even when the player is idle, the leader point bar gauge charges gradually and when the gauge is full, the player gains a point. However, points can be earned faster by killing enemy unit and destroying enemy buildings. The number of available leader points is indicated by stars above the map HUD.

{| border = "1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! Support Power !! Duration / Type !! Population !! Supply Cost !! Power Cost !! Cooldown !! Type
|-
| colspan="7" style="background:#80915b;" | '''UNSC Campaign Leader Powers'''
|-
! Close Air Support
| 30 Second / Support Power || 4 Pelicans || 1500 || 0 || 360 seconds || Air Support 
|-
! ODST Drop
| Permanent / Active Power || 12 Population || 600 || 0 || 180 seconds || Elite Infantry
|-
! Turret Drop
| Permanent / Active Power || 1 Defense Turret || 350/425/500 || 0 || 203 seconds || Defense Turret
|-
! Archer Missiles
| 3 Second / Active Power || 14/15/16 Missiles || 275//375/475 || 275/375//475 || 228 seconds || Bombardment
|-
! Restoration Drones
| 15 Second / Support Power || N/A || 300/400/500 || 100/150/200 || 210 seconds || Healing
|-
! Battle Hardened
| Permanent / Passive || N/A || N/A || N/A || No Cooldown || Veterancy Boost
|-
! R & D
| Permanent / Passive || N/A || N/A || N/A || No Cooldown || Advanced Technology
|-
! Holographic Decoy
| 30 second / Support Power || N/A || 650 || N/A || 150 seconds || Decoys
|-
! Lotus Mine
| Permanent / Active Power || 3 Mines || 50/100/150 || 50/100/150 || 105 seconds || Cloaked Mine
|-
| colspan="7" style="background:#ff1a1a;" | '''Banished Campaign Leader Powers'''
|-
|}

===Technology Advancement===
In ''Halo Wars 2'', players are no longer capped the Reactor as the Tech Level system is replaced by Generator Power Resources that are generated by Generators that function similarly to the Supplies in the original game. In order to advance Technology, the player must upgrade the [[Firebase]] to the next tier in order to upgrade units.

===Skulls===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Skulls}}
Skulls can be obtained through completing various optional missions, like killing specific enemies and keeping allies alive. 

====Achievements====
{{Main|List of Achievements for Halo Wars 2}}
{{Expand-section}}

====Phoenix Logs====
{{Main|Phoenix Logs}}
Similar to the [[Black Boxes]] of the original ''Halo Wars'', collectibles known as Phoenix Logs found throughout the campaign unlock codex entries featuring background information for various characters, events and locations in the story.

==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
*[[000 Tragic Solitude]]
*[[Allieri]] {{1st}}
*[[Alice-130]]
*[[Atriox]]
*[[August-099]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Avery Johnson]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[B. Wright]] {{Fm}}
*[[Balkarus]] {{1st}}
*[[Brewer]] {{Fm}}
*[[Catherine Halsey]] {{Mo}}
*[[Colony]] {{1st}}
*[[D. Wood]] {{1st}}
*[[Decimus]] {{1st}}
*[[Dimitri]] {{1st}}
*[[Douglas-042]]
*[[Ellen Anders]]
*[[Executioner]] {{1st}}
*[[Floyd]] {{1st}}
*[[G. R. Scott]] {{1st}}
*[[Gravemind]] {{Mo}}
*[[Gruss]] {{1st}}
*[[Henry Lamb]] {{Mo}}
*[[Isabel]] {{1st}}
*[[James (Spirit of Fire)|James]] {{1st}}
*[[James Cutter]]
*[[Jato 'Ratum]] {{Fm}}
*[[Jerome-092]]
*[[John-117]] {{Mo}}
*[[John Forge]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Johnson (Spirit of Fire crewman)|Johnson]] {{1st}}
*[[Leon-011]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Let 'Volir]] {{1st}}
*[[Librarian]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mary]] {{1st}}
*[[Morgan Kinsano]] {{1st}}
*[[Nathaniel Palmer]] {{Fm}}
*[[Orda Val 'Saham]] {{1st}}
*[[Pavium]] {{1st}}
*[[Quinn]] {{1st}}
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Robert-025]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Serina]] {{C|Voice only}}
*[[Sparks]] {{1st}}
*[[Teranus]] {{Fm}}
*[[Thel 'Vadam‎]] {{C|Hologram only}}
*[[Turpin]] {{1st}}
*[[Vaughan]] {{1st}}
*[[Voridus]] {{1st}}
*[[Yapyap]] {{1st}}
*[[Yvain]] {{1st}}

|title-2=Species|
*[[Flood]]<ref name="HW AtN">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/introducing-halo-wars-2-awakening-the-nightmare '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Introducing Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare'']</ref>
**[[Abomination]] {{1st}}<ref name="HW AtN" />
**[[Flood combat form]]<ref name="HW AtN" />
**[[Pod infector]]<ref name="HW AtN" />
*[[Forerunner constructs]] 
*[[Human]]
*[[Huragok]]
*[[Jiralhanae]]
*[[Mgalekgolo]]
*[[Sangheili]]
*[[San'Shyuum]] {{Mo}}
*[[Unggoy]]<ref name="beta">''[[Halo Wars 2 Open Beta]]''</ref>

|title-3=Organizations|
*[[Banished]] {{1st}}
*[[Covenant]] {{C|Flashback only}}
*[[Created]]
*[[Lethbridge Industrial]] {{Mo}}
*[[Unified Earth Government]]
**[[United Nations Space Command]]
***[[UNSC Armed Forces]]
****[[UNSC Marine Corps]]
*****[[Hellbringers]]
*****[[Recon One]] {{1st}}
*****[[Strike One]] {{1st}}
*****[[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper]]s
******[[9th Shock Troops Battalion]] {{1st}}
*******[[Boomerang Company]] {{1st}}
********[[First Platoon (Spirit of Fire)|First Platoon]] {{1st}}
*********[[Sunray Squad]] {{1st}}
****[[UNSC Navy]]
*****[[Commissioned officer]]
*****[[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Weapons]]
******[[SPARTAN-II program]]
*******[[Omega Team]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*******[[Red Team]]
*****[[Office of Naval Intelligence]]

|title-4=Locations|
*[[Intergalactic space]]
**[[Installation 00]]
***[[Cartographer]]
***[[Foundry]]
***[[Henry Lamb research outpost]] {{1st}}
**[[Installation 09]] {{1st}}
***[[Alpha Base (Installation 09)|Alpha Base]]
***[[Bravo base]]
***[[Control room]]
*[[Milky Way]] {{C|Holographic projection only}}
**[[Asphodel]] {{Mo}}
***[[Khetleya]] {{Fm}}
**[[Carter Guard Armory]] {{Fm}}
**[[Epsilon Eridani system]] {{C|Holographic projection only}}
***[[Reach]] {{Mo}}
**[[Korinth Prior system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Etran Harborage]] {{Mo}}
**[[Minister (planet)|Minister]] {{Mo}}
***[[Palaikos borderlands]] {{Fm}}
**[[Oth Sonin system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Doisac]] {{Mo}}
**[[Passage]] {{Fm}}
**[[Procyon system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Qab system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Venezia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Soell system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Threshold]] {{Mo}}
****[[Installation 04]] {{Mo}}
**[[Sol system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Earth]] {{Mo}}
****[[Africa]] {{Mo}}
*****[[Kenya]] {{Mo}}
******[[New Mombasa]] {{Mo}}
******[[Voi]] {{Mo}}
*******[[Portal at Voi]] {{Mo}}

|title-5=Events|
*[[First Immolation]] {{Mo}}
*[[Human-Covenant War]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Installation 00]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Installation 04]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of the Etran Harborage]] {{Mo}}
**[[Operation: SLOW DIVE]] {{Fm}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Subjugation of Earth]] {{Mo}}
**[[Second Ark Conflict]] {{1st}}
***[[Second Ark Conflict#The Halo ring|Battle of Installation 09]] {{1st}}
***[[Second Ark Conflict#Operation: SPEARBREAKER|Operation: SPEARBREAKER]] {{1st}}
**[[Operation: FAR STORM‎]] {{Mo}}

|title-6=Vehicles|
*[[AC-220 Vulture]]
*[[AV-14 Hornet]]
**AV-14B Hornet {{1st}}
*[[Bison]] {{1st}}
*[[Blisterback]] {{1st}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
**''[[Enduring Conviction]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}
*[[Colossus]] {{1st}}
*[[D20 Heron]]
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]
**G77S Pelican gunship {{1st}}
*[[D81-LRT Condor]]
**G81 Condor gunship {{1st}}
*[[D82-EST Darter]]
*{{Class|Despair|fighter}}
*[[EV-44 Nightingale]] {{1st}}
**[[ZAV-48 Frostraven]] {{1st}}
*''[[Eden Rising]]'' {{Fm}}
*[[Banished Goblin|Goblin]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS]]
**[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) ADS]] {{1st}}
*[[HRUNTING Mark III Cyclops]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis]]
*''[[High Charity]]''
*[[M12 Warthog]]
**[[M12 Warthog LRV]]
**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]]
*[[M121 Jackrabbit]] {{1st}}
*[[M400 Kodiak]] {{1st}}
*[[M650 Mastodon]] {{1st}}
*[[M808S Scorpion]] {{1st}}
*[[M850 Grizzly]]
*[[M9 Wolverine]]
*[[Marauder]] {{1st}}
*[[Phantom]]
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}
*[[Reaver]] {{1st}}
*[[Shroud]] {{1st}}
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]
*[[Banished Goblin|Goblin]]
*[[Skitterer]] {{1st}}
*[[Tram]]
*[[Banished Chopper]]
*[[Type-25 Spirit]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Wraith]]
**Wraith Invader {{1st}}
*[[Type-29 Shadow]]
**Methane Wagon {{1st}}
*[[Banished Locust]]
*[[Banished Ghost]]
*[[Banished Scarab]]
*[[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Wraith]] {{Mo}}
*[[Type-56 Lich]]

|title-7=Weapons|
*[[11A2R1 naval coilgun battery]]
*[[Annihilator missile]]
*[[ARC-920 railgun]]
*[[Archer missile]]
*[[BR55 battle rifle]]
*[[Combat knife]]
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Gravity mace]] {{1st}}
**[[Chainbreaker]] {{1st}}
*[[Hydra MLRS]]
*[[Lotus anti-tank mine]]
*[[M247H machine gun]]
*[[M41 SPNKR]]
**[[M19 surface-to-surface missile]]
*[[M46 Vulcan]]
*[[M6 Spartan laser]]
*[[M6C magnum]]
*[[M7057 flamethrower]]
*[[M7S SMG]]
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]
*[[M90 shotgun]]
*[[M99 Stanchion]]
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]
*[[MA5B assault rifle]]
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
*[[Plasma torpedo]]
*[[Particle cannon]]
*[[Scorch mine]] {{1st}}
*[[Sentinel beam]]
*[[Shrapnel mine]] {{1st}}
*[[Signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer]]
*[[Type-25 Brute Shot]]
*[[Type-25 Brute plasma rifle]]
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*[[Type-25 plasma rifle]]
*[[Type-25 Spiker]]
*[[Type-33 fuel rod gun]]
*[[Type-50 particle beam rifle]]
*[[Type-51 carbine]]
*[[Type-52 plasma cannon]]

|title-8=Technology and equipment|
*[[Access point]]
*[[Artificial Intelligence]]
**[[Avatar]]
**[[Smart AI]]
*[[Astronavigation]] system
*[[Beam emitter]]
*[[Blast door]]
*[[Combat harness]]
**[[Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Control Tower]] {{1st}}
*[[Cryonics]]
**[[Cryo chamber]]
*[[Data crystal chip]]
*[[Design seed]]
*[[Elevator]]
*[[Energy shielding]]
*[[Forerunner conduit]]
*[[Gravity anchor]] {{1st}}
*[[Gravity lift]]
*[[Guardian]]
*[[Halo Array]]
*[[Hard light]]
**[[Light bridge]]
*[[Heads-up display]]
*[[Helmet recorder]]
*[[Holography]]
**[[Holotank]]
*[[Jiralhanae power armor]]
*[[Monitor]] {{Mo}}
*[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]]
**MJOLNIR [GEN1]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark IV|Mark IV]]
***[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark VI|Mark VI]] {{C|Modified variant}} {{C|Hologram only}}
**[[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR [GEN2]]]
***Custom hybrid GEN2/MARK IV variant {{1st}}
*[[MQ-96 Support Drone]] {{1st}}
*[[Nanolaminate]]
*[[ODST armor]]
*[[Sangheili harness]]
**[[Arbiter body armor]] {{C|Hologram only}}
**[[Sangheili Honor Guardsman]]
**[[Storm harness]]
*[[Sentinel]]
**[[Aggressor Sentinel]]
**[[Assembler Sentinel]] {{Mo}}
**[[Constructor]] {{Mo}}
**[[Controller Sentinel]] {{1st}}
**[[Enforcer]] {{Mo}}
**[[Protector Sentinel (Installation 00)|Protector Sentinel]]
**[[Retriever Sentinel]]
*[[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] {{C|Holographic projection only}}
*[[Shield generator]]
*[[Slipspace portal]]
*[[Stealth pylon]] {{Mo}}
*[[Teleportation grid]]
**[[Teleporter]]
*[[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform]]
*[[UNSC Navy uniforms]]
**[[UNSC Navy Service Uniform]]
*[[UNSC reactor]] {{Mo}}
}}

==Development==
[[Blur Studio]] once again created pre-rendered CGI sequences for the game's cutscenes.<ref>[http://www.blur.com/struktur-feature/halo-wars-2/ '''Blur.com:''' ''Halo Wars 2'']</ref> Changes in Blur's approach to CGI animation have resulted in some of the characters being recast. In the original ''Halo Wars'', the characters were hand-sculpted and animated whereas Blur has since come to favor full motion capture technology, including facial performance capture; due to this change, actors that resemble the characters they are playing as closely as possible are preferred. Most notably, [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]], originally voiced by [[Wikipedia:Gregg Berger|Gregg Berger]], is now played by [[Gideon Emery]] (digitally aged to appear closer to Cutter's biological age), while {{Plain|[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3841651/ Faye Kingslee]}} was recast as [[Ellen Anders|Professor Anders]] due to scheduling conflicts with her previous voice actress [[Wikipedia:Kim Mai Guest|Kim Mai Guest]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/warzone-firefight-sneak-peek '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Warzone Firefight Sneak Peek'']</ref>

After the announcement of ''Halo Wars 2'', Creative Assembly went on to publicly advertise positions working on the game.<ref>[http://creative-assembly.com/jobs/halowars '''Creative Assembly's website''' ''Halo Wars Jobs'']</ref>

For the Ark's [[Forerunner]] architecture, Creative Assembly's art team initially explored a direction reminiscent of that in [[Bungie]]'s ''Halo'' games, but they ultimately adopted a more streamlined style based closely on the Forerunner aesthetic in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/4qDdn '''ArtStation''' - ''Brad Wright (Halo Wars 2 Concept Dump4)'']</ref>

In the pre-rendered Blur cutscenes the [[Marines]] wear [[Human-Covenant War]] era [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform|battle dress uniforms]] similar to the ones seen in ''Halo Wars''. But in gameplay as well as artwork, the Marines wear the [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform#Post-war BDU|post-war]] BDU design introduced in ''[[Halo 4]]''. The Spartans' armor varies similarly between gameplay and cinematics; while the Blur cutscenes use ''Halo Wars'''s original [[Mark IV]] design, Red Team's models in-game and in artwork appear to be more closely modeled after the [[Mark VI]] Mjolnir.

{{Expand-section}}

==Marketing and merchandise==
===Halo Wars 2 Announce Trailer===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2: Announce Teaser}}
On August 4, 2015, at Gamescom 2015, ''Halo Wars 2'' was first announced by Bonnie Ross. The ''Halo Wars 2: Announce Trailer'' is a pre-rendered [[trailer]] showcasing ''Halo Wars 2''. The trailer was created and produced by [[Blur Studio]], in collaboration with 343 Industries and Creative Assembly. It was directed by Blur Studio's [[Dave Wilson]].<ref>[http://www.blur.com/work/project/halo-wars-2-announce-teaser/ '''Blur.com''': ''Halo Wars 2: Announce Trailer'']</ref>

===Atriox statues===
Around August to November 4, 2015, for the numerous parties involved in Halo Wars 2, Jeremy Cook, Art Director at 343 Industries, made 3, 9 inch, statues of Atriox, who was featured in the announcement trailer. The statues were made using the very detailed highpoly meshes Blur studio made,<ref>[https://twitter.com/JeremyCook3D/status/634531153173696512 '''Jeremy Cook's Twitter''' - ''Statue info 1'']</ref> and the statues are fully colored, the skin and hair is blue and grey, and armor is metallic.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JeremyCook3D/status/639475176321757184 '''Jeremy Cook's Twitter''' - ''Statue info 2'']</ref>

The first statue was finished sometime before August 21.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Danayoub/status/634516123917139972 '''Jeremy Cook's Twitter''' - ''1st Statue info'']</ref> The second bust was finished during a power cut on September 1, and was given to Creative Assembly,<ref>[https://twitter.com/JeremyCook3D/status/638843371356848128 '''Jeremy Cook's Twitter''' - ''2nd Statue info'']</ref> The third and final statue was colored using a Valejo airbrush primer, with its color blended in so it can be detailed and highlighted, to finally be finished on November 4, and was given to Blur Studios.<ref>[https://twitter.com/JeremyCook3D/status/661978660635734016 '''Jeremy Cook's Twitter''' - ''3rd Statue info'']</ref>

===Halo Wars 2 toys===
On February 12, 2016, numerous toys were announced with the start of a partnership with [[Mattel]]. Two of which were the MegaBloks [[Jackrabbit]], and the Boomco [[Type-25 Spiker]] set to be featured in ''Halo Wars 2''.<ref>[https://news.xbox.com/2016/02/12/343-industries-and-mattel-sign-master-licensing-agreement-introduce-new-halo-toys/ '''Xbox Wire''' - ''343 Industries and Mattel Sign Master Licensing Agreement, Introduce New Halo Toys'']</ref>

===E3 2016===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer|Halo Wars 2: Behind the scenes}}
At E3 2016, a ''Halo Wars 2'' demo was playable.<ref name="hogs"/> Also at E3 was shown the ''Halo Wars 2'' Official E3 trailer,<ref name="E31">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjN1eWhzPeA '''YouTube:''' ''- Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer'']</ref> and a behind the scenes of that specific trailer.<ref name="E32"/>

===Halo War 2 Open Beta===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Open Beta}}
During E3 2016 it was announced that between June 13 and June 20, [[2016]] an open beta for ''Halo Wars 2'' would be available.<ref name="E31"/> The beta was later extended an additional three days. Another Beta for both Xbox One and Windows 10 will be available closer to the game's full launch.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/another-halo-wars-2-beta-is-coming-with-a-new-mode/1100-6441223/ '''Gamespot''': ''Another Halo Wars 2 Beta is coming with a new mode'']</ref>

===RTX 2016===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 RTX 2016 Trailer}}
At RTX 2016, a cinematic trailer for ''Halo Wars 2'' was revealed during 343 Industries' panel on July 2, 2016.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMrKjtaygYc '''YouTube''': Halo Wars 2 - RTX 2016 Cinematic Trailer]</ref><ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-halo-wars-2-trailer-revealed-and-halo-5-forge-/1100-6441465/ '''Gamespot''': "New Halo Wars 2 Trailer Revealed and Halo 5 Forge Getting File Browser"]</ref>

===Know Your Enemy===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Know Your Enemy}}
A ViDoc was shown on July 22, 2016, after 343 Industries' panel at SDCC 2016, and it focused on the story and characters of the game.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/sdcc-event-preview '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''SDCC: What's on the Menu?'']</ref>

===Multiplayer ViDoc===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Multiplayer}}
The ViDoc was shown on October 19, 2016, and its focused on ''Halo Wars 2'''s multiplayer, including the first look to the new gamemode Blitz.

===Atriox===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Atriox Trailer}}
A cinematic trailer for ''Halo Wars 2'' was revealed on December 2, 2016 at Game Awards 2016, and it focused on the story of Atriox and the Banished.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/brute-force '''Halo Waypoint''' ''- Community Update: Brute Force'']</ref>

===#TwitterHaloWars===
{{Main|#TwitterHaloWars}}
Starting on January 17, 2017, 343 Industries ran a twitter minigame to promote the new Blitz Mode of ''Halo Wars 2''. Played over twitter's Direct Messaging system, players could face off against the computer or challenge their friends with the hashtag [https://twitter.com/hashtag/twitterhalowars?lang=en #twitterhalowars]. Players were rewarded for their victory with an exclusive skin code.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/38bd6e2ebbb14e5b9b359bb029588800/topics/twitterhalowars---faq/8c95091a-5bc7-443a-973d-33926db8d309/posts '''Halo Waypoint''' ''FORUM:#TWITTERHALOWARS - FAQ'']</ref> The game concluded on February 16, 2017.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ISA1307_2/status/832378742920011776 '''Twitter''' ''Isabel UNSC Log. (@ISA1307_2)'']</ref>

===Blitz Beta===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 - Blitz Beta}}
The second ''Halo Wars 2'' open beta ran from January 20–30, 2017. It featured the new multiplayer gametype, Blitz, and the map [[Proving Grounds]].<ref>[https://news.xbox.com/2017/01/20/halo-wars-2-blitz-beta-launch/ '''Xbox Wire''' ''Play the Halo Wars 2 Blitz Multiplayer Beta on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC Today'']</ref>

===Limited edition poster series===
The release of a series of limited edition posters depicting central characters from ''Halo Wars 2'' was announced on February 2, 2017. These posters, three sets of paired prints featuring Let 'Volir and Professor Anders, Isabel and Decimus, and Atriox and Capt. Cutter, were produced by 343 Industries with artists Grzegorz “Gabz” Domaradzki, Craig Drake, and Kevin Tong (respectively for each set). The release dates and availability of these posters will later be revealed on twitter.<ref>[http://news.xbox.com/2017/02/02/halo-wars-2-releases-original-art-collection-featuring-gabz-craig-drake-kevin-tong/?ocid=HaloWars_soc_photo_learnmore_tw_null_xboxmark_Organic_2.2.2 '''Xbox Wire''' ''Halo Wars 2 Releases Original Art Collection Featuring Gabz, Craig Drake and Kevin Tong'']</ref> Murals based on these posters were also later installed by 343 Industries through local artists in six U.S. cities: Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, and San Francisco.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9escd_4_a0#t=76.185981 '''Youtube''' ''Halo Wars 2 Original Art Series'']</ref><ref>[http://news.xbox.com/2017/02/15/halo-wars-2-art-street-series/?utm_campaign=crowdfire&utm_content=crowdfire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter#328330466-tw#1487271665379 '''Xbox Wire''' ''Halo Wars 2 Takes Art Series to the Streets'']</ref>

<gallery>
File:Let 'Volir Gabz.png|Let 'Volir by Gabz.
File:Ellen Anders Gabz.png|Prof. Anders by Gabz.
File:Atriox Kevin Tong.png|Atriox by Kevin Tong.
File:James Cutter Kevin Tong.png|Capt. Cutter by Kevin Tong.
File:Decimus Craig Drake.png|Decimus by Craig Drake.
File:Isabel Graig Drake.png|Isabel by Craig Drake.
</gallery>

===Launch trailer===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Official Launch Trailer}}
The official launch trailer for ''Halo Wars 2'' was released on February 6, 2017.

===War of Wits===
{{Main|War of Wits: The Armrest|War of Wits: The Sale}}
Released on February 9, 2017, ''War of Wits'' is a pair of live-action trailers that humorously portray the dynamic between Atriox and Captain Cutter in mundane real-life situations.

===Strategy ViDoc===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Strategy}}

===Music ViDoc===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Music}}

===Character ViDoc===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Character}}

===MegaConstrux Challenge===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2: MegaConstrux Challenge}}

===Kinsano Vidoc – Trial by Fire===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Kinsano}}

===Colony Vidoc – Hunt or be Hunted===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Colony}}

===The Flood Vidoc - Awakening The Nightmare===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 ViDoc: Flood}}

===Rise of Atriox comic series===
{{Main|Halo: Rise of Atriox}}
A tie-in comic book mini-series, ''Halo: Rise of Atriox'', will be launched in the fall of 2017 and will expand on the backstory of the game's antagonist [[Atriox]].<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/rockin-railin '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Community Update - Rockin' & Railin' '']</ref>

<gallery>
File:Halo Rise of Atriox.png|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 1|Issue #1]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
File:Halo Rise of Atriox2.png|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 2|Issue #2]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
File:Halo Rise of Atriox3.png|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 3|Issue #3]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
File:Halo Rise of Atriox4.png|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 4|Issue #4]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
File:Halo Rise of Atriox5.jpg|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 5|Issue #5]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
</gallery>

==Gallery==
===Development images===
<gallery>
File:Halo_Wars_dev_1.jpg|Development image of the internal coding.
File:Halo Wars dev 2.jpg|Development model of an [[ODST]].
File:Halo_Wars_Dev_3.jpg|Development model of a map.
File:Halo Wars dev 4.png|Art boards for an unknown map in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2-Wirestuff.jpg|Early development of a Spartan and Sangheili fighting.
File:Halo-wars-2-logo.jpg|2015 version of the ''Halo Wars 2'' logo.
File:Halo Wars 2 Draft Box.png|''Halo Wars 2'' draft logo box used on Creative Assembly's site.
</gallery>

===Concept art and illustrations===
<gallery>
File:HW2-artbox.jpg|Full cover artwork.
File:HW2C-Scarabs.png|Concept art of the game.
File:HW2C-UNSCResearchBase.jpg|Concept art for a research base
File:HW2-concept-battle.jpg|UNSC and Banished forces in battle.
File:HW2-concept-Marines.jpg|UNSC Marines.
File:HW2-concept-BanAssault.jpg|The Banished attacking a UNSC base.
File:PAX-BanishedArtstyleConcept.jpg|A mood board of the Banished's art style.
File:HW2 - flame spartan.jpg|Concept for a Flame Spartan.
File:HW2 Concept maps.png|Concept art for multiplayer maps.
</gallery>

===Announcement trailer images===
<gallery>
File:HW2-Duress.png|[[Douglas-042]] gets his left shoulder crushed by Atriox.
File:HW2-Shadows.png|Red Team standing at the ready.
File:HW2-Exfil.png|Douglas-042 after being wounded.
File:HW2-Ambush.png|Atriox activates his Chainbreaker.
File:HW2-NewFoe.png|Atriox steps out of the shadows.
</gallery>

===Marketing and merchandise images===
<gallery>
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue.jpg|A view of the first Atriox statue made.
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue 2.jpg|Another view of the first Atriox statue made.
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue 3.jpg|A view of the Creative Assembly's Atriox statue outside.
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue 4-wip.jpg|An early view of the Blur Studios' Atriox statue.
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue 4-wip-detailing.jpg|A view of the Blur Studios' Atriox statue during detailing.
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue 4-wip-highlighted.jpg|A highlighted view of the Blur Studios' Atriox statue.
File:Halo Wars 2 Brute Statue 4.jpg|Detailed version of the Blur Studios' Atriox statue.
File:Tyco-Halo-Wars-2-Radio-Control-Vehicle.jpg|The Jackrabbit set to be in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:Boomco-Halo-Brute-Spiker.jpg|The Boomco Type-25 Brute Spiker set to be in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:Halo Wars 2 logo version 2.jpg|The current logo of the game.
</gallery>

===Multiplayer===
<gallery>
File:HW2B-1v1.jpg|UNSC and Banished clash.
File:HW2B-WraithsvsSuicideGrunts.jpg|Banished T-26 Wraiths fighting suicide Unggoy.
</gallery>

===Gamescom 2016===
<gallery>
File:Halo-Wars-2-Campaign-Beam-of-Light.png|HW2 Campaign "Beam of Light".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Campaign-Dark-Cliffs.png|HW2 Campaign "Dark Cliffs".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Campaign-Heavy-Crystal.png|HW2 Campaign "Heavy Crystal".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Battle-Fog.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Battle Fog".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Clash-at-the-Water.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Clash at the Water".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Defend-the-Base.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Defend the Base".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Light-Combat.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Light Combat".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Watering-Hole.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Watering Hole".
</gallery>

==Sources==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-wars-2 Official website]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_Wars_2 ''Halo Wars 2''] on Wikipedia

{{Halo Games}}