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{{Title|''Halo Wars 2''}}
{{Title|''Halo Wars 2''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{New content}}
{{Game infobox
{{Game infobox
|name=''Halo Wars 2''
|name=''Halo Wars 2''
|image=[[File:HW2 cover.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:HW2 cover.png|300px]]
|primary-dev=[[343 Industries]]{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint hw2|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo-wars-2|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Wars 2|D=21|M=2|Y=2017}}<br>
|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/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}
[[Creative Assembly]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|support-dev=[[Sprung Studios]]{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.sprungstudios.com/halo-wars-2/|Site=Sprung Studios|Page=Halo Wars 2|D=5|M=1|Y=2024}}
|publisher=[[Microsoft Studios]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|writer=[[Kevin Grace]]
|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>
|composer=[[Gordy Haab]]<br>[[Brian Lee White]]<br>[[Brian Trifon]]
[[Wikipedia:Windows 10|Windows 10]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/><ref name="Teaser"/>
|publisher=[[Microsoft Studios]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}
|releasedate=[[2017|February 21, 2017]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|engine=[[Phoenix engine]]
|genre=[[Real-time strategy]]<ref name="waypoint hw2"/>
|platform=*[[Xbox One]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}<ref name="Teaser">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMiiffLQcvE '''YouTube''': ''Halo Wars 2: Announce Teaser'']</ref><br>
**[[Xbox One X]]
*[[PC]]
*[[Xbox Cloud Gaming]]
**[[Wikipedia:Windows 10|Windows 10]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}{{Ref/Reuse|Teaser}}
|releasedate=[[2017|February 21, 2017]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}
|genre=[[Real-time strategy]]{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}
|modes=
|modes=
|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, Violence
|rating=  
}}
}}
{{Quote|Know your enemy.|Official tagline<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjN1eWhzPeA '''YouTube''': ''Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer'']</ref>}}
{{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/Reuse|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/Reuse|waypoint hw2}}
'''''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==
==Plot==
===Characters and setting===
===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>}}
{{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:HW2 Atriox Trailer Concept.jpg|thumb|250px|Concept art of Atriox and the Banished.]]
[[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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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>
''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/Reuse|gamespot}}
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===
===Plot synopsis===
{{Spoiler/begin}}
{{Spoiler}}
[[File:HW2-SoF.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives at the Ark.]]
[[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.
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.
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[[File:HW2-Isabel&Co-03.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Isabel outlines her plan to destroy the ''[[Enduring Conviction]]''.]]
[[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 (location)|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.
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''.]]
[[File:HW2-Sentinel bombardment.png|thumb|250px|[[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] attacking the ''Enduring Conviction''.]]
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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]].
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}}
{{Spoiler End}}
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


==Gameplay==
==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>
''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>
===Tutorial===
[[File:HW2 BasicTraining Concept 3.jpg|thumb|Basic tutorial menu art.]]
''Halo Wars 2'' comes with three tutorial missions to allow new players to get to grips with the controls and gameplay of the game.
*"[[Basic (Halo Wars 2 tutorial)|Basic]]" - ''"Learn basic training and get combat-ready for Halo Wars 2."''
*"[[Advanced (Halo Wars 2 tutorial)|Advanced]]" - ''"Learn more advanced techniques to gain the edge in battle."''
*"[[Blitz (Halo Wars 2 tutorial)|Blitz]]" - ''"An introduction to the rules and techniques of [[Blitz]]."''


===Campaign===
===Campaign===
[[File:HW2 Campaign Loadscreen.jpg|thumb|Campaign menu art.]]
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 ''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."''
#"[[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>
#"[[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/Reuse|campaignvid}}
#"[[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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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/Reuse|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 (Halo Wars 2 level)|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/Reuse|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====
====Extra Campaign====  
[[File:HW2 Spearbreaker Loadscreen.jpg|thumb|''Operation: SPEARBREAKER'' menu art.]]
Campaign DLC released after the original game.
Campaign DLC released after the original game.
;'''Operation: SPEARBREAKER'''
;'''Operation: SPEARBREAKER'''
{{Main|Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER}}
{{Main|Operation: SPEARBREAKER}}
#"[[Gatecrashers]]" - ''"Major [[Elijah Vaughan]] leads his [[Boomerang Company]] ODSTs to a Banished operation site."''
#"[[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]]."''
#"[[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'''
;'''Awakening the Nightmare'''
[[File:HW2 Nightmare Loadscreen.jpg|thumb|''Awakening the Nightmare'' menu art.]]
{{Main|Awakening the Nightmare}}
{{Main|Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare}}
#"[[What Could Go Wrong?]]" - ''"Voridus launches a Scarab assault through Sentinel-heavy territory to break into High Charity."''
#"[[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."''
#"[[Fighting Retreat]]" - ''"Pavium and his troops prepare an exit route to extract High Charity salvage."''
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===Multiplayer===
===Multiplayer===
The [[multiplayer]] mode of ''Halo Wars 2'' features a number of gamemodes and supports up to six players.{{Ref/Reuse|eurogamer}}
The [[multiplayer]] mode of ''Halo Wars 2'' features a number of gamemodes and supports up to six players.<ref name="eurogamer"/>


====Skirmish====
====Skirmish====
The [[Skirmish]] mode allows players, through solo or [[cooperative play]], to battle against AIs with a range of difficulty levels. [[Strongholds (Halo Wars)|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.
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
;Maps
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*[[Sentry]]
*[[Sentry]]
*[[Vault]]
*[[Vault]]
*[[Fort Jordan]]


====Blitz====
====Blitz====
{{Main|Blitz}}  
{{Main|Blitz}}  
Blitz is a new gamemode with a unique approach to RTS gameplay.{{Ref/Reuse|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.
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
;Maps
*[[Proving Grounds]]
*[[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====
====Terminus Firefight====
{{Main|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>
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
;Maps
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===Units===
===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 [[Barukaza Workshop Scarab]] for the Banished. For neutrals, Sentinels have the [[Retriever Sentinel]] as Super Unit and the Flood has the [[Abomination]] as Super Unit.
''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.


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.
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:
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.
*Green - Best unit to deal with.
*Yellow - Okay to deal with.
*Yellow - Okay to deal with.
*Red - Poor unit to deal with.
*Red - Worst unit to deal with.
*Clear - Cannot attack that type of unit.
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, with exception of Spartans that can cap to Veterancy 6 inside hijacked vehicles, and Blitz gameplay which is based on card level. 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.
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, the Banished and Neutrals, respectively:
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.-->
<!--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-begin}}
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*[[Hellbringers]] - Flamethrower-equipped Marines.
*[[Hellbringers]] - Flamethrower-equipped Marines.
*[[Sniper]]s - Stealthy reconnaissance and marksman unit.
*[[Sniper]]s - Stealthy reconnaissance and marksman unit.
*[[HRUNTING Mark III (S) Cyclops|Cyclops]] - Anti-tank powered exoskeleton.
*[[Cyclops]] - Anti-tank powered exoskeleton.
*[[Douglas-042]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
*[[Douglas-042]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
*[[Jerome-092]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
*[[Jerome-092]] - Spartan-II; hero unit.
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*[[Jackrabbit]] - Fast reconnaissance vehicle.
*[[Jackrabbit]] - Fast reconnaissance vehicle.
*[[Warthog]] - Light reconnaissance and attack vehicle.
*[[Warthog]] - Light reconnaissance and attack vehicle.
*[[John Forge's Warthog|Forge's Warthog]] - Hero unit.
*[[Scorpion]] - Main battle tank.
*[[Scorpion]] - Main battle tank.
*[[Grizzly]] - Superheavy tank.
*[[Grizzly]] - Superheavy tank.
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*[[Nightingale]] - Heal and repair support aircraft.
*[[Nightingale]] - Heal and repair support aircraft.
*[[Vulture]] - Superheavy ground-attack gunship.
*[[Vulture]] - Superheavy ground-attack gunship.
*[[Kinsano's Cyclops]] - Hellbringer officer, hero unit.
*[[Morgan Kinsano|Kinsano]]'s Cyclops - Hellbringer officer, hero unit.
*[[M12F Flame Warthog]] - Warthog with powerful flamer.
*[[Flame Warthog]] - Warthog with powerful flamer.
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis|Mantis]] - Core mech
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis|Mantis]] - Core mech
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (J) Colossus|Colossus]] - Heavy Mech
*[[Colossus]] - Heavy Mech
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) Green Machine|Green Machine]] - Mech hero, hero unit.
*[[Avery Johnson|Johnson]]'s [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) ADS|Green Machine]] - Mech hero, hero unit.
*[[Jerome-092|Commander Jerome]] - Hero unit.
*[[Jerome-092|Commander Jerome]] - Hero unit.
*[[Command Mantis]] - Hero unit. Summoned by Commander Jerome. Only available via unit upgrades.
*[[August-099]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[August-099]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Leon-011]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Leon-011]] - Omega Team Hero unit. Only available via leader power.
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*[[Cryo Troopers]] - Cryoweapon-equipped Marines. Can be upgraded 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.
*[[ZAV-48 Frostraven|Frostraven]] - Cryo aircraft. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[M88 Bison]] - Hero Unit, Cryo APC.
*[[Bison]] - Hero Unit, Cryo APC.
*[[Sunray 1-1]] - Hero ODST squad. Only available in [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]
*[[Sunray 1-1]] - Hero ODST squad. Only available in [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]]
*[[Frost Hog]] - based on the Flame Warthog but instead sprays super cooled freezing fluids.
{{Col-3}}
{{Col-3}}
;Banished
;Banished
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*[[Huragok|Engineers]] - Heal and repair specialists.
*[[Huragok|Engineers]] - Heal and repair specialists.
*[[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] - Superheavy infantry.
*[[Mgalekgolo|Hunters]] - Superheavy infantry.
*[[Zaagokelu Workshop Ghost|Ghost]] - General scout/attack vehicle. Only exclusive for Sangheili Leaders.
*[[Type-32 Ghost|Ghost]] - General scout/attack vehicle.
*[[Barug'qel Workshop Chopper|Chopper]] - Scout/anti-infantry vehicle.  
*[[Chopper]] - Scout/anti-infantry vehicle.
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder|Marauder]] - Fast, medium tank.
*[[Marauder]] - Fast, medium tank.
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith|Wraith]] - Heavy mortar tank.
*[[Type-26 Wraith|Wraith]] - Heavy mortar tank.
*[[Reaver]] - Anti-aircraft walker.
*[[Reaver]] - Anti-aircraft walker.
*[[Barukaza Workshop Locust|Locust]] - Siege walker.
*[[Banished Locust]] - Siege walker.
*[[Gydrozka Workshop Blisterback|Blisterback]] - Heavy air and artillery unit.
*[[Blisterback]] - Heavy air and artillery unit.
*[[Barukaza Workshop Scarab|Scarab]] - Super Unit.
*[[Banished Scarab]] - Super Unit.
*[[Klavbrig Workshop Shroud|Shroud]] - Support vehicle able to cloak nearby units.
*[[Shroud]] - Support vehicle able to cloak nearby units.
*[['Ahtulai Workshop Banshee|Banshee]] - Multirole attack flier.
*[[Banshee]] - Multirole attack flier.
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit|Banished Spirit]] - General purpose dropship.
*[[Spirit]] - General purpose dropship.
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Lich|Lich]] - Superheavy deployment dropship.
*[[Lich]] - Superheavy deployment dropship.
*[[Decimus]] - Brute officer, ultimate hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Decimus]] - Brute officer, ultimate hero unit. Only available via leader power.
*[[Mgalekgolo Captain|Hunter Captain]] - Hunter Officer, ranged hero unit.
*[[Mgalekgolo Captain|Hunter Captain]] - Hunter Officer, ranged hero unit.
*[[Goliath]]s - Melee-focused hunters.
*[[Goliath]]s - Melee-focused hunters.
*[[Klavrig Workshop Skitterer|Skitterer]] - Lekgolo controlled scout vehicle. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Skitterer]] - Lekgolo controlled scout vehicle. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Phantom|Banished Phantom]] - Mobile Air Support. 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 use stasis grenades.
*[[Sangheili Enforcer]]s - Shielded, fast moving anti-building unit. Can uses stasis grenades.
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] - Hero Unit.
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] - Hero Unit.
*[[Unggoy Rider|Grunt Rider]] - Powerful melee unit.
*[[Unggoy Rider|Grunt Rider]] - Powerful melee unit.
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*[[Cannon Fodder]] - Grunt light infantry.
*[[Cannon Fodder]] - Grunt light infantry.
*[[Methane Wagon]] - Methane Support Vehicle. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Methane Wagon]] - Methane Support Vehicle. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Goblin|Grunt Goblin]] - Grunt Mech Hero Unit.
*[[Goblin|Grunt Goblin]] - Grunt Mech Hero Unit.
*[[Jiralhanae Grenadier|Brute Grenadiers]] - Armored Brutes with Grenade Launchers.
*[[Jiralhanae Grenadier|Brute Grenadiers]] - Armored Brutes with Grenade Launchers.
*[[Huragok|Infused Engineer]] - Heal and repair specialist, fires infusion gel
*[[Huragok|Infused Engineer]] - Heal and repair specialist, fires infusion gel
*[[Volatile Scarab]] - Super Unit, fires infusion gel. Exclusive to Voridus.
*[[Banished Scarab#Volatile Scarab|Volatile Scarab]] - Super Unit, fires infusion gel.
*[[Voridus]] - Melee-focused Brute hero unit
*[[Voridus]] - Melee-focused Brute hero unit
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith Invader|Wraith Invader]] - APC capable Wraith. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Type-26 Wraith#Variants|Wraith Invader]] - APC capable Wraith. Only available via leader power upgrades.
*[[Pavium]] - Ranged Brute hero unit, repairs buildings.
*[[Pavium]] - Ranged Brute hero unit, repairs buildings.
{{Col-3}}
{{Col-3}}
;Neutrals
;Neutrals
*[[Aggressor Sentinel]] - Sentinel Basic Unit.
*[[Aggressor Sentinel]] - Sentinel Basic Unit.
*[[Protector Sentinel]] - Offense Sentinel. Unique Unit to Professor Anders through leader power upgrades.
*[[Protector Sentinel]] - Offense Sentinel.
*[[Controller Sentinel]] - Sentinel Hero Unit.
*[[Controller Sentinel]] - Sentinel Hero Unit.
*[[Retriever Sentinel]] - Sentinel Super Unit. Exclusive to Professor Anders through leader power.
*[[Retriever Sentinel]] - Sentinel Super Unit.
*[[Infection Form]] - Flood ground infection form.
*[[Infection Form]] - Flood ground infection form.
*[[Abomination]] - Flood Super Unit.
*[[Abomination]] - Flood Super Unit.
*[[Flood spawner form]] - Flood mobile production unit.
*[[Flood Spawner]] - Flood mobile production unit.
*Flood [[Seeder infector]] - Flood aerial infection form.
*[[Flood Seeder Infectors]] - Flood aerial infection form.
*Flood [[Flood infester form|Infestor]] - Flood vehicle infection form.
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


===Leaders===
===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.
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. Leader points are obtained by scavenging resources, building and upgrading your base(s), killing enemy units and capturing power nodes.
This includes a hero unit as well where their abilities can be upgraded but with more balanced build due to compensated by sets of Leader Powers. Each upgrade now increases damage and health while under some circumstances, some ability may improved as long as it was related to the ability the Hero possess. Hero Unit now must be purchased instead of acquiring it for free for the first time. Hero unit also will display what they are good, okay, and poor unit to deal with so player can form strategy more efficiently to compensate hero's lacking.


====Leaders and specialties====
====Leaders and specialties====
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;UNSC
;UNSC
*[[James Cutter/Gameplay|Captain Cutter]]: Infantry and Bombardment
*[[James Cutter/Gameplay|Captain Cutter]]: Infantry and bombardment
*[[Isabel/Gameplay|Isabel]]: Technological Warfare
*[[Isabel/Gameplay|Isabel]]: Advanced UNSC technology
*[[Ellen Anders/Gameplay|Professor Anders]]: Forerunner technology
*[[Ellen Anders/Gameplay|Professor Anders]]: Forerunner technology
*[[John Forge/Gameplay|Sergeant Forge]]: Hero unit; Armored Warfare
*[[John Forge/Gameplay|Sergeant Forge]]: Hero unit; heavy tanks
*[[Morgan Kinsano/Gameplay|Morgan Kinsano]]: Hero unit; Flame Warfare
*[[Morgan Kinsano/Gameplay|Morgan Kinsano]]: Hero unit; flame-based weaponry
*[[Avery Johnson/Gameplay|Sergeant Johnson]]: Hero unit; mechs and bunkers
*[[Avery Johnson/Gameplay|Sergeant Johnson]]: Hero unit; UNSC mechs
*[[Jerome-092/Gameplay|Jerome-092]]: Hero unit; Morale Booster
*[[Jerome-092/Gameplay|Jerome-092]]: Hero unit; inspiring friendly units
*[[Serina/Gameplay|Serina]]: Cryo Warfare
*[[Serina/Gameplay|Serina]]: Cryo-based weaponry
*[[Vaughan/Gameplay|Major Vaughan]]: Hero unit; Special Operations; Operation: SPEARBREAKER Campaign only.
*[[Vaughan/Gameplay|Major Vaughan]]: Special Operations; Operation: SPEARBREAKER Campaign only.


;Banished
;Banished
*[[Let 'Volir/Gameplay|Let 'Volir]]: Guerrilla Warfare
*[[Let 'Volir/Gameplay|Let 'Volir]]: Stealth and surprise attacks
*[[Atriox/Gameplay|Atriox]]: Defensive Warfare
*[[Atriox/Gameplay|Atriox]]: Defense-based gameplay
*[[Decimus/Gameplay|Decimus]]: Hero unit; Shock Assault Warfare
*[[Decimus/Gameplay|Decimus]]: Hero unit; head-on attack, health siphoning
*[[Colony/Gameplay|Colony]]: Front-line Warfare
*[[Colony/Gameplay|Colony]]: Front-line units and healing
*[[Ripa 'Moramee/Gameplay|Ripa 'Moramee]]: Hero unit; Crowd Control
*[[Ripa 'Moramee/Gameplay|Ripa 'Moramee]]: Hero unit; stasis fields
*[[Yapyap/Gameplay|Yapyap The Destroyer]]: Advanced Grunt unit
*[[Yapyap/Gameplay|Yapyap The Destroyer]]: Advanced Grunt unit
*[[Pavium/Gameplay|Pavium]]: Hero unit; Siege Warfare
*[[Pavium]]: Defensive and economic tactics
*[[Voridus/Gameplay|Voridus]]: Hero unit; Blitzkrieg Warfare
*[[Voridus]]: Blitz attack with Incendiary arsenals


;Leader Points and Leader Powers
;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. Player must distribute at least two points on previous tier to unlock the next tier.
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;"
{| border = "1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
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|-
|-
| colspan="7" style="background:#ff1a1a;" | '''Banished Campaign Leader Powers'''
| colspan="7" style="background:#ff1a1a;" | '''Banished Campaign Leader Powers'''
|-
! Atriox's Bulwark
| 15 Second / Support Power || N/A || 350/450/550 || 125/175/225 || 180 seconds || Healing
|-
! Rain of Fire
| 10 Second / Active Power || 7 Beams || 200/300/400 || 200/300/400 || 137 seconds || Bombardment
|-
! Orbital Designator
| 12 Second / Support Power || N/A || 0 || 100/200 || 130 seconds || Reconnaissance
|-
! Burnout
| 30 Second / Support Power || N/A || 100/200/300 || 50/100/200 || 140 seconds || Resource Production
|-
! Stasis
| 10/16 Second / Support Power || N/A || 150/200 || 150/200 || 180 seconds || Control
|-
! Ultra Mines
| Permanent / Active Power || 7 Mines || 200/330 || 200/330 || 105 seconds || Mines
|-
! Infusion Wake
| 90 Second / Active Power || N/A || 350/450/550 || 225/300/400 || 150 seconds || Bombardment
|-
! Cataclysm
| Active Power || N/A || 600 || 400 || 230 seconds || Explosion
|-
! Lich Vanguard
| 120 Second / Support Power || 1 Lich || 600 || 600 || 330 seconds || Air Support
|-
|-
|}
|}


===Technology Advancement===
===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. Player are unable to upgrade further until tech requirements are met. This brings player to new challenge as they have to keep the generator running to generate more power to upgrade units further.
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===
===Skulls===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 skulls}}
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Skulls}}
Skulls can be obtained through completing various optional missions, like killing specific enemies and keeping allies alive.  
Skulls can be obtained through completing various optional missions, like killing specific enemies and keeping allies alive.  


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


====Phoenix Logs====
====Phoenix Logs====
[[File:HW2 PhoenixLog Images.jpg|thumb|Imagery created for the Phoenix Logs.]]
{{Main|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.
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.
Line 372: Line 311:
==Appearances==
==Appearances==
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Characters|
;Banished
*[[Atriox]]
*[[Balkarus]] {{1st}}
*[[Colony]] {{1st}}
*[[Decimus]] {{1st}}
*[[Jato 'Ratum]] {{Fm}}
*[[Let 'Volir]] {{1st}}
*[[Orda Val 'Saham]] {{1st}}
*[[Pavium]] {{1st}}
*[[Teranus]] {{Fm}}
*[[Voridus]] {{1st}}
*[[Yapyap]] {{1st}}
;Covenant
*[[Itho 'Hesiikee]] {{1st}}
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] {{C|Hologram only}}
;Forerunner
*[[000 Tragic Solitude]]
*[[000 Tragic Solitude]]
*[[Librarian]] {{Mo}}
;Flood
*[[Gravemind]] {{Mo}}
;UNSC
*[[Allieri]] {{1st}}
*[[Allieri]] {{1st}}
*[[Alice-130]]
*[[Alice-130]]
*[[Atriox]]
*[[August-099]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[August-099]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Avery Johnson]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Avery Johnson]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[B. Wright]] {{Fm}}
*[[B. Wright]] {{Fm}}
*[[Balkarus]] {{1st}}
*[[Brewer]] {{Fm}}
*[[Brewer]] {{Fm}}
*[[Catherine Halsey]] {{Mo}}
*[[Catherine Halsey]] {{Mo}}
*[[Colony]] {{1st}}
*[[D. Wood]] {{1st}}
*[[D. Wood]] {{1st}}
*[[Decimus]] {{1st}}
*[[Dimitri]] {{1st}}
*[[Dimitri]] {{1st}}
*[[Douglas-042]]
*[[Douglas-042]]
*[[Ellen Anders]]
*[[Ellen Anders]]
*[[Executioner]] {{1st}}
*[[Floyd]] {{1st}}
*[[Floyd]] {{1st}}
*[[G. R. Scott]] {{1st}}
*[[G. R. Scott]] {{1st}}
*[[Helena Gruss]] {{1st}}
*[[Gravemind]] {{Mo}}
*[[Gruss]] {{1st}}
*[[Henry Lamb]] {{Mo}}
*[[Henry Lamb]] {{Mo}}
*[[Isabel]] {{1st}}
*[[Isabel]] {{1st}}
*[[Jacob Arden]] {{1st}}
*[[James (Spirit of Fire)|James]] {{1st}}
*[[James (Spirit of Fire)|James]] {{1st}}
*[[James Cutter]]
*[[James Cutter]]
*[[Jato 'Ratum]] {{Fm}}
*[[Jerome-092]]
*[[Jerome-092]]
*[[John-117]] {{Mo}}
*[[John-117]] {{Mo}}
*[[John Forge]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[John Forge]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Johnson (Spirit of Fire crewman)|Johnson]] {{1st}}
*[[Johnson (Spirit of Fire crewman)|Johnson]] {{1st}}
*[[Kyla Emmett]] {{1st}}
*[[Leon-011]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Leon-011]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Let 'Volir]] {{1st}}
*[[Librarian]] {{Mo}}
*[[Mary]] {{1st}}
*[[Mary]] {{1st}}
*[[Morgan Kinsano]] {{1st}}
*[[Morgan Kinsano]] {{1st}}
*[[Nathaniel Palmer]] {{Fm}}
*[[Nathaniel Palmer]] {{Fm}}
*[[Alannah Quinn]] {{1st}}
*[[Orda Val 'Saham]] {{1st}}
*[[Pavium]] {{1st}}
*[[Quinn]] {{1st}}
*[[Ripa 'Moramee]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Robert-025]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Robert-025]] {{C|Non-canonical appearance}}
*[[Serina]] {{C|Voice only}}
*[[Serina]] {{C|Voice only}}
*[[Devon Sparks]] {{1st}}
*[[Sparks]] {{1st}}
*[[Chloe Turpin]] {{1st}}
*[[Teranus]] {{Fm}}
*[[Elijah Vaughan]] {{1st}}
*[[Thel 'Vadam‎]] {{C|Hologram only}}
*[[Turpin]] {{1st}}
*[[Vaughan]] {{1st}}
*[[Voridus]] {{1st}}
*[[Yapyap]] {{1st}}
*[[Yvain]] {{1st}}
*[[Yvain]] {{1st}}


|title-2=Species|
|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>
*[[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/Reuse|HW AtN}}
**[[Abomination]] {{1st}}<ref name="HW AtN" />
**[[Flood combat form]]{{Ref/Reuse|HW AtN}}
**[[Flood combat form]]<ref name="HW AtN" />
**[[Pod infector]]{{Ref/Reuse|HW AtN}}
**[[Pod infector]]<ref name="HW AtN" />
*[[Forerunner constructs]]  
*[[Forerunner constructs]]  
*[[Human]]
*[[Human]]
Line 459: Line 391:
******[[9th Shock Troops Battalion]] {{1st}}
******[[9th Shock Troops Battalion]] {{1st}}
*******[[Boomerang Company]] {{1st}}
*******[[Boomerang Company]] {{1st}}
********[[Lotus Squad]] {{1st}}
********[[First Platoon (Spirit of Fire)|First Platoon]] {{1st}}
********[[First Platoon (Spirit of Fire)|First Platoon]] {{1st}}
*********[[Sunray Squad]] {{1st}}
*********[[Sunray Squad]] {{1st}}
Line 474: Line 405:
**[[Installation 00]]
**[[Installation 00]]
***[[Cartographer]]
***[[Cartographer]]
***[[Fort Jordan (location)|Fort Jordan]] {{1st}}
***[[Foundry]]
***[[Foundry (location)|Foundry]]
***[[Henry Lamb research outpost]] {{1st}}
***[[Henry Lamb research outpost]] {{1st}}
**[[Installation 09]] {{1st}}
**[[Installation 09]] {{1st}}
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***[[Reach]] {{Mo}}
***[[Reach]] {{Mo}}
**[[Korinth Prior system]] {{Mo}}
**[[Korinth Prior system]] {{Mo}}
***[[Trove]] {{Mo}}
***[[Etran Harborage]] {{Mo}}
**[[Minister (planet)|Minister]] {{Mo}}
**[[Minister (planet)|Minister]] {{Mo}}
***[[Palaikos borderlands]] {{Fm}}
***[[Palaikos borderlands]] {{Fm}}
Line 515: Line 445:
**[[Battle of Installation 04]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Installation 04]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Arcadia]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of Trove]] {{Mo}}
**[[Battle of the Etran Harborage]] {{Mo}}
**[[Operation: SLOW DIVE]] {{Fm}}
**[[Operation: SLOW DIVE]] {{Fm}}
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
**[[Operation: FAR STORM]] {{Mo}}
**[[Subjugation of Earth]] {{Mo}}
**[[Subjugation of Earth]] {{Mo}}
**[[Second Ark Conflict]] {{1st}}
**[[Second Ark Conflict]] {{1st}}
***[[Attack on Installation 00]] {{1st}}
***[[Second Ark Conflict#The Halo ring|Battle of Installation 09]] {{1st}}
***[[Assault on Enduring Conviction|Assault on ''Enduring Conviction'']] {{1st}}
***[[Second Ark Conflict#Operation: SPEARBREAKER|Operation: SPEARBREAKER]] {{1st}}
***[[Battle of Installation 09]] {{1st}}
**[[Operation: FAR STORM‎]] {{Mo}}
***[[Operation: SPEARBREAKER]] {{1st}}
***[[Outbreak on Installation 00]] {{1st}}


|title-6=Vehicles|
|title-6=Vehicles|
;Banished
*[['Ahtulai Workshop Banshee]] {{1st}}
*[[Barug'qel Workshop Chopper]] {{1st}}
*[[Barukaza Workshop Locust]] {{1st}}
*[[Barukaza Workshop Scarab]] {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Syfon|assault carrier}}
**''[[Enduring Conviction]]'' {{1st}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Goblin]] {{1st}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Lich]] {{1st}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Marauder]] {{1st}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Phantom]] {{1st}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Spirit]] {{1st}}
*[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith]] {{1st}}
**[[Eklon'Dal Workshop Wraith Invader|Wraith Invader]] {{1st}}
*[[Gydrozka Workshop Blisterback]] {{1st}}
*[[Klavbrig Workshop Shroud]] {{1st}}
*[[Klavrig Workshop Skitterer]] {{1st}}
*[[Methane Wagon]] {{1st}}
*{{Pattern|Ogab'd|anti-aircraft Wraith}} {{Mo}}
*[[Reaver]] {{1st}}
*[[Zaagokelu Workshop Ghost]] {{1st}}
;Covenant
*''[[High Charity]]''
*{{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}
*{{Pattern|Muz|Wraith}} {{C|Flashback only}}
;Forerunner
*{{Class|Despair|fighter}}
;UNSC
*[[AC-220 Vulture]]
*[[AC-220 Vulture]]
*[[AV-14 Hornet]]
*[[AV-14 Hornet]]
**[[AV-14B Hornet]] {{1st}}
**AV-14B Hornet {{1st}}
*[[Bison]] {{1st}}
*[[Blisterback]] {{1st}}
*{{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}
**''[[Enduring Conviction]]'' {{1st}}
*{{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}
*[[Colossus]] {{1st}}
*[[D20 Heron]]
*[[D20 Heron]]
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]
*[[D77-TC Pelican]]
**G77S Pelican gunship {{1st}}
*[[D81-LRT Condor]]
*[[D81-LRT Condor]]
**G81 Condor gunship {{1st}}
*[[D82-EST Darter]]
*[[D82-EST Darter]]
*''[[Eden Rising]]'' {{Fm}}
*{{Class|Despair|fighter}}
*[[EV-44 Nightingale]] {{1st}}
*[[EV-44 Nightingale]] {{1st}}
**[[ZAV-48 Frostraven]] {{1st}}
**[[ZAV-48 Frostraven]] {{1st}}
**[[G77S Pelican]] gunship {{1st}}
*''[[Eden Rising]]'' {{Fm}}
**[[G81 Condor]] gunship {{1st}}
*[[Goblin]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I ADS]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (J) Colossus]] {{1st}}
**[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) ADS]] {{1st}}
**[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) Green Machine]] {{1st}}
*[[HRUNTING Mark III Cyclops]]
*[[HRUNTING Mark III (B) Cyclops]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis]]
*[[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis]]
*[[M9 Wolverine]]
*''[[High Charity]]''
*[[M12 Warthog]]
*[[M12 Warthog]]
**[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]
**[[M12 Warthog LRV]]
**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]]
**[[M12G1 Gauss Warthog]]
*[[M88 Bison]] {{1st}}
*[[M121 Jackrabbit]] {{1st}}
*[[M121 Jackrabbit]] {{1st}}
*[[M400 Kodiak]] {{1st}}
*[[M400 Kodiak]] {{1st}}
Line 586: Line 488:
*[[M808S Scorpion]] {{1st}}
*[[M808S Scorpion]] {{1st}}
*[[M850 Grizzly]]
*[[M850 Grizzly]]
*[[M9 Wolverine]]
*[[Marauder]] {{1st}}
*[[Phantom]]
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}
*{{Class|Phoenix|colony ship}}
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}
**{{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}
*[[Reaver]] {{1st}}
*[[Shroud]] {{1st}}
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]
*[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]
*[[Goblin]]
*[[Skitterer]] {{1st}}
*[[Tram]]
*[[Type-25 Chopper]]
*[[Type-25 Spirit]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Wraith]]
**Wraith Invader {{1st}}
*[[Type-29 Shadow]]
**Methane Wagon {{1st}}
*[[Banished Locust]]
*[[Type-32 Ghost]]
*[[Banished Scarab]]
*[[Type-52 Anti-Aircraft Wraith]] {{Mo}}
*[[Type-56 Lich]]


|title-7=Weapons|
|title-7=Weapons|
;Banished
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Gravity mace]] {{1st}}
**[[Chainbreaker]] {{1st}}
*[[Plasma torpedo]]
*[[Scorch mine]] {{1st}}
*[[Shrapnel mine]] {{1st}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity hammer]]
*[[Type-25 Brute Shot]]
*{{Pattern|Kewu R'shi'k|plasma rifle}}
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]
*{{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}
*[[Grenflekt Workshop Spiker]]
*{{Pattern|Pez'tk|fuel rod gun}}
*{{Pattern|Sulok|beam rifle}}
*{{Pattern|Mosa|carbine}}
*{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}
;Forerunner
*[[Particle cannon]]
*[[Sentinel beam]]
;UNSC
*[[11A2R1 naval coilgun battery]]
*[[11A2R1 naval coilgun battery]]
*[[Annihilator missile]]
*[[Annihilator missile]]
Line 621: Line 519:
*[[BR55 battle rifle]]
*[[BR55 battle rifle]]
*[[Combat knife]]
*[[Combat knife]]
*[[MLRS-1 Hydra]]
*[[Energy projector]]
*[[Gravity mace]] {{1st}}
**[[Chainbreaker]] {{1st}}
*[[Hydra MLRS]]
*[[Lotus anti-tank mine]]
*[[Lotus anti-tank mine]]
*[[M247H machine gun]]
*[[M247H machine gun]]
Line 637: Line 538:
*[[MA5B assault rifle]]
*[[MA5B assault rifle]]
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
*[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon]]
*[[Plasma torpedo]]
*[[Particle cannon]]
*[[Scorch mine]] {{1st}}
*[[Sentinel beam]]
*[[Shrappel mine]] {{1st}}
*[[Signature-suppressed anti-materiel rifle]] {{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|
|title-8=Technology and equipment|
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**[[Smart AI]]
**[[Smart AI]]
*[[Astronavigation]] system
*[[Astronavigation]] system
*[[Beacon tower]]
*[[Beam emitter]]
*[[Blast door]]
*[[Blast door]]
*[[Combat harness]]
*[[Combat harness]]
**[[Combat harness|Sangheili combat harness]]
**[[Sangheili combat harness]]
*[[Control Tower]] {{1st}}
*[[Control Tower]] {{1st}}
*[[Cryonics]]
*[[Cryonics]]
Line 703: Line 620:


==Development==
==Development==
Pre-production for ''Halo Wars 2'' started around 2014,<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/QBANL ''Artstation'': Halo Wars 2 Concept Dump]</ref>{{Ref/Note|In Brad Wright's Artstation post, uploaded in 2017, he mentions that he was doing pre-production concept art work three years prior, making the game in development by at least around 2014.}} with concept work intended to kickstart idea generation still being done in early 2015.<ref>[https://www.artstation.com/artwork/ORD0J ''Artstation'': Halo Wars 2] - ''"I had the pleasure to contribute some work to Halo Wars 2 in early 2015. Mostly environment work and sketches to help kickstart discussion on the various locations in the game."''</ref>
[[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>
[[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>
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>
343 during development of the game planned out how missions would progress down one of the arms of the Ark. They also made a map coordinate system for the Ark, and Kenneth Peters stated this was done to calculate pelican travel time to each location for the campaign, and note the exact time the mission started. However, this was cut from the game as it was starting to get complicated during development.{{Ref/YouTube|Id=Lorestream|fYaxRoAf96s|HALO|Halo Lore Stream: The Halo Array|Y=2018|M=04|D=06|343 discuss the Halo Array}}


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>
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>
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===Halo Wars 2 toys===
===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 [[Grenflekt Workshop 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>
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===
===E3 2016===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer|Halo Wars 2: Behind the scenes}}
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 Official E3 Trailer|Halo Wars 2: Behind the scenes}}
At E3 2016, a ''Halo Wars 2'' demo was playable.{{Ref/Reuse|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/Reuse|E32}}
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 Wars 2 Open Beta===
===Halo War 2 Open Beta===
{{Main|Halo Wars 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/Reuse|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>
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===
===RTX 2016===
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===Blitz Beta===
===Blitz Beta===
{{Main|Halo Wars 2 - 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>
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===
===Limited edition poster series===
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===War of Wits===
===War of Wits===
{{Main|War of Wits: The Armrest|War of Wits: The Sale|War of Wits: The Armrest - Peanuts|War of Wits: The Armrest - Runs Hot}}
{{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.
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.


Line 804: Line 718:
===Rise of Atriox comic series===
===Rise of Atriox comic series===
{{Main|Halo: Rise of Atriox}}
{{Main|Halo: Rise of Atriox}}
A tie-in comic book mini-series, ''Halo: Rise of Atriox'', was launched in the fall of 2017 and expanded upon 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>
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>
<gallery>
File:Halo Rise of Atriox.png|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 1|Issue #1]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
File:Halo Rise of Atriox.png|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 1|Issue #1]] cover art by Aleksi Briclot.
Line 812: Line 727:
File:Halo Rise of Atriox5.jpg|[[Halo: Rise of Atriox Issue 5|Issue #5]] 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>
===Game editions===
{{Halo Wars 2 editions}}
''Halo Wars 2'' launched with two separate game editions available for purchase; the standard issue, which offered the base game, and ''[[Halo Wars 2: Ultimate Edition]]'' - a special edition of the game that offered access to several pieces of digital content. The Ultimate Edition offered early access to ''Halo Wars 2'' on February 17, alongside access to the game's Season Pass (including the [[Halo Wars 2: Operation: SPEARBREAKER|Operation: SPEARBREAKER]] expansion) and access to the ''[[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition]]'', which had previously been in [[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition Early Access|early access]] restricted to those who had digitally preordered ''Halo Wars 2''. Following the launch of ''[[Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare]]'' in September 2017, the ''[[Halo Wars 2: Complete Edition]]'' was released, offering access to the base game, Season Pass and aforementioned Awakening the Nightmare expansion - the latter of which was not included in a Season Pass purchase. The Complete Edition was only offered via digital download, while the standard and ultimate editions could be purchased as physical items.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 831: Line 742:
===Concept art and illustrations===
===Concept art and illustrations===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HW2_Preproduction_Concept_1.jpg|Early preproduction concepts.
File:HW2_Preproduction_Concept_2.jpg|More early concepts.
File:HW2-artbox.jpg|Full cover artwork.
File:HW2-artbox.jpg|Full cover artwork.
File:HW2C-Scarabs.png|Concept art of the game.
File:HW2C-Scarabs.png|Concept art of the game.
File:HW2 AltCover Exploration.jpg|A sketch exploring an alternate cover art design.
File:HW2C-UNSCResearchBase.jpg|Concept art for a research base
File:HW2-concept-battle.jpg|UNSC and Banished forces in battle.
File:HW2-concept-battle.jpg|UNSC and Banished forces in battle.
File:HW2 HammerBruteConcept.jpg|A Banished Jiralhanae attacking UNSC Marines with a [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]].
File:HW2-concept-Marines.jpg|UNSC Marines.
File:HW2 UNSCExplorationConcept 1.jpg|Concept art of UNSC forces in an overgrown area.
File:HW2-concept-BanAssault.jpg|The Banished attacking a UNSC base.
File:HW2 UNSCExplorationConcept 2.jpg|Concept art of UNSC forces in a swamp.
File:HW2_BlitzFirefight_Loadscreens.jpg|[[Blitz Firefight]] loading screens.
File:PAX-BanishedArtstyleConcept.jpg|A mood board of the Banished's art style.
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.
File:HW2 Concept maps.png|Concept art for multiplayer maps.
File:HW2_ArkLightbridge_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a [[Light bridge]] on the Ark.
File:HW2_CampaignLoadScreens_Concept.jpg|Preliminary concept art of the campaign mission loading screens.
File:HW2 Banished Console.png|Console concept art.
File:HW2 Forerunner constructs.png|Forerunner constructs concept art.
File:HW2 Forerunner Locks.png|Forerunner locks concept art.
File:HW2 Concept ForerunnerWall.jpg|Concept art of a Forerunner wall.
File:HW2 Transit Highway.png|Concept art.
File:HW2_Tornado_Concept.jpg|Tornado concept art.
File:HW2 HeroRings Concept.jpg|Concept art of UNSC and Banished hero UI indicators.
File:HW2 MPLoadingScreen Concept.jpg|Concept art for a multiplayer loading screen.
File:HW2 EnvironmentSet Concept.jpg|Concept art of environments for the game.
File:HW2 ForerunnerExploration Concept.jpg|Early concept for "amber" levels and Forerunner architecture, prior to the switch to a ''Halo 5''-derived aesthetic.
File:HW2 Environments Concept 1.jpg|Concept art of Forerunner environments.
File:HW2 Environments Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of Forerunner environments.
File:HW2 CampaignMapLayouts Concept.jpg|Concept overviews for the campaign map layouts.
File:HW2_Mood_Concept.jpg|Mood illustration concept.
File:HW2 ProtoMaterials Concept.jpg|Materials concept.
File:HW2_ForerunnerStructures_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art for Forerunner structures.
File:HW2_ForerunnerStructures_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art for Forerunner structures.
File:HW2 ForerunnerPrinciples Concept.jpg|Concept art for Forerunner structures.
File:HW2_ForerunnerFacade_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art for Forerunner structures.
File:HW2_ForerunnerFacade_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art for Forerunner structures.
File:HW2_MapsLayout_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art for map layouts.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 886: Line 771:
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-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: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 in ''Halo Wars 2''.
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 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 logo of the game.
File:Halo Wars 2 logo version 2.jpg|The current logo of the game.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 908: Line 793:
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Watering-Hole.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Watering Hole".
File:Halo-Wars-2-Multiplayer-Watering-Hole.png|HW2 Multiplayer "Watering Hole".
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Notes==
{{Ref/Notes}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
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*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_Wars_2 ''Halo Wars 2''] on Wikipedia
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo_Wars_2 ''Halo Wars 2''] on Wikipedia


{{Navbox/Media/Games}}
{{Halo Games}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wars 2, Halo}}
[[Category:Halo Wars 2| ]]
[[Category:Canon]]
[[Category:343 Industries games]]

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