Barrens (Halo Wars)

Barrens
Map overview
Game:	Halo Wars
Lore information
Location:	Presumably Etran Harborage surface
Gameplay overview
Terrain:	Flood Biomass; Forerunner;
Recommended number of players:	1v1 (2 players)

This article is about the Halo Wars Skirmish level. For the Halo 5: Guardians Forge canvas, see Barrens (Halo 5: Guardians level).

Barrens is a multiplayer map for Halo Wars, added by the Historic Battle map pack^[1]

It is a standard 1v1 sized map with a rough "S" shape with the starting bases at each tip and two bases on each curve. The bases sites are all initially occupied by Flood colonies but are not defended by Flood roots as on Release, but have Flood combat forms and occasionally infection forms. Another feature unique to this level is that there are Flood eggs and Flood stalks that release Infection forms when shot. In the center is a Forerunner Spire of Healing and in the center of each curve is a Forerunner secondary reactor.

Strategy

Because the Forerunner Bonus Reactor nearest to the starting base is not likely to have to be defended against the enemy it is often easy to take early if the player can defeat the Flood. The opponent must pass by it to mobilize a large attack, so it can be used as a lookout as well. As with Release using infantry often leads to failure because of the Pod infectors.
Using fast vehicles or air units is often the best method because they navigate through the "S" shape without difficulty and slow vehicles must pass by enemy bases or reactors in order to reach their main base giving them ample time to prepare defenses. The Forerunner Spire of Healing is often a main focus because enemy bases cannot be attacked without passing so camping troops there can be a very useful lookout. One strategy is to use the UNSC Cobra and unpack them at the Spire creating a nearly impenetrable defense that can stop a Scarab in its tracks and then be healed afterwords to be fresh for another attack.

Sending 50 units to the player's Covenant leader in a single game via the Covenant citadel's teleporter will reward the player with the achievement Tour Coming Through, worth 30 gamerpoints.
Barrens and Frozen Valley are the only levels in Halo Wars to feature the Forerunner Spire of Healing.