Halo Wars 2

 Xbox One
Halo Wars 2 Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 79 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 616 Ratings

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  • Summary: Halo Wars 2 is a strategy game packed with fast-paced action, massive battles, and an all-new Halo story. Developed by Creative Assembly, a SEGA company and the creators of the popular “Total War™” series, in partnership with 343 Industries.
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Halo Wars 2 - Official E3 2016 Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 79
  3. Negative: 0 out of 79
  1. Gaming Age
    Feb 16, 2017
    100
    I wholeheartedly urge you to check out Halo Wars 2, whether it’s with the release of the Ultimate Edition this week or the standard release next Tuesday. It’s packed with content on both the multiplayer and single-player side, all of which is fun to play. It also has a pretty fantastic story attached to it, incredible cutscenes, and an amazing soundtrack to boot. Ideally we won’t have to wait another 9 years for a Halo Wars 3.
  2. God is a Geek
    Feb 16, 2017
    90
    I know I’ve mentioned Starcraft II a couple of times in this review, but it’s certainly the yardstick by which most RTS games are measured and this one is no different. There are obvious comparisons to be drawn between both games and Creative Assembly certainly wears its influences proudly, but Halo Wars 2 never strays into clone territory. It stands well on its own, creating an experience that combines cinematic storytelling with varied and interesting strategic gameplay, as well as throwing in a few explosions for which Halo is often known. And best of all, it manages to be accessible enough that even a blunt object like myself can finish the campaign.
  3. ZTGD
    Feb 22, 2017
    85
    Halo Wars 2 is a great sequel, and being a fan of both the genre and the original game, I am extremely happy with how it turned out. Sure there is a clear microtransaction-heavy mode thrust into the mix, but when it is this fun I don’t mind. Besides, I don’t get competitive enough to get hooked on buying the cards. Add in co-op and the ability to play against solid AI and the package feels complete. Those craving that real-time strategy feeling that has been almost non-existent on consoles for a long time are in for a treat with Halo Wars 2.
  4. Hardcore Gamer
    Feb 16, 2017
    80
    At the end of the day, however, it’s the multiplayer and gameplay that make or break an RTS game, and Halo Wars 2 checks those boxes. If you’ve ever had the itch to command an army of UNSC soldiers, Halo Wars 2 will easily scratch it.
  5. Worth Playing
    Feb 17, 2017
    80
    Halo Wars 2 is a better game thanks to the improvements of the ideas that were established by the first title. Better camera/cursor speed and the addition of custom groupings makes it feel closer to a PC RTS title while still maintaining the ease of control that console players want. The campaign and standard multiplayer modes are solid, while Blitz is a great addition for those looking for quicker RTS matches. While the game is undoubtedly better on a PC, the gameplay and presentation do well on a console — if you can overlook some of the issues mentioned earlier. Halo Wars 2 may be the only RTS game on the platform thus far, but it is a good one that's worth checking out.
  6. DualShockers
    Feb 20, 2017
    75
    Halo Wars 2 is still a highly recommendable title — in fact, likely one of the best RTS games that can be found on the current generation. However, accessibility on consoles came with a price to both controls and gameplay in both campaign and multiplayer modes.
  7. GamesRadar+
    Feb 16, 2017
    60
    Blitz mode aside, Halo Wars 2 sticks with a tried, tested and slightly tired RTS formula that's competent, but lacking in depth and originality.

See all 85 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 138
  2. Mixed: 29 out of 138
  3. Negative: 26 out of 138
  1. Caeuas
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    Um ótimo jogo de estratégia e uma ótima história para a série Halo. Super divertido.
  2. eggb
    Feb 23, 2017
    10
    Firstly, sad to see Sony fanboys still give fake 0 scores simply because a game is not released on their console.

    A very good RTS best of    Firstly, sad to see Sony fanboys still give fake 0 scores simply because a game is not released on their console.

    A very good RTS best of this generation and a must buy.    … Expand
  4. ulisest
    Feb 17, 2017
    10
    Halo Wars 2 is an excellent and long overdue return for the console RTS, doing everything that can be expected of a sequel. Bigger, better andHalo Wars 2 is an excellent and long overdue return for the console RTS, doing everything that can be expected of a sequel. Bigger, better and fresher, the Blitz mode is a welcome addition to an already solid package, and while fans of the mainline Halo games may find the transition too hard to bear, this is a worthy addition to any Xbox One owner’s collection.… Expand
  5. tbeit2
    May 14, 2017
    8
    Going into this game, one needs to know that it is not the most complicated RTS game ever. It's relatively simple, and it isn't any Starcraft.Going into this game, one needs to know that it is not the most complicated RTS game ever. It's relatively simple, and it isn't any Starcraft. Despite that, Halo Wars 2 manages to be a blast in almost every way.

    First off, the gameplay, while simple, has some depth to it. The core gameplay is a rock-paper-scissors with some curveballs thrown in. How you get your units, how you command them, what types of units you use, what upgrades you get and how you use your special abilities will help keep the game fresh for a while. Adding onto that, there are a few different types of game modes that make it even more fun to play. There is a card based game mode called Blitz which is ok, though it's a bit pay to win.

    The story mode isn't too inventive on the gameplay side, but the story itself is a treat for any Halo fan. The voice acting and cut scenes are also amazing. The graphics are also amazing, and the game runs very smoothly.

    Overall, this is a solid RTS and an amazing game for Halo fans. I also want to give this game credit for having a great season pass, something most games don't. The base game already comes with 6 heroes (another one free), a story mode, blitz and 8 maps plus a few other modes, and the season pass has already delivered two heroes and more to come. It's an exciting game to keep up with long term to be sure.    … Expand
  6. GamerJosh0137
    Dec 11, 2017
    7
    RTS games are not my specialty by a long shot. In fact the last real RTS I have played besides X-Com was Command and Conquer Red Alert, soRTS games are not my specialty by a long shot. In fact the last real RTS I have played besides X-Com was Command and Conquer Red Alert, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Halo Wars 2 was a refreshing break from the RPG like, adventure inspired action games that have bombarded my time this year until now (12-11-17, I know I'm a bit late to this one). I was shocked at how underwhelming (in a good way) Halo Wars 2 was in terms of the control system not being so intimidating, I never got a chance to play the first one so I went in completely blind, and not knowing what exactly to expect. Even though it's been years since I played Red Alert, I remembered the important bits of base building, Headquarters, Resources, power, barracks, etc. Not a whole lot else I can say about this one. It's really fun to play, especially for the 20 dollar price point I was able to get last weekend. It has it's limitations, it is after all a RTS game on a console. A type of game that doesn't have a shining reputation for console gaming. Although I would never have spent 60 bucks on it, I have enjoyed my time with it for the price I paid.… Expand
  7. lackofcoherence
    Mar 4, 2017
    6
    Super fun game, but the multiplayer disconnect problems are out of control for the Xbox One S (I'm in the Pacific Northwest). The game hasSuper fun game, but the multiplayer disconnect problems are out of control for the Xbox One S (I'm in the Pacific Northwest). The game has been out almost two weeks, and the disconnects are getting worse each day. I'm likely to put the game down for a while until they fix these issues. Each day I'm disconnected more and more, to the point where I can't even finish matches. Sometimes it freezes at the beginning, sometimes it freezes 1-2 hours into a match.

    Most people bought this game for the online blitz and multiplayer modes. Since there is some major server issue (I'm reading it's even worse for PC), this game is unplayable at this point. If I could get a refund, I would. How could such a big game have such major issues like this? It's super disappointing to get a game you've been looking forward to, only to have it freeze and kick you off constantly.    … Expand
  8. helloooooo
    Dec 14, 2018
    0
    Garbage connection, you will always disconnect from the game despite having the upper hand on the opposing team causing it to count as a lossGarbage connection, you will always disconnect from the game despite having the upper hand on the opposing team causing it to count as a loss for you. Don't purchase this ****… Expand

See all 138 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017