Halo Wars 2

 Xbox One
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 616 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 363 out of 616
  2. Mixed: 73 out of 616
  3. Negative: 180 out of 616
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Tilde_Gunderson
    Feb 17, 2017
    7
    Clean, functional, understandable, yet a bit basic.

    If you're a veteran Strategy player, you'll find Halo War 2 to be a little simpler than the average Strategy game, but it has found a way to work on the Xbox One.

    The game might wear me down a bit after a few more hours, but I'm enjoying it for the time being.
  2. MacauDragon
    Feb 22, 2017
    7
    I love this game and gave it 10, but after trying to play multiplayer several times I just gave up.
    Graphic is wonderful and the game flow but you must fix the multiplayer mode.
  3. 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, 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 howRTS 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
  4. natty637
    May 10, 2017
    7
    Halo Wars 2 isn't without it's fault, but the game has a better story than Halo 5. My biggest complaint with the story is that some interesting characters introduced were not fleshed out as much as they could have been. The positive thing Halo Wars 2 has going for it is not requiring prior knowledge of the story or especially the expanded lore like Halo 5 did. Gameplay is solid and BlurHalo Wars 2 isn't without it's fault, but the game has a better story than Halo 5. My biggest complaint with the story is that some interesting characters introduced were not fleshed out as much as they could have been. The positive thing Halo Wars 2 has going for it is not requiring prior knowledge of the story or especially the expanded lore like Halo 5 did. Gameplay is solid and Blur Studios did a great job with cutscenes despite being fewer in number.… Expand
  5. Radiationbum
    Jun 29, 2020
    6
    This game was broken when i played it at launch.
    As for the Story its just bad, the changes to characters appearances and voice actors hurts the connection between this and the great original Halo Wars.
    Like Halo 5 the fans have be mislead into thinking the main antagonist was going to have a larger involvement in the story and he's just not their for almost all of it. The new    This game was broken when i played it at launch.
    As for the Story its just bad, the changes to characters appearances and voice actors hurts the connection between this and the great original Halo Wars.
    Like Halo 5 the fans have be mislead into thinking the main antagonist was going to have a larger involvement in the story and he's just not their for almost all of it.

    The new Graphics suffer much like Halo 4 & 5 do from the new Art-style taking away to more gritty and human look to all the buildings, weapons Armor and vehicles

    Combat has become more a rock paper scissors meaning if you pick the wrong unit theirs no chance of you coming out on top, you have to counter with the correct unit to win

    The story ends on another crappy cliff-hanger and I have little to no interest in Halo 6 after everything 343 has done to Halo    … Expand
  6. Razv
    Feb 17, 2017
    5
    Mediocre is the best description. It doesn't excel at anything, yet it doesn't do anything really poorly either. Decent graphics, decent gameplay (rather easy, but still), and decent story. Is it good? Nope. Is it bad? Nope.
  7. Akk3d1s
    Feb 17, 2017
    6
    Nothing more than a 6. Short campaign with little to no memorable moments. If you are a huge halo fan and bought all the other halo games, then sure, get it to complete the collection. Anyone else, nothing special here.
  8. mindcrime
    Apr 27, 2017
    5
    Overall it's a decent game, not much of an upgrade from the original though. Also I'm getting pretty irritated by the nickle and dimey **** they pull with both the leaders and "cards". That's what took this from a good game, to a meh game. These free to play money grabs in full price games are getting out of hand.
  9. Murad_05
    Feb 17, 2017
    6
    Nowhere as good as the original and I'm not even a sonybot. The game lacks so many things that the first one had, such as an amazing soundtrack and sounds so familiar to any Halo games fan e.g warthog engine and turret, grunts screeching while shooting their needlers which in my honest opinion vital for any game with "Halo" in its title. As for the mechanics, they're just okay-ish: make aNowhere as good as the original and I'm not even a sonybot. The game lacks so many things that the first one had, such as an amazing soundtrack and sounds so familiar to any Halo games fan e.g warthog engine and turret, grunts screeching while shooting their needlers which in my honest opinion vital for any game with "Halo" in its title. As for the mechanics, they're just okay-ish: make a large army comprised of a certain unit as quick as possible to win.… Expand
  10. CBScott
    Feb 20, 2017
    6
    Campaign is very dry... It's more or less a 6 hour long tutorial (normal difficulty). Cut scenes are nothing special. I was very disappointed... PVP is okay Blitz mode feels pay to win-ish. I think some balance changes are needed. Overall seems like a low effort repeat of the first Halo Wars
  11. pikby
    Feb 21, 2017
    5
    Halo wars 2's attempts to bring RTS gameplay to Console gamers ring hollow as its gameplay's oversimplicity, outside of one mode, make it boring to play

    51%
  12. brianm97
    Mar 17, 2017
    5
    Gameplay was ok but a step down from the original. Music was not great. Stort campaign full of glitches and weak story that justs sets up to be continued for halo 6. This franchise is getting milked to oblovion
  13. DirtyDave
    Mar 5, 2017
    6
    This game has a solid core built off the first, but that can only take it so far. The rushed feeling that this experience takes on through the flat interchangeable characters is prevalent throughout the game. Gorgeous cut-scenes only bring out the simple in-game designs that seems to have taken a step down since the original, and aren't utilized well for story telling. Other offerings suchThis game has a solid core built off the first, but that can only take it so far. The rushed feeling that this experience takes on through the flat interchangeable characters is prevalent throughout the game. Gorgeous cut-scenes only bring out the simple in-game designs that seems to have taken a step down since the original, and aren't utilized well for story telling. Other offerings such as Blitz give only temporary glee. There's a good game in here and I'm glad I played it. But this isn't the quality we should be willing to except from the Halo lineage.… Expand
  14. Revadarius
    Apr 21, 2017
    5
    This game could have been better, it still can be. But Microsoft are just abusing this spin-off franchise for monetary gain. Is the game good? Yeah. It improves on the first, and has diversity (if you take the new free leader out of the equation). The campaign is excellent in terms of story, as well as the visuals and voice acting. The game play is more diverse yet still just asThis game could have been better, it still can be. But Microsoft are just abusing this spin-off franchise for monetary gain. Is the game good? Yeah. It improves on the first, and has diversity (if you take the new free leader out of the equation). The campaign is excellent in terms of story, as well as the visuals and voice acting. The game play is more diverse yet still just as simple. And Blitz mode is a nice addition for burst-fire gameplay.

    Sadly, there's microtransaction which, regardless of how you look at it, is unforgivable. You buy packs and hope RNG is good - so it's effectively gambling, though this only affects Blitz it still means it can be a pay-to-win game type due to how the unit leveling affects their overall stats.

    And, though I bought the bundle with Halo Wars Definitive Edition and season pass, you're going to need to buy later leaders. Leaders have their own unique powers/abilities and special unit types. As well as pay for the rest of the story. Yes, the single player campaign doesn't end. It doesn't even leave it as a cliff-hanger for another game - it just stops. Evidently left wide open for you to purchase the season pass to buy the rest of the story. Luckily, I don't have to pay for that as I already paid for it up front - but I'm still offended by this practice as it plainly victimizes it's playerbase.

    Also, did I state earlier the gameplay was diverse? Well, it has the potential - but due to major balance issues the game plays 1 way, and only 1 leader is viable to use currently. Though it has just been patched the address that, it basically means the community is beta-testing the game so the developers can balance it. Okay, I understand it's importance... but this isn't, and never will be, a tournament worthy game.

    And, I'll get to the last issue... the bugs. I have the PC version and it's unplayable. So I stuck to play the XB1 version. Granted, the game plays just as nicely - if not better - on a pad. Especially for a layman who isn't used to mouse and keyboard, nor has the dexterity and knowledge for playing RTS. There's just so many bugs, though again a recent patch has addressed a lot - it's still far from perfect.

    I think, ultimately, this game could be a 7/10 - if it's fixed, patched and balanced to high-heaven. As well as new units and leaders eventually. But you're going to need to spend the price of 2 games for this 1 game in order to get the season pass, to have access to the rest of the content. And I can't recommend this game beyond that due to this, and the micro-transactions - even if they only affect 1 game type that I'm not even much of a fan off (due to, again, balance issues that haven't been addressed yet, they've barely scratched the surface).

    *EDIT* As of 21/04/2017. The state of the game has somewhat improved, with additional leaders to play with and overall patches. But it's only improved as now more leaders are usable, balance wise, but the game has been shown to be wildly more unbalanced. Now that using other leaders has become an availability, we've been able to see more balance issues that were basically hidden due to Forge's Jack Rabbit rush, and his broken Acc. Assembly and Rolling Economy leader power (that have been nerfed, too much in fact).

    There is a new leader out shortly, with some tweeks, patches, and new story missions. I'll update when I've tried and tested. But sadly, this game suffers from certain units being too effective as well as other units just not being effective to the point that they're actually a waste and have 0 place in the game right now. Leader powers still need to be worked on, heavily, and I personally believed that certain units need to be unlocked at higher, or lower, tech levels.

    I've changed my opinion of 6/10 to 5/10. This game is... boring. It's as limited in game play as the first one in term of unit selection. The balancing is atrocious, and there's either too little counters to certain units OR they don't counter effectively enough. That's outside of the plainly broken leader powers, and even units. And just balance issues with the leaders in general. This game doesn't feel as improved as it should be, especially when the 8 year old original still holds strong even today. And, though this is the XB1 version I'm critiquing... still can't cross play the P.C. version, it just won't run sufficiently enough and my specs are way beyond necessary.

    All of that in mind. I still enjoy the game, but unlike the timeless original that - even if it got repetitive, and even limited - it doesn't have the variety in units, unit types, counters, versatility and usability, etc. meaning you don't just see the same leaders, and different strategies, or different units. You see the same leader, the same strategy, the same units game-in and game-out. And for a game that's suppose to improve on the original, it doesn't play like it - even at higher ranks in ranked games.    … Expand
  15. salmansohail_
    Feb 28, 2017
    6
    If you like to create collections and a huge fan of Halo Games, then maybe this could work for you, however if you want to just lay back and have fun this might not be something your interested in.
  16. 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 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 itSuper 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
  17. JakePlissken
    Mar 10, 2017
    5
    Average at best RTS game, which is a shame as it has good graphics, units, commander powers etc. but it just seems lazy when compared to command conquer games and BFME 2. The option to defend is barley even there with minimal base turrets etc. and no walls to build. This just encourages rush tactics online which makes for boring pointless games. Unbalanced units also ruin it with mostAverage at best RTS game, which is a shame as it has good graphics, units, commander powers etc. but it just seems lazy when compared to command conquer games and BFME 2. The option to defend is barley even there with minimal base turrets etc. and no walls to build. This just encourages rush tactics online which makes for boring pointless games. Unbalanced units also ruin it with most people online just building armies of sentinels which are overpowered and quicker than most other units you can build. The 1 player is not bad but again is only average. If there were other RTS's to play this wouldn't even be a choice but as an RTS fan this is my only option to play online on Xbox one which is a shame as its just ain't that good when compared to others in the genre… Expand
  18. Tharduz
    Jun 26, 2020
    6
    HW1 was not a masterpiece, it was fun, this is more of the same, but I couldn´t finish it I got bored, but feels like a good game, maybe it is me haha
  19. Magma17
    Jul 1, 2018
    7
    Ainda é um jogo sem profundidade no gênero, mas melhorou bastante em relação ao antecessor, agora parece muito mais fácil de jogar, e menos frustante, só faltou uma boa história que fizesse um grande prólogo para futuros Halos.
  20. ADeadDeath
    Jul 27, 2017
    7
    Por mais que eu seja super fã de halo dês de criança não posso recomendar este jogo, pois confesso que só joguei a demo, mas foi a demo mais bugada que já joguei na vida, fora que a windows store é terrível, muitas vezes o jogo da problema, por conta disso nem vou comprar mais!
  21. NoxiMonki
    Apr 14, 2018
    5
    This Review is being written with less than 30 hours of gameplay, which I try and give every game a try with >45 hours of my time before reviewing but this game was difficult to play. Not due to its difficulty but more due to the blandness of the game.

    Gameplay wise its a Real time Strategy game where you control various strong holds that create units and ultimately act as bases. With    This Review is being written with less than 30 hours of gameplay, which I try and give every game a try with >45 hours of my time before reviewing but this game was difficult to play. Not due to its difficulty but more due to the blandness of the game.

    Gameplay wise its a Real time Strategy game where you control various strong holds that create units and ultimately act as bases. With RTS type games there are various things you can do with your units such as attack, scout, protect and patrol certain areas you don't want the enemy to cross. Which is fun, until the 100th time. Its painful to say how repetitive this game can be as you do a lot of the same things over and over again from one game to the next.

    The Campaign is more of a huge tutorial for the game. With having beaten it in about 9 hours with absolutely no urge to want to go through it again. The opening cinematic is amazing and feels almost like a movie with its stunning voice acting and CG animations, but the rest of the game has little to nothing more to offer. Overall just a huge disappointment. Many of the missions also fallow a similar formula as you capture one base to another to finally just gang bang the final base. Its dull and repetitive and just feels uninspired.

    The multiplayer isn't much better either as its almost impossible to find an active lobby in the game mode you most likely want to play. This game hasn't been out for more than a year and its player base has already dwindled to almost nothing. For those who do find themselves getting into a lobby will be amazed to find that anyone currently playing is way overpowered through this card rarity based **** Its completely unbalanced and unfriendly to new players.

    Overall its just a huge waste of time and effort trying to get good at a game no ones playing, but Noxi how does It get a 5? well that's simply by playing with bots. The only fun I had while playing this game was through the bots in the local multiplayer lobby. You can have tons amount of fun playing with the bots in various maps from small to large. The game also lets you team with other bots in a 2v2 or even 3v3 modes. Sadly this all becomes dull and repetitive as the AI of the game doesn't do much to surprise you and sometimes will just straight out destroy you in the harder difficulties.

    I wont even get started on the **** that is Micro-transactions and this games stupid pay to win mechanics. Just skip this game or get it at a deep sale for the main story that can be interesting depending on the skulls you have on or for playing with bots.    … Expand
  22. Merc4Wrk
    Jan 30, 2018
    7
    Fun game. The story is much better then halo 5's and the standard multiplayer is very enjoyable. There have been some issues with blitz packs and them being pay to win, and with the game play of the standard campaign. But overall this is a fun game with dlc that's worth the money fro the most part.
  23. Vianjouta
    Sep 28, 2018
    7
    Acredito que Halo Wars 2 é um bom jogo para fãs do gênero RTS já que até mesmo eu que não sou fã desse gênero consegui me divertir um pouco com o jogo mas acho que o jogo não combina muito com os consoles já que jogar no controle não é tão bom quanto jogar em um teclado mas para você que gosta de Halo recomendo que jogue Halo Wars 2 já que ele tem uma história que não é espetacular mais éAcredito que Halo Wars 2 é um bom jogo para fãs do gênero RTS já que até mesmo eu que não sou fã desse gênero consegui me divertir um pouco com o jogo mas acho que o jogo não combina muito com os consoles já que jogar no controle não é tão bom quanto jogar em um teclado mas para você que gosta de Halo recomendo que jogue Halo Wars 2 já que ele tem uma história que não é espetacular mais é interessante e deve agradar todos os fãs da saga até mesmo aqueles que não gostam de RTS como eu.
    Nota: 7/10
    Motivo da nota: O Jogo é bom, tem bons gráficos para um RTS e é um bom Halo no geral mas por não ser um fã de RTS acabei por não gostar tanto do jogo assim mas merece sim uma nota 7/10 até mesmo de alguém que não gosta do gênero.    … Expand
  24. Stan_Osbourne
    May 12, 2022
    7
    Surprisingly, the sequel was weaker than the original, in my opinion. Despite the fact that the cutscenes here are made just like games of the level of the mainline of the series, the graphics in the game itself are quite simple and not shiny at all + an epileptic seizure is possible, since very often the cutscenes are very torn.

    The company is very short, and as usual, we are given the    Surprisingly, the sequel was weaker than the original, in my opinion. Despite the fact that the cutscenes here are made just like games of the level of the mainline of the series, the graphics in the game itself are quite simple and not shiny at all + an epileptic seizure is possible, since very often the cutscenes are very torn.

    The company is very short, and as usual, we are given the opportunity to play only for representatives of one faction out of two (in the last part, the company was for one faction out of three) There are two more companies, but I do not know if it is possible to play for a new faction there or no - they are sold as separate DLC. It's just great, remember how you used to buy an RTS strategy as a child, and they're all the companies were available as you progressed through the game? So, forget it. I think that this is disrespectful to the players and at times worse than microtransactions. Compared to the first part, where all the content was included in one game, this is a step back.

    By subscription Game Pass - you can buy - I do not recommend. Glory to Ukraine!    … Expand
  25. eecho
    Jul 7, 2020
    5
    it is too simple for a RTS. You should just play starcraft instead as it's much more fun and better
  26. RoninNinjaXL
    Sep 25, 2020
    7
    GREAT GAME WITH A BADASS SLAP CERTIFIED

    Story: 8
    Gameplay: 7
    ost: 7
    Characters: 8
  27. goodgriff33
    Dec 24, 2022
    7
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  28. ZackH25
    Mar 30, 2023
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Decent RTS game, the campaign was good and had an alright story with a great villain.The core gameplay is quite basic but still fun. Some of the missions can get repetitive but there is still enough level variety to make things interesting. The multiplayer was also done well as there are multiple leaders you can use so there is multiple ways you can play and win. My favourite leaders were Sargent Johnson because of his Mechs and Pavium due to his cannons and resource speed up circle. Overall fun but basic RTS. The flood survival mode in the dlc was also very fun.… Expand
  29. Jhagman
    Aug 18, 2023
    7
    This was a fun RTS game. The story was interesting and it had some awesome cutscenes. The gameplay is cool too. I liked it.

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 79 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 79
  3. Negative: 0 out of 79
  1. Games Master UK
    May 19, 2017
    82
    Nothing revolutionary, but worthy of any strategy fan's attention, and a must for Halo devotees. [Apr 2017, p.72]
  2. Edge Magazine
    Apr 16, 2017
    70
    Sacrificing a degree of nuance at the altar of spectacle is a trade-off most Halo fans will be happy to make. Yet, at times it feels like you're just smashing toys together and watching the carnage unfold. But what wonderful toys they are. [May 2017, p.114]
  3. games(TM)
    Apr 14, 2017
    70
    At its heart, HW2 is a console RTS that does what it needs to fit the broader appeal of the modern console generation. On PC its approach to game design will keep it off most GOTY lists, but on Xbox One its seamless gamepad control scheme and hefty selection modes make it a must for Halo devotees. Look past the shortcuts and you’ll find the best effort yet to light the real-time strategy fire on console.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »