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
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  1. BN333
    Feb 22, 2017
    10
    One of the strongest exclusives of the year, possible GOTY.
    Strong RTS game, great for beginners and experienced fans. Also caters to fans of shooters and rpgs.
    Not many RTS games have been released this gen, this is arguably the best since Pikmin 3 (which unfortunately was not available on Xbox). Outside of Zombie Defense, not many RTS games have made it to console, this game    One of the strongest exclusives of the year, possible GOTY.
    Strong RTS game, great for beginners and experienced fans. Also caters to fans of shooters and rpgs.

    Not many RTS games have been released this gen, this is arguably the best since Pikmin 3 (which unfortunately was not available on Xbox).

    Outside of Zombie Defense, not many RTS games have made it to console,

    this game blends the story, shooting and iconic characters from the Halo Universe and mixes them up with the RTS genre and does a great job. Multiple modes add to the replay value and its clear this was made with respect for the source material. Blitz mode is enjoyable, upgrades and multiple difficulty levels like the main Halo series are welcome for replay.

    Halo is to Microsoft what Mario is to Nintendo... And games like this prove they can create multiple genre games around a franchise.... Now resurrect the Megablox Halo game please for Xbox One!    … Expand
  2. 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%
  3. tonyfv16
    Feb 21, 2017
    2
    I could not get behind this game. The gameplay was extremely dull. Fans of halo should be warned, this is not a typical halo game. The game story was also weak throughout.
  4. OriginulDawg
    Feb 21, 2017
    0
    ___Do you value your time? The makers of this game don't!___
    -In multi-player online, if you are wiped from the game you are forced to spectate the remainder of the match. This can be an indefinite amount of time. You cannot resign without penalty, even though your units are all gone and you have absolutely no bearing on the rest of the game.
    -Have an extra 5, 10 or 30 minutes to watch    ___Do you value your time? The makers of this game don't!___
    -In multi-player online, if you are wiped from the game you are forced to spectate the remainder of the match. This can be an indefinite amount of time. You cannot resign without penalty, even though your units are all gone and you have absolutely no bearing on the rest of the game.
    -Have an extra 5, 10 or 30 minutes to watch really bad twitch? Then this is the game for you.    … Expand
  5. MaiconAfonso
    Feb 21, 2017
    0
    Halo Wars 2 is a smartphone game ridiculous, Microsoft were the triplo A are, you guys need spend more money in big japanese games, more rpg and less the same halo, forza and gears.
  6. Soldier_95B
    Feb 21, 2017
    10
    What an amazing game. Best RTS on console for those that may not be very experienced with RTS games. Great Story and looks very beautiful. The cut scenes look great, the gameplay is smooth as are the graphics. It becomes very addicting when playing online. It's a nice step up from Halo Wars 1, but not huge. Highly recommend this game for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC.
  7. EBGenetics
    Feb 21, 2017
    9
    Ignore the haters this game is great. I think for a solid release now a days with a pretty descent campaign, a solid multiplayer and a new game changing mode blitz which i think gets too much hate considering the mode is just for fun. This is one mode sure halo 5 did it with warzone which to be fair was a big mode which people cared for but not blitz? Come on guys it's got no baseIgnore the haters this game is great. I think for a solid release now a days with a pretty descent campaign, a solid multiplayer and a new game changing mode blitz which i think gets too much hate considering the mode is just for fun. This is one mode sure halo 5 did it with warzone which to be fair was a big mode which people cared for but not blitz? Come on guys it's got no base building who cares if someone buys packs, it isn't even in the same playlist as multiplayer! That's why i cant see how anyone is using that as a jab at the game.… Expand
  8. gibbletts
    Feb 21, 2017
    10
    Have to say I really liked this game, the control system works well and the graphics and presentation are great. I can definitely recommend it and am looking forward to see what content comes out in the season pass.
  9. SPARTAN_M74
    Feb 20, 2017
    9
    awesome story. great effects. great sound. controls are much better than HW1. The Cutscenes are on Cinema-Level. thanks 343 and Creative Assembly. Well done!
  10. Azarquay
    Feb 20, 2017
    10
    A campaign that i enjoyed every step, It's gameplay is better than HW1, easy to learn, the multiplayer is a challenge against skilled people, blitz could be fun to many people as it was to me, i really liked this game, if people like rts you should try this one
  11. StUnNeR_H2K
    Feb 20, 2017
    10
    If you enjoyed the original then the sequel is a must. Quality campaign, and the game-play feels like the original. Anyone looking for more Halo Wars this is it.

    One of the best sequels I've played to any game in awhile. It adds to the original without breaking away from its roots to much. Blitz mode is addictive and everything in the game seems to play around your Blitz mode    If you enjoyed the original then the sequel is a must. Quality campaign, and the game-play feels like the original. Anyone looking for more Halo Wars this is it.

    One of the best sequels I've played to any game in awhile. It adds to the original without breaking away from its roots to much. Blitz mode is addictive and everything in the game seems to play around your Blitz mode decks, as you build up XP to earn packs to level up your cards.    … Expand
  12. Mattyscouse
    Feb 20, 2017
    10
    Best game on Xbox one at the minute. Microsoft need to have more strategy games on console. Very simple but yet very fun to play. Shame you carnt build walls and proper defensive bases but never mind. Creative assembly have done well with this one
  13. Mohith12
    Feb 20, 2017
    10
    Great Story, Beautiful Cut scene videos from Blur and complete revamped game play from Creative Assembly. Some of the best from the Halo series being a spin off. Blitz is a fresh take on RTS but slightly challenging to the fans of the mainline Halo games. A must buy for Xbox and Pc owners.
  14. 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
  15. xabbott
    Feb 19, 2017
    9
    Great presentation and the story is much better than Halo 5. I'm not an RTS guy but I found it easy to get into and enjoyed how each level had unique objectives. I was surprised there was even boss fights. Such an unexpected game for console. Ran well on PC but I ended up mostly playing it on xbox.
  16. Zalabar22
    Feb 19, 2017
    8
    Halo Wars was one of the reasons why i kept my 360 as long as I did. I know some people complained about it being a watered down console Rts but I personally loved it. Now with Halo Wars 2 released I can once again watch as epic Halo battles from the cinematic view of an Rts. I love that they combined the classic Halo look with the newer look 343 has introduced in Halo 4 and 5. New unitsHalo Wars was one of the reasons why i kept my 360 as long as I did. I know some people complained about it being a watered down console Rts but I personally loved it. Now with Halo Wars 2 released I can once again watch as epic Halo battles from the cinematic view of an Rts. I love that they combined the classic Halo look with the newer look 343 has introduced in Halo 4 and 5. New units and abilities make the game feel fresh and many complaints from the first game that i had have been fixed. Not to say this game is perfect, but it definitely doesn't deserve all the low user reviews it's been getting. There are a few glitches and bugs, mostly in campaign, but nothing game breaking and most likely to be patched soon. Halo Wars 2 will definitely get plenty of play from me and I'm excited that one of my favorite games got a sequel that doesn't feel like a quick cash grab.… Expand
  17. Zas11s
    Feb 19, 2017
    9
    Huge fan of RTS games and this is definitely one of the best console, next gen, RTS games to date. As most halo fans would agree this game pays great homage to the Halo Universe while exploring a new story and exciting gameplay. My only complaint is the lack of freedom in base design. I still wish there would be more flexibility in base design like other RTS games like Age of Empires orHuge fan of RTS games and this is definitely one of the best console, next gen, RTS games to date. As most halo fans would agree this game pays great homage to the Halo Universe while exploring a new story and exciting gameplay. My only complaint is the lack of freedom in base design. I still wish there would be more flexibility in base design like other RTS games like Age of Empires or Warcraft. Nevertheless if you're looking for a console RTS this is the game for you.… Expand
  18. savinpvtmike
    Feb 19, 2017
    8
    single player story is good but I don't like the cliffhanger that is just as bad as halo 5. blitz mode is very fun but my first match the enemy team managed to get scarabs way too quickly and me and my team mate didn't have a chance (Nerf Atriox or the scarab) .
  19. VideoGamesLover
    Feb 19, 2017
    10
    CA and 343 made an amazing job! The best rts-game so far! Nice visuals, interesting gameplay and great story! Outstanding multiplayer included! One more masterpiece in HALO universe!
    MUST BUY!
    Only jealous sonyboys, can give this game 010
  20. Thetruegamer
    Feb 18, 2017
    10
    Great story, good controls, great graphics, brilliant online, rts done properly, if you liked the original, or just want to try rts, this is the best on consoles
  21. Hobo2000
    Feb 18, 2017
    9
    Exactly what i loved from the first Halo wars. While some things are disappointing like the ending or some campaign missions i got a halo rts with the characters i loved from the first one.

    Multiplayer is fun with each hero having unique abilities and units with several games to choose from. Some for practicing and some for testing how good you really are. Also blitz isnt paid to win!    Exactly what i loved from the first Halo wars. While some things are disappointing like the ending or some campaign missions i got a halo rts with the characters i loved from the first one.

    Multiplayer is fun with each hero having unique abilities and units with several games to choose from. Some for practicing and some for testing how good you really are. Also blitz isnt paid to win! Gameplay can be fast or steady depending how you play the game with a hero or how the match is going in general. A lot of action though with small skirmishes and battles as you fight for bases and choke points/resources.

    I can say or myself and my friends as halo wars veterans this is the game we were hoping for as a RTS console and PC as well. The game us veterans have been asking for, for 8 years.    … Expand
  22. martyisruling
    Feb 18, 2017
    10
    The Game play is good, but it's the story that really shines. Without giving anything away, it introduces some cool new elements and a new enemy. It fleshes out the familiar characters and the new, giving them all great backstories. The Campaign is short, but the variation is really great. You never get bored. The upgrading is simple in the campaign but you have a lot more options inThe Game play is good, but it's the story that really shines. Without giving anything away, it introduces some cool new elements and a new enemy. It fleshes out the familiar characters and the new, giving them all great backstories. The Campaign is short, but the variation is really great. You never get bored. The upgrading is simple in the campaign but you have a lot more options in Multiplayer. Whether you play the regular Player(s) versus player(s) in this RTS or go into Blitz mode, it's a blast. The great Multiplayer, cut scenes, Story and mission variation in the Campaign more than make up for it not being long enough. It doesn't matter what your experience is in Real Time Strategy or even in the Halo Universe, you will enjoy this game. (Stay tuned after the credits)… Expand
  23. rumsey_pdr
    Feb 18, 2017
    8
    Very, very, very similar to the first game. They've managed to change a few details and add a few things which is why I gave it an 8 instead of a 7. I think the changes/mode additions in this game is gonna make things interesting. Plus the campaign has been pretty fun so far. If you liked the first game and wouldn't mind playing a very similar game to that you have no risk here. If youVery, very, very similar to the first game. They've managed to change a few details and add a few things which is why I gave it an 8 instead of a 7. I think the changes/mode additions in this game is gonna make things interesting. Plus the campaign has been pretty fun so far. If you liked the first game and wouldn't mind playing a very similar game to that you have no risk here. If you were looking for something drastically different don't purchase.… Expand
  24. abel11
    Feb 18, 2017
    10
    melhor rts do mercado, estou apaixonado pelo game, enredo fantastico que combina com o universo halo, sem dúvidas um grande jogo para o xone, e que merece ser jogado, sem falar que ele tem ganchos de explodir cabeças para o halo 6
  25. NMcKinney237
    Feb 18, 2017
    9
    I'd rate Halo Wars 2 as a buy after the first price drop. It's got a great mix of content for RTS veterans and RTS newcomers alike. Storywise, Halo Wars 2 seems a bit too brief of a campaign, but the missions are extremely varied in a way that rivals Starcraft, and the cutscenes are some best looking cutscenes I've ever seen in gaming. Multiplayerwise, Halo Wars 2 really shines as you haveI'd rate Halo Wars 2 as a buy after the first price drop. It's got a great mix of content for RTS veterans and RTS newcomers alike. Storywise, Halo Wars 2 seems a bit too brief of a campaign, but the missions are extremely varied in a way that rivals Starcraft, and the cutscenes are some best looking cutscenes I've ever seen in gaming. Multiplayerwise, Halo Wars 2 really shines as you have a great mix of Online Co-Op, verses, and Firefight modes, coupled with offline Skirmish modes against AI. Blitz is a fun game mode for quick games, but the pay to win microtransactions in that mode are going to really prevent a lot of people from playing on an even footing. (I'd stick to blitz firefight in that regard, as it cuts the pay to win element out entirely)

    If you love Halo and RTS, defintely buy it at launch. If you aren't quite sold, wait until you can get the ultimate edition at a better price. 343 has a good track record of post-launch support off of Halo 5, (Free maps, tendency to listen to the community for post-launch features and updates) and as good as this game is at the moment, it will be a great addition to your game collection in 6 months when the post-launch DLC campaign, maps, and leaders arrive.    … Expand
  26. jeancorinthians
    Feb 18, 2017
    10
    melhor rts do mercado, história épica no estilo clássico e acima de tudo é um grande prólogo para halo 6, se entendermos a proposta do jogo, ele é espetacular
  27. Cs6280
    Feb 18, 2017
    10
    An opportunity to breathe some new life into the, rather tired, franchise and introduce some new elements to the genre. A campaign, multiple online multiplayer options and the blitz mode make this an all round excellent release
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. morventhus
    Feb 17, 2017
    8
    Its a Babys first RTS. But still super fun. Oddly the game looks and feels more like a halo game than the last two halo titles did (4 and 5). Campaign is short but with the skulls and mission objectives on higher difficulties makes it have lots of replay ability. I started playing on XBOX but switched to my PC since I wanted to try the Cross-buy feature. Game runs and controls better onIts a Babys first RTS. But still super fun. Oddly the game looks and feels more like a halo game than the last two halo titles did (4 and 5). Campaign is short but with the skulls and mission objectives on higher difficulties makes it have lots of replay ability. I started playing on XBOX but switched to my PC since I wanted to try the Cross-buy feature. Game runs and controls better on pc. like you would think it would. But the games story is better than most stories we get now adays (which is not saying much) and its overall a decent fun romp.
    Id say the current metacritic score from reviewers of an 81 is pretty on point.    … Expand
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. Disgrav
    Feb 17, 2017
    10
    Halo Wars 2 is a brilliant game that brings back lots of things to the Halo franchise. I'm not only talking about the old characters from Halo Wars, but also about the pre-Halo 4 art style and tone of the series. The story is easily one of the best Halo stories in the last few years. This is a great game with a great story and, what's most important, a really great gameplay.
  34. ParentCritic
    Feb 17, 2017
    8
    This game seems great so far. As a parent, it is perfectly rated and the ESRB actually did its job right. Halo Wars 2 contains blood graphics and language. However, there isn't much else. I'm not allowing my 13 year old to play it yet but when he is in high school he can have at it. 8/10
  35. McGillotine
    Feb 17, 2017
    4
    Halo wars 2 is the proberbial "baby's first RTS" with hand holding mechanics and infruiating tutorials during the story (even if you said no to the tutotorial) that treat you as though you are too mentally challenged to actually be able to play the game. Now were the involvement of crystal dynamics from the first game gave people the impresion that this was going to be on par if notHalo wars 2 is the proberbial "baby's first RTS" with hand holding mechanics and infruiating tutorials during the story (even if you said no to the tutotorial) that treat you as though you are too mentally challenged to actually be able to play the game. Now were the involvement of crystal dynamics from the first game gave people the impresion that this was going to be on par if not similar to the first halo wars game, make no mistake in understanding that this is a 343 industries game through and though with a plot that never really esculates, filled generic gameplay and plagued with bugs that become quite evident early in the game.

    From first installing Halo Wars 2 onto my console i was first hit up with a 6.8gb day one patch, which upon completion and pressing play i was once again hit with another 2.8gb patch taking rougly 3 hours to download completely despite the modest size of the game. Finally upon completion i loaded up the game and started the first mission, greated by a beautiful blur rendered cutscene of the spirit of fire as they awake from cyrostasis and choose to land upon the ark. After this cutscene however we are then introduced to the games visuals which in turn share a cartoonish vibe present spartan strike and assualt, and being a person who's not all too concerned about graphics, the game does end up looking rather cheap with in game unit models looking like they were pulled from a game made 15 years ago.

    Gameplay, in particular, the campaign features some of the most easy and exploitable maps/enemies imaginable with the ai controlled enemy spouting out the same enemy units time and time again until the game ends in which case it desides it wants to spawn an f u boss that serves no other purpose then to extend the length of the games reletively short and forgettable missions. The campaign is also furstating to the degree in which it will purposely drag out its own length with scripted events and a lock n certain units that make zerg rushing the only relable strategy. Skirimish and Blitz arent much better either with the only main difference being that the enemy can upgrade its units and that it can't pull some scripted event out of its own butt to stretch the match.

    Story on the other hand is better than Halo 5 and i dare say Halo 4 and personally that isnt saying much considering that the plot really has no defining moments and barely esculates at all with Atriox being hyped as the most intimidating villian in Halo history to ending up as a really forgettable character. The significant change in apperance and sound of the spirit of fire crew is also noticable with characters feeling foriegn to what they were in the original and sure there are moments where it seems like there one and the same again but ultimately differences in personality make them all too different.

    Ultimately Halo wars 2 isnt amazing or grand and represents the basic nature of RTS and plot telling structure in a paint by numbers game only redeemed by the inclusion of the original game in the ultimate edition.    … Expand
  36. Hello12
    Feb 17, 2017
    9
    Really enjoying my time with this game. The gameplay is similar to Command and Conquer games. Build your bases, gather supplies ( and attack the enemy bases) There is 5 multiplayer modes. I enjoyed playing 2vs2 Deathmatch the most and Domination. I have only started the campaign and so far i like it.
  37. 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 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.
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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

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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.
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