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. 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.
  2. Dan_Oney
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Halo Wars 2 expands on the first one and is an excellent game. The campaign is very good and with more missions coming, it will only get better. In typical fashion, the multiplayer in this Halo game is also very good. Blitz is a fantastic new game mode and a ton of fun, but only has one map, but more maps are being discussed as a possibility. This being a Play Anywhere title at the priceHalo Wars 2 expands on the first one and is an excellent game. The campaign is very good and with more missions coming, it will only get better. In typical fashion, the multiplayer in this Halo game is also very good. Blitz is a fantastic new game mode and a ton of fun, but only has one map, but more maps are being discussed as a possibility. This being a Play Anywhere title at the price that it is makes it an absolute must buy for Halo and RTS fans! 70+ hours into it and can't stop playing!… Expand
  3. 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. 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    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
  4. BeZurKur
    Apr 16, 2017
    9
    Halo Wars 2 succeeds at doing an RTS on a console, and a good one at that. The options available to build your army are subtle and varied. Leader powers and hero abilities also directly involve the player in the combats. The player does NOT spend most of the time at base sending waves at an enemy that only exists on a mini-map. Instead, the player will be jumping back and forth between theHalo Wars 2 succeeds at doing an RTS on a console, and a good one at that. The options available to build your army are subtle and varied. Leader powers and hero abilities also directly involve the player in the combats. The player does NOT spend most of the time at base sending waves at an enemy that only exists on a mini-map. Instead, the player will be jumping back and forth between the long term strategical resource management of the game and the fast-paced tactical combat of Halo Wars. Halo Wars 2 is a deep satisfying game for those willing to make the effort to peel back its layers.… Expand
  5. Pagarotti
    May 17, 2017
    9
    I know I can't speak for everyone but online for me was really good with no lag or connection problems. Games vary and can be intense when competing with similar skilled opponents.Furthermore each of the original 6 leaders you can choose to play as, are completely different, hence why I am good at using some of the abilities on one leader, then horse **** with the next. Campaign wasI know I can't speak for everyone but online for me was really good with no lag or connection problems. Games vary and can be intense when competing with similar skilled opponents.Furthermore each of the original 6 leaders you can choose to play as, are completely different, hence why I am good at using some of the abilities on one leader, then horse **** with the next. Campaign was enjoyable too. Would recommend.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. Faith12
    Mar 9, 2017
    8
    Whether you enjoy the RTS genre or have never tried an RTS before, Halo Wars 2 sets out to accomplish a satisfying RTS for both type of players and then some.

    The campaign is both an introduction to RTS novices and an open Sandbox for RTS veterans, it accomplishes this by creating scenarios that can be experienced in both basic and complex ways. If you're an RTS novice you probably want    Whether you enjoy the RTS genre or have never tried an RTS before, Halo Wars 2 sets out to accomplish a satisfying RTS for both type of players and then some.

    The campaign is both an introduction to RTS novices and an open Sandbox for RTS veterans, it accomplishes this by creating scenarios that can be experienced in both basic and complex ways. If you're an RTS novice you probably want to play on easy or Normal and learn the fundamentals of RTS gameplay while the game sets up scenarios for you that can be tackled by understanding the basic principles of the game (how resources are generated, the tech tier and the build order on how to get there, and the units & counter units), taking your sweet time to get it right.

    If you're a veteran of the RTS genre you should be playing on Heroic or Legendary where time, flanking, counter attacks, baits, choke points, kiting, and creativity is what will get you to the end without heavy unit loss and at a respectable pace without spending hours upon hours on a single mission.

    This lateral scope is impressive considering how well the two previous paragraphs are executed by Creative Assembly. I played the game on Normal the first time around for the narrative (more on that below) with my second play-through being on Legendary where I can be fully methodical and a stickler for the details of the strategy I am trying to implement.

    The campaign levels start straightforward enough with the art style and tone of the game trumping complex level design for the first few introductory missions but that happily gives way to far more complex level design and crazy fun scenarios to play through that rival some of the best missions from Starcraft 2 in this reviewers eyes.

    From a narrative standpoint the game mirrors it's approach to level design in that it starts off by trying to ease new players in but then ratchets up the layers as the campaign progresses albeit with more emphasis on following through with answering some questions left after Halo Wars 1 in the beginning. That's not to say someone who hasn't played the first game would be lost here but I would say there is enough story line in this to warrant a play-through of the first game if you absolutely must know who Serena is, and why the crew was in cryo (all things discussed and explained within the first hour of the game) or you can simply look up these details online.

    My normal run of the campaign took me almost 11 hours, the level variety is great and as stated before, the level design is equally so. The story of the game is paced well enough with some true moments of spectacle for the Halo fan of Yore and the new comer that may not know who Red team is or who the Covenant are ( by the end of this you'll know why so many Halo fans love their Spartans), however it isn't perfect due to a bit much of an emphasis on backround dialogue filling the role of keeping the story ball moving, It isn't something that hurts the game in any serious way but rather serves to ding the overall narrative presentation rather than the story being told.

    The characters in this game are great, and while you won't be having any Ellie and Joel moments here this game sets up these characters with enough depth for you to care what's happening in your 10-12 hour romp.

    For you fellow Halo nuts reading this, there are indeed tie ins to the mainline Halo story (the one with Master Chief), but this is a story about the Spirit of Fire, it's crew, it's Spartans that time forgot, and an enemy no one in the Halo universe wanted to remember was there and are now paying the price.

    On the Multiplayer side of things the same depth reserved for the higher difficulties of the campaign is in full demand here, These are the modes you RTS-starved console players want, whether it's Strongholds, Domination, or straight up Deathmatch, your full skill-set is required here. While three game modes in the non-Blitz side of things sounds scarce (More on Blitz below) the modes are almost a night and day difference from each other and change the pace for you enough to satisfy different approaches to play styles depending on how you feel like playing during any particular session.

    Finally there's Blitz, a card based, fast paced game mode designed as an entirely new way of playing an RTS. As you play Halo Wars 2 you get packs, these packs have cards, and these cards are used to create a deck, Energy is used to play 1 of 4 cards you have at your disposal at any time, using those same units to play what is essentially king of the hill. The mode is fun, and serves as a quick match type for those looking for a more laid back approach to their online PvP activity without sacrificing depth and exhilaration. Think of Overwatch pacing in an RTS. It isn't a mode for everyone but it stands well enough alone to be noteworthy.

    Halo Wars 2 is an excellent RTS with a lot of depth and things to do for all types of players with varying interest in the genre. 8/10    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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) .
  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. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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!
  20. kstatekid
    Feb 22, 2017
    10
    As a huge fan of the first game I had my expectations very high for this game and it did not disappoint in the slightest for me. I like the new build queue for the game and the research makes more sense to me this time around. the dual resource management takes a while to get used to but is a welcome addition. this is a must buy for any RTS fan
  21. NoBrocoli
    Feb 24, 2017
    10
    Es un juego bastante completo y cumple con lo que prometia, tenemos un nuevo enemigo con una personalidad contundente que no esta acartonda, el modo historia puede ser corto pero te satisface, combinan el nuevo estilo de arte y el viejo... no se porque la gente lo critica tanto
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. VivaLaMayo
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    Not many RTS on consoles,You're simply the best, better than all the rest
    Better than anyone, anyone I ever met.Just a beautiful game,great story,gameplay and packed full of content to keep you interested for a very long time.
  29. 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.
  30. RETROVISION117
    Feb 25, 2017
    10
    first I want to say on how sad it is to see so many negative reviews, and second I wouldn't be surprised if the user reviews are Sony fans just bashing on the game just for being on Xbox. All in all this is a great game and a very fun multiplayer experience, there are so many options and different ways to play. Even "Blitz" is super fun and addictive. The only thing that kills Blitz arefirst I want to say on how sad it is to see so many negative reviews, and second I wouldn't be surprised if the user reviews are Sony fans just bashing on the game just for being on Xbox. All in all this is a great game and a very fun multiplayer experience, there are so many options and different ways to play. Even "Blitz" is super fun and addictive. The only thing that kills Blitz are the micro-transactions, but thankfully its just on that game mode. Hopefully people are not blindsided from the negative reviews and enjoy Halo Wars 2.… Expand
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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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