Halo Wars Genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

Halo Wars (2009) and Halo Wars 2 (2017) are Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games. Developed by Ensemble Studios (1) and Creative Assembly (2) for Xbox 360/One/PC.

RTS Hallmarks in Halo Wars

• Base Building: Construct supply pads, reactors, barracks, vehicle depots on fixed sockets.
• Resource Economy: Supplies (credits) generated over time; no harvesting units.
• Unit Production & Counters: Rock-paper-scissors balance (Infantry → Air → Vehicle → Infantry).
• Leader Powers: COD-style orbital strikes, MAC blasts, healing, unit buffs – cooldown based.
• Controller-First Design: Radial menus, snap-to selection, simplified micro – pioneered console RTS controls.

Not an FPS

Unlike mainline Halo (FPS), you command armies from a top-down strategic camera. No direct unit control (no "hero unit" FPS mode).

Spin-off: Halo Wars: Definitive Edition (2016/2017)

Remastered 1080p/60fps, all DLC, cross-play Xbox/PC via Play Anywhere.