Firebase

This article is about the base starter unit in Halo Wars. For military bases in general, see military base.

Render of a Firebase.

The UNSC Firebase^[1] is a prefabricated base of operations used by the UNSC Marine Corps in combat zones or locations that are otherwise hostile.

Overview

File:UNSC Firebase1.jpg

A UNSC Firebase.

The Firebase combines the needs of a tactical communications, a command center and expansion into both a barracks and a production facility capable of assembling combat vehicles. The Firebase unit itself is a variant of the old colony starter units constructed out of polycrete and powered by a small hydrogen reactor. Because gaining a foothold quickly was key to fighting insurrections throughout the colonies, ships can directly deploy the entire assembly unit of a Firebase via large dropships such as the D20 Heron, making it immediately useful. This ability proved invaluable in the ongoing war with the Covenant and was often considered a key advantage of the UNSC on the ground.^[1]

In addition, Firebases are capable of producing unarmed Warthogs, along with the special unit for the selected leader.^[1] Firebases were used to great effect at the Human-Covenant War, including the Harvest campaign, the Battle of Arcadia and the Battle of Shield 0459. Although starting out frail, the structural strength of the command center is increased with the addition of each new Firebase addition, making it a good idea to erect multiple Firebase additions as soon as possible.^[1]

Beneath the Firebase there is a large underground garage in which resources and vehicle parts dropped down from orbiting warships may be stored. Also, all Firebase additions such as Reactors or Supply Pads emerge up from this subterranean area, pre-built and fully constructed. Firebases also have self-destruct sequences and Lockdown Protocols, the latter of which can be used to deliberately trap one's own newly-trained forces inside the compound.^[1]

Gameplay

Halo Wars

In Halo Wars, a default Firebase costs 500 resources to drop in from orbit, and only provides three construction slots and no turret foundations. It has two upgrades, Station and Fortress.

The Station is an upgraded version of the Firebase, retaining the command center, but adding two more building sites (for a total of five) and four turret foundations.

The Fortress upgrade allows two other building sites, totaling to seven building sites and the same four turret sites from the station. It also features a self-destruct sequence allowing it to destroy itself for other allies to make a base in its spot and damage any enemy units nearby. The Fortress also allows for a lock sequence that will not allow any newly trained units to leave the base when done training/being produced.

Tactics

Many players use firebases when laying siege to enemy bases, by constructing Barracks, Vehicle Depots and Air Pads, and other similar structures, allowing for the rapid deployment of forces to the front lines. Firebases' self-destruct sequences are commonly used by players to prevent enemies from earning points for the base's destruction, and to allow other allies to replace the base and damage any nearby enemy units. It cost 500 resources and only Forge and Anders can build these. Make sure the area is clear because it can be shot down as it is dropped from orbit.

Halo Wars 2

Firebases now cost 500 resources and 200 energy. The main structure is delivered to the battlefield via D81-LRT Condors as opposed to D20 Herons seen in Halo Wars. The smaller buildings are also deployed via Condors as opposed to being built automatically underneath sockets surrounding the base.

The Combat Station upgrade will support 2 extra building slots, 4 turret emplacements and unlocks HQ Tech 1 for infantry and vehicular units. It costs 400 energy.

The Command Center upgrade will add another 2 building slots and unlocks HQ Tech 2 for more infantry and vehicular units. It costs 1,000 energy.

The Headquarters upgrade will only unlock HQ Tech 3 for the remainder of the infantry and vehicular units. It costs 1,500 energy.

Minibases are scattered around the map and cost less than standard firebases. 1-slot minibases cost 200 resources while the 2-slot minibase cost around 300 resources.