Editing Halo Wars

{{Title|''Halo Wars''}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{Game infobox
|name= ''Halo Wars''
|image= [[File:HaloWarsWithTeen.jpg|300px]]
|primary-dev= [[Ensemble Studios]]
|support-dev=[[Robot Entertainment]] {{C|Post-launch support}}
|publisher= [[Microsoft Game Studios]]
|engine=[[Phoenix engine]]
|writer=[[Graeme Devine]]
|composer=[[Stephen Rippy]]
|platform= [[Xbox 360]]
|releasedate= '''US''': March 3, 2009 <ref>[http://kotaku.com/5126557/ces-09-whoops-halo-wars-release-date-still-march-3 '''Kotaku''': ''CES 09: Whoops! Halo Wars Release Date Still March 3'']</ref><br>
'''UK''': February 27, 2009<ref>[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Halo-Wars-Xbox-360/dp/B000NG5AEW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1228803251&sr=8-24 '''Amazon.co.uk''': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)'']</ref>
|genre= [[Real-time strategy]]
|modes= [[Campaign|Campaign Mode]], [[Multiplayer]], [[Campaign#Cooperative|Co-op Campaign Mode]], Skirmish
|rating=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Ratings Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T) for Mild Blood, Mild Language, and Violence<br>
[[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+ (Europe only)
}}
{{Quote|The Halo RTS has arrived.|Halo Waypoint<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/games/halowars/Overview '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars'']</ref>}}

'''''Halo Wars''''' is the first [[real-time strategy]] game in the [[Halo universe|''Halo'' franchise]]. The game takes place in the year [[2531]], 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', during the [[Covenant]] [[Massacre of the Outer Colonies|assault]] on the [[Outer Colonies]] in the [[Human-Covenant War]]. The game was developed by [[Ensemble Studios]], and is an Xbox 360 exclusive. Notably, ''Halo Wars'' was the first game in the series to receive a "'T' for Teen" rating from the [[Wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], downgraded from the "'M' for Mature" rating given to previous installments; however, [[Wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]] rated the game 16+ as with prior ''Halo'' games. Downloadable content and support were handled by [[Robot Entertainment]], a studio founded by ex-Ensemble Studios employees after the latter studio's closing.

The release of ''Halo Wars'' fulfilled the original concept that ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' was supposed to be a real-time strategy game before being turned into a third-person shooter, and then a first-person-shooter. A sequel, ''[[Halo Wars 2]]'', was released on [[2017|February 21, 2017]].<ref>[http://kotaku.com/surprise-halo-wars-2-is-coming-1721996606 ''Kotaku'': ''Halo Wars (Xbox 360)'']</ref><ref>[http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/08/04/gamescom-2015-halo-wars-2-announced ''IGN'': ''GAMESCOM 2015: HALO WARS 2 ANNOUNCED'']</ref> Players who pre-ordered [[Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition|''Halo Wars 2'' Ultimate Edition]] received early access to ''[[Halo Wars: Definitive Edition]]'', a remastered version of the game, on December 20, 2016.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/halo-wars-de-early-access '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo Wars: DE Early Access'']</ref>

==Plot synopsis==
{{Spoiler/begin}}
[[File:Harvest Plasma Glassed.jpg|thumb|left|[[Harvest]], just after the UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' arrives in the system.]]
{{Quote|At this point in time, the [[Covenant]] is at its most evil. They are hell-bent on the destruction of humanity, on scouring us from the universe.|Graeme Devine, Lead Writer, formerly Lead Developer.}}

During the final days of the [[Harvest campaign]], [[Sergeant]] [[John Forge]], a Marine assigned to the support ship {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} under the command of [[Captain (NAVCOM)|Captain]] [[James Cutter]], is patrolling the northern regions of the planet [[Harvest]]. While Forge is on patrol, [[Alpha Base (Harvest)|Alpha Base]] is attacked and destroyed by the Covenant, with the survivors fleeing to the countryside. After rounding up these survivors, Forge leads them in an assault that removes the Covenant presence and reestablishes Alpha Base, returning it to operational status.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Alpha Base|Alpha Base}} Forge then leads an assault on a nearby [[Forerunner]] [[Relic (location)|relic site]] itself, removing the Covenant occupants and preventing the enemy from destroying it to deny human access and securing the site for Professor [[Ellen Anders]]' examination. Shortly after, a Covenant counterattack cuts them off from Alpha Base.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Relic Approach|Relic Approach}} [[Grizzly]] tanks deployed from ''Spirit of Fire'' cut through the Covenant, linking up with Forge and his Marines, and escorting them back out through the relic while forces from Alpha Base holds off the Covenant. Information gathered from the Harvest relic shows that the Covenant have been pointed to a second UNSC colony, [[Arcadia]].{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Relic Interior|Relic Interior}}

Upon following the Covenant to Arcadia, ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s crew find that most of the orbital defense ships have been either destroyed or damaged in battle with the Covenant. Sergeant Forge and his forces are deployed on the ground in order to assist the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] of [[Red Team]] in the effort to evacuate civilians from [[Pirth City]].{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Arcadia City|Arcadia City}} Afterward, the UNSC forces withdraw to a defensible area on the city outskirts, holding off Covenant attacks long enough for Spartan [[Team Omega]] to arrive and assist in the destruction of local Covenant forces.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Arcadia Outskirts|Arcadia Outskirts}} At the same time, the Covenant have erected a large energy shield generator around a site of importance, with [[Arcadia Forerunner ruins|undiscovered ruins]] surrounding the area, forcing the UNSC to deploy prototype [[Rhino]] plasma artillery to penetrate it.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Dome of Light|Dome of Light}} Moving in to examine what was of such interest to the Covenant, they come under attack from a {{Pattern|R'awuw|Scarab}}, only partially complete though capable of destroying any UNSC forces in its line of sight. After the Scarab's destruction, Anders and Forge begin documenting the area, only for [[Arbiter]] [[Ripa 'Moramee]] to arrive, taking Anders prisoner and wounding Forge, with Red Team arriving too late to assist.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Scarab|Scarab}} Rapidly heading out of the system aboard a starship, the ''Spirit of Fire'' follows, eventually emerging in orbit over a [[Trove|mysterious planet]].{{Ref/Book|EVG|Page=180}}

Deploying ground forces to search for Anders, the UNSC and Covenant forces come under attack from a previously undiscovered alien organism - the [[Flood]].{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Anders' Signal|Anders' Signal}} Managing to regroup and hold a defensible location, the UNSC forces manage to locate the source of the signal - an apparent body of water.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:The Flood|The Flood}} The UNSC forces withdraw back to the ''Spirit of Fire'' as a concentrated Flood force begins to gather momentum, narrowly escaping annihilation, regrouping at ''Spirit of Fire'' over the lake - which splits to reveal an entrance, and with swarms of [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinels]] emerging to deal with the Flood.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Shield World|Shield World}} ''Spirit of Fire'' manages to enter, proceeding through a docking system, removing Flood growths and moving through a system of concentric rings that filters out Flood biomass.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Cleansing|Cleansing}} ''Spirit of Fire'' then emerges inside a massive [[Shield World]], immediately engaging a [[Proclamation's Tithe|Covenant destroyer]] and fending off attacks while conducting repairs.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Repairs|Repairs}}

Meanwhile, the Arbiter uses Anders to activate an installation known as the [[Apex Site]], revealing a fleet of [[Forerunner dreadnought|Forerunner warships]] which the Covenant plan on using against humanity. Anders manages to escape, using what had been her stasis prison as a [[Slipspace translocation|translocation device]], teleporting to the surface of the shield world's interior and linking up with Forge and his Marines, who clear the area of Covenant forces and establish a base of operations on the shield world.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Beachhead|Beachhead}} Removing the ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine|FTL drive]], the UNSC move it into the Apex, planning to detonate it - the chain-reaction will send the Shield World's sun into a [[supernova]], destroying the installation and the fleet, denying it to the Covenant and saving humanity from near total defeat and extinction. The Arbiter attempts to stop them, but his [[Elites]] are killed by Red Team, and Forge manages to kill the Arbiter with one of his own Energy Swords.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Reactor|Reactor}} Forge stays behind to detonate the reactor, while the rest of the UNSC forces activate a portal out of the shield world, evacuate to ''Spirit of Fire'', and manage to slingshot around the sun to build up enough speed to escape the supernova's blast radius and the range of the shield world's debris.{{Ref/Level|HW|HW:Escape|Escape}}

Now unable to return to human space with the speed an FTL drive would have afforded them, the crew enter [[Cryo-chamber|cryonic storage]]. The ship begins her long journey home, likely to take many years or decades. Here, Forge's cryo-tube is closed by Captain Cutter, who briefly nods, acknowledging the sergeant's sacrifice.

''Spirit of Fire'', lacking an FTL drive, is left adrift in space. On [[2534|February 10, 2534]], the UNSC declares the vessel "lost with all hands". At the end of the [[Halo Wars credits|credits]], Serina is be heard saying, ''"Captain. Wake up. Something has happened."''
{{Spoiler/end}}

==Gameplay==
[[File:HW X06SpartanOmega.jpg|thumb|Spartans from [[Team Omega|Spartan Group Omega]] sporting an early concept design of the Mark IV armor in the ''Halo Wars'' announcement trailer.]]

In ''Halo Wars'', players command armies of both old and new UNSC units during its first encounters against the [[Covenant]], a massive collection of alien races that threatens to destroy all of humanity. ''Halo Wars'' will immerse gamers in an early period of the ''Halo'' universe, allowing them to experience events 21 years prior to ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. Players are given the [[Circle Menu]] to control buildings and increase their arsenal.

With the guidance of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Serina]], from the UNSC CFV-88 ''Spirit of Fire'', the player leads UNSC soldiers and vehicles against classic Covenant foes. Each group has its own strengths and abilities in battle. Strategic-minded players who react well under pressure will emerge victorious over their foes.

''Halo Wars'' can be played in both single-player and online cooperative campaign modes. Additionally, up to six players can play three-versus-three match head-to-head over [[Xbox LIVE]]. Published by [[Microsoft Game Studios]], ''Halo Wars'' is a title exclusive to the [[Xbox 360]]. Despite speculation of a version for the PC, [[Ensemble Studios|Ensemble]] and [[Microsoft]] have repeatedly said that no such plans have been made or even considered. The Covenant is playable only in [[multiplayer]] and [[Skirmish]] modes.

===Campaign===
[[Campaign]] consists of fifteen levels which tells the story of ''Halo Wars''. Each level has a [[cutscene]] which, once unlocked, can be viewed again in the [[HW:Theater|Theater]].
#[[HW:Alpha Base|Alpha Base]] - ''"Forge rallies the troops and retakes Alpha Base."''
#[[HW:Relic Approach|Relic Approach]] - ''"Get Alpha Base up and running and find what the Covenant are up to.''"
#[[HW:Relic Interior|Relic Interior]] - ''"Forge and Anders are trapped in the relic. They must be rescued."''
#[[HW:Arcadia City|Arcadia City]] - ''"The Covenant invasion of Arcadia is in full swing. Evacuation of its civilian population is UNSC's top priority."''
#[[HW:Arcadia Outskirts|Arcadia Outskirts]] - ''"The civilian evacuation is complete. UNSC forces must safely withdraw from the city.''"
#[[HW:Dome of Light|Dome of Light]] - ''"Uncover what the Covenant were after on Arcadia."''
#[[HW:Scarab|Scarab]] - ''"Send in ground units to destroy a Covenant super weapon."''
#[[HW:Anders' Signal|Anders' Signal]] - ''"Forge and Recon Groups ECHO and INDIA start the search for Anders."''
#[[HW:The Flood|The Flood]] - ''"Find Anders and rescue her before it's too late."''
#[[HW:Shield World|Shield World]] - ''"Spirit of Fire is being drawn against her will into the belly of a hostile planet. Ground force deployed to the planet's surface will be abandoned if the Spirit of Fire doesn't act quickly…"'' 
#[[HW:Cleansing|Cleansing]] - ''"Cleanse the infection forms from Spirit's hull before they penetrate the interior."''
#[[HW:Repairs|Repairs]] - ''"Repair Spirit of Fire and drive Covenant forces back."''
#[[HW:Beachhead|Beachhead]] - ''"Protect Anders and escort her to the LZ."''
#[[HW:Reactor|Reactor]] - ''"Pull the reactor core to the Apex Site."''
#[[HW:Escape|Escape]] - ''"Help the Spirit of Fire's crew escape the Shield world."''

===Multiplayer===
{{Main|Skirmish}}
[[File:HW Screenshots 003.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Covenant]] forces engage humans on the level ''Chasms''.]]
Just like other ''Halo'' games, ''Halo Wars'' has strong characteristics of online gaming. ''Halo Wars''{{'}} live gaming characteristics include Direct voice communication & Online leader boards. Teams are differentiated by the color of the units. There is no specific information regarding player ranking but players are able to achieve the ranks of Recruit, Lieutenant, Major, Commander, Colonel, Brigadier, and General. Multiplayer is up to 6 players at a time in a match. Two player online Co-op for the campaign story is available in the game.{{Ref/Reuse|xbox360fanboy.com}}

;;Maps
Multiplayer maps are mostly based on the locations introduced in campaign. There are fourteen maps in the original release, and the number rose to eighteen after the release of downloadable contents.

*[[Beasley's Plateau]]
*[[Blood Gulch (Halo Wars level)|Blood Gulch]]
*[[Chasms]]
*[[Crevice]]
*[[The Docks]]
*[[Exile (Halo Wars level)|Exile]]
*[[Frozen Valley]]
*[[Fort Deen]]
*[[Pirth Outskirts]]
*[[Labyrinth]]
*[[Release (level)|Release]]
*[[Repository]]
*[[Terminal Moraine]]
*[[Tundra]]

'''Historic Battle Map Pack'''

The [[Historic Battle DLC|Historic Battle Map Pack]] was released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on July 21, 2009 and sells for 800 Microsoft Points. Along with 4 new maps, the DLC includes 4 new achievements as well. The maps included in this Map Pack are:
*[[Barrens (Halo Wars map)|Barrens]]
*[[Memorial Basin]]
*[[Blood River]]
*[[Glacial Ravine]]

===Game concepts===
===Base assembly===
At the start of matches or levels, players are given one base with one scout unit and a limited amount of [[resources]]. Using their scout unit (Warthogs for UNSC, Ghosts or Choppers for Covenant), the player can seek out more resources to build manufacturing sites and supply pads, which in turn let the player build more powerful units and gain resources faster. Bases can be built only in select sites, and a base already occupying that site must be destroyed before another can be built. Multiplayer matches are won by destroying the opposing team's bases, while campaign missions can call for other victory requirements.

{{HW buildings/HW}}
====Technology advancement====
Throughout the campaign and in Skirmishes, the player must advance their technology in order to increase their army's power. When technology is increased, more units, upgrades, and buildings become available. For instance, infantry units can receive additional members or stronger weaponry. Field Armories or Temples (and the upgrades within them) can become available with increased technology as well.

The tech tree is different for the two playable factions. When playing as the UNSC, the player advances by building and upgrading [[UNSC reactor|reactor]]s. The Covenant moves through the tech-tree in [[History of the Covenant|Ages]] by purchasing upgrades at the leader temple; players can advance to the [[Ages of Doubt|Age of Doubt]] and the [[Ages of Reclamation|Age of Reclamation]] respectively. Both factions can also advance by capturing [[Forerunner secondary reactor]]s.

When a Reactor is built or an Age is researched, or a Forerunner secondary reactor is claimed, the tech number on the top right of the screen goes up. Losing a source of tech level in the number goes down. Different buildings, units, and upgrades require higher numbers for use.

====Veterancy points====
Veterancy points increase a unit's statistics, including attack, attack speed, defense, and hitpoints. A unit's veterancy point is indicated by the number of stars the unit has above its health bar. The stars, or ''Veterancy Points'', are acquired only after a unit or a group of units have defeated enemy structures, units, vehicles, or other combat-related situations. They are also gained by upgrading the unit. A mist effect appears briefly over a unit when it gains a veterancy point. 

A unit has a maximum of 3 stars, except a Spartan-commandeered vehicle, which has a maximum of 14 "Veterancy Points" for Scorpions/Grizzlies and Hornets/Sparrowhawks. All other Spartan-commandeered vehicles have a maximum of 13 "Veterancy Points". There are some special units in campaign mode (e.g. ODSTs in the level ''Anders' Signal'') that have a maximum of 6 ''Veterancy Points''.

====Leader abilities====
Certain characters belonging to both the Covenant and the UNSC are [[leader]]s, which are sub-factions with unique units and bonuses. All of the Covenant leaders appear on the battlefield and have unique in-game abilities. The UNSC leaders on the other hand do not appear on the battlefield, unless on certain campaign missions. They instead have economic bonuses and "super units" (upgrades of normal units). Leaders include [[James Gregory Cutter|Captain James Cutter]], [[John Forge|Sergeant John Forge]], [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]], [[Ripa 'Moramee]], [[Avitus]], and the [[Prophet of Regret]]. 

In Campaign, the abilities "[[Transport]]", and "[[Heal and Repair]]" are available, while other bombs vary between levels. In Skirmish, all of the UNSC leaders have the aforementioned abilities, along with the "[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]" ability as well as a bomb depending on the leader.
 
{| border = "1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"
| colspan="6" align="center"| '''UNSC Leaders'''
|-
! Leader !! Economic bonus !! Hero ability !! Unique ability !! Unique unit !! Super unit
|-
! Captain Cutter
| Bases start with Station || N/A || MAC Blast/ODST Drop || Elephant || ODST 
|-
! Sergeant Forge
| Supply Pads start as Heavy Supply Pads || Warthog Ram/Shotgun barrage || Carpet Bomb || Cyclops || Grizzly
|-
! Professor Anders
| Upgrade costs & durations reduced by 50% || Repairs || Cryo Bomb || Gremlin || Sparrowhawk
|-
| colspan="6" align="center"| '''Covenant Leaders'''
|-
! Leader !! colspan = "2"|Hero ability !! colspan = "3"|Unique unit
|-
! Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee
| colspan = "2" |Rage || colspan = "3"|Suicidal Grunts
|-
! Brute Army Commander
| colspan = "2" |Vortex || colspan = "3"|Brute/Brute Chopper
|-
! Prophet of Regret
| colspan = "2" |Cleansing Beam ||colspan = "3"|Honor Guard Elites
|}
<!--
Each leader has a number of unique features, for the UNSC it's "super units", economic bonuses, unique units (Cutter's Elephant, Forge's Cyclops and Anders' Gremlin.) and leader powers ([[Orbital Drop Shock Trooper|ODST]] Drop/MAC Blast, Carpet bomb and Cryo bomb, respectively to leaders stated previously) that can be called from the ''Spirit of Fire''. 

The Covenant on the other hand have a unique unit (two for the Jiralhanae Commander) and a "hero unit" (their leader) with their leader power attached to the "hero unit". The Prophet of Regret's ability is to glass enemy forces (known as the "Cleansing Beam" in ''Halo Wars''), which causes significant damage to both structures and units, however it also drains resources while active. His unique units are Sangheili [[Honor Guard]]s. Ripa Moramee can go into a rage mode and wield two energy swords and can upgrade to infinitely cloak himself, but at the cost of draining resources for every second these modes are active.<ref>OXM January 2009 article</ref> Ripa Moramee will also have the ability to train [[Unggoy|Suicidal Grunts]]. The Brute Chieftain can use his [[Gravity hammer (fiction)|Gravity Hammer]] to create a vortex which sucks in infantry, then the player can press the A button to create a massive explosion. The Brute Chieftain's unique units are a pair of [[Type-25 Grenade Launcher|Brute Shot]] wielding Brutes (which can be upgraded to have jump packs) and the [[Barukaza Workshop Chopper|Chopper]].

Although Covenant leaders are limited to one unit at a time, they are some of the strongest units in the entire game and are immune to stun effects. They can also empower surrounding units.<ref name = "Hands On">[http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/halo_wars/preview-1380.html '''Videogamer''': ''Halo Wars Hands-on Preview'']</ref>

;;UNSC leader powers
*'''[[Transport]]''': Call a Pelican down to transport selected units (maximum of three vehicles and six infantry units) to a selected area of the map.

*'''[[XGBU-302 bomb|Disruption Bomb]]''': A bomb that deactivates any leader powers and prevents others being activated in a short radius during the effect.<ref name="gametrailers.com">[http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41104.html '''Game Trailers''': ''Halo Wars Video Game, TGS 2008: Demonstration (Cam)'']</ref>

*'''[[Heal and Repair]]''': Heals all units and repairs all structures in a selected area.<ref name = "Gamereactor">[http://www.gamereactor.no/grtv/?id=3396&sid=5bb9748a525446234980eb00694fb89a '''Gamereactor TV''': ''TGS08: Halo Wars Gameplay Presentation'']</ref>

*'''[[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|MAC]] [[Magnetic Accelerator Cannon#Halo Wars|Blast]]''': Calls down a MAC blast from ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s onboard MAC. Upgrades allow for more shots before the power has to recharge. This power is exclusive to Captain Cutter.

*'''ODST Drop''': ODST pods, individually aimed by the user, are called down at 100 resources each. The pods will spawn a whole ODST squad, which is much faster than training them in a Barracks or via the Elephant. However, if reactors are destroyed or a bonus reactor garrison squad is killed, the player won't be able to to drop more.<ref>[http://e3.g4tv.com/e32008/videos/26921/Hands_On_Halo_Wars.html '''E3.G4TV''': ''Hands On: Halo Wars'']</ref>

*'''[[GBU-1105 bomb|Cryo bomb]]''': The Cryo Bomb freezes any units and buildings, including the player's, within the blast radius. Units are unable to move when frozen, and buildings halt all activity. When frozen, air units have a chance of falling to the ground, shattering instantly. The more the Cryo Bomb is upgraded, the freeze time and the chance to make air units fall increases. This power is exclusive to Professor Anders. Any units that are equipped with shields fare better against the cryo bomb and also have extra time escaping then other ground units.

*'''[[Carpet bombing|Carpet Bomb]]''': Calls in a bomber to wipe out a large area. Effective against mass infantry or ground vehicles. The more times it is upgraded, the stronger and larger the carpet bomb is. This power is exclusive to Sergeant Forge.
-->

====Collectibles====
;Achievements
{{main|Achievements (Halo Wars)}}
In addition to the eight new achievements from the Historic Battle Map Pack, there are a total of 58 [[achievement]]s in ''Halo Wars'', worth 1200 [[Gamerscore]].

;Skulls
{{main|HW:Skulls}}
HW:Skulls, just like previous skulls in other ''Halo'' games, are hidden in the campaign for the player to find, and when activated, modify gameplay elements. However, unlike previous games, players must eliminate a certain amount of particular enemy units in that level for the skull to appear in the game. When found, skulls are available for the player to activate in the game's pause menu in both campaign and Skirmish. Skulls that put players on the upper hand lowers the their final scores, while "Debuff skulls", skulls that put players in a disadvantageous situation, increase the player's final score. There are still skulls that make no change to the game's difficulty. Some skulls retain the names and effects from previous games, such as Cowbell, Catch, and Grunt Birthday Party.

;Black boxes
{{main|Black Boxes}}
Black Boxes are collectibles in the ''Halo Wars'' campaign that when collected, they add new events in the [[HW:Timeline|Halo Wars Timeline]]. They look like black boxes with yellow stripes on them and can be picked up by any unit. When the player collects one they can just resign straight away and they will still have it. The timeline covers many of the important events from the games and the novels. There is only one black box on each campaign level in the game.

====Online Stats====
As of February 28, 2010 (or March 1, 2010), ''Halo Wars'' and [[Halowars.com]] support was transferred from Robot Entertainment to [[Halo Waypoint]]. It was stated that Waypoint would provide "exciting plans", but this has yet to come to fruition.<ref name="halowars.com">[http://www.halowars.com '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''']</ref>

On November 5, 2010, The Halo Wars Leaderboards were reset by popular demand.{{Ref/Reuse|halowars.com}}

On November 16, 2010, it was announced that Halo Wars Online Stat Tracking would no longer be supported. Along with the act, [[343 Industries]] and Halo Waypoint planned to release one final Title Update to fix a cutscene bug in Theater from Title Update 4, and to disconnect the game from the site, moving the forums to Halo Waypoint's. This change was to occur on December 15, 2010.<ref>[http://www.halowars.com/forums/permalink/953396/953396/ShowThread.aspx#953396 '''Official Halo Wars Community Site''': ''Halo Waypoint Transitions (Please Read)'']</ref> However, on December 8, 2010, 343 Industries and Halo Waypoint announced a reversal in their decision to cease Online Stat Tracking, citing they were "...always uncomfortable with the idea...", and "...decided that the current plan of action wa