Leader

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"Hero unit" redirects here. For other uses of the word "Hero", see Hero.

Leaders, sometimes called hero units, are UNSC/Covenant/Banished player characters in Halo Wars and its sequel, each of whom feature specific units, traits, and abilities in gameplay. Some leaders can also be summoned to the field in-game as special units.

Halo Wars leaders

Leaders offer a varied experience in Halo Wars' multiplayer aspects, bringing unique abilities into the fray. The Covenant have leaders that double as in-game units, while the UNSC leader powers vary greatly and are numerous. Hero units are more adept to fighting, possessing more armor for protection against enemy units, as well as access to unique weaponry and "special abilities" (such as "Rage mode" for the Arbiter or special upgrades like the ODSTs for Captain Cutter).

In campaign, leaders can be revived if they are killed in action, as long as the life bar is halfway full. The life bar automatically regenerates while the leader is knocked down. However, in Skirmish or multiplayer if they die, they die for good and will have to be purchased again to be on the battlefield, though only Covenant hero units are present on the battlefield in Skirmish and multiplayer.

Given leaders are typically geared toward specific playstyles. For instance, Cutter is more "measured" while Forge's playstyle is quite aggressive.

UNSC

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  Overview of Capt. Cutter

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  Overview of Sgt. Forge

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  Overview of Prof. Anders

Covenant

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  Overview of the Prophet of Regret

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  Overview of the Arbiter

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  Overview of the Brute Chieftain

Halo Wars 2 leaders

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UNSC

Image	Name	Description	Blitz Special Units	Skirmish Special Units	Leader Powers
	Captain Cutter Lore • Gameplay	As Captain of the Spirit of Fire, Cutter can send in powerful orbital support, drop in specialized UNSC units, and enhance currently deployed units.	Wild Hellbringers Trooper Hornet Stealth Kodiak Jerome-092	Hero Unit Jerome-092 Leader Power Unit ODST
	Isabel Lore • Gameplay	Isabel improves the effectiveness of vehicles using her database of the latest UNSC tech, and employs hacking and distraction powers in battle.	Lockdown Scorpion Armored Warthog Wild Jackrabbit	Hero Unit Alice-130
	Professor Anders Lore • Gameplay	Anders' scientific expertise allows her to field Sentinel units and makes all of her upgrades faster and cheaper.	Aggressor Sentinel Protector Sentinel Armored Marines	Hero Unit Douglas-042 Unique Unit Protector Sentinel Leader Power Unit Retriever Sentinel (Super Unit)
	Sergeant Forge Lore • Gameplay	Forge's strengths lie in an armored and slow-building economy, using heavy vehicles to push through enemies.	Reactive Marines Vanguard Kodiak M850 Grizzly John Forge's Warthog	Hero Unit John Forge's Warthog Unique Unit M850 Grizzly
	Kinsano Lore • Gameplay	Kinsano is all about the burn, launching pyrotechnic attacks and covering the battlefield in flames.	Veteran Hellbringers Flame Warthog Veteran Flame 'Hog Kinsano's Cyclops	Hero Unit Kinsano's Cyclops Unique Unit Flame Warthog
	Sergeant Johnson Lore • Gameplay	Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, a hero of the Covenant War, geared up for battle. He's a dangerous adversary due to his powerful mechs and solid command.	Mantis Veteran Mantis HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (J) Colossus Avery Johnson	Hero Unit Avery Johnson Unique Unit Mantis HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark II (J) Colossus
	Commander Jerome Lore • Gameplay	Omega Team's leader and a veteran Spartan of the Spirit of Fire, Jerome inspires and bolsters troops under his command.		Hero Unit Commander Jerome/Theseus Unique Unit Mastodon Leader Power Unit Team Omega
	Serina Lore • Gameplay	Smart AI that ran the Spirit of Fire's systems before being lost with all hands. Serina was an expert in cryo technology.		Hero Unit Bison Unique Unit Cryo Troopers ZAV-48 Frostraven

Banished

Image	Name	Description	Blitz Special Units	Skirmish Special Units	Leader Powers
	Atriox Lore • Gameplay	Atriox focuses on a cunning and defensive style, supported by heavy cover and invulnerability powers		Atriox's Chosen
	Decimus Lore • Gameplay	Decimus is a berserker who relies on hard-hitting rushes while siphoning their health away.		Jiralhanae Warlord Gameplay
	Ship Master Lore • Gameplay	The Shipmaster favors stealth, teleportation tactics, and rapid assaults against his foes.		Sangheili Honor Guardsman
	Colony Lore • Gameplay	A colony of Lekgolo with a focus on tough frontline units and healing.		Hero Unit Mgalekgolo Captain Unique Unit Skitterer Goliath
	The Arbiter Lore • Gameplay	The Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee utilizes special stasis fields to trap enemies and control the battlefield.		Hero Unit Ripa 'Moramee Unique Unit Banished Phantom
	Yapyap the Destroyer Lore • Gameplay	At last, a Grunt rises to become a mighty leader! Or at least outnumber the enemy with an endless supply of cheap, expendable units!		Hero Unit Grunt Goblin (Hero Unit) Cannon Fodder Methane Wagon
	Voridus Lore • Gameplay	Voridus focuses on aggressive rush tactics and uses his unique incendiary gel weapons to create damaging pools of toxic liquid.		Hero Unit Voridus Volatile Scarab Brute Grenadier Infused Engineer
	Pavium Lore • Gameplay	Pavium's ephitet of 'The Unbreakable' comes from his mastery of defensive and economic tactics.		Hero Unit Pavium Banished Lich Wraith Invader Unique Structure Mega Turret

Trivia

• In the Halo Wars Demo, Captain Cutter was the only available hero unit for the UNSC and the Prophet of Regret was the only available hero unit for the Covenant.
• In the Halo Wars 2 Open Beta, Captain Cutter and Atriox were the only leaders available.