Halo Wars Demo

This demo was released on February 5th, 2009 for Xbox 360 prior to the launch of Halo Wars by Ensemble Studios.

Campaign
This real-time strategy game demo includes two playable campaign levels, Alpha Base and Relic Approach. In the first level, playing as Sergeant John Forge, the player is tasked to help the UNSC Marines fight against the Covenant led by Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee. A squad of Warthogs will be recovered by Forge and the player will order their force to help relieve the besieged Alpha Base.

In Relic Approach, the player begins to reconstruct Alpha Base by installing barracks and supply pads to train Marines. The player will lead Sergeant Forge's forces to the Relic site, encounter and destroy various Covenant units along the way. Upon reaching the Relic, occupying Covenant forces have planted explosives intending to destroy the site before it falls into UNSC hands. After eliminating the bulk of the Arbiter's forces Sergeant Forge and Dr. Ellen Anders. escorted by Marines, venture further into the Relic and are ambushed by Stealth Elites.

Legendary difficulty would not be available for the demo release.

Skirmish
In Skirmish mode, players will fight against a bot opponent on the mountainous snow-capped map Chasms. Captain Cutter and Prophet of Regret were the two available playable heroes included in the demo.

Trivia

 * The main menu screen displays the Halo Wars announcement trailer in the background.
 * This demo garnered a record-breaking total of over two million downloads in its first week on Xbox Live.