Genocide's Blogs

The demo for Halo Wars is out on XBL so here are a few strategies’s and tips to help you out. First of all, if you haven’t already, go play both the Basic and Advanced Tutorials, then complete the first and second missions which are available in the demo. This should set you up pretty well for the following strategy’s which are to be used in Skirmish (aka Multiplayer mode)

#1. Prophet Rush
A personal favourite of mine, the Prophet Rush strategy is quick, easy and relatively foolproof. This strategy could be used at any point in your multiplayer match, but when linked with an early rush strategy it’s effectiveness doubles. Basically it involves upgrading your base with only three buildings: A Warehouse (for supplies), a Temple (to upgrade units), and a Hall (to train units). Go ahead and build these three buildings straight away, and have your Ghost scout pick up the nearby crates while these are building. Once your temple is complete you’ll be given a Prophet, and this is where the strategy kicks in. Immediately begin building the units of your choice, i recommend Grunt squads for now. Grab a few of these and then send them over to the enemy base and begin taking out any units they might have (Probably only a measly Warthog scout for now) then move on to attacking their supply pads/warehouses. Without these buildings they will run out of resources to produce units to defend their base. No doubt they have already got a small pile of resources though, and will begin making some Marines or Flamethrowers. Stay in the base and take these out.
Now go back to your base and move your cursor over the Gravity Lift (circular pad outside base) and double click the left thumbstick. This sets your Global Rally Point to the lift, which transports your units straight to your Prophet without you even telling them to.

Meanwhile you should be still producing more Grunt squads or any type of good unit, and upgrading it with your Hall/Barracks. Another upgrade which comes in useful is the “Blessed Immolation” technology which upgrades your Prophet’s guns. This is found in the Temple.

Here’s where the strategy really picks up, you’ll be receiving reinforcements somewhat automatically, leaving you to focus on any defending units the enemy may have. Remember to take out any resource gathering buildings first, then go for the barracks, or Vice Versa. Also remember to make good use of your unit’s special ability and also the Prophets cleansing Beam (select him individually and press Y) The enemy will be defeated in no time.

#2. Elephant Rush

One of the harder strategy’s, the Elephant Rush involves a barracks, two Reactors and an Elephant. While trying to run this strategy, I actually got Prophet Rushed twice before I could set this one up, so make sure you only attempt this one when you’re completely ready. The elephant can go into a lock down mode with it’s special ability, and serves as a Barracks to train units from. The point of the strategy is to go straight into the base, lock down the Elephant and start producing units right onto the battlefield. Even on normal, if you just take an Elephant into the Covenant base, it will probably be destroyed pretty quickly. Make sure you’ve upgraded your Marines at the Barracks in your base (not the Elephant) so they have the Rocket ability. Taking in a few Guass Warthogs and Rocket Marines is a plus. Move them over to the enemy base and set up shop outside, but not too close. Have your marines/hogs take out any tanks/squads and then as with the Prophet Rush strategy move onto critical buildings. Remember to make good use of your Mac Blasts and healing powers.
This one takes a bit longer to complete, so if you haven’t won after blowing up their main base, upgrade to a full army using your Elephant and then walk them over to the other base.

Job done! Note that these strats were made up using the Halo Wars demo, on 1v1 on the Chasms map. No doubt when the full game ships and when you can play as the other leaders there will be a ton of strategies out there!