How to Win a Multiplayer Match in Halo Wars

While the campaign mode is fun, the multiplayer mode is a whole new battle. If you're playing the UNSC, your Leader won't actually be on the battlefield. You'll get to use their abilities, but they won't be fighting for you. There are a variety of maps to choose from, as well as some interesting surprises waiting for you on the surface. Are you up to the challenge?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Explore carefully. Unlike many Real-Time Strategy games, Halo Wars maps often have third-party forces on them. Rebel and Flood troops await the unwary player who wanders without an escort. If you plan to explore the map, do so with at least four or five troopers, lest you run into trouble. If you have the troop strength to clear these rabble out, do so. They always guard something valuable. Taking the time to clear them out is almost always worth it (unless your base is under attack.)

2. Upgrade quickly. As in the single-player campaign, upgraded units are far superior to basic ones. But having a small number of upgraded troops is no guarantee of winning against a larger force of basic troops. Build up a good number of troops before you invest too heavily in upgrades. Don't forget building upgrades! A boosted Reactor works twice as hard as a regular one for a small investment of Supplies.

3. Build Supply Pads first. Since it is the only finite resource, Supplies are essential to getting things done in Halo Wars. Build at least two Supply Pads right off the bat. Supply Pads are also the first buildings you should be upgrading.

4. Always build turrets on your base. If your troops are away fighting, turrets are your only defense until you can train more units or bring your army back. Make sure you never leave your base undefended, especially if it's your only one!

5. Build tanks. Tanks are the kings of the battlefield. A large force of tanks will roll just about anything else. But don't think that a battlegroup of a dozen Scorpions is a guaranteed victory. Halo Wars operates on a system where each unit is strong against another type while being weak against another. Aircraft eat tanks for breakfast and infantry chew aircraft up. Make sure your armored column has an escort.

6. Use the terrain. Supply caches, sniper posts and barricades can mean the difference between victory and defeat. If you see them, use them. Grab any supply crates you see before your opponents can!

7. Move as a group. Individual units are easy to pick off, but a large group of units is much harder to destroy. Keep your troops grouped up for maximum effectiveness.