Halo Wars 2 Launches Today For Some

Halo Wars 2 doesn't officially release until February 21. However, people who buy the $80 Ultimate Edition or pick up the $350 1 TB Xbox One S Halo Wars 2 bundle that launches today can start playing the RTS sequel right now. This is the full version of the game, not a limited section.

Halo Wars 2 is available for Xbox One and PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title. This means that buying the game once (digitally) on either platform gets you a copy of the game on the other for no extra cost. Additionally, achievements and saves move between platforms.

In other news, Microsoft has confirmed that Halo Wars 2 will not have a ranked competitive system at launch. Instead, this system, which Microsoft says is similar to that of Halo 5, will come "shortly after launch." Additionally, the company said it is exploring the possibility of DLC maps.

The physical PC edition of Halo Wars 2 has been canceled for the United States, though it will still be available in Europe.

GameSpot's Halo Wars 2 review scored the game a 6/10.

"Halo Wars 2 carries forth enough of the series' beloved elements to make any fan of Halo feel right at home at first, but not in the long run," reviewer Kallie Plagge said. "It's palatable for those used to the FPS games, taking inspiration from favorite missions and putting a strategic spin on them; but just when things become more challenging and actually interesting, it runs out of steam."