Microsoft has confirmed it has delayed the release of Halo Wars 2 from fall 2016 to February 21, 2017. It has also announced an Ultimate Edition of the sci-fi RTS game for the Xbox One and Windows 10 platforms.
In a post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft stated:
As many of you may remember from Gamescom 2015, we originally announced fall 2016 as our targeted launch window. Development on Halo Wars 2 remains on track to be finished this year, but we made the decision to move the game to next spring, in order to give it room to breathe. We want fans to have a clear window to enjoy a game that we feel incredibly excited about! Also, with all the great games coming to Xbox One and Windows 10 this fall, gamers will have plenty to keep them busy, and they will have Halo Wars 2 to look forward to in early 2017.
Xbox One players can check out an open beta for Halo Wars 2 right now which lasts until June 20. Windows 10 gamers will be able to access their own public beta for the game sometime later this year.
In addition to the standard Halo Wars 2, Microsoft will release an Ultimate Edition of the game for $79.99. It will include access to the game's Season Pass:
The Halo Wars Season Pass delivers regular updates that span more than six months and includes new Leaders with abilities that change the course of multiplayer battles, new Units that add to your multiplayer arsenal, a new campaign expansion with exclusive missions, and even more content to be announced soon.
The Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition will also include a download for Halo Wars: Definitive Edition:
Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the original Halo Wars that runs natively on Xbox One and Windows 10. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition includes improved graphics and all of the DLC created for the classic real-time strategy game.
