In the Xbox E3 2016 Briefing, we pulled the curtain back on Halo Wars 2, coming to Windows 10 and Xbox One on February 21, 2017. However, you don’t have to wait until then to get your first hands-on with the next exciting real-time strategy Halo experience, as we also announced an eight-day online open Multiplayer Beta on Xbox One, available immediately.

The Halo Wars 2 Multiplayer Beta runs from June 13-20, with the first four days letting players experience 2v2 Domination action on the map Ricochet, and the final four days transitioning to 2v2 Deathmatch on Veteran.

6/13-16 – Domination: Domination offers the classic RTS gameplay of the original Halo Wars, now with all the new units, leaders, special abilities, and depth of Halo Wars 2. Build your base, build your army, and battle for control of the map and supremacy of the Ark.

6/17-20 – Deathmatch: Deathmatch will task players with building their base and army, but instead of fighting for map control they’ll fight until only one player remains standing. Outthink, outflank, and outlast your opponents.

Of course, on top of the already-fierce rivalries that will no doubt develop naturally across the massive battlefields of Halo Wars 2, we thought it might not hurt to add an extra layer of intrigue to help fan the flames of friendly competition, which is why we’ll be maintaining a daily leaderboard to keep track of who the most dedicated and talented players are in the world.

Why would we do that, you ask? Because we’ve got some delightful digital baubles to bestow upon those who prove that they are indeed “ready for the sequel…”

AVATAR HW2 BETA SHIRT (BLACK)

Right off the bat, everyone who plays the Halo Wars 2 Multiplayer Beta – win or lose – will come away with a classy black celebratory Beta t-shirt for your Xbox Live Avatar. It’s virtually the most comfortable thing your Avatar will ever wear.

AVATAR HW2 BETA CHAMP SHIRT

Now at the end of the Halo Wars 2 Multiplayer Beta’s run, the grizzled gamer with the most wins in the world will receive a one-of-a-kind Beta Champion t-shirt for your Xbox Live Avatar. Made up of only the finest Egyptian cotton pixels, this item will be given out only once – and only to the king of the leaderboard hill. Yes, we know it’s a digital item, stop asking so many questions!

JACKRABBIT

“But wait!” you ask. “What if I’m really good, but still can’t quite crack the top of the charts?” You are in luck! At the end of the Beta, the top 10% of all UNSC-loyal players will receive an awesome UNSC Jackrabbit prop for your Xbox Live Avatar – the perfect joyride to pass your Avatar’s time while waiting for the retail release of Halo Wars 2.

CHOPPER

“But wait again!” you ask. “What if I’m also better than 90% of the world, but I hate humans and the vehicles they drive?” Well fortunately, we’ve thought of that too. For the top 10% of all players loyal to the iron fist of Atriox, they will receive a Banished Brute Chopper prop for your Xbox Live Avatar – guaranteed to make you king of the Avatar road.

And in case you were wondering, both the UNSC Jackrabbit prop and the Banished Brute Chopper prop will be available for purchase separately for $3.99 USD (each).

So now, the ball – and the battle – is in your court. Will you have what it takes to stay atop this leaderboard when the Beta’s end beckons? Let’s find out...

FINAL UPDATE - JUN 23