Halo Wars 2 Complete Patch Notes History

This page archives every major Halo Wars 2 update note from February 22, 2017 through August 13, 2020 (Season 15). Content is organized from official Waypoint patch threads and structured for quick lookup—use the Jump to patch menu below to go straight to a specific update date.

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August 13, 2020 — Season 15 Balance Update

Balance update with bug fixes and comprehensive unit adjustments.

Fixes

Fix Alice-130 Phoenix Log now displays correct date in Italian Units: Alice

Balance - Global

Balance Mines building damage reduced by 50%

Balance - UNSC

Balance Vultures Phoenix Missile damage vs anti-air reduced, power cost 75 to 100 Units: Vulture
Balance Marine Grenade velocity increased to 70 Units: Marines
Balance Scorpion damage +5% to machine guns and cannons Units: Scorpion

Balance - Banished

Balance Base Shield amount reduced by 10%
Balance Suicide Grunts stun on buildings reduced by 50% Units: Suicide Grunts
Balance Ghosts acceleration and turn speed increased +10% for ram effectiveness Units: Ghost
Balance Choppers ram damage reduced by 10% Units: Chopper
Balance Wraith Plasma and Scorch Mortar damage reduced -20% against Anti-Vehicle units Units: Wraith

Balance - Leaders

Balance Jerome hero unit speed reduced by 25% (to compensate Time For Heroes buff) Units: Jerome
Balance Forge Forgehog health and shield upgrades reduced by 20% for tiers 2 and 3 Units: Forge, Forgehog
Balance Serina Frostravens cost reduced to 200/80, ability cooldown 45s to 30s Units: Serina, Frostraven
Balance Isabel: Lotus Mines switched with Heavy Metal on leader power radial, MAC Blast damage +10% Units: Isabel
Balance Cutter: Jerome impact ring now does 105% weapon damage Units: Cutter, Jerome
Balance Kinsano: Hellcharge upgrades improved - radius, duration, speed, damage all increased per tier Units: Kinsano
Balance Johnson: Bunker Drop cooldown reduced by 30s, Digging In now reduces cooldown by 20s per tier Units: Johnson
Balance Anders: Protector Sentinels cost reduced to 200/15, Douglas Rocket Launcher damage -10% Units: Anders, Douglas
Balance Voridus: All Infusion Pool durations reduced by 15%, various Grenadier nerfs Units: Voridus, Brute Grenadier
Balance Pavium: Hero Paint Target slow increased 20%/40% to 40%/60%, Wraith Invaders swapped with Ultra Mines Units: Pavium
Balance YapYap: Shade Turret Drop no longer stuns enemy units when dropped Units: YapYap
Balance Colony: Hunter Captain base health reduced by 5% Units: Colony, Hunter Captain

December 16, 2019 — Season 14 Balance Update

Comprehensive balance update focusing on tanks, turrets, and leader adjustments.

Balance - UNSC

Balance Anti-Infantry and Anti-Air Turrets damage reduced by 7%
Balance Vultures base damage +15%, speed increased 9 to 11, Phoenix Missile damage +10% Units: Vulture
Balance Scorpion base damage +10%, Canister Shell accuracy improved, damage +10% Units: Scorpion

Balance - Banished

Balance Shield Turrets recharge time increased 30s to 50s, wait time 5s to 10s
Balance Wraith Plasma Mortar damage +15%, Scorch Mortar damage +10% Units: Wraith

Balance - Leaders

Balance Cutter: Jerome Spartan Laser has splash radius added, Close Air Support Pelican health +8% Units: Cutter, Jerome
Balance Forge: Scatter Bomb telegraphing reduced 1.5s to 1s, Forgehog shield upgrade -10% Units: Forge, Forgehog
Balance Forge: Vehicle Drop cooldown increased 140s to 160s, Grizzly build time reduced 48s to 43s Units: Forge, Grizzly
Balance Anders: Sentinel Beacon sentinels damage reduced -10%, Research and Development reduced to 15%/30% Units: Anders
Balance Serina: Cryotech Advances Chill Rate reduced by 50% for Kodiak shots Units: Serina, Kodiak
Balance Pavium: Hero Paint Target slow fixed and increased to 20%/40%, Mega Turret escalation +50 Units: Pavium
Balance Voridus: Brute Grenadier base weapon damage +15%, Siphon ability improved Units: Voridus, Brute Grenadier
Balance Voridus: Corrupted Wraith Scorch Mortar damage +15% Units: Voridus, Wraith
Balance Decimus: Boundless Siphon healing reduced by 20% Units: Decimus
Balance YapYap: Surprise Party cooldown 90s to 112s, Shade Drop 180s to 225s, Grunts From Above 165s to 210s Units: YapYap
Balance YapYap: Methane Party drop and buff area increased Units: YapYap

May 30, 2019 — Season 13 Update

Season 13 rollout, no balance update included.

Features

Feature Season 13 begins for matchmaking
note Team focused on Halo: Reach into MCC and MCC on PC

April 18, 2019 — April 2019 Balance Update

Balance update with Jump Pack Brutes nerf and leader adjustments.

Balance - Banished

Balance Jump Pack Brutes build time increased 15s to 17s, speed reduced 12 to 11 Units: Jump Pack Brutes
Balance Cleansing Beam Tier 3 speed normalized, telegraphing increased by 1 second

Balance - Leaders

Fix Kinsano: Fixed Hellcharge not affecting units correctly in targeting radius Units: Kinsano
Balance Pavium: Burnout Tier 3 duration reduced 50s to 45s, radius reduced 24 to 17 Units: Pavium
Balance Arbiter: Conduit of Rage Tier 1 & 2 buffed - speed, damage, and AOE increased Units: Arbiter
Balance Arbiter: Plasma Bolt damage increased at all tiers (3000 to 3300/3600/3900) Units: Arbiter
Balance Colony: Goliath overall health reduced by 15% Units: Colony, Goliath
Balance Serina: Cryo Troopers base DPS increased +10%, Chill Rate vs Infantry +5% Units: Serina, Cryo Trooper
Balance Isabel: The Best Offense - Nightingale and Scorpion Health/Shield buffs increased +10% Units: Isabel, Nightingale, Scorpion

January 29, 2019 — Content Update 17

Major build update rolling in all prior balance patches, bug fixes, and optimization.

Fixes

Fix Fixed hardlocks encountered while downloading a balance patch update
Fix Fixed hardlocks at the main menu while booting the title
Improvement Removing duplicate files
Fix Fixing a desync issue that could occur after a balance patch
Feature All balance changes of the past year included into the content update
Feature Addition of 20+ MP tactic files to help balance units
Fix Game start delay at launch of Multiplayer improved for AMD graphics cards (Win10)

December 11, 2018 — Season 12 Update

Season 12 launch with stricter ranked matchmaking rules.

Features

Feature New matchmaking rules for Ranked Deathmatch with stricter skill level matching
Feature Season 12 begins

October 29, 2018 — October 2018 Balance Update

Balance update with UNSC and Banished unit adjustments.

Balance - UNSC

Balance Cyclops health buffed by 6% Units: Cyclops
Balance Hornets damage vs Anti-Air units reduced by 7% Units: Hornet
Balance Vultures Anti-Air missile DPS buffed +10%, Main Cannon DPS buffed +12% Units: Vulture

Balance - Banished

Balance Cleansing Beam Tier 3 damage nerfs on center ring by 7%
Balance Blisterback artillery range increased by 13% Units: Blisterback
Balance Banshee damage vs Anti-Air reduced by 7%, vs T2 Vehicles increased by 9% Units: Banshee

Balance - Leaders

Balance Johnson: Siege Turret drops now use correct weapon type, Mantis health +6%, Shield +8% Units: Johnson, Mantis
Fix Colony: Fixed Teleport being locked in Strongholds Units: Colony
Balance Decimus: Boundless Siphon effectiveness on Grunts reduced by 10% Units: Decimus, Grunt
Balance Shipmaster: Spirit Support cost increased to 800/500 Units: Shipmaster
Balance Anders: Sentinel Network moved to Tier 5, Sentinel Synergy to Tier 4 Units: Anders
Balance Anders: Retriever Sentinel shield reduced by 15%, speed reduced Units: Anders, Retriever Sentinel
Balance Anders: Protector Sentinel health from Sentinel Synergy buffed by 6% Units: Anders, Protector Sentinel
Balance Jerome: Inspire Aura effectiveness reduced by 4% Units: Jerome

September 7, 2018 — September 2018 Balance Update

Balance update focusing on artillery, tanks, and leader-specific changes.

Balance - Global

Balance Cost escalation added to UNSC Siege Turrets Units: Siege Turret
Balance Artillery damage reduced against vehicles by 10%

Balance - UNSC

Balance Scorpion cannon damage increased by 14% Units: Scorpion
Balance Hornet damage vs Anti-Air reduced by 7%, health reduced by 5% Units: Hornet
Balance Cyclops health increased by 5% Units: Cyclops

Balance - Banished

Balance Wraith base damage increased by 20%, shield increased by 5% Units: Wraith
Balance Banshee cost reduced from 275/0 to 250/0 Units: Banshee

Balance - Leaders

Fix Cutter: Cyclops Drop and ODST Assault Group can now be moved before animation completes Units: Cutter, Cyclops, ODST
Balance Serina: Chill amount reduced on Siege Turrets and Kodiaks by 30% Units: Serina, Kodiak
Fix Voridus: Fixed Blisterbacks not benefiting from Infusion Tech Units: Voridus, Blisterback
Balance Shipmaster: Spirit Support Elite Rangers veterancy reduced from 3 to 2 Units: Shipmaster, Elite Ranger
Balance Atriox: Counter Measure Mine daze reduced 10s to 4s, damage vs scouts reduced -30% Units: Atriox, Jump Pack Brutes

Fixes

Fix Resource crate positions adjusted on Highway, Rift, and Bedrock

July 12, 2018 — July 2018 Balance Update

Balance update with Blitz card cost changes across all leaders.

Blitz Balance

Balance Numerous Blitz card cost adjustments for all leaders to improve non-infantry and hero viability
Balance Cutter: Various unit costs reduced including ODST, Scorpion, Spartan Alice Units: Cutter
Balance Anders: Protector Sentinels do 5% more damage, various costs reduced Units: Anders
Balance Atriox: Various unit costs reduced Units: Atriox
Balance Decimus: Boundless Fury and Terror Chopper costs reduced Units: Decimus
Balance Shipmaster: Various costs adjusted Units: Shipmaster
Balance Forge: Various costs reduced Units: Forge
Balance Kinsano: Flamehog, Vet Flamehog, Inferno costs reduced Units: Kinsano
Balance Colony: Goliath, Hunter Captain, Engineer Swarm costs reduced Units: Colony
Balance Johnson: Various mech unit costs reduced Units: Johnson
Balance Arbiter: Various costs reduced, Rush keyword changed to Reflect Units: Arbiter
Balance Jerome: Sniper and Commander Jerome costs reduced Units: Jerome
Balance Serina: Various costs reduced Units: Serina
Balance YapYap: Grunt Riders cost reduced Units: YapYap
Balance Voridus: Various costs reduced Units: Voridus
Balance Pavium: Various costs adjusted, Rain of Fire increased Units: Pavium

May 14, 2018 — May 2018 Mid-Season Balance Update

Balance update focusing on tanks, UNSC early game, and Reaver adjustments.

Balance - Tanks

Balance Wraith building damage increased +5%, shield increased +10% Units: Wraith
Balance Scorpion building damage increased +5%, cost reduced 600/90 to 550/90 Units: Scorpion
Balance Grizzly building damage increased +5%, cost reduced 900/140 to 850/140 Units: Grizzly

Balance - Units

Balance Cyclops HP increased +10% Units: Cyclops
Balance Jackrabbit base DPS increased +5%, attack improvements Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Reaver new weapon type - damage vs Medium, MediumHero, MediumAA reduced to 0.8 Units: Reaver
Balance Reaver damage vs HeavyInfantry reduced to 0.7 from 1.6 Units: Reaver

Balance - Leader Powers

Balance Cleansing Beam cooldown increased by 30s

April 11, 2018 — Cleansing Beam Hotfix

Hotfix reducing Cleansing Beam building damage.

Balance

Balance Cleansing Beam building damage reduced - Tier 1: 0.4, Tier 2: 0.5, Tier 3: 0.55

March 26, 2018 — April 2018 Balance Update (Preview)

Major balance update with crossplay playlists and comprehensive unit changes.

Features

Feature 9 of 11 playlists will be crossplay for Season 10

Balance - Global

Balance Core air vs Tanks and Colossus damage modifier reduced from 140% to 130%
Balance Core Air vs AA damage reduction of 5%
Balance Detect ranges increased to match unit line of sight for all detect units Units: Engineer, Elite Ranger, Chopper, Ghost, Reaver, Nightingale, Sniper, Jackrabbit, Wolverine
Balance Jackrabbit damage vs lightarmored +10.5%, vs lightrush +15% Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Skitterers, Ghosts, Choppers vs lightarmored +6%, vs lightrush +10% Units: Skitterer, Ghost, Chopper
Balance Snipers and Rangers vs Heroes increased +7.5% Units: Sniper, Elite Ranger
Balance WarthogRam modifier vs Medium armor reduced -28% Units: Warthog, Chopper, Ghost, Scarab
Balance Mines can no longer be dropped on stationary units

Balance - UNSC

Balance Marines vs air increase +15%, Combat tech rocket damage -8% Units: Marines
Balance Hellbringers vs buildings damage increased +5% Units: Hellbringer
Balance Wolverines power cost reduced to 150/180, grenade DPS increased +30% Units: Wolverine
Balance Scorpion base DPS increased +12% Units: Scorpion
Balance Spartan Slam stun reduced 5s to 4s, DPS reduced -5% Units: Spartan, Douglas, Alice, Jerome
Balance UNSC Anti-Infantry turrets damage reduced -5.5%, Anti-vehicle turrets +10%
Balance Vulture AA Missiles damage +10%, Air to ground guns +5% Units: Vulture

Balance - Banished

Balance Banished turrets DPS buffed +10% across the board
Balance Banshee Fuel Rod vs buildings decreased -9%, vs AA reduced -17% Units: Banshee
Balance Blisterback Air Mode plasma cannon damage increase +5% Units: Blisterback
Balance Cleansing Beam cost reduction, speed increase, damage rings added
Balance Elite Rangers base DPS increased +5% Units: Elite Ranger
Balance All grunts vs air damage increase +15%, various DPS increases per type Units: Grunt
Balance Jump Pack Brutes now slow on impact instead of stun Units: Jump Pack Brutes
Balance Reavers power cost reduced to 175/215, gunner DPS increased +31% Units: Reaver
Balance Wraiths health +5%, shield +5%, main cannon +12% Units: Wraith

Balance - Leaders

Balance Arbiter Conduit of Rage healing reduced at all tiers Units: Arbiter
Balance Atriox Fortifications cost reductions, Bulwark cooldown and heal improved Units: Atriox
Balance Anders Ark Defense Sentinels buffed +10%/+10%/+15% per tier Units: Anders
Balance Cutter Jerome Spartan Laser upgrade damage increased Units: Cutter, Jerome
Balance Decimus Boundless Siphon heal reduced, Siphon cost increased and effectiveness reduced Units: Decimus
Balance Forge Grizzly Battalion cost reduced to 2750/450 Units: Forge
Balance Isabel MAC Blast cost increased, damage ring changes, base DPS decreased Units: Isabel
Balance Johnson Colossus speed +10%, Mantis upgrade cost reduced, hero beacon HP buffed +343% Units: Johnson, Colossus, Mantis
Balance Serina Frostraven ability cooldown reduced 90s to 60s Units: Serina, Frostraven
Balance Pavium Lich damage +40%, duration -25%; Pavium's Stand reduced 20s to 10s Units: Pavium, Lich
Balance Shipmaster Scout mine line of sight increased, Advanced cloaking improved Units: Shipmaster
Balance Jerome Omega Team cost reduced to 1800/1800, Mastodon speed +8% Units: Jerome, Mastodon
Balance Voridus Combat spoils effectiveness reduced, hero health +5% Units: Voridus
Balance Kinsano Incendiary grenade vs core vehicles -20%, Hell drop cooldown 90s to 110s Units: Kinsano, Flamehog
Balance YapYap ability cooldowns increased across the board Units: YapYap

February 2, 2018 — February 2018 Balance Update

Global balance changes focusing on air vs vehicles and tier interactions.

Balance - Global

Balance Core Tier 2 Air damage to scouts increased +9%, to core vehicles +4%, to T3 heavy vehicles +40% Units: Banshee, Hornet
Balance Core T2 Vehicle damage to buildings reduced -5%, to core air reduced -5% Units: Warthog, Marauder
Balance Jackrabbits damage to rush infantry increased +11% Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Ghost, Skitterer, and Chopper damage to rush infantry increased +10% Units: Ghost, Skitterer, Chopper
Balance Anti-Air Vehicles splash damage radius decreased Units: Wolverine, Reaver
Balance Tanks vs other tanks damage reduced -13%, vs Scouts increased +30%, vs Tier 2 vehicles +19% Units: Scorpion, Grizzly, Wraith

Balance - Leaders

Balance Anders Retriever Sentinel cost increased to 2000/2000, pop cost to 30, shield reduced -20% Units: Anders, Retriever Sentinel
Balance Cutter Close Air Support health increased +20% Units: Cutter
Balance Jerome Enduring Salvo damage increased +5% Units: Jerome
Balance Serina Frostraven health increased +10%, Chill Rate on Power Nodes decreased -30% Units: Serina, Frostraven
Balance Johnson fixed turret damage issue, hero unit gains Veterancy +10% faster Units: Johnson
Balance Kinsano fixed Grenade Launcher upgrade bug, Flamehog DPS increased +5% Units: Kinsano, Flamehog
Balance Forge Forgehog health reduced -10%, Defensive Aura damage mitigation reduced -40% Units: Forge, Forgehog

January 16, 2018 — January 2018 Patch

Gameplay fixes and balance changes focusing on Voridus and Pavium.

Fixes

Fix Fixed a Leader Power exploit that resulted in earning Leader Points at a faster rate
Fix Fixed an issue which allowed players to control opposing team units
Fix Returned Colony's Living Barrier leader power cost back to 0/0 (exploit fixed) Units: Colony

Balance - Voridus

Balance Infusion damage per second reduced by 8% Units: Voridus
Balance All Infusion Duration reduced by -11% (various exceptions) Units: Voridus
Balance Infusion Tech I/II Damage Scaling reduced Units: Voridus
Balance Corrupted Warlord & Mortar Warlord Infusion Trail Duration reduced -30s Units: Voridus, Warlord
Balance Maelstrom cooldown increased +30s, effect duration reduced -17% Units: Voridus
Balance Cataclysm cooldown increased +35s Units: Voridus
Balance Brute Grenadier Grenade DPS increased, Infusion siphoning benefits increased Units: Brute Grenadier, Voridus

Balance - Pavium

Balance Ultra Mine I & II arming delay increased, costs increased, cooldown increased Units: Pavium
Balance Pavium's Stand cost increased to 425/425, duration reduced -20% Units: Pavium
Balance Lich Vanguard HP increased +13%, DPS increased +9% Units: Pavium, Lich
Balance Rain of Fire cooldown increased +20s, DPS reduced -5% Units: Pavium
Balance Mortar Warlord Designator and splash damage effectiveness reduced Units: Pavium, Warlord

Balance - Units

Balance Wolverine AOE Damage Radius increased +25%/+20%, HP increased +10% Units: Wolverine
Balance Reaver AOE Damage Radius increased +13%/+14%, HP increased +10% Units: Reaver
Balance Anti-Vehicle damage versus Medium increased +19%
Balance Tier 3 Vehicle damage versus Medium increased +20%, vs MediumAA +40%
Balance Cyclops and Hunter HP increased +5% Units: Cyclops, Hunter
Balance Scorpion Canister Shell DPS increased +14%, AOE Radius increased +20% Units: Scorpion
Balance Grizzly Missile Barrage DPS increased +12% Units: Grizzly
Balance Wraith Scorch Mortar DPS increased +21% Units: Wraith

December 7, 2017 — Colony Exploit Fix

Temporary change to address Colony Living Barrier exploit.

Balance

Balance Living Barrier cost temporarily increased to 1000/1000 to mitigate exploit Units: Colony

November 17, 2017 — November Balance Update

Balance update with various unit and leader adjustments.

Balance

Balance Ram (Scouts) damage vs Light Armored increased +7%
Balance Vulture Phoenix Missile DPS increased +20% Units: Vulture
Balance Cannon Fodder Supply & Power gather rate increased by +100% Units: Cannon Fodder, YapYap
Balance Decimus Boundless Siphon Hit Point Bonus reduced -14% Units: Decimus
Balance Marauder HP reduced -13%, DPS increased +9%/+5% Units: Marauder
Balance Siege Turrets cost increased to 800/50 Units: Siege Turret
Balance Warthog Gauss Cannon damage vs Buildings increased +28% Units: Warthog
Balance Armory and War Council Power cost increased from 100 to 50
Balance Colossus LOS increased +15%, Autocannon and Railgun range increased +10% Units: Colossus
Balance Isabel Holographic Decoy count and lifespan increased Units: Isabel
Balance Scorpion, Grizzly, Colossus Heal Rate increased Units: Scorpion, Grizzly, Colossus
Balance Scorpion Canister Shot DPS increased +10%, Wraith Scorch Mortar DPS increased +11% Units: Scorpion, Wraith
Balance Mantis Supply cost reduced 350 to 325 Units: Mantis
Balance Shroud Point Defense Recharge Rate increased +25% Units: Shroud
Balance Pavium Rain Of Fire DPS reduced -5%/-5%/-4% Units: Pavium
Balance Isabel MAC Blast DPS increased +15%, AOE Radius increased Units: Isabel
Balance Spartans (Alice, Douglas, Jerome) XP thresholds reduced, damage and accuracy increased Units: Spartan, Alice, Douglas, Jerome

September 26, 2017 — September Patch - New Maps & Spectator Mode

Major update with two new multiplayer maps, spectator mode, and control improvements.

Features

Feature Two new multiplayer maps: Mirage (2v2) and Fissure (3v3)
Feature Spectator mode released for custom matches
Feature Attack move, Queued Movement, Hold Position, and Building Command Groups added

Balance

Fix Scarab Y ability (Shield) reinstated with fixes for invincibility issue Units: Scarab
Balance Archer Missiles costs reduced at all levels
Balance Glassing Beam cost reduced, DPS and speed improved at all tiers
Balance Wraith Scorch duration 15s to 10s, DPS increased +50% Units: Wraith
Balance All mines are now tougher, have small spotting range, deal damage when not armed
Balance Mines damage to Heavy (Tier 3 Tanks) increased +40%, to Heroes increased +50%
Balance Jerome's Victory Mine HP increased, now slows targets Units: Jerome
Balance Lotus Mines and Plasma Mines now slow targets

September 15, 2017 — September Balance Update

Balance update focusing on UNSC infantry and Tier 1 viability adjustments.

Balance

Balance Core Infantry damage vs Buildings increased +17%, Scouts vs Buildings reduced -17%
Balance Heavy Grunt Party's Over cooldown 50s to 30s Units: Heavy Grunt, YapYap
Balance New armor type for Jump Pack Brutes and Elite Enforcers with altered damage modifiers Units: Jump Pack Brutes, Elite Enforcers
Balance Heat of Battle damage mitigation 90% to 60%
Balance Jackrabbit damage vs rush units and Anti-Infantry units increased +75% Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Suicide Grunts speed increased +29%, cost 100/20 to 80/40 Units: Suicide Grunts
Balance Grunt Mines damage vs core Infantry increased +30% Units: Grunt
Balance Marines partially reverted - HP reduced -16%, DPS reduced -19% Units: Marines
Balance ODST partially reverted - HP reduced -20%, DPS reduced -15% Units: ODST
Balance Raid speed bonus 12%/20% to 10%/17%
Balance Jerome's Mantis speed increased +10% Units: Jerome, Mantis
Balance Elite Enforcers cost 130/75 to 110/60 Units: Elite Enforcers
Balance Jump Pack Brute Countermeasures mine damage reduced -13% Units: Jump Pack Brutes

September 7, 2017 — September Mid-Season Balance Update

Comprehensive balance update with major themes including YapYap balancing, Isabel buff, and tier 1 balance improvements.

Balance - Global

Balance Cyclops and Hunter damage vs Light reduced -43%, vs Buildings reduced -56% Units: Cyclops, Hunter
Balance Banshee, Hornet and Protector Sentinel damage vs Medium increased +7%, vs Heavy Infantry +33% Units: Banshee, Hornet, Protector Sentinel
Balance Armory/War Council Power Cost 0 to 100
Balance All Heroes (except Goblins) build time increased to 45s
Balance Most leader powers now do 85% damage to Light and Light Armored infantry
Balance Marine Grenades/Grunt Mines damage to Medium Hero increased +38% Units: Marines, Grunt
Balance Ram damage to Medium Hero increased +16%, reflect damage vs Scouts reduced -25%
Balance Scout damage vs Buildings reduced -25%
Balance All Tier 2 vehicle HP and DPS increased +10%
Balance Tier 3 Tanks damage vs Heavy Infantry reduced -18%, vs In Cover reduced -25% Units: Scorpion, Grizzly, Wraith, Colossus

Balance - UNSC

Balance Jackrabbit DPS increase after Spotter Drone reduced -43%, self-healing rate reduced -33% Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Sniper build time 25s to 20s, Population 4 to 3, Cost 75/150 to 75/135 Units: Sniper
Balance Wolverine build time 15s to 20s, Cost 150/170 to 150/190 Units: Wolverine
Balance Warthog DPS and HP increased +10%, build time 24s to 20s, Gauss upgrade fixed Units: Warthog
Balance Cyclops DPS increased +15%/+12% Units: Cyclops
Balance Hornet cost 375 to 325, build time 20s to 22s Units: Hornet
Balance Vulture Phoenix Missile damage vs Buildings reduced -30% Units: Vulture
Balance Siege Turret damage increased +22% Units: Siege Turret
Balance Kodiak range increased +33%, damage increased +8% Units: Kodiak

Balance - Banished

Balance Locust damage reduced -13%, cost increased to 350/230 Units: Locust
Balance Wraith cost increased to 575/100, HP increased +10% Units: Wraith
Balance Marauder cost reduced to 350/60, DPS increased +10% Units: Marauder
Balance Reaver DPS increased +10%, HP increased +10% Units: Reaver
Balance Banshee cost reduced to 250/0, DPS increased +10% Units: Banshee
Balance Grunt squad DPS increased +15%, HP increased +10% Units: Grunt
Balance Engineer cost reduced to 100/60, heal rate increased +20% Units: Engineer

Balance - Leaders

Balance Isabel major buff - Ghost in the Machine improvements, MAC Blast DPS increased Units: Isabel
Balance YapYap comprehensive balancing pass Units: YapYap
Balance Forge and Decimus tuning Units: Forge, Decimus
Balance Buffs to Arbiter, Johnson, Cutter, Colony, Kinsano, Anders Units: Arbiter, Johnson, Cutter, Colony, Kinsano, Anders

August 18, 2017 — YapYap Balance Update

Balance update focusing on YapYap, Forge, and Scout Units.

Balance

Balance YapYap Hustle cooldown increased from 45s to 85s Units: YapYap
Balance YapYap Cannon Fodder build time increased from 12s to 13s Units: YapYap, Cannon Fodder
Balance YapYap Powers: Guilt trip switched with Grunts from Above Units: YapYap
Balance Grunt Rider cost reduced from 150/70 to 110/60, ram DPS increased by 30% Units: Grunt Rider, YapYap
Balance Heavy Grunt Party's Over ability range increased by 36%/18%, projectile velocity increased by 40% Units: Heavy Grunt, YapYap
Balance Forge Anvil Round cooldown increased from 45s to 70s Units: Forge
Balance Chopper DPS increased by 10%/8% Units: Chopper
Balance Jackrabbit DPS decreased by 6%, pop 2 to 3, build time 24s to 26s Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Ghost build time 25 to 26 seconds Units: Ghost
Balance Ram reflect damage vs Scouts decreased by 20%

August 9, 2017 — August Update

Update with spectator mode, control improvements, and balance changes.

Features

Feature Introducing Spectator mode for custom matches with customized HUD, game info and controls
Feature Attack move command added - engage enemies encountered on the way to a point
Feature Queued Movement Command - issue multiple queued orders to units
Feature Hold Position Command added
Feature Building Command Groups - add buildings to command groups

Balance

Fix Nightingales no longer continually heal units after they are at 100% HP Units: Nightingale
Fix Omega Team Spartans now refund energy after death in Blitz Units: Spartan, Omega Team
Fix Enduring Locust can now regenerate full shield health over time Units: Locust
Fix Serina's Leader Powers can no longer be seen through Fog of War Units: Serina
Fix Serina's Ice Barrier Leader Power can no longer freeze all base production Units: Serina

May 22, 2017 — May Update

Update with HDR lighting support and various fixes.

Features

Feature Support for HDR lighting is now enabled for players with compatible hardware

Stability

Fix Players should no longer load into the game without the ability to issue commands
Fix Fixed a crash that rarely occurred after signing in on the Main Menu
Fix Fixed a crash when playing against AI in Firefight or Skirmish mode
Fix Fixed a desync that could occur in ranked 2v2 games

Gameplay

Feature Added allied view indicator to the mini-map
Feature Added 2 new themes to Proving Ground Blitz map
Fix Removed an exploit with Combat Salvage
Fix Spartans no longer strip upgrades from vehicles they hijack Units: Spartan
Fix Spartans no longer increase the level of units they hijack Units: Spartan
Fix Units teleported off the map are now teleported back to your base

May 5, 2017 — Mid-Season Balance Update

Balance update addressing player feedback and game data analysis.

Balance

Balance Shipmaster Spirit Support - Now drops veterancy level 2 Hunter (Previously level 3) Units: Shipmaster, Hunter
Balance Kinsano Cyclops Flamewall ability cooldown increased from 45 to 60 seconds Units: Kinsano, Cyclops
Balance Kinsano Cyclops Flamewall damage versus buildings reduced by 70% Units: Kinsano, Cyclops
Balance Flamehog Flame Mortar damage over time reduced by 35%, damage vs buildings by 40% Units: Flamehog
Balance Flamehog Flame Mortar range decreased by 14% Units: Flamehog
Balance Inferno reduced damage versus buildings by 20%, duration from 25 to 20 seconds Units: Kinsano
Balance Hunter Captain move speed increased by 19% Units: Hunter Captain, Colony
Fix Sitterer now receives upgrade benefits from Global Vehicle Upgrades (bug fix) Units: Sitterer, Colony
Balance Banished leaders now start with 3 Grunt squads instead of 2 Units: Grunt
Balance Grunt squad resource gather speeds increased by 32% Units: Grunt
Balance Engineers HP reduced by 20% Units: Engineer
Balance Hunters basic speed increased by 15%, fuel rod projectile velocity increased Units: Hunter
Balance Brute Chopper move speed increased 11%, Explosive rounds upgrade now also increases damage by 15% Units: Chopper, Brute Chopper
Balance Locust line of sight reduced by 12%, cost increased from 250/175 to 300/200 Units: Locust
Balance Wraith Scorch projectile initial damage reduced by 50% Units: Wraith
Balance Jackrabbit basic DPS increased by 15%, drone delay before healing reduced from 10 to 7 seconds Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Scorpion HP increased by 10%, Cannon DPS increased by 10% Units: Scorpion
Fix Scorpion Canister Shell now fires almost instantly (bug fix) Units: Scorpion

April 27, 2017 — Colony Update

Update alongside the release of Colony DLC Leader with various fixes and improvements.

Stability

Fix Made various stability improvements
Fix Fixed some secondary objectives not triggering after loading from a save
Fix Fixed a performance issue on Banished buildings caused by audio looping
Fix Fixed an issue causing desync for some players

Leader Powers

Fix Archer Missiles now interact with Fog of War appropriately
Fix Fixed an issue with Isabel's Ghost in the Machine and pop cap of temporarily stolen units Units: Isabel
Fix Fixed an issue where Isabel's The Best Offense passive would render Scorpions unresponsive Units: Isabel, Scorpion

Gameplay

Fix Grunts no longer shoot each other in the back, reducing their damage output Units: Grunt
Improvement Marines grenade throw is more responsive Units: Marines
Fix Deployed Blisterbacks are now attackable by all units, not just anti-air Units: Blisterback
Fix Hunter upgrade no longer renders Hunters unresponsive Units: Hunter
Fix Global unit upgrades now apply to the Scorpion Units: Scorpion
Fix Aligned Kinsano's flame VFX for Flamewall power with damage area Units: Kinsano

AI

Fix Shipmaster AI can no longer teleport units into the void Units: Shipmaster
Improvement Changed the way AI uses and reacts to Nightingale smoke ability Units: Nightingale
Improvement AI players are now more aware of cloaked bases
Fix An AI will no longer kill its own units by disabling a Lightbridge while they're on it

March 20, 2017 — March Update + Kinsano

Update with fixes, balance changes, and preparation for new leader Kinsano.

Stability

Fix Fixed a crash that occurred in Skirmish against AI opponents
Fix Fixed a crash that can occur in a LASO play through
Fix Fixed a hardlock that could occur when loading into Lights Out
Fix Fixed a desync that could be hit in Firefight
Fix Fixed a crash that could occur when transporting newly deployed units
Fix Fixed an issue with a Wolverine being destroyed by a Lightbridge toggling off while it was on it Units: Wolverine

Gameplay

Fix Fixed an issue where players were sometimes able to quickly assign one Leader Power point to two different Leader Powers
Improvement AI now garrisons more often in Legendary when low on health
Fix Nightingale Smoke bombs now stop Turrets shooting outside of the smoke Units: Nightingale
Fix Fixed an issue with Hornets sometimes not responding to Banished unit attacks Units: Hornet
Feature Added three new achievements unique to the upcoming Kinsano leader DLC

Balance

Balance Shipmaster's Scout mines cannot be dropped on buildings anymore Units: Shipmaster
Balance The Banished Cleansing Beam speed slightly reduced
Balance ODSTs cost increased from 600 to 800, HP slightly decreased Units: ODST
Balance Adjusted the Supply income curve to give less bonus income on first few Supply Pads/Warehouses Units: Supply Pad, Warehouse
Balance Sgt. Forge: Removed the discount on Supply Pads and Reactors in Rolling Economy Units: Forge
Balance Sgt. Forge: Accelerated Assembly and Lotus mines swapped places Units: Forge

March 7, 2017 — Major Patch

Major patch addressing crashes, gameplay issues, and balance changes. 9.9GB download.

Crashes/Performance

Fix Fixed an issue where players could get stuck on the loading screen
Fix Fixed an issue that caused some PC players to see a black screen on startup
Fix Several desync fixes, one of which covered most tracked occurrences
Fix Fixed a variety of PC crashes that were hardware-dependent
Fix Fixed a Network Error on opening Blitz Packs
Fix Fixed some AI issues in Skirmish that could cause performance hits
Improvement Overall multiplayer performance improvements

Gameplay

Fix Fixed issue with Detect on some starting units not working properly
Fix Fixed a bug with garrisoned Snipers not getting additional stats Units: Sniper
Fix Fixed a Cyclops and Reaver pathing bug where they would sometimes stop moving Units: Cyclops, Reaver
Fix Fixed an issue with the Blisterback not recovering from damage in Blitz Units: Blisterback
Fix Fixed behavior of Marines sometimes failing to get new targets after throwing a grenade Units: Marines
Improvement Friendly cloaked units now appear on the minimap
Balance Holo Decoy can no longer be used on Pelicans or Spirits Units: Pelican, Spirit
Fix Glassing beam always creates vision now in Blitz

Balance

Balance Scout Vehicles now take increased damage from Turrets, Leader Powers, Basic infantry weaponry, Marine grenades and Grunt squad Mines Units: Scout, Jackrabbit, Ghost, Chopper
Balance Scout Vehicles deal reduced damage against Non-scout vehicles Units: Scout, Jackrabbit, Ghost, Chopper
Balance Warthogs and Marauders increased damage versus Scout vehicles Units: Warthog, Marauder
Balance Ramming Vehicles now take increased reflect damage
Balance Brute Chopper cost changed from 270/0 to 280/20, build time 23 to 25 seconds Units: Chopper, Brute Chopper
Balance Ghost cost changed from 250/0 to 265/20, build time 23 to 25 seconds Units: Ghost
Balance Jackrabbit cost changed from 210/0 to 220/15, build time 21 to 24 seconds Units: Jackrabbit
Balance Grunt squad mines arming delay reduced from 5.0 to 3.0, damage increased by 13% Units: Grunt
Balance Marine grenade secondary area of effect damage increased from 30% to 50% Units: Marines
Balance Grunt Mob card cost increased from 50 to 60 Units: Grunt
Balance Bloodfuel Grunts card cost increased from 30 to 50 Units: Grunt, Bloodfuel Grunts
Balance Bloodfuel Locust card cost increased from 60 to 80 Units: Locust, Bloodfuel Locust
Balance Increased Watchtowers line of sight from 50 to 90 Units: Watchtower

February 22, 2017 — Day One Update (Windows 10)

Day one update for Windows 10 with initial fixes and improvements.

Campaign

Fix Optional objective 'Complete the mission with under 50% damage' on Mission 1 has been fixed
Fix Mission 11 - Fixed an issue where loading a save would cause a unit to idle and not correctly path
Fix Mission 8 will now fail when the Particle Cannon is destroyed Units: Particle Cannon
Fix Fixed an issue where completing objectives, saving/loading, then completing mission resulted in misreported objectives
Fix Fixed an issue where 'Restart from Checkpoint' and 'Load Game' options do not appear on Mission Failed Screen

Balance

Balance Scarab minimum range has been adjusted to more effectively engage units that are very close to it Units: Scarab
Balance Uber Units can no longer be built by the AI in Skirmish on Easy & Normal difficulty

General

Improvement Blitz card hand input speed has been increased
Fix Fixed an issue where game audio could sometimes be distorted when a lot of units are in play
Feature Join a 2v2 match with your favorite deck for Blitz Quickmatch

Note: The August 13, 2020 Season 15 update was among the last substantial live-service balance patches for Halo Wars 2. This archive does not include changes after that date.