Halo Wars 2 Complete Patch Notes History

Published on May 27, 2026 by Team Respawn· ~30 min read· Updated August 21, 2026

This page archives every major Halo Wars 2 update note from February 22, 2017 through August 13, 2020 (Season 15), including the April Fools 2018 limited-time mode The Yappening. 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. For how leaders stack up after years without balance patches, see our 2026 leader tier list and 1,000-hour review.

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Jump to patch

August 13, 2020 — Season 15 Balance Update

Balance update with bug fixes and comprehensive unit adjustments.

Fixes

FixAlice-130 Phoenix Log now displays correct date in ItalianUnits: Alice

Balance - Global

BalanceMines building damage reduced by 50%

Balance - UNSC

BalanceVultures Phoenix Missile damage vs anti-air reduced, power cost 75 to 100Units: Vulture
BalanceMarine Grenade velocity increased to 70Units: Marines
BalanceScorpion damage +5% to machine guns and cannonsUnits: Scorpion

Balance - Banished

BalanceBase Shield amount reduced by 10%
BalanceSuicide Grunts stun on buildings reduced by 50%Units: Suicide Grunts
BalanceGhosts acceleration and turn speed increased +10% for ram effectivenessUnits: Ghost
BalanceChoppers ram damage reduced by 10%Units: Chopper
BalanceWraith Plasma and Scorch Mortar damage reduced -20% against Anti-Vehicle unitsUnits: Wraith

Balance - Leaders

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

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

Balance - Banished

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

Balance - Leaders

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

May 30, 2019 — Season 13 Update

Season 13 rollout, no balance update included.

Features

FeatureSeason 13 begins for matchmaking
noteTeam 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

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

Balance - Leaders

FixKinsano: Fixed Hellcharge not affecting units correctly in targeting radiusUnits: Kinsano
BalancePavium: Burnout Tier 3 duration reduced 50s to 45s, radius reduced 24 to 17Units: Pavium
BalanceArbiter: Conduit of Rage Tier 1 & 2 buffed - speed, damage, and AOE increasedUnits: Arbiter
BalanceArbiter: Plasma Bolt damage increased at all tiers (3000 to 3300/3600/3900)Units: Arbiter
BalanceColony: Goliath overall health reduced by 15%Units: Colony, Goliath
BalanceSerina: Cryo Troopers base DPS increased +10%, Chill Rate vs Infantry +5%Units: Serina, Cryo Trooper
BalanceIsabel: 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

FixFixed hardlocks encountered while downloading a balance patch update
FixFixed hardlocks at the main menu while booting the title
ImprovementRemoving duplicate files
FixFixing a desync issue that could occur after a balance patch
FeatureAll balance changes of the past year included into the content update
FeatureAddition of 20+ MP tactic files to help balance units
FixGame 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

FeatureNew matchmaking rules for Ranked Deathmatch with stricter skill level matching
FeatureSeason 12 begins

October 29, 2018 — October 2018 Balance Update

Balance update with UNSC and Banished unit adjustments.

Balance - UNSC

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

Balance - Banished

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

Balance - Leaders

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

BalanceCost escalation added to UNSC Siege TurretsUnits: Siege Turret
BalanceArtillery damage reduced against vehicles by 10%

Balance - UNSC

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

Balance - Banished

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

Balance - Leaders

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

Fixes

FixResource 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

BalanceNumerous Blitz card cost adjustments for all leaders to improve non-infantry and hero viability
BalanceCutter: Various unit costs reduced including ODST, Scorpion, Spartan AliceUnits: Cutter
BalanceAnders: Protector Sentinels do 5% more damage, various costs reducedUnits: Anders
BalanceAtriox: Various unit costs reducedUnits: Atriox
BalanceDecimus: Boundless Fury and Terror Chopper costs reducedUnits: Decimus
BalanceShipmaster: Various costs adjustedUnits: Shipmaster
BalanceForge: Various costs reducedUnits: Forge
BalanceKinsano: Flamehog, Vet Flamehog, Inferno costs reducedUnits: Kinsano
BalanceColony: Goliath, Hunter Captain, Engineer Swarm costs reducedUnits: Colony
BalanceJohnson: Various mech unit costs reducedUnits: Johnson
BalanceArbiter: Various costs reduced, Rush keyword changed to ReflectUnits: Arbiter
BalanceJerome: Sniper and Commander Jerome costs reducedUnits: Jerome
BalanceSerina: Various costs reducedUnits: Serina
BalanceYapYap: Grunt Riders cost reducedUnits: YapYap
BalanceVoridus: Various costs reducedUnits: Voridus
BalancePavium: Various costs adjusted, Rain of Fire increasedUnits: Pavium

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

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

Balance - Tanks

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

Balance - Units

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

Balance - Leader Powers

BalanceCleansing Beam cooldown increased by 30s

April 11, 2018 — Cleansing Beam Hotfix

Hotfix reducing Cleansing Beam building damage.

Balance

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

April 1, 2018 — The Yappening (April Fools)

April Fools limited-time game mode with a supply-focused economy, free leader powers, grunt-themed UI, and wild leader changes — Yap (1v1), YapYap (2v2), YapYapYap (3v3).

Overview

FeatureChanged global stats across the board
FeatureChanged individual leader stats
FeatureCompletely changed economy dynamic — supply focused, power from nodes/base only
FeatureAdded/switched new leader powers (Colony teleport, Omega Team riding Mac Blast, and more)Units: Colony, Jerome, Isabel
FeatureBoomerang Company is back, boys!Units: Boomerang Company
ImprovementUpdated character models for some units
FeatureAdded effects to effectively create new units (Frost Hogs)Units: Serina, Warthog
FeatureChanged the final campaign mission to include Grunt GoblinsUnits: Grunt Goblin
FeatureChanged UI and loading screens to a grunt theme
FeaturePlaylists: Yap (1v1), YapYap (2v2), YapYapYap (3v3)Units: YapYap

Balance - Global

BalanceTo obtain power to upgrade your base, you must capture power nodes
BalanceEvery leader has a larger starting army to help fight over power nodes and power crates
BalanceLeader Powers are all free and can be gained faster
BalanceLeader Power cooldowns lowered for every leader (1 minute for active drops, 2 minutes for unit drops, 3 minutes for ultimate leader powers)
BalanceGenerators and Power Extractors now produce supplies
BalanceMain base structures provide a small trickle of power over the course of the game
BalanceHealth for bases, mini-bases, production buildings, and turrets have all gone up
BalanceHealth for expansion bases has increased, but not as much as upgraded bases
BalanceUnits across the board have been altered with new weapon types and damage modifiers
BalanceT1 units do low building damage; T2 does more; T3 does a lot more; Ultimate Units such as the Condor and Scarab are game enders for stalematesUnits: Condor, Scarab
BalanceT3 units all cost a very small amount of power
BalanceCondors and Scarabs cost 4000/4000 but are significantly stronger and kill buildings fasterUnits: Condor, Scarab
BalanceAll unit upgrades, global upgrades, and armory/war council upgrades cost supply
BalanceGlobal upgrades effectiveness increased up to 20%/40%/60%
BalanceAll unit upgrades lowered to 100 supplies
BalanceTurrets now build in roughly 15 seconds, minus siege turrets
BalanceShields have not been changed in any way

Unit Specific Changes

BalanceUNSC Airpad is now a Tier 1 building and allows Nightingales to be built early gameUnits: Nightingale
BalanceSnipers and Rangers are both now T2Units: Sniper, Elite Ranger
BalanceLocusts and Kodiaks are now Tier 3 unitsUnits: Locust, Kodiak
BalanceFlamers, Rangers, and Suicide Grunts now have more units in their squadUnits: Hellbringer, Elite Ranger, Suicide Grunt
BalanceHero units are now stronger vs buildings
ImprovementCharacter models have been updated for several units in the game

Playlists and Matchmaking UI

FeatureYap = ranked 1v1Units: YapYap
FeatureYapYap = ranked 2v2Units: YapYap
FeatureYapYapYap = ranked 3v3Units: YapYap
FeatureUpdated deathmatch to be called "The Yappening" so it appears under Modes for deathmatch
FeatureUpdated loading screens for deathmatch outlining the new goals of the game mode
FeatureUpdated matchmaking background screens to be grunt themed

Leader Specific Changes

BalanceArbiter: Plasma bolt now uses a lot more shotsUnits: Arbiter
BalanceAtriox: Eradication's area of effect is much largerUnits: Atriox
BalanceAnders: Multiple waves of ark defense now spawn instead of only 1Units: Anders
BalanceCutter: Close air support now spawns many more pelicans in wavesUnits: Cutter, Pelican
BalanceCutter: ODST drop now spawns 10 ODSTs instead of 3Units: Cutter, ODST
FeatureCutter: Spartan Jerome has been replaced by the ODST hero unit from the Spearbreaker campaignUnits: Cutter, Jerome, ODST
BalanceIsabel: Mac blast now gives additional shots for each point spent on this leader powerUnits: Isabel
BalanceShipmaster: Raid is now 2 points instead of a 3-point leader power, and the upgrades condense to reflect this changeUnits: Shipmaster
BalanceDecimus: Fury is over 10x stronger at the highest tierUnits: Decimus
BalanceDecimus: when dropped in now does a lot more damage and his unit's health has doubledUnits: Decimus
BalanceForge: Scatter bomb now hits a lot harder than it used toUnits: Forge
BalanceKinsano: when you purchase Heat of Battle, Kinsano's Kodiaks and siege turrets now leave a pool of fire behind that does damage over timeUnits: Kinsano, Kodiak
FeatureColony now has teleportUnits: Colony
BalanceSergeant Johnson: EMP Mac now buffs units significantly more when targeting your own unitsUnits: Sergeant Johnson
FeatureJerome: Omega Team now rides Mac blasts down as they spawn because why not?Units: Jerome, Omega Team
BalanceJerome: Enduring Salvo now does damage as if a ship is falling on you — because it isUnits: Jerome
FeatureSerina: her Warthogs are now Frost Hogs that use cryo spray to freeze unitsUnits: Serina, Warthog
BalanceSerina: Ice barriers now spawn more barriers at each tierUnits: Serina
BalanceVoridus: his hero unit now spawns infusion for a significantly longer amount of timeUnits: Voridus
BalancePavium: Rain of Fire now spawns more damage-dealing beams at each tier of the abilityUnits: Pavium
BalancePavium: Burnout no longer impacts unit production timesUnits: Pavium
BalanceYapYap the Destroyer: 6 hero units instead of 3 can be built nowUnits: YapYap
BalanceYapYap the Destroyer: more turrets in his turret dropsUnits: YapYap
BalanceYapYap the Destroyer: starting army is just literally OP…Units: YapYap
BalanceYapYap the Destroyer: 101 pop starting armyUnits: YapYap
BalanceYapYap the Destroyer: Cannon Fodder has an increased capture rate on power nodes to better resemble other unitsUnits: YapYap, Cannon Fodder

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

Major balance update with crossplay playlists and comprehensive unit changes.

Features

Feature9 of 11 playlists will be crossplay for Season 10

Balance - Global

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

Balance - UNSC

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

Balance - Banished

BalanceBanished turrets DPS buffed +10% across the board
BalanceBanshee Fuel Rod vs buildings decreased -9%, vs AA reduced -17%Units: Banshee
BalanceBlisterback Air Mode plasma cannon damage increase +5%Units: Blisterback
BalanceCleansing Beam cost reduction, speed increase, damage rings added
BalanceElite Rangers base DPS increased +5%Units: Elite Ranger
BalanceAll grunts vs air damage increase +15%, various DPS increases per typeUnits: Grunt
BalanceJump Pack Brutes now slow on impact instead of stunUnits: Jump Pack Brutes
BalanceReavers power cost reduced to 175/215, gunner DPS increased +31%Units: Reaver
BalanceWraiths health +5%, shield +5%, main cannon +12%Units: Wraith

Balance - Leaders

BalanceArbiter Conduit of Rage healing reduced at all tiersUnits: Arbiter
BalanceAtriox Fortifications cost reductions, Bulwark cooldown and heal improvedUnits: Atriox
BalanceAnders Ark Defense Sentinels buffed +10%/+10%/+15% per tierUnits: Anders
BalanceCutter Jerome Spartan Laser upgrade damage increasedUnits: Cutter, Jerome
BalanceDecimus Boundless Siphon heal reduced, Siphon cost increased and effectiveness reducedUnits: Decimus
BalanceForge Grizzly Battalion cost reduced to 2750/450Units: Forge
BalanceIsabel MAC Blast cost increased, damage ring changes, base DPS decreasedUnits: Isabel
BalanceJohnson Colossus speed +10%, Mantis upgrade cost reduced, hero beacon HP buffed +343%Units: Johnson, Colossus, Mantis
BalanceSerina Frostraven ability cooldown reduced 90s to 60sUnits: Serina, Frostraven
BalancePavium Lich damage +40%, duration -25%; Pavium's Stand reduced 20s to 10sUnits: Pavium, Lich
BalanceShipmaster Scout mine line of sight increased, Advanced cloaking improvedUnits: Shipmaster
BalanceJerome Omega Team cost reduced to 1800/1800, Mastodon speed +8%Units: Jerome, Mastodon
BalanceVoridus Combat spoils effectiveness reduced, hero health +5%Units: Voridus
BalanceKinsano Incendiary grenade vs core vehicles -20%, Hell drop cooldown 90s to 110sUnits: Kinsano, Flamehog
BalanceYapYap ability cooldowns increased across the boardUnits: YapYap

February 2, 2018 — February 2018 Balance Update

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

Balance - Global

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

Balance - Leaders

BalanceAnders Retriever Sentinel cost increased to 2000/2000, pop cost to 30, shield reduced -20%Units: Anders, Retriever Sentinel
BalanceCutter Close Air Support health increased +20%Units: Cutter
BalanceJerome Enduring Salvo damage increased +5%Units: Jerome
BalanceSerina Frostraven health increased +10%, Chill Rate on Power Nodes decreased -30%Units: Serina, Frostraven
BalanceJohnson fixed turret damage issue, hero unit gains Veterancy +10% fasterUnits: Johnson
BalanceKinsano fixed Grenade Launcher upgrade bug, Flamehog DPS increased +5%Units: Kinsano, Flamehog
BalanceForge 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

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

Balance - Voridus

BalanceInfusion damage per second reduced by 8%Units: Voridus
BalanceAll Infusion Duration reduced by -11% (various exceptions)Units: Voridus
BalanceInfusion Tech I/II Damage Scaling reducedUnits: Voridus
BalanceCorrupted Warlord & Mortar Warlord Infusion Trail Duration reduced -30sUnits: Voridus, Warlord
BalanceMaelstrom cooldown increased +30s, effect duration reduced -17%Units: Voridus
BalanceCataclysm cooldown increased +35sUnits: Voridus
BalanceBrute Grenadier Grenade DPS increased, Infusion siphoning benefits increasedUnits: Brute Grenadier, Voridus

Balance - Pavium

BalanceUltra Mine I & II arming delay increased, costs increased, cooldown increasedUnits: Pavium
BalancePavium's Stand cost increased to 425/425, duration reduced -20%Units: Pavium
BalanceLich Vanguard HP increased +13%, DPS increased +9%Units: Pavium, Lich
BalanceRain of Fire cooldown increased +20s, DPS reduced -5%Units: Pavium
BalanceMortar Warlord Designator and splash damage effectiveness reducedUnits: Pavium, Warlord

Balance - Units

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

December 7, 2017 — Colony Exploit Fix

Temporary change to address Colony Living Barrier exploit.

Balance

BalanceLiving Barrier cost temporarily increased to 1000/1000 to mitigate exploitUnits: Colony

November 17, 2017 — November Balance Update

Balance update with various unit and leader adjustments.

Balance

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

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

Balance

FixScarab Y ability (Shield) reinstated with fixes for invincibility issueUnits: Scarab
BalanceArcher Missiles costs reduced at all levels
BalanceGlassing Beam cost reduced, DPS and speed improved at all tiers
BalanceWraith Scorch duration 15s to 10s, DPS increased +50%Units: Wraith
BalanceAll mines are now tougher, have small spotting range, deal damage when not armed
BalanceMines damage to Heavy (Tier 3 Tanks) increased +40%, to Heroes increased +50%
BalanceJerome's Victory Mine HP increased, now slows targetsUnits: Jerome
BalanceLotus 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

BalanceCore Infantry damage vs Buildings increased +17%, Scouts vs Buildings reduced -17%
BalanceHeavy Grunt Party's Over cooldown 50s to 30sUnits: Heavy Grunt, YapYap
BalanceNew armor type for Jump Pack Brutes and Elite Enforcers with altered damage modifiersUnits: Jump Pack Brutes, Elite Enforcers
BalanceHeat of Battle damage mitigation 90% to 60%
BalanceJackrabbit damage vs rush units and Anti-Infantry units increased +75%Units: Jackrabbit
BalanceSuicide Grunts speed increased +29%, cost 100/20 to 80/40Units: Suicide Grunts
BalanceGrunt Mines damage vs core Infantry increased +30%Units: Grunt
BalanceMarines partially reverted - HP reduced -16%, DPS reduced -19%Units: Marines
BalanceODST partially reverted - HP reduced -20%, DPS reduced -15%Units: ODST
BalanceRaid speed bonus 12%/20% to 10%/17%
BalanceJerome's Mantis speed increased +10%Units: Jerome, Mantis
BalanceElite Enforcers cost 130/75 to 110/60Units: Elite Enforcers
BalanceJump 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

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

Balance - UNSC

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

Balance - Banished

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

Balance - Leaders

BalanceIsabel major buff - Ghost in the Machine improvements, MAC Blast DPS increasedUnits: Isabel
BalanceYapYap comprehensive balancing passUnits: YapYap
BalanceForge and Decimus tuningUnits: Forge, Decimus
BalanceBuffs to Arbiter, Johnson, Cutter, Colony, Kinsano, AndersUnits: Arbiter, Johnson, Cutter, Colony, Kinsano, Anders

August 18, 2017 — YapYap Balance Update

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

Balance

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

August 9, 2017 — August Update

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

Features

FeatureIntroducing Spectator mode for custom matches with customized HUD, game info and controls
FeatureAttack move command added - engage enemies encountered on the way to a point
FeatureQueued Movement Command - issue multiple queued orders to units
FeatureHold Position Command added
FeatureBuilding Command Groups - add buildings to command groups

Balance

FixNightingales no longer continually heal units after they are at 100% HPUnits: Nightingale
FixOmega Team Spartans now refund energy after death in BlitzUnits: Spartan, Omega Team
FixEnduring Locust can now regenerate full shield health over timeUnits: Locust
FixSerina's Leader Powers can no longer be seen through Fog of WarUnits: Serina
FixSerina's Ice Barrier Leader Power can no longer freeze all base productionUnits: Serina

May 22, 2017 — May Update

Update with HDR lighting support and various fixes.

Features

FeatureSupport for HDR lighting is now enabled for players with compatible hardware

Stability

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

Gameplay

FeatureAdded allied view indicator to the mini-map
FeatureAdded 2 new themes to Proving Ground Blitz map
FixRemoved an exploit with Combat Salvage
FixSpartans no longer strip upgrades from vehicles they hijackUnits: Spartan
FixSpartans no longer increase the level of units they hijackUnits: Spartan
FixUnits 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

BalanceShipmaster Spirit Support - Now drops veterancy level 2 Hunter (Previously level 3)Units: Shipmaster, Hunter
BalanceKinsano Cyclops Flamewall ability cooldown increased from 45 to 60 secondsUnits: Kinsano, Cyclops
BalanceKinsano Cyclops Flamewall damage versus buildings reduced by 70%Units: Kinsano, Cyclops
BalanceFlamehog Flame Mortar damage over time reduced by 35%, damage vs buildings by 40%Units: Flamehog
BalanceFlamehog Flame Mortar range decreased by 14%Units: Flamehog
BalanceInferno reduced damage versus buildings by 20%, duration from 25 to 20 secondsUnits: Kinsano
BalanceHunter Captain move speed increased by 19%Units: Hunter Captain, Colony
FixSitterer now receives upgrade benefits from Global Vehicle Upgrades (bug fix)Units: Sitterer, Colony
BalanceBanished leaders now start with 3 Grunt squads instead of 2Units: Grunt
BalanceGrunt squad resource gather speeds increased by 32%Units: Grunt
BalanceEngineers HP reduced by 20%Units: Engineer
BalanceHunters basic speed increased by 15%, fuel rod projectile velocity increasedUnits: Hunter
BalanceBrute Chopper move speed increased 11%, Explosive rounds upgrade now also increases damage by 15%Units: Chopper, Brute Chopper
BalanceLocust line of sight reduced by 12%, cost increased from 250/175 to 300/200Units: Locust
BalanceWraith Scorch projectile initial damage reduced by 50%Units: Wraith
BalanceJackrabbit basic DPS increased by 15%, drone delay before healing reduced from 10 to 7 secondsUnits: Jackrabbit
BalanceScorpion HP increased by 10%, Cannon DPS increased by 10%Units: Scorpion
FixScorpion 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

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

Leader Powers

FixArcher Missiles now interact with Fog of War appropriately
FixFixed an issue with Isabel's Ghost in the Machine and pop cap of temporarily stolen unitsUnits: Isabel
FixFixed an issue where Isabel's The Best Offense passive would render Scorpions unresponsiveUnits: Isabel, Scorpion

Gameplay

FixGrunts no longer shoot each other in the back, reducing their damage outputUnits: Grunt
ImprovementMarines grenade throw is more responsiveUnits: Marines
FixDeployed Blisterbacks are now attackable by all units, not just anti-airUnits: Blisterback
FixHunter upgrade no longer renders Hunters unresponsiveUnits: Hunter
FixGlobal unit upgrades now apply to the ScorpionUnits: Scorpion
FixAligned Kinsano's flame VFX for Flamewall power with damage areaUnits: Kinsano

AI

FixShipmaster AI can no longer teleport units into the voidUnits: Shipmaster
ImprovementChanged the way AI uses and reacts to Nightingale smoke abilityUnits: Nightingale
ImprovementAI players are now more aware of cloaked bases
FixAn 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

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

Gameplay

FixFixed an issue where players were sometimes able to quickly assign one Leader Power point to two different Leader Powers
ImprovementAI now garrisons more often in Legendary when low on health
FixNightingale Smoke bombs now stop Turrets shooting outside of the smokeUnits: Nightingale
FixFixed an issue with Hornets sometimes not responding to Banished unit attacksUnits: Hornet
FeatureAdded three new achievements unique to the upcoming Kinsano leader DLC

Balance

BalanceShipmaster's Scout mines cannot be dropped on buildings anymoreUnits: Shipmaster
BalanceThe Banished Cleansing Beam speed slightly reduced
BalanceODSTs cost increased from 600 to 800, HP slightly decreasedUnits: ODST
BalanceAdjusted the Supply income curve to give less bonus income on first few Supply Pads/WarehousesUnits: Supply Pad, Warehouse
BalanceSgt. Forge: Removed the discount on Supply Pads and Reactors in Rolling EconomyUnits: Forge
BalanceSgt. Forge: Accelerated Assembly and Lotus mines swapped placesUnits: Forge

March 7, 2017 — Major Patch

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

Crashes/Performance

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

Gameplay

FixFixed issue with Detect on some starting units not working properly
FixFixed a bug with garrisoned Snipers not getting additional statsUnits: Sniper
FixFixed a Cyclops and Reaver pathing bug where they would sometimes stop movingUnits: Cyclops, Reaver
FixFixed an issue with the Blisterback not recovering from damage in BlitzUnits: Blisterback
FixFixed behavior of Marines sometimes failing to get new targets after throwing a grenadeUnits: Marines
ImprovementFriendly cloaked units now appear on the minimap
BalanceHolo Decoy can no longer be used on Pelicans or SpiritsUnits: Pelican, Spirit
FixGlassing beam always creates vision now in Blitz

Balance

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

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

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

Campaign

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

Balance

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

General

ImprovementBlitz card hand input speed has been increased
FixFixed an issue where game audio could sometimes be distorted when a lot of units are in play
FeatureJoin 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.