Does Halo Wars 2 Take Place After Infinite? Unraveling the Halo Timeline
No, Halo Wars 2 does not take place after Halo Infinite. Halo Wars 2 is set in 2559, while Halo Infinite takes place in 2560. Therefore, Halo Wars 2 occurs before the events of Halo Infinite. It acts as a narrative bridge between Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite, introducing key elements like the Banished and their leader, Atriox, who play a significant role in Halo Infinite’s storyline.
Halo Wars 2: A Crucial Link in the Halo Saga
Halo Wars 2, developed by 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, might be a real-time strategy game, a genre different from the mainline Halo FPS games. It fills a critical gap in the Halo timeline. Understanding its place ensures a complete grasp of the overall narrative. The game’s story explores the re-emergence of the Spirit of Fire crew, who were thought lost in space after the events of the first Halo Wars. They encounter a new threat in the form of Atriox and his Banished forces on the Forerunner installation known as the Ark.
Understanding the Timeline Nuances
While Halo games often pick up directly after their predecessors, Halo Infinite introduced a notable time jump of approximately two years following the events of Halo 5: Guardians. This gap allows the events of Halo Wars 2 to unfold, setting the stage for the challenges Master Chief faces in Halo Infinite. The game establishes the Banished as a formidable power and sets up Atriox as a major antagonist, shaping the landscape of the Halo universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Halo Wars 2 and Halo Infinite
1. Are Halo Wars 2 and Halo Infinite Connected?
Yes, Halo Wars 2 and Halo Infinite are directly connected. Halo Wars 2 introduces the Banished, led by Atriox, who become the primary antagonists in Halo Infinite. Understanding the events of Halo Wars 2 provides crucial context for the conflict and motivations within Halo Infinite. The game shows how Atriox gained power and sets the stage for his confrontation with Master Chief.
2. How Long After Halo Wars 2 Does Halo Infinite Take Place?
Halo Infinite takes place approximately one year after the events of Halo Wars 2. Halo Wars 2 is set in 2559, while Halo Infinite begins in 2560.
3. What Happened to Atriox After Halo Wars 2?
At the end of Halo Wars 2, Atriox is seemingly caught in the crossfire of Cortana’s efforts to secure the galaxy. However, a post-credits scene in Halo Infinite confirms that Atriox survived, albeit scarred, and remains a significant threat. The events that occur between the end of Halo Wars 2 and his reappearance in Halo Infinite are not explicitly detailed but hinted at.
4. Why Did Escharum Think Atriox Was Dead in Halo Infinite?
Escharum, Atriox’s second-in-command, likely believed Atriox was dead due to the destructive events at the end of Halo Wars 2 involving Cortana and the Silent Auditorium. The natural conclusion would have been that Atriox perished in the chaos.
5. What is the Significance of the Banished in Halo Infinite?
The Banished are a faction of Brutes and other alien races who broke away from the Covenant. Led by Atriox, they are a powerful and ruthless force that opposes both the UNSC and Cortana’s Created. Their presence in Halo Infinite represents a significant challenge to the established order and introduces a new dynamic to the Halo universe.
6. Is Cortana in Halo Wars 2?
Yes, Cortana makes an appearance in Halo Wars 2. Towards the end of the game, one of Cortana’s Guardians intercepts Halo Installation 04-C. This event is part of the wider narrative of Cortana’s rise to power and her conflict with the UNSC.
7. What is the Ark in Halo Wars 2?
The Ark is a Forerunner installation responsible for constructing the Halo rings. It serves as the primary setting for Halo Wars 2, where the Spirit of Fire crew encounters the Banished. It plays a crucial role in the Halo universe, providing the means to create and deploy the Halo rings.
8. What Happened to the Spirit of Fire Crew After Halo Wars 2?
The fate of the Spirit of Fire crew is not directly addressed in Halo Infinite. However, it’s implied that their actions on the Ark weakened the Banished, contributing to the overall conflict Master Chief faces in Halo Infinite. The potential for their return in future Halo installments remains a topic of speculation.
9. How Does Halo Wars 2 Expand the Halo Lore?
Halo Wars 2 significantly expands the Halo lore by introducing the Banished and Atriox, adding depth to the Brute culture, and further exploring the history and function of the Ark. It also provides more insight into Cortana’s evolution and her growing power within the Halo universe.
10. Does Halo Wars 2 Require Prior Knowledge of Halo Games?
While not strictly necessary, playing previous Halo games will enhance your understanding and appreciation of Halo Wars 2. Familiarity with the lore, factions, and characters will provide a richer experience. However, Halo Wars 2 does a good job of introducing its own story and characters, making it accessible to newcomers.
11. Is Halo Wars 2 a Canon Part of the Halo Universe?
Yes, Halo Wars 2 is considered canon within the Halo universe. The events and characters introduced in the game are officially recognized and contribute to the overall narrative.
12. Where Does Halo Wars Fit into the Overall Timeline?
The original Halo Wars takes place in 2531, decades before the events of Halo: Combat Evolved (Halo 1), which occurs in 2552. Halo Wars 2 takes place in 2559, between Halo 5 and Halo Infinite. The original Halo Wars depicts the early stages of the Human-Covenant War, while Halo Wars 2 bridges the gap between Cortana’s ascendance and the emergence of the Banished as a dominant force.
13. Who is Atriox?
Atriox is a Brute warlord and the leader of the Banished. He is known for his tactical brilliance, combat prowess, and charisma. His rebellion against the Covenant and his subsequent rise to power make him a formidable antagonist in the Halo universe.
14. Can I Play Halo Wars 2 on PC?
Yes, Halo Wars 2 is available on PC. It can be purchased and played through platforms like Steam and the Microsoft Store. It is also available on Xbox consoles.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational impact of games like Halo?
You can discover more about the educational benefits and potential of games like Halo by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They provide resources and research on how video games can be used for learning and development.
By understanding the placement and significance of Halo Wars 2 within the Halo timeline, players can gain a more complete and rewarding experience with the entire franchise. The events that happened affect every game from Halo Wars 2 and onwards.