You are a member of the crew aboard the Spirit of Fire, a Phoenix-class colony ship converted for UNSC military use. Your ship has journeyed to the planet Harvest, where you've stumbled upon a mysterious ancient artifact. But what you are about to encounter will open the floodgates to conflict unlike anything you have ever seen. The sinister Covenant, an alien coalition set on obliterating humanity, has attacked Harvest, and an age of epic warfare is about to begin.In this stunning prequel to the Halo series, you will have the opportunity to experience the early battles between the UNSC and the Covenant that set the stage for the far-reaching conflict that defines the Halo saga. Halo Wars exposes you to an all-new dimension of the legendary conflict with groundbreaking strategic gameplay that places you in command of an arsenal of UNSC units. Crush the Covenant forces with your tactical brilliance and superior command, and turn the tide of battle with incredible Leaders possessing elite skills. Join up to five friends for thrilling new gameplay via the New Xbox Experience as you command either the UNSC or Covenant forces, pitting Warthogs and Scorpions against Grunts, Elites, Ghosts and Scarabs in battles that will define an age.