343 Industries crewman Jeff Easterling (codenamed "GrimBrotherOne") went in-depth into this month's Halo Wars 2 DLC content that's set to arrive later this month on Halo Waypoint yesterday. Lots of good stuff is on the way — so strap on your armor, get in your drop pod, and let's jump feet first into the first of the two DLC items: the ODST-themed Operation: SPEARBREAKER story expansion.
Operation: SPEARBREAKER: A character driven, boots-on-the-ground narrative
Operation: Spearbreaker will see the player take control of a tightly-knit group of ODSTs — some of the best troops that Captain Cutter has in his arsenal — over the course of two missions. The expansion is being marketed as a grittier, intimate experience compared to the base campaign's style of narrative. Jeff Easterling himself had this to say:
Ironically, in some small ways it almost feels reminiscent of another more intimate "expanded" Halo experience – one that also happened to center around a rough-and-tumble band of Helljumpers.
Easterling here is referring to the 2009 hit spin-off title Halo 3: ODST, which followed the story of a squad of ODSTs in the city of New Mombasa following its invasion in Halo 2. That game was, as you might expect based on the comparison, a gritty and intimate take on the Halo universe. If you enjoyed Halo 3: ODST, then you're sure to enjoy Operation: Spearbreaker. It will definitely be interesting to see how 343 Industries tells this kind of story in a real-time strategy title.
Who we'll fight
While not confirmed by name, it is highly likely that we'll be facing the Banished Hunter pair Colony, who directs all Hunter forces on the Ark. Jeff Easterling left a strong hint when he teased this:
Well, let's just say that a certain Lekgolo wasn't content with just worming his way around Blitz and Skirmish…
Considering that Colony was released in April as a usable Banished leader in all multiplayer modes (including Blitz and Skirmish,) it's almost guaranteed that he will be the main antagonist of Spearbreaker. This will mark the second time that a DLC leader makes an appearance in story content (with the first being Spartan Jerome). Colony is a formidable and dangerous officer within Atriox's Banished ranks, and he will undoubtedly pose a monumental challenge to the ODSTs that dare to challenge him.
That's all there is to know about the upcoming Operation: Spearbreaker. The second piece of DLC content dropping alongside it will bring an old friend back to the forefront of the Halo Wars series — the Spirit of Fire's original AI, Serina.
Serina: A beloved AI ally makes a return
While she may be gone from the story canon due to deactivating herself as per rampancy protocols (AI in Halo can only live for seven years before becoming unstable and dangerous) 343 Industries has decided to bring this iconic Halo Wars character back to life in the form of a multiplayer leader.
Serina's gameplay attributes
Serina's specialty is her ability to deploy units equipped with cryo technology. Equipped with aircraft, vehicles, and infantry all capable of bringing the freeze to the enemy, she will bring a unique utility to the field of battle.
Serina's specialty is her ability to deploy units equipped with cryo technology. Equipped with aircraft, vehicles, and infantry all capable of bringing the freeze to the enemy, she will bring a unique utility to the field of battle. None of what her freezing weapons and abilities do has officially been revealed, but I speculate that we'll see effects such as slowing units down and perhaps even freezing them solid — something akin to the cryo-themed character from Overwatch, Mei. Only time will tell what specifically Serina's ice weaponry will bring to the table, but you can be sure that Serina will be cooling her enemies down with the powers of dangerously low temperatures.
Pricing and availability
Both Operation: Spearbreaker and Serina will be available for $5.99 on the Xbox Store, and will be playable on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. Alternatively, you can buy both DLC items in a $9.99 bundle, which is the best bang for your buck. Both DLCs will be available on July 25th.
In addition, if you own the Halo Wars 2 Season Pass, both of these DLCs are included with it. Make sure you don't make a purchase you don't need to, Season Pass holders!
Of course, you'll need Halo Wars 2 for these, so if you haven't picked it up yet, there's never been a better time, especially with the other story expansion — Awakening the Nightmare — on the way later this fall.
Your thoughts
Are you excited for these DLCs? Which one do you think you'll enjoy the most? Personally, I prefer playing as the Banished in multiplayer, so Operation: Spearbreaker will be more enjoyable for a lore nut like me. Let us know what you think in the comments!
