Halo Wars 2 will feature a robust, story-driven campaign and plenty of multiplayer action. While we’re not talking about the game’s story (or where it takes place in the Halo timeline) just yet, we are very excited about the way it contributes to the expanding Halo universe, and we look forward to sharing more in the future.

The last time we saw the crew of the UNSC Spirit of Fire in Halo Wars, they were settling in for a long cryosleep on their way home, knowing that with a little luck, they’d make it back to civilized space in one piece. Nearly 30 years later, they’re awakened to a new threat to the Halo universe and find themselves as the one thing standing between hope and annihilation. Halo Wars 2 will take you back to the Ark, introduce new heroes and villains, and deliver a new multiplayer mode that has the potential to push the real-time strategy genre forward.

Beyond the terrain and the world in which Halo Wars 2 takes place, its compliment of heroes and villains helps broaden the world. And because the UNSC Spirit of Fire and its crew are essentially in a place out of time, having been asleep for 28 years, they’ve missed all of the recent events that the Master Chief was a part of. This creates a unique setting for new players to the series, as they will be learning about the state of the universe alongside the crew of the Fire.

Atriox is the leader of the Banished, a dangerous new foe intent on controlling the Ark. Atriox is unique in that he is not only incredibly strong like most Brutes, but also deviously intelligent and is a brilliant strategist. Under his leadership, he’s drawn powerful figures such as Shipmaster Let’ Volir and Decimus to his side to help command his growing armed forces.

Anyone who pre-orders the digital version of “Halo Wars 2” Ultimate Edition will receive early access to “Halo Wars: Definitive Edition” with codes rolling out on Dec. 20.

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the original “Halo Wars” that runs natively on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, featuring improved graphics, additional Achievements and includes all of the DLC created for the classic real-time strategy game.