'Halo Wars 2' specs news, release date: New features and gameplay mode to launch next year

Microsoft's upcoming fast-paced strategy game "Halo Wars 2" will be including a new story and game modes. New features will also be added to the upcoming installment, as revealed in their weekly blog.

In a recent update by developer B is for Bravo, the user told the gaming community that the game will be receiving a new Forge goodness and a variety of weapons, skins, assassinations and stances. Additional features which will be added include the players' ability to browse and join live custom games through the Xbox and Windows 10 PCs. Moreover, the user announced that more maps for the Warzone Firefight will be added to the game.

The developers are still working on additional material to improve matchmaking, servers, melee, registration, etc. Although the user revealed a number of details about the upcoming game, fans can expect to find out more information in the weeks to come.

GameSpot noted that the development team for "Halo Wars 2" announced earlier last month that the game will utilize a microtransaction system. Furthermore, players will be able to collect packs in order to play the various modes in the game — campaign, multiplayer and the new blitz mode — and form a deck. According to the report, gamers can collect packs by accomplishing missions and challenges. In addition, players can opt to purchase packs with real money.

Gamers can pre-order "Halo Wars 2" from GameStop, the Microsoft Store and Amazon. Aside from the game itself, players can opt to purchase a season pass which costs $30. The pass will include a new campaign expansion, the Blitz cards, the additional leaders and multiplayer units.

At last year's Gamescom, Microsoft announced that the game will be launched in the fall of 2016. However, the launch has been delayed and "Halo Wars 2" is now slated for a release date in 2017. Gamers will be able to get their hands on the game on Feb. 21.