How to play as Sgt. Forge - Halo Wars 2

This guide covers Sergeant Forge, a UNSC leader. Forge is a free DLC leader, so there's no reason not to have him. He was the first new leader added to the game, and his design is heavily inspired by how he operated in Halo Wars 1. His unique unit is the Grizzly tank.

Pros (Strengths)

Cheaper Upgrades

• First leader point (Rolling Economy) reduces supply pad and generator upgrade costs
• Faster economy means faster units, faster pushes, faster tech, or faster hero

Forge Hog Hero

• Has an area buff around him that enhances nearby units
• Great Y ability: Scatterbomb (dubbed the "Lag Bomb")
• Scatterbomb slows enemy units trying to leave the area, causing massive damage
• Even better when upgraded at level 2

Strong Vehicle Powers

• Accelerated Assembly: Reduces vehicle cost and training time
• Combat Salvage: First 8-10 vehicles lost automatically respawn at base
• Heavy Metal: Greatly increases vehicle defense
• Restoration Drones: Heals
• Pelican Transport: Unit mobility

Veteran Kodiak Drop

• Can be upgraded for even more powerful Kodiaks
• Kodiaks arrive in Gunships that attack during the drop

Grizzly Battalion

• One of the strongest UNSC drops
• Drops 3 Vet 1 Grizzlies with Gunships
• Gunships attack while dropping the Grizzlies

Grizzly Tanks

• Ton of hit points
• One of the strongest units in the game
• Up there with Colossus for strongest UNSC vehicle
• Good against everything except air

Cons (Weaknesses)

Expensive Grizzlies

• Even with Accelerated Assembly 1 and 2, Grizzlies are pricey
• Long training time (41-42 seconds each)
• High population cost (10 pop each vs Scorpion's 7)

One-Dimensional

• Not as bad as Johnson, but predictable
• Opponents expect Grizzlies when they see Forge
• Can do Air Spam or Vulture Spam with Combat Salvage/Heavy Metal
• Can also do Pelican Rush with Flamethrowers early game

Slow Units

• Grizzlies perform poorly on smaller maps
• Need Pelican Transport on larger maps
• Forge doesn't really thrive until Tech 3

Build Orders

Hero Opener (Recommended)

The Forge Hog is excellent early game - great against infantry.

Building Order:

1. Generator (to get hero faster)
2. Supply Pad
3. Supply Pad
4. Generator
5. Armory (dubbed "The Build")

Leader Points:

1. Rolling Economy - Cheaper supply pad and generator upgrades
2. Rolling Economy 2 or Heavy Metal (for Hero Opener)

Once Forge Hog is out, get Anvil Round upgrade - it's what makes Forge so good early. Note: Anvil Round cannot attack air but devastates infantry and does solid damage to vehicles.

Barracks Opener (Alternative)

For Flamethrowers, Snipers, and Marines early:

1. Supply Pad
2. Barracks (instead of Generator)
3. Barracks
4. Mini Base with Supply Pad
5. Consider Pelican at second leader point for the "Cheese" play (drop Flamethrowers behind enemy main base)

Tech 2 Progression

Forge Hog Upgrades: Defensive Aura upgrade makes Forge Hog even better

Leader Points:

• Scatterbomb - Recommended
• Then Accelerated Assembly - Cheaper, faster vehicles

Buildings:

• Two Garages for Warthog production
• Accelerated Assembly benefits Warthogs now and Grizzlies at Tech 3

Tech 3: Grizzly Time

Grizzly Stats

• 850 supplies, 140 power (without Accelerated Assembly)
• 760 supplies with Accelerated Assembly
• 42 seconds to train (38 with Accelerated Assembly)
• Good against everything except air
• Very slow moving

Essential Upgrades

• Advanced Logistics - Faster training
• Missile Barrage (1000 power) - Great for attacking bases, but expensive
• Vehicle Upgrades - Half the cost of Missile Barrage, increases damage and health

Supporting Your Grizzlies

Nightingales are essential:

• Detect cloaked units (Banished cloaking generators)
• Heal in combat
• Y ability cloaks Grizzlies in emergencies

Keep Forge Hog nearby - Grizzlies benefit from the aura buff

Don't go too heavy on Grizzlies:

• 10 pop each limits other unit production
• Sprinkle in Wolverines for anti-air
• Support with Warthogs or infantry
• Grizzlies are NOT good against air

Grizzly Battalion Drop

Ultimate Ability:

• Drops 3 Vet 1 Grizzlies
• Gunships provide temporary air support during the drop
• Can drop right in front of enemy base

Warning: Watch out for Jerome. He can drop Omega Team (3 Spartans) and hijack all three Grizzlies, giving him three Spartan Grizzlies.

Key Leader Points Path

1. Rolling Economy (first point always)
2. Rolling Economy 2 or Pelican (depending on build)
3. Scatterbomb
4. Accelerated Assembly
5. Combat Salvage or Heavy Metal
6. Grizzly Battalion

Other useful picks: Restoration Drones, Vehicle Drop (Kodiaks)

Summary

Forge is one of the easier leaders to play - not that complicated and quite fun. His play style isn't drastically different from standard UNSC gameplay.

Key Tips:

1. Get Rolling Economy first - always
2. Forge Hog with Anvil Round dominates early infantry
3. Use Accelerated Assembly to reduce Grizzly costs
4. Don't mass only Grizzlies - support with Wolverines and Nightingales
5. Watch for Jerome's Omega Team when using Grizzly Battalion
6. Consider Combat Salvage and Heavy Metal for vehicle protection
7. Pelican Transport is essential on large maps due to Grizzly speed