How to play as Voridus - Halo Wars 2

Voridus is arguably the best leader in Halo Wars 2 and one of the most unique. He's so good that he's banned in many tournaments. This guide covers an offensive opener build order focusing on Combat Spoils.

Combat Spoils - The Core Mechanic

What It Does: You get resources from damaging enemy buildings.

Key Detail:

• Attack an upgraded generator = you get power
• Attack anything else (harvesters, unupgraded generators, turrets, base, mini bases) = you get supplies

Power is what you're really after to get a head start on tech progression.

Build Order: Chopper Harassment Opener

First Leader Point: Combat Spoils

Two main approaches for early aggression:

1. Grunt Shrapnel Mines - Upgrade Grunts to Shrapnel Mines, send them to enemy base, use Y ability
2. Mass Choppers (recommended) - Choppers fire frequently, generating lots of Combat Spoils income

Why Choppers?

Choppers have terrible DPS but fire frequently. This means more Combat Spoils triggers. If you want to actually destroy generators, Grunts with Shrapnel Mines are better. For making money, Choppers are superior.

Early Game Execution

1. Collect resources with Grunts as usual
2. Hold position Grunts on enemy mini bases - They'll attack when the enemy takes them, generating resources without you noticing
3. Build Choppers and send them to harass enemy upgraded generators
4. Your power income will skyrocket from Combat Spoils

Important: Skip Shrapnel Rounds Upgrade

Do NOT get Shrapnel Rounds for Choppers:

• Costs 450 power (almost half of Tech 2 cost)
• Adds explosive rounds and detect
• You won't get a major return on investment even with constant generator harassment
• If you see opponents research this, they'll be stuck in their tech level for a while

Second Leader Point Options

You really cannot go wrong with anything on Voridus's wheel:

• Infusion Wake - Like a vortex that leaves damaging goo
• Grenadier Drop - Great against infantry, they explode and leave infusion goo
• Invigorating Frenzy - Only get if you have ways to create goo (Infused Engineers, Grenadier Drop)
• Infusion Tech - Increases infusion pool damage

Mid-Game Transition

After Early Harassment

• Research Tech 2
• Build Foundry for Marauders
• Marauders cost no power - save power for tech and upgrades
• Can build Apex for Infused Engineers to support your army
• Add Choppers for fire rate to generate more Combat Spoils income

Key Insight

You don't have to win every engagement against an opponent's base. Your advantage comes from the resources you generate every time you go on offense. This snowballs into a scary army composition early in the game.

Late Game Options

Infusion Tech Path

Infusion Tech 2 is incredible:

• Wraith Y ability (Scorch Mortar) creates infusion goo
• Blisterback shells create infusion goo
• Combined with other Voridus powers = most powerful siege in Halo Wars 2

Team Combo: Maelstrom

If playing with allies, Maelstrom enables devastating combos:

• Maelstrom + Beam
• Maelstrom + Eradication
• Maelstrom + Cryo Seismic
• The list goes on

Cataclysm

• Ignites all infusion goo for massive explosion
• While Cataclysm is active, any new goo also explodes
• Drop Grenadier Drop, activate Infusion Wake, use Invigorating Frenzy while Cataclysm is active for massive damage

Note: Infusion goo does NOT damage bases directly. However, you CAN drop infusion goo on a base and use Cataclysm for serious damage.

Combat Spoils Level 2

Not recommended to upgrade. The increase in resources is nice, but Voridus's wheel is so good you should spend points elsewhere.

Voridus Hero

• Similar behavior to Decimus's Warlord
• Y ability spreads infusion goo
• When fully upgraded, he becomes invisible in the goo
• Note: The hero levels out late game and doesn't become as dominant, but his leader wheel makes up for it

The Voridus Scarab

Voridus has the best Scarab in Halo Wars 2:

• Main beam fires infusion goo
• Allows synergy with Cataclysm, Invigorating Frenzy, Infusion Tech
• Extra damage from goo effects

Key Takeaways

1. Combat Spoils is incredible - Constant "cash back" at your opponent's expense
2. Target upgraded generators for power income
3. Choppers for fire rate, not DPS
4. Skip Shrapnel Rounds - Too expensive for the return
5. Everything on Voridus's wheel is great - You can't go wrong
6. Keep the pressure on - You make money every time you attack
7. Infusion Tech 2 + Blisterbacks = Best siege in the game
8. Cataclysm ignites goo for massive burst damage
9. Voridus Scarab is one of the best in the game