"Halo Wars 2" is available beginning February 21 to Xbox One and PC [layers. The game came out, however, without competitive multiplayer ranking.

Following its limited release, Microsoft's "Halo Wars 2" officially launches for PC and Xbox One. One element that players will not find in the game is the competitive multiplayer ranking. This was confirmed by Microsoft and assured that this feature is just delayed and will be available shortly after launch.

According to the developers at 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, they made the decision to hold competitive multiplayer ranking from launch to continuously work on game balance. In addition, 343 believes a social/unranked environment will be less stressful and more inviting to players.

The absence of a ranked competitive system in "Halo Wars 2" at launch gives players the time to practice and try out different tactics and strategies. Moreover, pushing back the ranked system affords 343 the time to respond to any balance issues that may arise.

The developer said that delaying a ranked seasonal model for "Halo Wars 2" also enables the development team to monitor and respond to any balancing issues. These issues normally only arise after players have spent substantial time exploring units and developing strategies and synergies. 343 added that it is easier and beneficial for players to be exposed to these hot-fixable issues in a social, no-stakes environment than in the middle of heated ranked competition.

"Halo Wars 2" has skill-based matchmaking working under the hood. However, it does not show a player rank based on it. Currently, "Halo Wars 2" displays your Spartan Rank, which is tied to XP progression and not to skill. It indicates how much time you have pumped into the real-time strategy game. 343 also said players should consider the time between "Halo Wars 2's" launch and the introduction of the ranked system as a pre-season, says Eurogamer.