Halo Wars is set to release a patch in the next few days to prepare for the release of the upcoming "Strategic Options" downloadable content. The patch notes outline the tweaks we"ll see hitting the game soon. Aside from fixing some bugs, the patch allows players to use Flaming Warthog and Honor Guard Wraith skins in multiplayer, and the option to show Unit Hit Point bars above the units.

Several balancing issues are addressed as well, such as capping the number of points per match and reducing speed for the Prophet of Regret. Anders Cryo Bomb and Anders Hawk upgrades both cost 50% more, and Vampire Tech Upgrades increase damage more than they used to. Perhaps the largest balance change is the number of points to reach all ranks has been reduced. As an example, the notes say General requires 2.4 million instead of 3.2 million, which is a pretty large cut. It sounds as if this is meant to make progress in the game go faster, which could be a sign that people aren"t playing as much as anticipated.

The DLC will be following the patch, but no date or price has been announced for the content yet. We"ll keep you updated when Microsoft gives official word.