Atriox the Brute who defied The Covenant and lived, is coming to Halo Wars 2. The leader will be an enemy in the campaign as well as placed among playable heroes in the game that players will be able to use in multiplayer battle. Here's the official description...

His name is Atriox, a Brute enslaved by the Covenant who eventually rose up against his masters and became a legend. His rebellion inspired the birth of The Banished, a savage army of mercenaries and killers now on the brink of acquiring the most powerful weapons platform the galaxy has ever seen. The only things between Atriox and his prize are Captain James Cutter and the crew of the USNC Spirit of Fire. Outgunned and long past any hope for reinforcements, Cutter’s survival depends on how quickly he can master the first law of the battlefield: Know your enemy.

In addition to the reveal of Atriox, it was also announced that the Season Pass for Halo Wars 2 would be free. The page, which has since been removed, was criticized by fans who wondered why not just say all DLC is free? Is it a season pass if you don't purchase it? I agree, but am grateful that Microsoft isn't being greedy on this one. I'm hoping to sink a lot of hours playing this one on PC!

Halo Wars 2 releases February 21st.