Ranks in Halo Wars are obtained by accumulating score from private Matchmaking games on Multiplayer.

The Service Record shows the players current rank, score and how many more points the player needs to rank up. The player's rank is also visible as an icon next to their gamertag when in a game lobby and other areas.

There are eight ranks available in Halo Wars. The player starts as Unranked, and then is promoted to Recruit upon completing their first Public Matchmaking game. There are two bonus modifiers that can boost the players score by a percentage. To earn the bonus, the player must complete a Private Matchmaking game and not disconnect. If the player wins, they receive an additional 90%. If the player loses, they still get an additional 70%. If the player's out of the game early (The player gets defeated) and wants to leave, he or she will still receive the 85% bonus.

Recruit: Requirement - attained by playing one game

Lieutenant: Requirement - 15000 score

Captain: Requirement - 30000 score

Major: Requirement - 60000 score

Commander: Requirement - 120000 score

Colonel: Requirement - 240000 score

Brigadier: Requirement - 480000 score

General: Requirement - 960000 score