How to Play XCOM 2: A Guide to Tactical Turn-Based Warfare in the Face of Alien Invasion
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Introduction
Discover everything you need to know about How to Play XCOM 2: A Guide to Tactical Turn-Based Warfare in the Face of Alien Invasion
How to Play XCOM 2: A Guide to Tactical Turn-Based Warfare in the Face of Alien Invasion
The world has fallen. The alien invaders, known as ADVENT, have established a tyrannical regime, and humanity is on the brink of extinction. But hope still flickers in the hearts of those who refuse to surrender. You, the commander of the XCOM resistance, are tasked with leading the fight back against the alien threat.
XCOM 2, a turn-based strategy game available on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, throws you into a desperate struggle for survival. It’s a game of tough choices, strategic planning, and the constant pressure of knowing that every soldier lost could mean the difference between victory and extinction.
This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of XCOM 2, from understanding its core mechanics to mastering its advanced strategies. We’ll cover everything from building your base and recruiting soldiers to engaging in thrilling tactical combat.
Understanding the Core Mechanics
XCOM 2 is a game of two halves: Base Management and Tactical Combat.
1. Base Management:
- Building your Headquarters: The heart of your resistance lies in your base. You’ll need to construct facilities that provide vital resources, research technologies, and train your soldiers.
- Research and Development: XCOM 2’s tech tree is vast, offering a wide array of upgrades for your weapons, armor, and abilities. Prioritize research based on your current needs and the threats you face.
- Resources: Resources are crucial for building, research, and training. You’ll need to manage your resources effectively to keep your operations running smoothly.
- Recruiting Soldiers: Each soldier is a valuable asset, and you’ll need to build a diverse team with different skills and abilities. Choose your soldiers wisely, considering their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Tactical Combat:
- Turn-Based Combat: XCOM 2 is a turn-based strategy game, meaning that you and your enemy take turns moving and attacking. Each turn is broken down into action points, which you spend on moving, attacking, or using abilities.
- Cover: Cover is your best friend in XCOM 2. Using cover effectively will significantly increase your soldiers’ chances of survival.
- Overwatch: Overwatch allows your soldiers to fire upon enemies who enter their line of sight. It’s a powerful tactic for ambushing enemies and defending strategic positions.
- Flanking: Attacking an enemy from the side or rear provides a significant tactical advantage. Always try to flank your enemies whenever possible.
- Abilities: Each soldier possesses unique abilities that can be used to turn the tide of battle. Mastering your soldiers’ abilities is essential for success.
Building Your First Base and Recruiting Your Team
- The Avenger: Your initial base is a repurposed aircraft carrier called the Avenger. Start by building essential facilities like the Barracks, Armory, and Engineering.
- Recruiting Soldiers: You’ll start with a small group of soldiers, but you can recruit more by sending your operatives on missions to rescue civilians or capture alien tech.
- The Importance of Specializations: As your soldiers gain experience, they can choose to specialize in specific roles, such as Sharpshooter, Grenadier, or Psi Operative.
Early Game Strategies
- Focus on Research: Prioritize research that unlocks new weapons, armor, and abilities. Early game research should focus on basic technologies that enhance your soldier’s effectiveness.
- Build a Strong Core Team: Focus on training a small group of soldiers to high levels. They will be your backbone for the early game.
- Master the Basics: Learn the fundamentals of cover, flanking, and overwatch. These are the cornerstones of successful tactical combat in XCOM 2.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Sacrifice: Sometimes, you’ll need to make tough decisions and sacrifice soldiers to achieve your objectives. This is a part of the game’s unforgiving nature.
Advanced Strategies
- The Power of Psi Operatives: Psi Operatives are powerful units that can control enemies, inflict mental damage, and even resurrect fallen soldiers. Mastering their abilities can turn the tide of even the most difficult battles.
- Exploiting Enemy Weaknesses: Each enemy type has unique weaknesses. Researching your enemies and exploiting their weaknesses is crucial for victory.
- Strategic Use of Resources: Manage your resources wisely, focusing on building the facilities and researching the technologies that best suit your needs.
- Adapting to the Enemy: XCOM 2’s enemies are diverse and challenging. Be prepared to adapt your strategies and tactics as you encounter new threats.
Helpful Tips for Beginners
- Don’t Rush: Take your time and learn the game’s mechanics before diving into the more challenging missions.
- Save Often: XCOM 2 can be unforgiving, so save your game frequently to avoid losing progress.
- Experiment with Different Strategies: There are many ways to approach combat in XCOM 2. Experiment with different tactics to find what works best for you.
- Use the "Iron Man" Difficulty Setting: This difficulty setting prevents you from reloading saves, forcing you to make every decision count. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and experience the game’s true difficulty.
- Join the XCOM Community: There are many online resources available to help you with XCOM 2, including forums, wikis, and YouTube channels. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
FAQ
Q: What are the different difficulty settings in XCOM 2?
A: XCOM 2 offers four difficulty settings: Rookie, Veteran, Commander, and Legend. Each difficulty setting increases the challenge of the game, with Legend being the most difficult.
Q: Can I play XCOM 2 with friends?
A: XCOM 2 does not offer multiplayer co-op, but you can play against each other in a competitive multiplayer mode.
Q: What are the best weapons and armor in XCOM 2?
A: The best weapons and armor in XCOM 2 depend on your playstyle and the specific challenges you face. However, some of the most powerful weapons include the Plasma Rifle, the Laser Cannon, and the Gauss Rifle.
Q: How do I deal with the Chosen?
A: The Chosen are powerful alien commanders who pose a significant threat to your campaign. They can be defeated by completing their specific missions and then engaging them in a final confrontation.
Q: What are some good resources for learning more about XCOM 2?
A: There are many great resources available for learning more about XCOM 2, including:
- The XCOM 2 Wiki: https://xcom.fandom.com/wiki/XCOM_2_Wiki
- The XCOM 2 subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/XCOM/
- YouTube channels: There are many YouTube channels dedicated to XCOM 2, offering gameplay walkthroughs, tips, and strategies.
Conclusion
XCOM 2 is a demanding but rewarding game that offers a unique blend of tactical combat and base management. It’s a game that will test your strategic thinking, your patience, and your ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. By mastering its core mechanics, employing advanced strategies, and taking advantage of the helpful resources available, you can lead the XCOM resistance to victory and save humanity from the alien threat.
Closure
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