XCOM is out today and if you’ve read my review of XCOM 2, you will have no doubt gathered that is an hard game. In fact, it prides itself in how challenging it is.
Things did not go so well for me at first, but I did learn one or two things in the process. I’ve since restarted my campaign and put some of these tips into practice, with some success — so far.
Be warned, XCOM 2 does not hold your hand. You will need to have your wits about you and a little bit of luck, but these tips may just save you from complete failure.
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First things first, if you want to progess through this game, do not make the mistake I did; save regularly!
Currently, I save after every successful mission. If things go badly the mission after, I can reload the save and change things around if need be.
Be warned though, each level is randomised to a certain extent, so no two battles will ever be the same.
Once you’re a beast at the game, then you can attempt the Ironman run, but if you want to make some progress without things snowballing out of control, for the love of god, save![divider] [/divider]
In the tutorial, two of your soldiers die. There is nothing you can do about it. It is scripted that they die. There’s a reason for this. The game is trying to teach you that your soldiers will die. Often there is nothing you can do about it. Do not get too attached to them. It will break your heart.
If you send out a soldier that care greatly for, that you’ve ranked up and styled after your best buddy or your pet cat, it is more likely that they’ll die..That’s what this game does.
It takes everything you’ve ever loved and riddles it with bullets before possessing its body and parading around in zombie form.
Get used to it.[divider] [/divider]
With that said, not every option will be available to you immediately. Everything in XCOM 2 works on a timer, meaning, for example, one piece of research has to be conducted before another, or attaching one weapon mod means you forego a different mod. Something’s will takes days (game time) to complete whilst others are instant.
Weigh up the pros and cons carefully and prioritise what suits you at that point in time.
It’s wise to plan ahead as best as you can, but be sure you’re going to be able to survive your next mission.[divider] [/divider]
The aliens are not going to hold back and nor should you. There are a lot of systems in this game, from environmental destruction to weapon attachments, from scientific research to support drones.
Everything has something to offer and you must exploit anything and everything to your benefit. Do not neglect anything![divider] [/divider]
Plan for the worst, hope for the best. Rarely things will go according to plan. Have a plan, have a back up plan, then have a back up, for your back up plan.
Think one person will be able to escort the VIP to the rendezvous? Wrong. Have a second person supporting them, and someone else within sniper overwatch range. This game will thow any and every curveball possible, so try and prepare yourself. I say try, because it’s impossible to be absolutely prepared but you have to at least make an attempt.
Assume your shot – with a 90% chance of hitting – will fail. Assume any damage you do manage to deliver will be the minimal amount.
Assume the car next to you will blow up. Assume aliens will spawn on top of you the next round. What are you going to do? I don’t know, but you better think of something. The fate of humanity is at stake!
This is a game of chess, thinking one or two moves ahead, not only for you but for your enemy, is absolutely a must. But don’t be surprised – and I’m speaking figuratively here – if you opponent whips out a concealed handgun and blows your brains out all over the chess board. Good luck, Commander. You’ll need it.
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