The Elite of the Elite: Unpacking the Best Classes in XCOM 2
Choosing the right squad composition is critical to success in XCOM 2, a game that blends tactical depth with punishing difficulty. The different classes offer unique abilities and strategic advantages, making some more potent than others in the fight against the alien occupation. So, what are the absolute best classes in XCOM 2? While personal playstyles and mission requirements can certainly influence this, some classes consistently prove their dominance. In general, the Reaper (introduced in War of the Chosen), and the Grenadier, tend to sit at the top of most players’ lists due to their versatility and game-changing abilities. The Sharpshooter, and the Specialist, also deserve mention as top-tier options that round out a well-balanced squad. Let’s dive into why these classes, and others, are so effective.
Top Tier Classes: The Powerhouses of XCOM 2
The Undisputed King: Reaper (XCOM 2: War of the Chosen)
The Reaper stands out as the undisputed champion in XCOM 2, especially in the War of the Chosen expansion. This class’s strength lies in its unparalleled concealment and scouting capabilities. Reapers can remain hidden while moving, allowing them to scout enemy positions and set up ambushes with extreme efficiency. The “Shadow” ability lets them move without breaking concealment, making them incredibly valuable for intel gathering. Furthermore, their Claymore ability, which allows them to plant a remotely detonated explosive charge, makes them excellent at dealing damage. They can also use the “Remote Start” to destroy vehicles, and their “Banish” skill is lethal against single targets. The Reaper is, without a doubt, one of the most OP classes in XCOM 2.
The Area-of-Effect MVP: Grenadier
The Grenadier is another force to be reckoned with, especially in the early to mid-game. This class brings unparalleled area-of-effect damage to the table. Their grenades, coupled with abilities that increase their effectiveness and range, can shred through cover, disable enemies, and control the battlefield. They can also equip a cannon as their primary weapon for sheer stopping power. Furthermore, the Grenadier’s abilities like “Demolition” can level cover and “Suppression” keeps the enemy at bay. The Grenadier is a crucial class for any squad and the best class in XCOM 2 vanilla, and remains strong in War of the Chosen.
Excellent Classes: Rounding out a Squad
The Long-Range Expert: Sharpshooter
The Sharpshooter excels at long-range engagements. Their ability to pick off enemies from a distance, coupled with the “Lightning Hands” ability which gives you a free shot after a move, makes them incredibly valuable. Sharpshooters can also spec into a pistol-focused build, allowing them to be deadly at close range while staying mobile, and their sniper rifle can devastate high value targets. They offer the squad necessary fire support, and provide a versatile option on the battlefield, and their “Death from Above” ability allows them to reposition safely after scoring a kill from high ground. The Sharpshooter is an integral part of a balanced team composition.
The Versatile Tech Support: Specialist
The Specialist is the utility player of XCOM 2. These soldiers wield their drones to hack devices, heal teammates, and deal damage. Their hacking abilities are crucial for disabling enemy robots and gaining valuable intel, while their combat protocol is great for dealing guaranteed damage. They can also spec to become a medic, or a combat hacker, making them incredibly versatile. While not the highest damage dealers, the Specialist ensures the team’s survivability and tactical flexibility.
Other Viable Classes
The Frontline Brawler: Ranger
The Ranger is a close-quarters specialist, capable of flanking and dealing heavy damage with their shotgun. While not as universally powerful as the Reaper or Grenadier, Rangers can be devastating in the right hands. The “Run and Gun” ability allows them to close distance quickly, and their “Bladestorm” perk means they will retaliate against any enemies that get too close. The Ranger is a solid choice for players who prefer an aggressive play style.
The Psionic Powerhouse: Psi Operative
The Psi Operative is a powerful class that becomes available later in the game. They excel at mind control, and can debuff and disable enemies with their psionic powers. This class requires a fair amount of investment and is a bit slow to level up, but can become game-breakingly powerful. They don’t use traditional weapons, making them unique on the battlefield. The Psi Operative is a very powerful class but not usually considered the best.
The Aggressive Melee Specialist: Templar (XCOM 2: War of the Chosen)
The Templar class, introduced in War of the Chosen, is a melee-focused psionic class. They can close the distance quickly to unleash devastating psychic attacks, and their attacks have high damage. They are very powerful in the late game and can have a high damage output, but they tend to have low health, making them less forgiving for new players.
The Tactical Disrupter: Skirmisher (XCOM 2: War of the Chosen)
The Skirmisher is a guerrilla fighter that excels at disrupting enemy plans. They are mobile and can pull enemies out of cover, and are also effective at controlling enemy positions on the battlefield. Although this is a very capable class, it tends to be less powerful than other classes. The Skirmisher can be a valuable class if you prioritize mobility and tactical options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most OP class in XCOM 2?
The Reaper is widely considered the most OP class in XCOM 2 due to its unparalleled scouting, concealment and offensive capabilities.
2. What is the best class in XCOM 2 vanilla?
In vanilla XCOM 2, the Grenadier is often considered the best class due to its area-of-effect damage and battlefield control.
3. What is the best team composition in XCOM 2?
A well-rounded mid-game team could include two Rangers, one Specialist, one Grenadier, and one Sharpshooter. This provides a mix of offense, support, and long-range fire.
4. What should I focus on first in XCOM 2?
Focus on expanding the resistance early, contacting new regions, and building radio towers to increase your monthly supply income.
5. What is the best order to build in XCOM 2?
A balanced build order is Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab.
6. What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?
The Plasma Bolt Caster is the most powerful standard weapon in XCOM 2 regarding damage per shot, but it needs to be reloaded after each shot.
7. Who is the strongest enemy in XCOM 2?
The Berserker is often considered the strongest melee enemy in XCOM 2, with the capacity to become enraged to increase damage and range.
8. Should I play Vanilla XCOM 2 first?
Yes, it is recommended to play vanilla XCOM 2 first, especially if you are new to the series, as War of the Chosen is considerably more difficult.
9. Can you change a soldier’s class in XCOM 2?
Yes, you can use console commands to change a soldier’s class.
10. How many characters should you make for XCOM 2?
It is recommended to create about 25-30 characters as you may lose some along the way.
11. What is the best enemy to mind control in XCOM 2?
Mutons, Heavy Floaters, and Muton Elites are good targets for mind control as they have low will and can deal considerable damage against their allies.
12. Who is the hardest alien ruler in XCOM 2?
The Archon King, or Subject Alpha, is considered the hardest Alien Ruler in XCOM 2.
13. Can you lose Chosen weapons in XCOM 2?
Yes, Chosen weapons are permanently lost if the soldier carrying them is killed and not evacuated.
14. How important is Combat Intelligence in XCOM 2?
Combat Intelligence determines how quickly soldiers earn Ability Points in combat, which is essential to improve your soldiers.
15. Does XCOM 2 have a time limit?
Yes, there is a theoretical “time limit” dictated by the Avatar Project, which progresses as aliens build facilities. Failing to disrupt the project will lead to a game over.
Choosing the right class is crucial for success in XCOM 2. Mastering the strengths of each class will undoubtedly lead you to victory, against the alien threat. Experiment and find the right balance to fit your playstyle.