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Does XCOM 2 Have Replay Value? A Deep Dive

The short answer? Absolutely. XCOM 2 boasts incredible replay value, stemming from its blend of tactical depth, strategic management, and a hefty dose of unpredictable elements. It’s a game that invites you to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and embark on a new campaign with a fresh perspective each time. While the core narrative remains consistent, the path you take to reach the final confrontation can vary significantly, offering countless hours of engagement.

Why XCOM 2 is a Replayable Masterpiece

The core of XCOM 2’s replayability lies in its procedurally generated missions and a dynamic strategic layer. Unlike linear games with fixed encounters, XCOM 2 throws a variety of scenarios your way, forcing you to adapt your strategies on the fly. This means no two campaigns will feel exactly the same, even when revisiting familiar mission types. Let’s break down the major elements that contribute to its high replay value:

The Strategic Layer: A World of Possibilities

The Geoscape, your strategic command center, is where many of the game’s replayability factors shine. You’re constantly juggling resources, managing research, and expanding your resistance network. Decisions you make in this layer significantly influence your progress and dictate the challenges you face:

Base Building and Research: The order in which you build facilities on the Avenger and the research you prioritize drastically alter your tactical options and how quickly you progress. Every campaign allows you to experiment with different tech trees and squad composition strategies, discovering new synergies and builds.
Resistance Management: Contacting new regions, expanding your network, and tackling Dark Events all involve strategic decisions that influence the game’s difficulty and progression. No campaign will have the same spread of resistance regions or require the same level of resources.
The Avatar Project: The ticking clock of the Avatar Project forces you to balance offensive operations against the need to reduce alien progress. This dynamic threat meter ensures that each playthrough feels urgent and different, providing a unique challenge based on how aggressive you choose to be.

The Tactical Layer: Unpredictable Warfare

The tactical combat system also adds to the game’s replay value:

Procedurally Generated Maps: The battlefield layouts are varied and random. You will rarely see the same map twice, ensuring you must constantly adapt your strategies.
Soldier Customization and Progression: Each soldier has unique skills, personalities, and potential. The game allows you to respec soldiers, allowing you to experiment with different ability paths. This level of flexibility encourages you to try out different team compositions each campaign.
Permadeath and Risk Management: The ever-present threat of losing your most experienced soldiers creates a high-stakes environment. The constant need to adjust to losses and rebuild your team adds a layer of unpredictable intensity and makes each playthrough a unique narrative.

War of the Chosen: Replayability Amplifier

The War of the Chosen expansion further enhances XCOM 2’s replayability by introducing:

The Chosen: These powerful and unpredictable enemies force you to develop new strategies to counter their unique abilities, making each encounter a fresh and challenging experience.
New Factions and Soldiers: The addition of the Templars, Skirmishers, and Reapers adds a new dimension to tactical gameplay, introducing distinct playstyles and team composition options.
SitReps and Resistance Orders: These modifiers further alter the way missions play out, adding another layer of unpredictability.

Frequently Asked Questions About XCOM 2 Replayability

To further solidify the notion of XCOM 2’s lasting appeal, here are 15 frequently asked questions that shed more light on its replay value:

Can you play XCOM 2 infinitely?

Yes, you can play XCOM 2 infinitely. The game will continue spawning side missions even after completing the main objective. As long as you don’t trigger the final mission, the game can continue indefinitely.

Does the Avatar Project ever stop?

The Avatar Project countdown will stop if all Blacksites are destroyed, or if they are not present on the map. Dark Events will continue to be a factor, but guerilla ops can prevent them.

Can you respec in XCOM 2?

Yes, you can respec any soldier class in XCOM 2, allowing you to pick alternate abilities and experiment with builds. This feature adds to the game’s replayability by encouraging diverse squad compositions.

Is XCOM 2 luck-based?

While luck is a factor in XCOM 2, much of the game revolves around tactical decision-making and careful planning. There is some RNG, but the game isn’t dependent on good luck, since you can often strategize around it, but some games may be more forgiving than others.

What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?

The Plasma Bolt Caster is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2 in terms of damage per shot, although it needs to be reloaded after every single shot.

What is the most powerful class in XCOM 2?

Many will consider the Grenadier to be the most powerful class in XCOM 2. Their ability to use grenades to remove cover and do consistent damage is invaluable on most campaigns.

Is XCOM 2 a difficult game to beat?

XCOM 2’s difficulty varies based on the chosen settings. It’s generally considered easier on Veteran and Commander than previous titles, but harder on Legendary difficulty.

Is War of the Chosen necessary for replayability?

While not strictly necessary, War of the Chosen greatly enhances the game’s replay value. The new enemies, factions, and gameplay mechanics provide a significant layer of depth.

Can I play XCOM 2 without War of the Chosen?

Yes, you can play XCOM 2 without War of the Chosen. However, if you have the expansion, it’s typically better to have it enabled, since it adds a large amount of content and improves the game.

What is the best order to build facilities in XCOM 2?

A balanced build order often includes Advanced Warfare Centre, Guerrilla Training School, Power Relay, Resistance Comms, Proving Grounds, and Psi Lab. However, you can adjust this order to suit your playstyle.

Is XCOM 2 worth playing in 2024?

Absolutely. XCOM 2 remains an excellent and engaging tactical strategy game, still well worth playing in 2024. The base game alone offers hundreds of hours of gameplay.

Are XCOM 2 missions scripted?

While the initial tutorial missions are scripted, the vast majority of XCOM 2 missions are randomly generated from templates. The only factor that would make them appear scripted is that these randomly generated missions may often repeat, but it will always be different based on the other elements of a specific play through.

Can you ignore retaliation missions in XCOM 2?

Failing or ignoring a Retaliation Strike has negative consequences, such as losing contact with the region and a reduced income, so it is best not to.

Is the original XCOM worth playing after XCOM 2?

Yes, the original XCOM, especially with the Enemy Within expansion, is still worth playing. It offers a different experience and has some unique features not found in XCOM 2.

How long does XCOM 2 typically last?

The length of an XCOM 2 playthrough varies. Focusing on main objectives takes around 33½ hours, while 100% completion can take around 78½ hours.

Conclusion: A Game That Keeps on Giving

XCOM 2’s incredible replay value stems from its blend of challenging tactical combat, a dynamic strategic layer, and a constant stream of unpredictable events. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a new commander, XCOM 2 has something to offer, inviting you to dive back in for just one more campaign. With every playthrough offering a unique experience, this game earns its reputation as a timeless classic. So, if you are thinking about booting it up for a fresh run – don’t hesitate. The fight for Earth awaits!

Does XCOM 2 have replay value?