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Which XCOM game to play first?

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Which XCOM Game Should You Play First? A Comprehensive Guide

The XCOM franchise, renowned for its challenging tactical gameplay and engaging narratives, can be a daunting prospect for newcomers. With multiple titles, expansions, and even a spiritual successor, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. The most common question, therefore, is: which XCOM game should you play first? The definitive answer, for most players, is XCOM: Enemy Unknown with the Enemy Within expansion. This combination offers a balanced, deep, and accessible entry point into the series. However, there’s more to the story than a single recommendation, and this article will guide you through the best starting points and provide you with all the information you need.

Why XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within is the Best Starting Point

While XCOM 2 is arguably the more polished game, starting with XCOM: Enemy Unknown (EU) and its expansion, Enemy Within (EW) offers several advantages:

  • Gentler Learning Curve: XCOM: EU/EW presents a slightly less brutal initial challenge than XCOM 2. This allows new players to grasp the core mechanics, such as squad management, resource allocation, and turn-based combat, without being immediately overwhelmed. You have more time and less time constraints to strategize, crucial for learning the ropes.
  • Gradual Introduction to Complexity: Enemy Within expands upon EU’s systems in a meaningful way, introducing new units, resources, and strategies. This approach allows players to master the basics before tackling the more complex elements added in the expansion. Starting directly with XCOM 2, especially War of the Chosen, can throw too much information at you at once.
  • Understanding the Narrative Foundation: XCOM 2 is a direct sequel to EU/EW, set 20 years later. Playing the original game first provides valuable context and background, enriching the experience of XCOM 2 and making its world more understandable. You’ll see what the world lost, and why you are fighting so hard in the sequel.
  • Less Reliance on Timers: In XCOM 2, time is often a relentless enemy, adding another layer of pressure. XCOM: EU/EW doesn’t impose this same level of urgency, allowing players to focus on tactical gameplay and make more calculated decisions. The timers in XCOM 2 can feel overly restrictive for new players.
  • Appreciation for Evolution: By playing EU/EW first, you can fully appreciate the refinements and innovations that XCOM 2 introduces. This allows you to see the design evolution of the series firsthand and not feel as though you’ve missed out.

The Case for XCOM 2 (with caveats)

While XCOM: EU/EW is generally recommended as the first game, XCOM 2 is not an unreasonable place to start, provided you have a good understanding of tactical games.

  • Modern Polish: XCOM 2 is undeniably the more polished game, with improved graphics, user interface, and quality-of-life improvements. If you find older games hard to engage with, this could be a consideration.
  • The War of the Chosen: If you start with XCOM 2, avoid starting with the War of the Chosen expansion right away. Its added complexity can make the base game incredibly difficult for newcomers. Once you grasp the core mechanics, however, it is highly recommended.
  • Beginner-Friendly on Lower Difficulties: XCOM 2 is somewhat more beginner-friendly on easier difficulties, allowing you to make mistakes without instant game-over. However, higher difficulties are much more challenging than EU/EW.

In Summary: For the vast majority of players, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, followed by Enemy Within, is the ideal starting point. It provides a robust, engaging, and comprehensive introduction to the world of XCOM. If the dated feel of the first game puts you off, then XCOM 2 without WOTC is a reasonable alternative, just know you’ll have a steeper learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the best XCOM starting points and their related aspects:

  1. Do I need to play XCOM games in order? While not strictly necessary, playing XCOM: EU/EW before XCOM 2 enriches your understanding of the narrative and game mechanics. The game continuity makes XCOM 2 a better experience with knowledge of the original.

  2. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a full game? No, XCOM: Enemy Within is a standalone expansion that requires the base game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, to play. It adds significant new content to the original game.

  3. Should I play XCOM: Enemy Within first? It’s highly recommended to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown first to grasp the basics. Then, Enemy Within is best played after you have a feel for the gameplay.

  4. Are XCOM 1 and 2 connected? Yes, they are directly connected in terms of story. XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within.

  5. Is XCOM 2 beginner-friendly? Yes, especially on lower difficulties. However, it can be overwhelming with its many systems. Starting without the War of the Chosen expansion will make it slightly more manageable for first-time players.

  6. Is XCOM 2 or XCOM: EU/EW easier? XCOM 2 is easier on lower difficulties, but much harder on higher ones. EU/EW has a less severe learning curve overall. XCOM:EU/EW allows you more time for deliberation with less restrictive timers, which makes a big difference when learning.

  7. Is XCOM 1 worth playing before 2? Absolutely. It’s an excellent game in its own right and understanding its mechanics is highly beneficial before playing XCOM 2. It also allows you to understand the story and world building of the XCOM franchise.

  8. What is the difference between XCOM and XCOM: Enemy Within? Enemy Within expands on the base game, adding new missions, soldiers, enemies, and technology, as well as introducing the concept of gene modification.

  9. Is XCOM 2 War of the Chosen a different game? No, War of the Chosen is a major expansion that integrates into XCOM 2 and adds an immense amount of content, making it feel like a different game. It is recommended to play this after understanding the base XCOM 2 game.

  10. Can you play XCOM: Enemy Within without Enemy Unknown? No. Enemy Within requires the base game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, to function.

  11. Do I need to play anything before XCOM 2? Not strictly, but playing XCOM: EU/EW first significantly enriches the experience. If not, a brief synopsis of the events in the first game will suffice.

  12. Is XCOM worth playing after XCOM 2? Yes, absolutely. XCOM: EU/EW offers gameplay that is not just a straight downgrade of XCOM 2. It is a unique experience in the series and well worth exploring.

  13. What is the best XCOM game to start with? The best XCOM game to start with is XCOM: Enemy Unknown with the Enemy Within expansion.

  14. What order should I build XCOM 2 facilities? The “Balanced Build Order” is a popular strategy for XCOM 2, which prioritizes an Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab. The right order depends on your playstyle though.

  15. Is XCOM 2 addictive? Yes, it is known for being incredibly addictive due to its tactical combat and resource management systems. You’ll find yourself wanting just one more turn!

By addressing these common queries, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your journey into the XCOM universe. Whether you choose to start with the classic XCOM: EU/EW or the more modern XCOM 2, remember to enjoy the challenge and the unique strategic depth the series offers. Good luck, Commander!

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