Can You Dive into XCOM: Enemy Within Without Enemy Unknown? A Veteran Commander’s Guide

The short answer is a resounding NO. You absolutely cannot play XCOM: Enemy Within without owning the base game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Now, let’s delve into the strategic depths and unpack why this is the case, and explore some common questions surrounding this phenomenal turn-based strategy game. I’m not just talking from a “I read it on the internet” perspective. I’ve logged countless hours, lost countless soldiers (RIP Bradford, you glorious bastard!), and perfected strategies across every difficulty level. I’m here to share the insights gleaned from the front lines.

Why Enemy Unknown is Essential

Enemy Within isn’t a standalone game; it’s an expansion pack. Think of it like adding turbochargers and nitrous to a finely tuned engine. The engine, in this case, is Enemy Unknown, providing the core gameplay, story, and mechanics. Without it, the expansion simply has nothing to build upon.

Attempting to play Enemy Within without the base game is akin to trying to build a house without a foundation. The expansion introduces new maps, enemies, technologies, and soldier abilities, but it needs the established framework of Enemy Unknown to function. The game code, assets, and essential systems reside within Enemy Unknown, and Enemy Within extends and modifies them.

Moreover, the game’s installation process relies on recognizing the presence of Enemy Unknown. The expansion installs on top of the existing game, patching in the new content and features.

Understanding the Structure

To reiterate, XCOM: Enemy Within is designed to enhance and expand upon XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It doesn’t replace it. This means you get:

• New soldier augmentations (Meld-based gene mods and MEC suits).
• New alien threats (Seekers and Mechtoids).
• New resources (Meld).
• New missions and maps.
• Expanded strategic gameplay.
• New second wave options to personalize your gameplay.

But all of this depends on the core mechanics and framework provided by the original game.

FAQs for Aspiring XCOM Commanders

Here are some frequently asked questions that aspiring XCOM commanders often have, drawing from my own experiences and those of countless others in the community.

Do I need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before XCOM 2?

Absolutely. While XCOM 2 tells a new story set 20 years after Enemy Unknown, familiarity with the core gameplay mechanics is vital. Furthermore, XCOM 2 assumes you’re already acquainted with the basic lore, alien types, and strategic decisions that define the XCOM experience. Playing Enemy Unknown first provides valuable context and a smoother learning curve.

What’s the difference between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM: Enemy Within?

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the base game, establishing the setting, characters, and core gameplay loop. XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion that significantly enriches the experience with new content and strategic options. Enemy Within adds new soldier abilities, alien threats, resources, missions, and maps, providing a more complex and engaging challenge. Think of Enemy Within as the definitive version of Enemy Unknown.

In what order should I play the XCOM series?

I strongly recommend this order:

1. XCOM: Enemy Unknown (Base Game)
2. XCOM: Enemy Within (Expansion for Enemy Unknown)
3. XCOM 2 (Standalone Sequel)
4. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (Expansion for XCOM 2)
5. XCOM: Chimera Squad (Standalone, but benefits from knowing the lore)

This progression allows you to gradually acclimate to the evolving gameplay mechanics and narrative intricacies of the series.

Is XCOM: Enemy Unknown the first game in the XCOM series?

No. The original X-COM game, X-COM: UFO Defense, was released in 1994. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a reboot of that classic title, reimagined for modern audiences.

Is XCOM: Enemy Unknown a sequel to any other game?

No, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a reboot, not a sequel. XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

Does XCOM: Enemy Within have multiple endings?

No, XCOM: Enemy Within has a single ending. Achieving victory involves completing the final mission on the alien Temple Ship. The specific outcomes for individual soldiers or countries may vary based on your in-game decisions, but the overall narrative conclusion remains consistent.

What makes XCOM so challenging?

XCOM is renowned for its unforgiving difficulty due to a combination of factors:

• Permadeath: Soldiers who die in combat are permanently lost, creating emotional attachments and strategic consequences.
• Randomness: Hit chances, critical hits, and alien behavior are influenced by randomness, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
• Resource Management: Balancing budget constraints, research priorities, and base development requires careful planning.
• Strategic Depth: Mastering tactical positioning, soldier abilities, and weapon upgrades is crucial for success.
• Adaptive AI: The aliens become more challenging as the game progresses, forcing you to adapt your strategies.

Can you play XCOM: Enemy Within forever?

Technically, yes. The game doesn’t have a hard limit on how long you can play. However, the increasing difficulty and resource constraints will eventually make survival incredibly challenging. You can keep going indefinitely, pushing your skills to the limit, but eventually, the aliens will likely overwhelm you. The Games Learning Society often discusses how games like XCOM provide challenging scenarios that facilitate strategic thinking. You can find more information on their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

What does Enemy Within add to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

Enemy Within adds a wealth of new content and features:

• Meld: A new resource used for genetic modifications and MEC Trooper development.
• Gene Mods: Augmentations that enhance soldier abilities.
• MEC Troopers: Cybernetic soldiers who pilot powerful mechanized exosuits.
• New Enemies: Seekers (cloaking aliens) and Mechtoids (cybernetic alien hybrids).
• New Missions: Including missions against the EXALT terrorist organization.
• New Maps: Offering greater tactical variety.
• Expanded Strategic Gameplay: Enhanced base management and research options.

Is XCOM: Enemy Within a good game?

Unequivocally, yes. XCOM: Enemy Within is widely regarded as one of the best strategy games ever made. Its challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and compelling narrative create an unforgettable experience. The expansion elevates Enemy Unknown from a great game to a truly exceptional one.

Does XCOM Long War work with Enemy Within?

Yes, Long War is a popular mod designed specifically for XCOM: Enemy Unknown with the Enemy Within expansion. Long War dramatically overhauls the game, extending its length, increasing its difficulty, and adding a vast array of new content.

How long is the XCOM: Enemy Unknown game?

A typical playthrough of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, focusing on the main objectives, takes around 25-30 hours. Completing all side missions and research projects can extend the playtime to 60-70 hours or more.

What does the XCOM stand for?

XCOM stands for Extraterrestrial Combat. It is the name of the clandestine paramilitary organization tasked with defending Earth from the alien invasion.

How many years between XCOM 1 and 2?

XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within.

What makes Xenonauts different from XCOM?

Xenonauts is often considered a spiritual successor to the original X-COM games. While similar in concept to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Xenonauts distinguishes itself through:

• Cold War Setting: Xenonauts takes place in 1979, featuring weaponry and equipment from that era.
• Realistic Ballistics: Projectiles follow realistic trajectories, requiring consideration of factors like wind and gravity.
• Detailed Geoscape: The strategic layer is more intricate, with greater emphasis on intercepting UFOs and managing air defenses.
• Absence of Psionics: Xenonaut soldiers lack the psionic abilities found in the XCOM series.

Final Thoughts from a Veteran Commander

XCOM: Enemy Within is an incredible game, but it’s not a standalone experience. If you want to experience all the new content then you need to start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown first. Trust me, the strategic depth and thrilling challenge are well worth the investment! Now get out there Commander, humanity needs you!