Optimizing Your Avenger: The Definitive Guide to XCOM 2 Facility Layout

Figuring out the best facility layout in XCOM 2 is crucial for a successful campaign. The optimal layout prioritizes a central Workshop for maximum engineer efficiency, supported by adjacent power generation and communication hubs. A well-structured base allows you to research faster, build more efficiently, and ultimately, push back against the alien threat. The core of this strategy revolves around maximizing the output of your precious Engineers. Here’s a breakdown of what works best.

The Optimal Base Layout: Focus on the Workshop

The most efficient base layout leverages the Workshop, the most powerful facility in XCOM 2. The Workshop converts two Engineers into four GREMLIN-enhanced engineers, but these additional engineers can only assist in facilities adjacent to the Workshop. Therefore, the ideal placement for the Workshop is central, usually on the second column and either the second or third row of the Avenger. This location allows it to boost the output of the most vital facilities in the game.

The Core Facilities

Here’s how to build around your Workshop:

• Workshop (Central Location): As stated, place this in the second column, second or third row. Its location should be central to other key facilities.
• Power Relays (Adjacent to Workshop): Power is the backbone of your base. Build at least two Power Relays adjacent to the workshop. This will maximize engineer output, letting you quickly expand your base and build more power-hungry facilities.
• Resistance Comms (Adjacent to Workshop & Power Relays): Place these next to the Workshop and also near the Power Relays. This will ensure maximum efficiency. Contacting new regions is vital, and these will benefit from the additional engineers.
• Advanced Warfare Center (Adjacent to Workshop or Power Relays): Essential for soldier recovery and training bonuses, this should be built fairly early. Placing it near your core power and engineer hub is helpful for efficiency.
• Proving Grounds (Adjacent to Workshop or Power Relays): This facility lets you get access to experimental technology. Like the AWC, it also benefits from being near the workshop.

Early Game Priorities

While aiming for a central Workshop setup, your very first few facilities will deviate slightly:

1. Guerrilla Tactics School (GTS): This allows you to get a squad size increase and other important squad upgrades. Build it first to get the ball rolling on your combat effectiveness.
2. Advanced Warfare Center (AWC): As mentioned, rapid recovery of injured troops is crucial for keeping up with the alien threat, so prioritize this one after the GTS.
3. Power Relay: Build this once you start needing the extra power to build additional facilities.
4. Workshop: After these, get the Workshop online and then move into the other core facilities.

Mid to Late Game Tweaks

As you progress, your specific needs might change. Consider these other facilities and their placements:

• Psi Lab: Ideally situated away from the core, as it does not require engineers to function efficiently.
• Shadow Chamber: Similarly, it can be placed away from the central hub.
• Defense Matrix: This is crucial for late-game resistance to alien attacks, so put it somewhere easily accessible and with plenty of power nearby.

FAQs: XCOM 2 Facility Management

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about base building and management in XCOM 2 to further enhance your knowledge:

1. What should I prioritize building first in XCOM 2?

Your initial build should focus on the Guerrilla Tactics School followed quickly by the Advanced Warfare Center. The GTS grants critical squad size increases and essential squad upgrades. The AWC is crucial for soldier recovery and provides other beneficial training options.

2. Is the Workshop really that important?

Absolutely. The Workshop is the single most crucial facility in the game. Turning two engineers into four, which can then boost adjacent facilities, is massively efficient. Central placement of the Workshop is key to maximizing its potential.

3. Where is the best place to put the Workshop?

The best place is in the second column, either the second or third row of the Avenger. This provides the best adjacency to other vital facilities that utilize engineers.

4. Should I always prioritize engineers in missions?

During the early to mid-game, yes. Engineers directly impact your build speed and the efficiency of certain facilities. Having the Workshop up and running with adjacent power and communication hubs should be a priority, which can be helped by having enough engineers.

5. How many Power Relays do I need?

Initially, one or two near the Workshop should suffice. Over the mid to late game, add more as needed to accommodate your growing base. Keep in mind their engineer output when building.

6. Is Intel really that important?

Yes, Intel is crucial. It’s used for contacting new regions, revealing Dark Events, and purchasing items from the Black Market. Prioritize gaining as much as possible.

7. What about scientists? How important are they?

Scientists significantly reduce research times. While not as immediately impactful as engineers, they are a necessary resource for advancing your technological edge. Aim to have multiple by the mid-game.

8. What is the best use for the Proving Grounds?

The Proving Grounds is used to create experimental weaponry and armor. This is an essential facility for unlocking high-end gear.

9. How do I best manage the Avatar Project?

The Avatar Project is the game’s timer. Focus on completing story missions to slow it down, and prioritize taking down alien facilities that contribute to its progress.

10. Is it okay to remove facilities later?

Yes. You can excavate previously built facilities and replace them with better ones as you expand your base. Don’t be afraid to change the layout later on to optimize your strategy, although the workshop should remain in its central position.

11. What are the best facilities to prioritize late game?

By the late game, the Defense Matrix, Psi Lab, and Shadow Chamber are high priorities. The Defense Matrix helps combat base assaults, and the Psi Lab and Shadow Chamber allow for better soldier development.

12. How many soldiers should I aim to have?

On Normal difficulty, having around 12-15 soldiers is good enough for the first half of the game. On harder difficulties, you’ll want considerably more.

13. Is the Black Market worth using?

The Black Market is extremely valuable. Use it to trade for supplies, Intel, and other needed resources. Prioritize high value items such as weapon upgrades.

14. How does Combat Intelligence work?

Combat Intelligence is a War of the Chosen mechanic. It lets your soldiers gain Ability Points (AP) in combat to unlock new abilities. It accelerates character progression.

15. Is the Wraith Suit really worth it?

Yes, the Wraith Suit is a powerful end-game armor. Equip this on your Phantom-path Rangers to greatly improve mobility and allow for flanking opportunities.

Conclusion

Optimizing your facility layout in XCOM 2 is crucial for success. Prioritizing a central Workshop, supported by adjacent Power Relays and Resistance Comms, will boost your efficiency and allow you to research, build, and develop your troops at maximum speed. Don’t be afraid to adjust your layout as the game progresses. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to victory against the alien invaders. Good luck, Commander!