XCOM 2: War of the Chosen – Sequel or Enhanced Experience?
The question of whether XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (WotC) is a sequel to XCOM 2 is a common one among fans and newcomers alike. The short answer is: No, War of the Chosen is not a sequel. It’s more accurately described as a major expansion or a complete overhaul of the original game. Instead of continuing the narrative or providing a brand-new story, WotC refines, expands, and deepens the core gameplay experience of XCOM 2. Think of it as the definitive edition, not a chapter two. WotC assumes the same narrative context as XCOM 2. You’re still fighting the alien occupation as part of the XCOM resistance, but the experience is significantly different.
While it does introduce new story elements, characters, and enemies, it doesn’t move the main plot beyond the ending of the base game. Instead, it introduces new challenges within the same conflict, fundamentally changing how you engage with the game on both the strategic and tactical levels. Therefore, don’t expect a continuation of the story. Instead, anticipate an incredibly enhanced and robust replay of the same setting.
What Makes War of the Chosen Different?
WotC takes everything that worked in XCOM 2 and elevates it. It’s not just a few new maps or enemies thrown in; it’s a deep, transformative experience that alters many core game mechanics. Here’s a look at some of the key differences:
The Chosen
Perhaps the most significant addition is the titular Chosen. These are three powerful, unique enemies with distinct personalities and abilities. They relentlessly hunt you throughout the campaign. This creates a dynamic and personalized challenge, as the Chosen adapt to your tactics, kidnap your soldiers, and even interfere in missions. Each chosen has a unique weakness that, if exploited, can drastically tip the scales.
New Resistance Factions
WotC also introduces three new resistance factions. The Reapers, The Skirmishers, and The Templars are playable, each with their own unique abilities, classes, and playstyles. These factions diversify your strategic options and add significant depth to your squad compositions, allowing for an expanded range of tactical strategies.
New Enemies and Mission Types
Beyond the Chosen, WotC adds a variety of new enemies. Expect to encounter deadly foes that demand new tactics, and varied mission types that keep every engagement fresh and engaging. This variety goes beyond a mere re-skin. It changes the pace of the game, forcing you to reconsider tactics, adding complexity and challenge to the overall gameplay.
A Deeper Strategic Layer
The strategic layer is vastly improved, with new systems and features that make it far more intricate than in the base game. You will manage your relationship with the resistance factions while tracking the influence of the Chosen. These dynamics increase the strategic depth of the game. It requires players to consider multiple dimensions when deciding how to expand the resistance and defeat the aliens.
Refinements and Polish
Beyond the major additions, WotC also includes numerous smaller quality-of-life improvements, tweaks, and polish. This culminates in a smoother, more engaging, and ultimately more satisfying gameplay experience than the base XCOM 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide even more information about XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen:
Is XCOM 2 WOTC the same story?
Yes, the core story remains the same as XCOM 2. You are still fighting against the alien occupation. However, the WotC expansion introduces new characters, factions, and narrative elements that are interwoven with the original story without changing the overall plot trajectory.
Is XCOM 2 WOTC a separate game?
Technically, yes, it is installed as a separate game. After you purchase it, your library will likely show two entries: XCOM 2 and XCOM 2 WotC. They share the same game engine but are entirely different versions of the campaign.
Should I play XCOM 2 or WOTC first time?
For a first-time player, it is highly recommended to play XCOM 2 vanilla first. WotC is far more complex with additional systems and enemies. It might be overwhelming for those who are not familiar with the base game mechanics.
Is there a sequel to XCOM 2?
Yes, XCOM: Chimera Squad is a turn-based tactical game that serves as a sequel to XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. It is set after a fragile peace agreement between humans and aliens. It features a smaller, more narrative focused squad.
Are XCOM 1 and 2 connected?
Yes, XCOM 2 is set 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM: Enemy Within. The council nations surrendered to the aliens shortly after the first invasion. This creates the dire situation that XCOM 2 is built on.
Is XCOM 3 being made?
Firaxis has confirmed that they plan on making XCOM 3. However, it has been delayed to focus on other projects like Marvel’s Midnight Suns. While in development, it is not currently available to play.
Do you have to beat XCOM 2 to play War of the Chosen?
No, but it is strongly advised that you play and familiarize yourself with the core mechanics of XCOM 2 before starting WotC. This will ease your transition into a more challenging and complex game experience.
What order should I play XCOM 2?
Start with the base game XCOM 2 (vanilla), then move to XCOM 2 War of the Chosen. This order will allow you to familiarize yourself with the base game’s mechanics, story, and strategies before diving into the enhanced experience.
What order should I build in XCOM 2?
A balanced early game build order includes the: Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab. This approach ensures that you have adequate resources and facilities to effectively train your soldiers.
Is XCOM WotC worth it?
Yes, XCOM 2 War of the Chosen is absolutely worth it. It dramatically enhances the base game with new features, content, and challenges. It’s often considered essential for XCOM 2 fans.
Is XCOM 2 never ending?
Yes, the game will continue to spawn missions indefinitely. You can play as long as you want. The game will only end when you choose to complete the final mission.
What is the difference between XCOM Long War and XCOM 2 WotC?
Long War 2 is a mod that overhauls XCOM 2 with new classes and mechanics. It has different elements compared to the more polished WotC experience. WotC is an official expansion that refines the core game and has greater polish, whereas Long War is a huge fan-made overhaul with less polish.
Is XCOM 2 War of the Chosen canon?
Yes, in terms of the XCOM universe, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, and XCOM: Chimera Squad are considered canonical and make up the main continuity.
Is XCOM 2 a different timeline?
No, XCOM 2 is not considered a different timeline. It is a continuation of the original timeline where XCOM was ultimately defeated in the initial invasion.
Is XCOM 2 hard to beat?
XCOM 2 can be challenging, especially on higher difficulties. However, it is more balanced compared to the previous game. However, legendary difficulty is a brutal challenge.
Conclusion
War of the Chosen is not a sequel in the conventional sense. It’s a transformative expansion that elevates XCOM 2 from a great game to an exceptional one. It refines everything that was great about the base game, adds substantial new content, and introduces significant improvements to the strategic and tactical layers of the game. Therefore, if you’re a fan of XCOM 2 or if you are looking to dive in, War of the Chosen is an experience that no tactical strategy fan should miss. Understanding it as an enhancement, not a direct sequel, is key to appreciating what it brings to the table.