Are Dark Events Permanent? Understanding XCOM 2’s Dynamic Threats
The question of whether Dark Events in XCOM 2 are permanent is crucial for any commander strategizing against the alien occupation. The short answer is: typically, no, most Dark Events are not permanent in the base game. They are designed to be temporary challenges that force you to adapt and prioritize. However, there are nuances and exceptions, particularly when expansions and gameplay modifiers are involved. This article will delve deep into the mechanics of Dark Events, exploring their duration, how to counter them, and what happens when they do become permanent.
Understanding Dark Events in XCOM 2
Dark Events are essentially ADVENT initiatives aimed at hindering XCOM’s operations and bolstering their own forces. These events manifest as strategic debuffs or enhancements on the world map. They can range from boosting enemy strength and introducing new unit types to hindering research progress and disrupting supply lines. These are dynamic challenges that make each playthrough unique.
The Typical Duration of Dark Events
In the default XCOM 2 experience, Dark Events are temporary. Most have a lifespan of roughly one month, sometimes a few weeks, before they expire. Some may also have an immediate effect when completed, disappearing right after. This temporary nature is intentional. It creates a fluctuating strategic landscape, pushing players to react and prioritize resources wisely. Think of them as short-term crises that you need to manage effectively.
How to Counter Dark Events
The core mechanic for dealing with Dark Events involves Guerilla Ops. Each month, the game presents a selection of these missions, each typically targeting a specific Dark Event. Completing a Guerilla Op successfully will prevent the targeted Dark Event from becoming active. These operations are often time-sensitive, meaning you’ll need to choose carefully which threats you can and can’t afford to allow. Sometimes, you might have to let one Dark Event activate to prioritize countering another. This element of strategic choice is key to mastering XCOM 2.
The Impact of War of the Chosen
The War of the Chosen (WotC) expansion introduces significant changes to the core XCOM 2 experience, particularly in how it handles Dark Events. Most notably, WotC offers the option of ‘Grim Horizon’.
Grim Horizon: The Perma-Dark Events
Selecting ‘Grim Horizon’ during a new campaign dramatically alters Dark Event behavior. With this option, most timed Dark Events become permanent. This significantly increases the difficulty of the game, demanding players adapt to a relentless onslaught of increasing ADVENT power. ‘Grim Horizon’ requires careful planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of both the game’s mechanics and the chosen combat unit upgrades. It is NOT a default behavior and is an optional modifier for a challenge.
Dark Events in Long War of the Chosen
Long War of the Chosen presents its own spin on Dark Events, using them under two different categorizes Counterinsurgency Ops and Military R&D. Counterinsurgency Ops focus on hindering XCOM’s progress and bolstering ADVENT’s influence on the strategic layer. These operate similarly to the base game, requiring Guerrilla Ops to counter. Military R&D dark events provide ADVENT with strategic benefits and new technologies.
Vigilance: A Temporary Dark Event
A specific example provided from our research shows, Vigilance is a temporary Dark Event tied to a Guerrilla Op. It is not permanent and follows the standard temporary nature of most dark events.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Dark Events
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Dark Events, to address any potential confusion and provide further clarity.
1. What is the main purpose of Dark Events in XCOM 2?
Dark Events are designed to create dynamic challenges that force players to adapt their strategies. They prevent the game from becoming repetitive and keep players engaged, encouraging them to constantly prioritize threats.
2. Are all Dark Events timed?
While most Dark Events are timed and have a limited duration, some trigger immediate effects upon completion. These are often just as impactful, meaning it’s important to understand what each individual one does.
3. How can I identify which Guerilla Ops counter specific Dark Events?
The game provides clear visual cues and text descriptions of the Guerilla Ops, specifically stating which Dark Event it will prevent. Pay close attention to the mission briefings.
4. Can multiple Dark Events be countered with a single Guerilla Op?
No, each Guerilla Op is typically tied to a single Dark Event. However, by choosing wisely, you may prevent more than one listed based on the game mechanics. The sequencing is more fluid than that which is provided by the game to the player.
5. What are some common examples of Dark Events?
Common examples include increased enemy strength, improved enemy armor, enhanced research speeds for ADVENT, or decreased supply drops for XCOM. The Dark Events all affect the game strategically and can cause drastic changes to the tactical experience.
6. If a Dark Event activates, can I reverse it?
No, once a Dark Event activates, its effects are generally locked in for its duration, unless using ‘Grim Horizon’, where it might be permanent. However, you can plan your next moves to mitigate the damage.
7. How does the ‘Grim Horizon’ option affect Dark Events?
With ‘Grim Horizon’ enabled, most timed Dark Events become permanent, significantly increasing the game’s difficulty.
8. Do all Dark Events become permanent with ‘Grim Horizon’?
While most timed events become permanent, some, particularly those with immediate effects, may still trigger and then disappear. The majority, however, will stick around for the remainder of the campaign.
9. Are Dark Events unique to each XCOM 2 campaign?
Yes, the specific combination and sequencing of Dark Events are dynamic, which means no two campaigns are exactly the same.
10. Does difficulty level affect the frequency or severity of Dark Events?
Yes, typically, higher difficulty settings will lead to a greater frequency of Dark Events and more difficult counter-operations. The higher the difficulty the more aggressive ADVENT is.
11. Can modded content affect Dark Events?
Absolutely. The modding community has created many custom Dark Events and gameplay changes, so the exact mechanics can change based on mod usage.
12. Do Dark Events affect the Avatar Project directly?
While some Dark Events can indirectly affect the Avatar Project (e.g., those that increase ADVENT research speeds), they don’t directly speed it up. Instead, they represent the aliens’ response to XCOM’s progress.
13. If I ignore a Dark Event, is it always better to let it activate?
Not necessarily. Sometimes it’s advantageous to let one or more activate if it allows you to focus on countering a more significant threat. The decision is always tactical, and some may provide less impact than others.
14. What is the difference between retaliation strikes and Dark Events?
Retaliation Strikes are separate events where ADVENT forces directly attack a region. Dark Events are passive modifiers and have a different effect on your strategy.
15. Is there a way to predict which Dark Events will appear?
No, the game does not allow you to predict the specific Dark Events, meaning you need to stay prepared for any eventuality. This makes every playthrough an engaging challenge.
In conclusion, Dark Events in XCOM 2 are not typically permanent, serving as dynamic strategic challenges that require careful planning and tactical response. However, with the ‘Grim Horizon’ option or mods, they can become permanent, adding a unique layer of challenge. Understanding the mechanics of Dark Events and how to counter them is vital for any commander seeking to liberate Earth.