Can You Recover Captured Soldiers in XCOM 2? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, absolutely! You can recover captured soldiers in XCOM 2, but it’s not as simple as just waiting around. Captured soldiers are not permanently lost and can be rescued, adding a thrilling layer of gameplay to your strategic efforts. The method of retrieval differs slightly between the base game and the War of the Chosen expansion, but the fundamental principle remains the same: your lost comrades can be brought back into the fold. This article will detail how you can reclaim your captured soldiers and address frequently asked questions surrounding this crucial aspect of XCOM 2.
How to Rescue Captured Soldiers
The procedure for recovering captured soldiers depends on whether you are playing the base version of XCOM 2 or have the War of the Chosen expansion enabled.
Base XCOM 2: VIP Rescue Missions
In the base game, captured soldiers reappear as VIPs during Council Missions. When a captured soldier is designated as the VIP in one of these missions, you will need to undertake a standard VIP rescue mission where you are tasked with extracting the VIP from the field. Successfully rescuing the VIP will bring your captured soldier back to your barracks.
It is important to note that these missions are not triggered on demand. They appear at random over the course of your campaign, adding an element of suspense and urgency to the game. Keep a close watch on your mission briefings and be prepared to act decisively when one of your own is in danger.
War of the Chosen: Covert Operations and Rescue Missions
With the War of the Chosen expansion, the process is slightly different. To retrieve captured soldiers in War of the Chosen, you must first conduct a Rescue Soldier Covert Operation through the Resistance Ring. This covert action has a chance to appear when you are working with one of the faction heroes, and if successful, it will trigger a specific rescue mission that allows you to extract your captured soldier from the clutches of ADVENT.
The rescue missions themselves are typically challenging, but they offer a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you successfully reunite with your lost soldier. Just like in the base game, keep an eye on the Resistance Ring and ensure your covert operations are running efficiently to have a higher chance of rescuing your soldiers.
Returning Equipment
Regardless of whether you are playing the base game or War of the Chosen, you don’t have to worry about losing your soldier’s gear permanently. If your soldier had equipment when they were captured, all of their gear will be returned upon their successful rescue. This is a significant relief as your advanced weapons and armor are crucial to your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about soldiers, captures, and rescue in XCOM 2:
1. What happens to captured soldiers in XCOM 2?
Captured soldiers are removed from your active roster and become unavailable for missions. They are essentially prisoners of ADVENT and will be held until they appear as VIPs in Council Missions or are targeted in War of the Chosen rescue missions.
2. Is it okay to lose soldiers in XCOM 2?
Yes, it is perfectly okay to lose soldiers in XCOM 2. The game is designed around the premise that not all missions will be a success and that losses are inevitable. Losing soldiers, especially rookies or those early in the game, is part of the learning curve and strategic depth of the game. Don’t get too attached!
3. How many soldiers can you have in XCOM 2?
The size of your deployment squad can range from six to eight soldiers by default in the base game. In the War of the Chosen, you might have even more through upgrades or special missions. Some missions may also have an increased cap of up to twelve soldiers, depending on the scenario or mods.
4. How do you regain will in XCOM 2?
There’s no quick fix for lost will. Will recovery is a natural process that occurs over time between missions. However, to reduce will loss, try deploying one or two SPARKs so fewer soldiers lose will each mission. You also need to have a bigger roster to rotate soldiers regularly.
5. Can you save dead soldiers XCOM 2?
You cannot technically “save” dead soldiers and bring them back to life permanently. However, if a soldier dies on a mission and you successfully evacuate their body, any equipment they were carrying is recovered and available for use.
6. Can you revive soldiers in XCOM?
Yes, but only Specialists who have selected the “Revive” perk upon reaching the rank of Lieutenant can revive critically wounded soldiers during combat. The action is only available if the soldier is in the “Bleeding out” state, and is a separate action than the standard “Stabilize” action.
7. Who is the strongest soldier in XCOM 2?
While soldier strength is subjective, Reapers are often considered the strongest and most versatile class in XCOM 2. They excel in stealth and infiltration, which makes them highly valuable on any mission. Other strong classes include the Grenadier, Ranger, and Specialist.
8. What happens if you use a tired soldier XCOM 2?
Tired soldiers are more susceptible to negative mental effects. They won’t lose additional will if a squadmate is hurt but have a 50% chance of panicking. While they avoid the Obsession roll, they are still vulnerable to Panic, Berserk, and Shattered mental breaks.
9. Can you beat XCOM 2 without losing a country?
It is possible, but very difficult, to beat XCOM 2 without losing a country. It requires careful satellite management and choosing mission rewards that can assist with keeping the council happy.
10. Is XCOM 2 never ending?
No, XCOM 2 is not never-ending. There is a final mission that will trigger the end of the campaign. However, you can postpone this final mission and continue playing through side missions indefinitely if you so choose.
11. Can I ignore Guerilla Ops XCOM 2?
You can ignore them, but it’s not advisable. Guerilla Ops cancel associated Dark Events. If you ignore or fail them, all pending Dark Events will trigger in quick succession, making the game significantly harder.
12. Can you lose Chosen Weapons XCOM 2?
Yes, Chosen weapons are unique and irreplaceable. If a soldier carrying a Chosen weapon is killed and not evacuated, the weapon is permanently lost. It’s essential to prioritize the safety of soldiers wielding these powerful weapons.
13. What happens if you ignore a retaliation strike XCOM 2?
Ignoring a Retaliation Strike has significant negative consequences. The region will lose contact, radio relays will be destroyed, and the region’s income will be permanently reduced.
14. What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?
The Plasma Bolt Caster is considered the most powerful weapon in the base game for raw damage per shot. The downside is that it needs to be reloaded after each shot.
15. What is the most difficult enemy in XCOM 2?
The Mutons, particularly the Muton Elites, are among the most difficult regular enemies in XCOM 2. They have high health, armor, and are difficult to take down. Alien Rulers, like the Archon King, also present exceptionally tough encounters.
Conclusion
The capture and rescue of your soldiers are crucial aspects of XCOM 2’s compelling narrative and strategic challenges. Knowing how to manage your squad, respond to threats, and retrieve captured soldiers adds layers of depth to the gameplay experience. Remember, your soldiers are more than just units; they are the backbone of your resistance against ADVENT, and recovering them is essential for your campaign’s success. With the information provided above, you should be well-equipped to manage your squad and face any challenge that XCOM 2 throws your way.