Does Poison Wear Off in XCOM? A Comprehensive Guide
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The insidious effects of poison in the XCOM universe can be a major headache for commanders. Understanding how poison works and how to counter it is crucial for survival. So, the critical question: Does poison wear off in XCOM? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t a straightforward yes or no. It largely depends on the source of the poison and the specific XCOM game you’re playing. In most cases, poison will not naturally wear off in XCOM; it requires active intervention or specific circumstances to be removed. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Poison Mechanics Across XCOM
The poison mechanic isn’t consistent across all XCOM games. Here’s a breakdown:
XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within
In the earlier XCOM titles, poison isn’t as common. However, when it does occur, it usually manifests as a debuff that needs to be addressed. The primary source of poison is the Sectoid’s poison spit, which inflicts both damage and a stat reduction. Generally, this type of poison has a turn-based duration and will wear off on its own after a few turns. The duration can be affected by whether the poisoned soldier moves. If they do not move, the poison may last only one turn, doing 1 damage. If they move the turn they were poisoned, it will potentially last up to two additional turns. So, technically, this poison can expire, but only because of the mechanics.
XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen
XCOM 2 introduces a more complex poison system. Here, the most significant source of poison is the Chryssalid’s venomous attack. Unlike the Sectoid’s spit in the older games, Chryssalid poison does not expire. Instead, it persists indefinitely until it is cured or the poisoned soldier dies. Furthermore, death from Chryssalid poison turns your soldier’s corpse into a Chryssalid Cocoon, creating more Chryssalids unless the body is destroyed.
There are some sources of poison in XCOM 2 that do not last indefinitely. Poison Spit, for instance, leaves a 3×3 cloud that lasts for three turns, affecting anyone who walks through it. This type of poison does not linger on the affected unit once they leave the cloud.
The Role of Medikits and Support Abilities
The crucial element in managing poison in both XCOM 1 and 2 is the Medikit. This essential item can cure the poison affliction. In XCOM 2, the Medikit also grants temporary immunity to poison to the user, making it a tactical asset. However, the limited number of medikits and the need to strategically use them presents its own challenges.
In XCOM 2, the Support Class comes into its own. With the right upgrades, a Support soldier can carry multiple medikits or even gain abilities that facilitate poison removal, mitigating the risks of poison.
Chryssalid Poison: The Most Dangerous Threat
Chryssalid poison is the most dangerous because it is permanent unless treated. It is crucial for players to be aggressive when dealing with these creatures and focus on eliminating them. Should a soldier be poisoned, the use of a medikit is essential, as letting it continue will only result in the death of your soldier and potentially more Chryssalids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to poison in XCOM, providing more depth to the topic:
1. How long does Chryssalid poison last in XCOM 2?
Chryssalid poison has no expiry. It lasts indefinitely until cured with a Medikit, or until the unit succumbs to the poison.
2. What happens if a soldier dies from Chryssalid poison?
Upon death, the soldier’s corpse becomes a Chryssalid Cocoon. After a couple turns, a new Chryssalid will emerge. Destroy the cocoon as quickly as possible to prevent further losses.
3. Can you ignore Chryssalid poison in XCOM 2?
No, you cannot ignore Chryssalid poison. Its indefinite duration means it will eventually kill the affected unit, and that unit may spawn a cocoon. Medkits should always be on hand and used as soon as possible.
4. How do you stop poison in XCOM 2?
The primary method to stop poison in XCOM 2 is by using a Medikit on the affected soldier.
5. Can I use a Medikit on myself in XCOM 2?
Yes, you can use a Medikit on yourself or any other soldier within your squad. When used, it will cure poison and also grant a temporary immunity to poison.
6. What does poison do in XCOM?
Poison generally inflicts damage over time, reduces Aim, and decreases Mobility. The specific effects and duration will vary depending on the game and the source of the poison.
7. Does poison from other sources wear off on its own in XCOM 2?
Some sources of poison in XCOM 2, like the Poison Spit cloud, do not linger on the affected unit once they have left the cloud. Other types of poison must be cured using the Medikit.
8. Does XCOM 2 have other types of status effects like poison?
Yes, XCOM 2 has several status effects, including burning, disorientation, stun, and mind control. Each can be countered by specific items or abilities.
9. How do you get rid of burning in XCOM 2?
Burning can be cured using a Medikit or Nanomedikit, moving to a water tile, or using the Hunker Down ability (in War of the Chosen). The Specialist’s Medical Protocol can also remove burning.
10. Can negative traits be cured in XCOM 2?
Yes, negative traits can be cured in the Infirmary, which is available after building it. The curing process takes a number of days, during which the soldier is unavailable. The process also takes longer if multiple traits are removed at the same time.
11. Can you speed up healing in XCOM 2?
The healing process of soldiers can be sped up by assigning an engineer to the Infirmary. Engineers increase the healing rate of the injured soldiers.
12. What is the effect of the Poison Spit in XCOM 2?
Poison Spit leaves a 3×3 cloud of poison that lasts for three turns, affecting anyone who passes through it. This cloud can be equally dangerous to both the XCOM team and the alien opponents.
13. Is there any way to make my soldiers immune to poison?
Using a medikit on a soldier makes them temporarily immune to poison. It also cures the soldier of any poison that they are affected by.
14. What is the most dangerous enemy to deal with in XCOM 2?
The Chryssalid is a huge threat because their poison can be deadly if left untreated. Also, if a soldier dies from Chryssalid poison, they become a cocoon, which spawns another Chryssalid. The Alien Rulers, especially the Archon King, are among the most dangerous.
15. Does poison work against enemy units?
Yes, poison works on most enemy units as well. Poison clouds and other poison effects can affect them as they move through it.
Conclusion
While the poison mechanics in XCOM can be complex, understanding them is vital for success. Chryssalid poison does not wear off and needs to be cured. In contrast, some types of poison, like the cloud caused by poison spit, are temporary and do not linger if you move out of the affected area. Always prioritize having medikits readily available and utilizing the Support class effectively to manage poison afflictions. By being proactive and informed, you can mitigate the dangers of poison and ensure your squad’s survival in the face of XCOM’s formidable challenges.