Does Solace Stop Mind Control in XCOM 2? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is a resounding yes, Solace absolutely stops mind control in XCOM 2. This powerful ability, wielded by the Psi Operative class, is a crucial tool for countering the insidious mental assaults that enemies like Sectoid Commanders, Ethereals, and even the dreaded Chosen employ. But the functionality of Solace goes beyond simple prevention; it also provides active removal of existing mind control effects. This article will delve deep into the mechanics of Solace and explore the broader landscape of mind control countermeasures in XCOM 2, also providing answers to frequently asked questions related to the game’s mind control mechanics.
The Power of Solace: Prevention and Removal
Preventing Mind Control
The most significant aspect of Solace is its ability to prevent mind control from occurring in the first place. When a Psi Operative uses the Solace ability, they project a protective aura that immunizes nearby XCOM soldiers from enemy mind control attempts. This effect is a passive one; as long as the Psi Operative is within range and the aura is active, affected soldiers are immune to being dominated by enemy psionic powers.
Removing Existing Mind Control
Beyond prevention, Solace also serves as an active counter to existing mind control. If an XCOM soldier is already under the control of an enemy, moving a Psi Operative with the Solace ability within range of the controlled soldier will instantly break the mind control. This is invaluable when a crucial soldier has been compromised and needs to be quickly restored to your command. It provides a direct and reliable method to reclaim your assets on the battlefield.
Range and Tactical Considerations
The range of Solace is crucial to its effectiveness. Positioning your Psi Operative strategically is vital to ensure that your squad members are within the aura’s radius, especially when facing enemies who rely heavily on mind control abilities. This might mean adopting different squad formations or modifying your usual tactics to keep everyone within Solace’s protective field. It’s also important to note that Solace doesn’t affect the Psi Operative itself, meaning they are still vulnerable to mind control.
Countering Mind Control: Alternative Strategies
While Solace is a potent defense against mind control, it’s not the only method available. Here are some additional strategies players can employ to counter mind control in XCOM 2:
Eliminating the Source
The most direct method to stop mind control is to eliminate the enemy responsible for it. Focus fire on the Sectoid Commander, Ethereal, or any other enemy actively engaging in psionic attacks. Removing the source will immediately end any ongoing mind control attempts and eliminate future threats.
Stunning and Disabling
Stunning or disabling the enemy mind controller is another effective strategy. Utilizing abilities like a Sniper’s Disabling Shot, a Heavy’s Suppression, or even a Support’s Rifle Suppression on the controlling enemy can interrupt their psionic attacks and potentially disrupt mind control, buying you time to eliminate the threat.
Utilizing Spectral Army (Against the Warlock)
The Chosen Warlock presents a unique challenge. His mind control abilities are formidable, but he is known to enter a stasis state when he casts Spectral Army. If players can manage to eliminate all the Spectral Lancers spawned during this ability on the Warlock’s turn, through Overwatches or other means, the Warlock will break out of stasis unable to act, and mind control will be broken.
Understanding Avatar Mind Control
Avatars possess potent mind control abilities that last for 4 turns. While this is a temporary effect, the 100% hit chance means that it is vital to deal with Avatars quickly to minimize the impact of their psionic powers. It’s crucial to recognize that Dominate, another type of mind control, only lasts as long as the Psi Op casting it remains alive and active on the mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Stasis Break Mind Control in XCOM 2?
Yes, Stasis can break mind control, but it’s not the most reliable method. Specifically, forcing the Warlock into Stasis through his Spectral Army ability can break his own mind control. However, relying solely on this method is risky.
2. How Long Does Mind Control Last in XCOM 2?
The duration of mind control varies. Avatar mind control lasts for 4 turns, while other enemy mind control effects often persist until the controller is defeated or the controlled soldier is moved within range of Solace. Dominate mind control is terminated if the Psi Op casting it is killed or removed from the mission.
3. Does Solace Remove Unconsciousness?
No, Solace does not remove unconsciousness. However, it can prevent soldiers from becoming unconscious due to enemy attacks. To revive an unconscious soldier, you will need the Specialist’s GREMLIN Revive ability.
4. Can You Mind Control an Avatar in XCOM 2?
Direct mind control of enemy Avatars is not possible. However, during the Alien Fortress Assault mission, the Commander can remotely control the Commander’s Avatar via the psionic network.
5. What Happens if a Chosen Finds the Avenger?
If a Chosen fills their information bar, they can assault the Avenger, forcing it to crash land and triggering a special mission. Successful defense of the Avenger will significantly reduce the Chosen’s information bar.
6. How Do You Get Rid of the Chosen in XCOM 2?
You must mount an assault on their hidden bases and defeat them in order to permanently eliminate the Chosen. They will keep appearing in missions until their bases are destroyed.
7. Can You Ignore Retaliation Missions?
Failing or ignoring a Retaliation Strike will cause a loss of contact with that region and permanently reduce its income. All radio relays in the region are also destroyed.
8. What is the Hardest Alien Ruler in XCOM 2?
The Archon King, also known as Subject Alpha, is considered the hardest Alien Ruler due to his high damage output and challenging abilities.
9. What is the Strongest Enemy in XCOM 2?
The Berserker is one of the strongest enemies in XCOM 2 due to its high damage and potential to become enraged and is also the enemy with the strongest melee attacks.
10. What is the Last Mission of XCOM 2?
The final storyline mission is the Alien Fortress Assault, codenamed Operation Leviathan. It involves defeating 3 enemy controlled Avatars while keeping the Commander’s Avatar alive.
11. Does XCOM 2 Continue After Ending?
After completing the campaign, you can start a new game with Ironman mode enabled. The game will continue to spawn side missions even after completing the main campaign if you choose not to do the final mission.
12. What Happens if the Avatar Project Completes?
If the Avatar Project is completed, it means that the aliens have achieved their victory condition and will end the campaign, resulting in a loss for XCOM.
13. Who is XCOM’s Successor?
Phoenix Point is often cited as a spiritual successor to X-COM, offering a similar turn-based tactical experience.
14. What is the Rank Order in XCOM 2?
The ranks in XCOM 2, in ascending order, are: Rookie, Squaddie, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Colonel.
15. What is the most OP Class in XCOM 2?
The Reaper is widely considered the most overpowered (OP) class in XCOM 2 due to its stealth and high damage abilities, making it a key asset in many situations.
Conclusion
Solace is a cornerstone ability for any successful XCOM 2 campaign, providing crucial protection against the devastating effects of mind control. By understanding its mechanics, range, and synergy with other tactical strategies, players can effectively mitigate the threat of enemy psionics and secure victory against ADVENT and the alien threat. This article should provide you with the knowledge to help overcome those mind-bending battles and allow you to keep those soldiers fighting alongside you.