Does the XCOM 2 Collection Include Everything?
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No, the XCOM 2 Collection does not include absolutely everything related to the XCOM franchise. While it’s a comprehensive package, it specifically bundles content for XCOM 2. It does include the base game XCOM 2, the major War of the Chosen expansion, and four additional DLC packs: Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, and Shen’s Last Gift. It does not include the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its expansion, XCOM: Enemy Within, or the spin-off game XCOM: Chimera Squad. To put it simply, the XCOM 2 Collection is a great way to experience the best of XCOM 2, but it’s not a complete compilation of the entire series. If you are looking for the most complete bundle, you want to get the XCOM: Ultimate Collection.
What is Included in the XCOM 2 Collection?
To be very clear, the XCOM 2 Collection is a specific bundle focused on maximizing your XCOM 2 experience. It includes the following:
- XCOM 2 – The award-winning base game where you lead a resistance against alien occupation.
- XCOM 2: War of the Chosen Expansion – A massive expansion that introduces new factions, enemies, soldier classes, and dramatically alters gameplay.
- Resistance Warrior Pack – Adds customization options for your soldiers.
- Anarchy’s Children – Offers more visually striking customization options.
- Alien Hunters – Introduces new powerful alien “rulers” and associated weapons.
- Shen’s Last Gift – Adds a narrative mission and introduces a new soldier class: the SPARK.
This bundle is designed to offer a comprehensive experience of XCOM 2, with all the main elements that make the game great. It does not include other games in the franchise.
XCOM 2 Collection vs. XCOM: Ultimate Collection
It’s essential to understand the difference between the XCOM 2 Collection and the XCOM: Ultimate Collection. The key distinction is in scope.
- The XCOM 2 Collection, as discussed, focuses solely on XCOM 2 and its related content.
- The XCOM: Ultimate Collection is a much larger bundle that includes XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2, all their respective expansions and DLC packs, and the spin-off XCOM: Chimera Squad.
Therefore, if you want every XCOM game and all related content in one place, the Ultimate Collection is the choice for you. However, if your interest is solely in experiencing the full XCOM 2 experience, then the XCOM 2 Collection is perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the XCOM 2 Collection
To further clarify any remaining questions, here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the XCOM 2 Collection:
1. Does the XCOM 2 Collection Include War of the Chosen?
Yes, absolutely. The XCOM 2 Collection includes the War of the Chosen expansion. This is a key component of the collection and arguably the most important expansion for the game.
2. How many DLCs are included in the XCOM 2 Collection?
The XCOM 2 Collection includes four DLC packs: the Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, and Shen’s Last Gift.
3. Is the XCOM 2 Collection worth it?
Yes, the XCOM 2 Collection is generally considered very worth it. It provides the complete XCOM 2 experience, offering hundreds of hours of engaging strategic gameplay at a bundled discount compared to purchasing all components separately. It is an excellent way to dive into one of the most highly regarded turn-based strategy games ever.
4. What is the difference between XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
War of the Chosen is an expansion that drastically enhances XCOM 2. It introduces new factions, enemy “Chosen” bosses, additional soldier classes, weapons, and a new storyline. It is essentially a reworked version of the base game with much more content. The main storyline is the same, but with the addition of the extra content, the overall gameplay experience is significantly different.
5. Can you lose Chosen weapons in XCOM 2?
Yes, you can. The Chosen weapons are unique and powerful, but if a soldier wielding one is killed and not evacuated from the mission, you will permanently lose that weapon.
6. What is the recommended order to play the XCOM games?
For the best experience, it’s generally recommended to start with the base XCOM 2 game. After experiencing it, you can move to War of the Chosen. Likewise, you may want to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown first before its Enemy Within expansion.
7. Can I import characters from XCOM 2 to War of the Chosen?
Yes, you can. You can export your character pool from the base game and import it into War of the Chosen. This allows you to use your customized soldiers in the expanded campaign.
8. Is XCOM 2 an endlessly playable game?
Yes. Although there is a final mission, you are never required to complete it. The game will continue to generate missions for you to complete indefinitely. The difficulty will increase overtime, but as long as you have the skills, you can continue the campaign.
9. What do the XCOM 2 DLCs add?
The DLCs add various content, including cosmetic options (Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children), new enemies and weapons (Alien Hunters), and a new mission and soldier class (Shen’s Last Gift). The War of the Chosen expansion adds the most significant new features such as new factions, enemies, and maps.
10. Will there ever be an XCOM 3?
While there’s no official release date, Firaxis has confirmed that XCOM 3 is indeed happening. The developers love the franchise and intend to continue it into the future.
11. Are the XCOM 2 DLCs worth the purchase?
Yes, the DLCs, and especially the War of the Chosen expansion, are generally considered to be very worthwhile additions that vastly improve the core gameplay of XCOM 2. It is common consensus among the players that War of the Chosen elevates XCOM 2 to another level.
12. How many years are there between XCOM 1 and XCOM 2?
XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
13. Is XCOM 2 an addictive game?
Yes, many players find XCOM 2 incredibly addictive. Its combination of tactical combat, resource management, and the permadeath system create a compelling gameplay loop that is hard to put down.
14. Does time matter in XCOM 2? Can I go at my own pace?
While you can take your time in XCOM 2, there is a doomsday meter that the aliens increase by completing certain actions. By delaying missions or allowing them to build certain structures, they can complete this doomsday project. So, there is a sense of urgency and consequence that needs to be understood for players to fully embrace the overall experience.
15. How can I play XCOM 2 with all DLC?
Once you have purchased the XCOM 2 Collection, you need to enable the DLC content via the game’s settings. There is an option to select Expansion Packs to enable and disable specific DLC packs. This provides the players with full control over what they experience during the game.
Conclusion
While the XCOM 2 Collection does not include every title in the entire franchise, it provides a complete and rich experience of XCOM 2 with all major DLCs and the pivotal War of the Chosen expansion. It is a must-have for fans of turn-based strategy and is a fantastic starting point for those new to the series. If you seek the full suite of XCOM games in one package, you will need the XCOM: Ultimate Collection. However, if your interest is solely in XCOM 2, the Collection is the perfect and most comprehensive way to experience it.