Does XCOM 2 Long War Work with War of the Chosen? The Definitive Answer

Absolutely not. Long War 2 and War of the Chosen (WotC) are fundamentally incompatible. Think of them as oil and water, or maybe aliens and humans before we all decided to band together to fight a bigger threat. Long War 2 is a total conversion mod for the base XCOM 2 game. War of the Chosen is an expansion that significantly alters the base game. They both change the core mechanics and systems so dramatically that they cannot coexist harmoniously. Trying to run them together will result in crashes, bugs, and a generally unplayable experience. Instead, Long War of the Chosen is a thing, and is discussed below.

Understanding the Differences: Why They Don’t Mix

To truly understand why these two powerhouses can’t play nice together, let’s delve into their key differences:

• Core Mechanics: War of the Chosen introduces new enemy types (the Chosen, obviously), hero classes (Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars), and a whole host of new gameplay mechanics like Bonds and Covert Actions. Long War 2, on the other hand, overhauls the strategic layer, introduces a resistance management system, and completely rebalances the tactical combat. These fundamental differences create conflicts that are impossible to resolve without dedicated compatibility patches, which don’t exist for obvious reasons.

• Mod Structure: Long War 2 is a massive mod that changes almost every aspect of XCOM 2. War of the Chosen is a full expansion that also makes significant changes to the base game. Any mod designed specifically for one will almost certainly be incompatible with the other. They both rewrite existing code and add entirely new systems.

• .exe Files: As the article stated, XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen are treated as separate games with their own .exe files, further solidifying the incompatibility with Long War 2. You cannot simply copy and paste files or expect them to work together.

Introducing: Long War of the Chosen (LWOTC)

Now, before you despair and think your dreams of a truly epic XCOM 2 experience are dashed, there’s good news! The brilliant minds behind Long War 2 recognized the desire for a Long War experience within the War of the Chosen framework. Thus, Long War of the Chosen (LWOTC) was born. This is not simply Long War 2 running on War of the Chosen; it’s a separate mod built from the ground up, taking into account all the changes and additions that War of the Chosen brings to the table. LWOTC integrates the Chosen, the hero classes, and other WotC features into the Long War 2 formula, creating a unique and challenging experience all its own. It essentially merges both worlds together. It is important to understand the two are different mods with different game play aspects, and the differences between LW2 and LWOTC are not merely cosmetic.

Choosing Your XCOM 2 Adventure: Which Long War is Right For You?

Deciding between Long War 2 and Long War of the Chosen comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in your XCOM 2 experience.

• Long War 2: If you prefer the more traditional Long War experience and don’t mind missing out on the War of the Chosen content, Long War 2 for the base XCOM 2 game is your best bet. It’s a brutally difficult and deeply rewarding experience that will test your strategic and tactical skills to their limits.

• Long War of the Chosen (LWOTC): If you want to experience Long War with the new content and mechanics that War of the Chosen brings, then LWOTC is the way to go. It offers a fresh take on the Long War formula while still providing the same level of challenge and depth.

Installation and Mod Management

Regardless of which Long War version you choose, proper installation and mod management are crucial. Use a mod manager like the Alternative Mod Launcher to ensure that the mods are loaded in the correct order and to avoid any conflicts. Make sure to read the installation instructions carefully for each mod, as they often require specific steps to ensure proper functionality. A common recommendation is to wipe out all old files, and start with a clean installation.

Remember to pay attention to mod dependencies as well. Some mods may require other mods to be installed in order to work correctly. Also, carefully check all mods for compatibility with one another. The more mods you install, the more likely you are to run into unforeseen problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Long War 2 and War of the Chosen:

1. Can I install Long War 2 and War of the Chosen separately and switch between them?

   Yes, you can. Since they are essentially separate games with their own .exe files, you can install both. You just need to launch the correct version of XCOM 2 (either the base game or War of the Chosen) to play the corresponding mod.

2. Does Long War of the Chosen include all the features of Long War 2?

   While LWOTC is inspired by Long War 2, it’s not a direct port. It includes many of the core features, such as the strategic overhaul, the resistance management system, and the expanded soldier classes, but it has been rebalanced and redesigned to work with the War of the Chosen content. There are differences.

3. Is Long War of the Chosen as difficult as Long War 2?

   Yes. Both Long War 2 and LWOTC are known for their extreme difficulty. Prepare to face overwhelming odds, make tough choices, and lose soldiers along the way. However, LWOTC includes balance changes that could be seen as slight increases to the player’s power.

4. Do I need to own War of the Chosen to play Long War 2?

   No. Long War 2 is a mod for the base XCOM 2 game. You do not need to own War of the Chosen to play it.

5. Are there any other mods that are compatible with Long War 2 or Long War of the Chosen?

   Yes, there are many mods that are compatible, but it’s crucial to check the compatibility list before installing them. The XCOM 2 modding community is very active, and many mod authors create compatibility patches to ensure that their mods work with Long War. It is worth checking the specific mod forums.

6. Can I use console commands or cheats in Long War 2 or Long War of the Chosen?

   Yes, you can, but be aware that using them can significantly impact your game experience and may introduce bugs or glitches. It is generally not recommended for the first playthrough, as it reduces the intended experience.

7. Where can I find the best resources and community support for Long War 2 and Long War of the Chosen?

   The XCOM 2 subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Xcom/) and the Pavonis Interactive forums are excellent places to find resources, ask questions, and get help from other players.

8. Will there be a Long War 3 if XCOM 3 is released?

   While there’s no official confirmation, the success and popularity of Long War 2 and Long War of the Chosen make it highly likely that the Pavonis Interactive team will consider creating a Long War 3 for a potential XCOM 3 game. DeAngelis confirmed Firaxis loves the game, so any potential Long War 3 would be an interesting development.

9. What are some essential mods for Long War of the Chosen besides the core mod itself?

   Some highly recommended mods include:

   • LWOTC Ballistic Shields

   • LWOTC Reversion Megapack

   • Robojumper’s LWOTC Loot and Enemy Pack

10. Does Long War 2/LWOTC affect the story of XCOM 2/War of the Chosen?

    Yes. The story is altered in the mod to account for the changes in gameplay.

11. Is my computer powerful enough to run Long War 2/LWOTC?

    Both Long War 2 and LWOTC are more demanding than the base XCOM 2 game. A relatively powerful computer with a decent CPU and GPU is recommended for a smooth gaming experience.

12. Can I add more classes to Long War 2/LWOTC?

    Yes, you can. The XCOM 2 modding community has created many new soldier classes that are compatible with Long War. However, it’s crucial to check for compatibility issues before installing them.

13. Is Long War 2/LWOTC suitable for new XCOM players?

    Generally, no. It’s recommended to play the base XCOM 2 game (or War of the Chosen) first to learn the mechanics before diving into the complex and challenging world of Long War.

14. What does Infiltration do in Long War 2?

    Infiltration is a key mechanic. Before launching a mission, your squad needs to infiltrate the location, reducing enemy numbers and increasing your chances of success.

15. Does Long War make the game longer?

    Yes. Long War’s name is no accident. It significantly extends the campaign length, often taking over 100 hours to complete.

Conclusion

While Long War 2 and War of the Chosen are incompatible on their own, Long War of the Chosen (LWOTC) provides a fantastic way to experience the best of both worlds. Whether you choose Long War 2 or LWOTC, be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience that will test your strategic and tactical skills to their limits. Remember that proper mod management is critical for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Enjoy the epic battle! As strategy and game design continues to evolve, it is important to consider what learning and development come from this. If you are interested in learning more about the field, then consider exploring the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org.