Does XCOM Have an Easy Mode? Exploring Difficulty in the XCOM Series

Yes, the XCOM series does offer an easy mode, though its implementation varies between games. Both XCOM: Enemy Unknown (and its expansion Enemy Within) and XCOM 2 (including its expansion War of the Chosen) feature difficulty settings that cater to different player skill levels and preferences. In essence, the “easy mode” comes in the form of a lower difficulty setting, designed to reduce the challenge and learning curve for new players or those seeking a more relaxed experience. These lower settings typically involve modifications to game parameters, such as reducing enemy health and damage, improving soldier accuracy, and easing resource management. Let’s delve deeper into how each game handles difficulty and what it means for players looking for a less punishing experience.

Difficulty Settings in XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within

In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, players can choose from four difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, Classic, and Impossible. Easy mode is specifically designed to make the game more accessible. It significantly reduces the overall challenge by:

• Lowering Enemy Health: Alien units have reduced health pools, making them easier to defeat.
• Decreasing Enemy Damage: Incoming damage from alien attacks is reduced, increasing soldier survivability.
• Improving Soldier Accuracy: Your soldiers will have an increased chance of hitting their targets.
• Reducing Panic: The rate at which countries on the world map fall into panic is significantly slower.

These changes make it far easier for players to grasp the game’s mechanics and progress through the storyline without feeling constantly overwhelmed. The learning curve is significantly softened, allowing new players to experiment with different tactics and approaches. However, even on Easy, you still need to pay attention to your strategy as it is still possible to fail if you do not use your resources well.

Difficulty Settings in XCOM 2

XCOM 2 also features four difficulty options: Rookie, Regular, Commander, and Legendary. The equivalent of “easy mode” is Rookie difficulty. Here’s how it eases the gameplay experience:

• Further Reduced Enemy Health and Damage: Similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, enemies are weaker, both in terms of health and the damage they inflict.
• Increased Soldier Health and Accuracy: Your soldiers are more resilient, with higher hit points and improved accuracy against the enemy forces.
• Less Aggressive Enemy AI: The AI is less likely to flank your soldiers, making combat less tactical and more straightforward.
• More Generous Resource Availability: You’ll have more resources at your disposal, making base management less of a challenge.

Rookie mode in XCOM 2 allows you to focus more on building a strong force and less on getting punished for mistakes. It’s the most forgiving way to play the game, giving you space to learn the tactical gameplay and management system without facing constant setbacks.

The Strategic Layer and Difficulty

The difficulty settings in both games affect not only tactical combat but also the strategic layer (the world map). In the original XCOM, this is the world and your interactions with it, whilst in XCOM2, this is your management of the avenger. On easier difficulties, the strategic layer is generally more forgiving. This often involves slower panic spread, more resources, and reduced negative effects from alien actions on the world map. This makes long-term management less of a struggle, allowing players to enjoy the core game mechanics and narrative without being bogged down by resource scarcity or constant global panic.

Transitioning Between Difficulties

It’s also essential to understand the significant learning curve between difficulty settings. While moving from Easy or Rookie to Normal or Regular can feel like a manageable jump, moving to Classic/Commander or Impossible/Legendary requires a completely different mindset and set of tactics. Players on lower difficulties might not be adequately prepared for the sudden spikes in enemy aggression and resource scarcity. This is one of the reasons why the “easy mode” serves as a great starting point to understand what the game requires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does changing the difficulty affect the storyline in XCOM games?

No, the storyline remains the same regardless of the difficulty setting you choose. The narrative and major plot points are consistent across all difficulty levels. It only affects the game mechanics and how difficult those narrative points are to complete.

2. Can you change the difficulty in the middle of an XCOM campaign?

Unfortunately, no. Once you start a new campaign, the difficulty setting is locked. You cannot change it mid-game. If you find the game too easy or too difficult, you’ll have to start a new campaign. It’s best to consider your skill level before starting the game.

3. Is XCOM 2 easier than XCOM: Enemy Unknown on easy modes?

Generally, Rookie mode in XCOM 2 is often considered slightly more forgiving than Easy mode in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. This difference is due to subtle changes in mechanics and AI behavior that make XCOM 2 more accessible at lower difficulties. Although a lot of this depends on how you approach the game.

4. Should a new player start with Easy/Rookie mode in XCOM?

Absolutely. Easy/Rookie mode is the recommended starting point for players new to the XCOM series. It allows you to become familiar with the mechanics of the game without the steep learning curve associated with the harder difficulties.

5. Does MELD in XCOM: Enemy Within make the game easier?

Yes, the introduction of MELD and genetic modification in XCOM: Enemy Within often leads to a significant power spike for your soldiers, making the later stages of the game significantly easier. This means that it makes the game easier, however, you need to understand how to use the MELD and genetic modification to make the game easier.

6. How does the “time limit” work in XCOM 2, and does it affect the difficulty on lower settings?

XCOM 2 features a “doomsday meter” that triggers with the creation of alien structures or when such structures are left unattended for a certain time. It does not mean that you run out of time; it means that it will cause the enemy to win the game. On lower difficulties, this meter is generally more forgiving, giving you more time to respond to alien threats.

7. What are the main differences between the strategic layers of the XCOM games, and how do they impact lower difficulty settings?

In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, strategic management involves countries panic and your base, whereas, in XCOM 2 it involves resistance contacts, alien dark events, and the management of the avenger. In both cases, lower difficulties provide more resources and a slower progression of negative events, making long-term management easier.

8. Is the “veteran” difficulty on XCOM 2 similar to “classic” on XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

Yes, Veteran in XCOM 2 is often seen as roughly equivalent in challenge to Classic in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. However, they have slightly different approaches and mechanisms that will feel different to players who are used to the older game.

9. Do XCOM games have any options to assist players who find the game difficult?

Aside from the difficulty settings, there are some in-game features that can help players like tutorials and a slow gameplay pace. However, there are no additional “assist” options beyond the standard lower difficulty settings.

10. Is it possible to “cheese” the difficulty even on lower settings?

While lower settings make the game easier, there is still a requirement to play the game well as there are consequences for poor gameplay choices. Players can’t simply “cheese” the game, even on Easy.

11. Does XCOM 2 still offer a challenge on rookie difficulty if the player is new to strategy games?

Even on rookie, the game can present a challenge, particularly to players completely new to the genre. Although it is the easiest difficulty, it will require the player to learn and understand the game systems to progress. It will help you learn how to play rather than relying on cheesing your way through.

12. How is combat on Easy/Rookie mode different than combat on higher difficulties?

The tactical combat is markedly different on easier difficulties. Enemy health and damage are greatly reduced, giving you more room for error, and more opportunities to recover.

13. Do the expansions affect the difficulties of the main game?

The expansions add more content to the game, including new enemies and classes, but they do not fundamentally change the way difficulties work. They can, however, make lower difficulties more complex, which requires a greater understanding of the game.

14. What is a good middle-ground difficulty for a player who is not a beginner, but is not a veteran either?

For players who are neither new to the genre nor hardened veterans, the Normal or Regular difficulty is a great starting point. It provides a fair challenge without being overly punishing.

15. Why do some players prefer playing XCOM on harder difficulty settings?

Many players enjoy the additional challenge that higher difficulty settings provide. It forces them to plan more strategically, think more tactically, and overcome more difficult obstacles. They feel that this increases the sense of achievement.

In conclusion, both XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within and XCOM 2 feature effective “easy modes” in the form of their lowest difficulty settings (Easy and Rookie, respectively). These modes are ideal for new players or those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience. While the games can still present a challenge on lower difficulties, they significantly reduce the overall difficulty and make the core mechanics more accessible. These difficulties are essential stepping stones to mastering XCOM’s difficult, but rewarding gameplay.