Mastering the Shadows: Countering Dark Events in Long War of the Chosen

Dark Events in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (WotC) pose a significant challenge, and in the context of Long War of the Chosen (LWOTC), these threats are amplified, demanding a strategic and proactive approach. Unlike the base game or even vanilla WotC, LWOTC’s integration of Dark Events is more impactful, requiring a deeper understanding of how to mitigate their negative effects. Countering them isn’t just about picking the right Guerilla Ops; it’s a multi-faceted process involving region management, infiltration tactics, and a keen awareness of the evolving strategic landscape.

The primary way to counter Dark Events in Long War of the Chosen is through Guerilla Ops specifically designated to thwart them. These missions are identified by a distinct red “Counter Dark Event” text below their rewards. Usually, you’ll be offered one Guerilla Op per month specifically aimed at negating one of the current Dark Events, although this can be affected by certain factors. These missions are your most direct tool in combating the nefarious plans of ADVENT.

However, countering Dark Events effectively in LWOTC is much more than just taking the first op available. It requires careful planning and strategic resource allocation. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Strategic Layer Management: The Key to Success

Expanding Your Resistance Network

Unlike the base game, where limiting your contacts can slow the Avatar Project, in Long War of the Chosen, widespread expansion is crucial. Dark Events are often tied to the region they originated from. The more regions you control and have active resistance in, the higher the chances of spawning missions that counter Dark Events in your operational territory. This means you can’t afford to sit on your starting region alone. You must actively seek out new regions to increase your tactical options and to access more “Counter Dark Event” missions.

Understanding Dark Event Timing and Prioritization

In LWOTC, most Dark Events last for roughly a month, after which they will expire or, in some cases, have an instant effect before disappearing. However, choosing which Dark Event to prioritize is critical. You can’t counter them all. Some Dark Events will be more damaging to your current operational status and require immediate intervention while others might be tolerable or can be worked around. The ability to recognize the most detrimental threats is a key skill for success in LWOTC. Some have more immediate effects, while others will slowly erode your campaign.

The Importance of Infiltration

Proper infiltration in LWOTC is essential to ensuring the success of your counter missions. Some dark event counter missions require a very high level of infiltration to even attempt. Failing to adequately infiltrate will lead to mission failure, the loss of valuable time, and allow the dark event to go through. Infiltrating with a high-level soldier can often mean the difference between success and failure, ensuring you’re not going in underpowered and with a severe combat disadvantage.

Scouting and Reconnaissance

Before launching a counter mission, it’s crucial to scout out the area first, gathering as much intelligence as possible, in the form of scanning or reconnaissance from an adjacent haven. This allows you to tailor your squad for the mission type, prepare for the enemy composition, and anticipate any potential pitfalls. This additional information can be what helps turn a difficult mission into a victory.

Rebel Havens and Network Towers

Rebel Havens and their functionalities are a significant change from the base game. In LWOTC, they determine the rate at which your forces gather resources and perform mission activities, and will have a profound impact on Dark Event countermeasures. Network Towers are also important as they allow you to reach more of the world to access more missions. It’s crucial to keep these active and to be upgrading them as much as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often do “Counter Dark Event” Guerilla Ops appear in LWOTC?

Typically, you’ll be offered one “Counter Dark Event” Guerilla Op per month, although this isn’t a hard rule. The number can fluctuate depending on various factors, such as the number of regions you control, your resistance strength, and the specific campaign difficulty.

2. Are all Dark Events counterable in LWOTC?

Not all Dark Events have a counter mission. Some Dark Events are designed to be unavoidable and you will have to accept their consequences or alter your strategy based on their effects.

3. Can I prevent multiple Dark Events in a single month?

It’s often possible to delay or prevent multiple Dark Events if you act strategically, and some can cancel each other out. Prioritizing the most dangerous ones is crucial. It also depends on if the counter missions spawn or become available in time.

4. What happens if I fail a “Counter Dark Event” mission?

Failing a “Counter Dark Event” mission will result in the Dark Event becoming active, with any penalties it incurs applying for the remainder of its duration. Some missions will only be available once and cannot be attempted again.

5. How do Dark Events affect the Avatar Project in LWOTC?

Some Dark Events can accelerate or delay the Avatar Project. Some of them can add more progress each month, others can temporarily halt the project while active. It’s essential to identify and prioritize countering any Dark Events that can dramatically increase Avatar Project progress, as well as any that prevent you from slowing it down.

6. Do Dark Events have a permanent effect in LWOTC?

Most Dark Events are temporary, lasting for a month or having an instant effect before expiring. However, in the WotC base game there is the ‘Grim Horizon’ option, which can make Dark Events permanent. This option does not exist by default in LWOTC, and many events are not designed to be permanent, but this can be altered with mods.

7. How does LWOTC differ in its handling of Dark Events compared to the base game?

LWOTC features a more dynamic system of Dark Events that are more interconnected. LWOTC requires greater strategic planning for the tactical and operational impact of the Dark Events, and they’re often harder to counter without a developed Resistance.

8. Do all regions generate the same Dark Events and counter missions?

No, regions will often have varying Dark Events based on their current activity, status, and infiltration levels. This means you will see various threats from one region to another and you will not always see the same events from a region.

9. Is there a particular soldier class that is best suited for “Counter Dark Event” missions in LWOTC?

The ideal soldier class depends on the mission type. However, Reapers and Rangers tend to be invaluable for infiltration and dealing with highly entrenched foes, making them useful for counter missions. Always bring a variety of skills and abilities as they will often serve multiple purposes in a single mission.

10. How important is the tech and research in countering Dark Events?

Research is important for unlocking new equipment and abilities that can give you an edge in counter missions. It’s also essential to research advanced hacking, as some counter missions will require a significant amount of hacking to succeed.

11. How does Vigilance Dark Event work in LWOTC?

The Vigilance Dark Event increases ADVENT unit awareness and vigilance levels. It often makes missions more difficult and requires you to approach combat differently. This event can make the first shot always a disadvantage.

12. Can the Chosen interfere with Counter Dark Event Missions?

The Chosen can make things harder by showing up in your counter missions, as well as in your infiltration missions, and they can also receive boosts from Dark Events. However, you should not avoid taking Counter Dark Event missions because of the Chosen, as their impact will be less severe than the effect of a Dark Event.

13. How do I know which Dark Event I should prioritize?

Prioritize Dark Events based on the immediate threat they pose to your campaign. If a Dark Event is directly interfering with your resource income, base operations, or the Avatar Project, consider it a higher priority than others.

14. Is there a way to get additional “Counter Dark Event” Ops per month?

Certain Resistance Orders and Resistance Ring projects can provide additional ways to acquire counter missions, making it essential to explore all your tactical options. It’s also vital that you try to keep your resistance at max status and that you get intel from the haven before you decide to deploy.

15. Are there any mods that affect the way Dark Events work in LWOTC?

Yes, many mods can change the behavior of Dark Events, some making them harder and more frequent, others adding new events. You should always check a mod’s documentation before activating it to make sure you fully understand the changes it is making to your game.

By understanding the mechanics of Dark Events, the nuances of LWOTC, and by employing a strategic approach, you can mitigate the impacts of these challenges and ultimately triumph over the alien threat. Remember, successful resistance in LWOTC requires constant adaptation, resourcefulness, and the ability to strategically leverage every available tool to counter every obstacle thrown your way.