How to Counter Mind Control in XCOM 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Mind control in XCOM 2 is one of the most frustrating and dangerous mechanics players encounter. Seeing one of your elite soldiers turn against you is a game-changer that can quickly lead to disaster. Thankfully, there are multiple effective strategies for countering it. The primary methods involve disrupting the mind control directly, preventing it altogether, or manipulating the battlefield to your advantage.
Direct Methods to Break Mind Control
Stunning or Killing the Controller
The most straightforward approach is to eliminate or neutralize the source of the mind control. This is usually a Sectoid Commander or an Ethereal. While they’re alive, they pose a constant threat, so focusing your firepower on them is often your best bet.
- Sniper Disabling Shot: A well-placed disabling shot from a Sniper can temporarily incapacitate the mind controller, granting you a precious window to deal with the mind-controlled soldier.
- Heavy’s Suppression: Suppression from a Heavy can also hinder the controller’s ability to act effectively. While it won’t directly break the mind control, it can reduce the likelihood of the controlled soldier taking aggressive action.
- Support’s Rifle Suppression: Similar to the Heavy, a Support’s rifle suppression can provide temporary respite by limiting the enemy’s options. This gives you an opportunity to reposition or take other actions.
Psi Operative: Solace
The Psi Operative’s Solace ability is arguably the most reliable method for countering mind control. Solace provides a protective aura around the Psi Operative that:
- Prevents mind control from taking hold on soldiers within its range.
- Immediately removes mind control from any soldier that moves within the Solace aura’s radius.
Having a fully trained Psi Operative with Solace is essential, especially in the late game where mind control is frequently used by enemies.
Stasis
Stasis can also be used to remove mind control, albeit as a secondary option to Solace. When a unit is put in stasis, they are removed from the battlefield for a turn, effectively ending the mind control. This can be achieved using the following methods:
- Psi Operative’s Stasis: A Psi Operative can use their stasis ability to temporarily incapacitate the mind-controlled soldier.
- Spectral Army: If the mind-controlled soldier has a Psi Operative class, they can sometimes trigger Spectral Army, putting themselves in stasis and breaking the mind control. However, relying on this is risky and not recommended.
Prevention Strategies
While breaking mind control is critical, preventing it from occurring in the first place is ideal.
Psi Operative: Solace (Preventative Application)
As mentioned earlier, Solace not only removes mind control but also prevents it. Keeping your soldiers within the Solace aura can make them nearly immune to mind control attempts.
Positioning and Awareness
- Avoid Overlapping Fields of View: Enemy Sectoid Commanders or Ethereals often require line of sight to initiate mind control. Keeping your units spread out, minimizing the number of soldiers in range, can reduce the chances of multiple soldiers being mind-controlled.
- Use Cover Effectively: Positioning your units behind cover can provide some protection against mind control, as it might interrupt the enemy’s line of sight.
Understanding Mind Control Mechanics
Dominate vs. Mind Control
It’s essential to differentiate between Dominate and Mind Control:
- Dominate (used by Psions) is a permanent mind control ability that persists until the end of the mission (though a Psion can only use it once per mission).
- Mind Control (used by Avatars) is a temporary ability that lasts for about four turns.
Knowing the duration of the mind control ability affects how urgently you need to react.
Mind Control and Unconsciousness
Mind controlled units are not considered unconscious. This means certain abilities that target unconscious units will not work on mind-controlled units. However, mind-controlled units can still be rendered unconscious through damage.
Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if a mind-controlled soldier takes damage?
A mind-controlled soldier can be injured or killed like any other unit. If they take damage, the mind control will still persist unless another action, such as a Solace trigger or stasis, is taken.
2. Can you mind control an Avatar in XCOM 2?
Enemy Avatars are immune to mind control, except for one specific instance during the Alien Fortress Assault mission. There, the Commander uses a stasis suit to remotely control an Avatar.
3. What is the strongest melee enemy in XCOM 2?
The Berserker is the strongest melee enemy. Be wary of its enraged state, which increases its attack range and damage.
4. How do you counter The Chosen?
The only way to permanently remove The Chosen is to assault their hidden bases and defeat them. Until then, they will keep appearing in their respective territories.
5. What are the benefits of capturing aliens?
Stunning aliens allows you to capture them for interrogation, which can unlock valuable research and provide credits. Additionally, capturing an alien will also provide its weapon. For example, stunning a Muton can yield a Plasma Rifle.
6. Is XCOM 2 an endless game?
Yes, XCOM 2 can be played indefinitely. The game will continue to spawn side missions until you choose to trigger the final mission.
7. Does XCOM 2 have an ending?
Yes, XCOM 2 has an ending after the final assault. It’s followed by a cutscene that hints at a potential sequel.
8. How can you wake up an unconscious soldier in XCOM 2?
You can revive an unconscious soldier using the Specialist’s GREMLIN Revive ability.
9. How does mind control work in the real world?
While not as direct as in XCOM 2, real-world mind control refers to the manipulation of an individual’s perception, motivation, and behavior. This can be done through various means, including propaganda, psychological manipulation, and cult-like behavior.
10. How long does brainwashing take to undo?
Undoing brainwashing can take from a few weeks to several years, depending on the circumstances. It involves breaking down negative beliefs and rebuilding positive ones.
11. Is XCOM 2 successful?
Yes, XCOM 2 has sold very well, surpassing the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown during its release week.
12. Can you lose Chosen weapons in XCOM 2?
Yes, Chosen weapons are permanently lost if the soldier carrying them is killed and not evacuated.
13. What does “Tired” mean in XCOM 2?
Fatigue levels, indicated by the “tired” status, reflect the strain from repeated mission deployment and facing combat situations. It can negatively impact a soldier’s effectiveness.
14. What are alien corpses used for?
Alien corpses are used for autopsies and as resources in Engineering and the Foundry for crafting various items.
15. What is the weakness of the Assassin?
The Assassin’s weaknesses are procedurally generated but are often paired with “Groundling”, meaning you should use high ground against her.
By utilizing these strategies and understanding the mechanics of mind control, players can effectively mitigate its dangers and lead their XCOM squad to victory. Remember that prevention, swift action, and strategic positioning are key to overcoming this formidable enemy tactic.