Unleashing the Mind: A Comprehensive Guide to Unlocking Psi Operatives in XCOM 2
Unlocking the Psi Operative class in XCOM 2 is a significant step towards mastering the game’s complex strategic landscape. These soldiers harness powerful psionic abilities that can turn the tide of battle, making them invaluable assets. The path to unlocking them involves a series of specific research and construction steps, deviating from the standard soldier progression.
Here’s a breakdown of how to unlock the Psi Operative in XCOM 2:
- Acquire a Sectoid Corpse: Your first step is to obtain a Sectoid Corpse. This is acquired by defeating and looting a Sectoid enemy in a mission. Sectoids are relatively common enemies that appear early in the game, so you’ll likely encounter one soon after starting a new campaign.
- Research – Sectoid Autopsy: Once you have the Sectoid Corpse, the next step is to initiate the Sectoid Autopsy research in your Research Lab. This research is crucial as it lays the foundation for understanding alien psionic abilities. Completing this will unlock further research paths.
- Research – Psionics: After successfully performing the Sectoid Autopsy, the Psionics research option becomes available. This research dives into the very core of psionic power, revealing the potential of psionic abilities within humans. Completing this unlocks the ability to build the Psi Lab.
- Build the Psi Lab: The Psi Lab is the facility where your soldiers can train to become Psi Operatives. This facility requires a power source and space within your base. It’s where your rookies will undergo their transformation.
- Train a Rookie: Once the Psi Lab is built, you can select a Rookie from your barracks and assign them to the facility for training. Not all Rookies will be eligible; only those who possess “The Gift” will be able to train as Psi Operatives. The existence of “The Gift” is determined by the testing within the Psionic Labs.
It’s important to understand that unlike standard soldiers who gain abilities through field experience, Psi Operatives level up exclusively through training in the Psi Lab. They will develop their psionic powers by spending time in the facility. A dedicated Engineer assigned to the Psi Lab can reduce the training time. Psi Operatives can still go on missions during training and, barring any injuries, will continue their training after returning.
The effectiveness of Psi Operatives is tied to their Psi stat, which is unique to this class. The Psi stat directly impacts the probability of success with their psionic abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Psi Operatives
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Psi Operative class in XCOM 2:
1. Can any soldier become a Psi Operative?
No, not every soldier can become a Psi Operative. Only Rookies who possess “The Gift,” a special psionic potential, can train in the Psi Lab. This is determined upon the soldier’s initial testing within the lab.
2. How do Psi Operatives gain new abilities?
Unlike other classes, Psi Operatives don’t gain abilities through combat experience. Instead, they must train in the Psi Lab to learn new psionic powers. Each ability takes a certain amount of time to train, which can be reduced by assigning an Engineer to the facility.
3. How long does it take to train a Psi Operative?
The training time for Psi Operatives varies depending on the chosen ability and the presence of an Engineer in the lab. Training time also increases with difficulty. For example, abilities that take five days with an engineer present might take thirteen on Legend difficulty. Without an engineer these same abilities take ten and twenty-five days respectively. It’s faster to select training options that align with the Psi Operative’s current level.
4. Can Psi Operatives go on missions while training?
Yes, Psi Operatives can participate in missions while training. However, if they sustain wounds, they will be unable to train until fully healed. After a mission, they will resume their training progress.
5. What is the Psi stat and how does it affect Psi Operatives?
The Psi stat is a unique attribute specific to Psi Operatives. It determines their effectiveness with psionic abilities. Higher Psi values translate to a higher probability of success when using abilities on the field. This stat increases as the Psi Operative levels.
6. What is the maximum Psi stat in XCOM 2?
The maximum Psi stat in XCOM 2 is 100, however, it always starts at 50 when the soldier becomes a Psi Operative. It grows at a rate of 4-13 per level, similar to the Will stat.
7. What are the different Psi Amps?
Psi Amps are equipment that enhance the abilities of Psi Operatives. There are multiple tiers of Psi Amps, with the Alien Psi Amp being the top tier, offering the most significant bonuses.
8. Can I scrap the Psi Lab once I’ve trained a Psi Operative?
Yes, you can scrap the Psi Lab to save space and costs. However, if you lose a Psi Operative and want to train another, you will need to rebuild the facility.
9. What happens if I ignore researching Psionics?
Ignoring the Psionics research will prevent you from unlocking the Psi Lab, thus barring access to training Psi Operatives. This could make the late game considerably more challenging.
10. How do I lower panic in XCOM 2?
Satellites are the most effective way to lower panic, which can be further reduced by succeeding in terror missions. Deploying a satellite over a country will immediately lower its panic level, and successful missions that prevent alien attacks further reduce global panic.
11. Is the Psi Operative the strongest class in XCOM 2?
The Psi Operative class is powerful, but not universally considered the strongest. In most rankings, classes like the Reaper, Grenadier, and Ranger are often positioned higher, due to their consistency and battlefield flexibility. The Psi Operative, while powerful in its own right, relies heavily on its Psi stat to be effective.
12. What’s the strongest weapon in XCOM 2?
The Plasma Bolt Caster is generally considered the most powerful weapon in terms of damage per shot in XCOM 2. However, it is a heavy weapon with the drawback that it has to be reloaded after each shot.
13. Can you make XCOM 2 easier?
Yes, there are options to make XCOM 2 easier. The game has options like Lengthy Scheme, which doubles the Avatar Project timer, and Time Turner, which doubles mission timer durations. These settings can provide more breathing room for less experienced players.
14. What are Guerilla Ops and can I ignore them?
Guerilla Ops are special missions that can provide valuable rewards. Failing or ignoring a Guerilla Op will cause the associated Dark Events to trigger. Therefore, it’s best to take care of the Guerilla Ops to avoid these negative events.
15. What is the highest soldier rank in XCOM 2?
The highest soldier rank in XCOM 2 is Colonel. Your soldier ranks will progress through Rookie, Squaddie, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major, before finally reaching Colonel. Psi Operatives do not follow this progression. They must develop their psionic powers by training in the Psi Lab.
Understanding how to unlock and effectively use Psi Operatives can significantly enhance your XCOM 2 experience. By following these steps and considering these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the psionic arts and securing victory against the alien invaders.