How Many DLCs Does XCOM 2 Have? A Comprehensive Guide

The world of XCOM 2 is vast, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Its strategic depth and tactical combat have captivated players for years. Part of what keeps the experience fresh are the various downloadable content (DLC) packs. So, how many DLCs does XCOM 2 actually have? The short answer is five DLC packs in total, along with one major expansion. Let’s dive deeper into what these packs offer and address some common questions about them.

XCOM 2 DLC: The Complete List

While often grouped together, it’s important to distinguish between DLC packs and expansions. The XCOM 2 Collection bundles the base game with additional content, which includes:

Resistance Warrior Pack: This is primarily a cosmetic pack, providing new customization options for your soldiers. It offers additional armor and headgear choices, allowing players to personalize their squad’s appearance to a greater degree.
Anarchy’s Children: Similar to the Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children is also a cosmetic DLC. It introduces a more radical, punk-inspired aesthetic for your soldiers. Think mohawks, piercings, and other edgy customizations. While not adding any gameplay mechanics, it allows for a significant visual change for your troops.
Alien Hunters: This DLC introduces a new storyline involving unique alien “rulers.” These powerful foes appear throughout your campaign after completing the associated mission, forcing you to adapt to their unique abilities and making them challenging mid-game antagonists. It includes new weapons, armor, and a special hunter class soldier.
Shen’s Last Gift: This content introduces a unique story-driven mission focusing on Chief Engineer Shen. Completing it unlocks a new robot soldier class called SPARK. These mechanical units are powerful additions to your squad, offering a different playstyle than conventional soldiers. This DLC adds an enjoyable and compelling story to the game.
Tactical Legacy Pack: While not explicitly mentioned as one of the initial four DLC packs in many summaries, the Tactical Legacy Pack is also a DLC pack. It offers a set of new missions, weapons, maps, and game modes based on the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2. This is more than just a cosmetic pack and truly adds hours of gameplay.

These five DLC packs enhance the gameplay experience, adding variety and depth to XCOM 2. It’s crucial to differentiate them from the major expansion: War of the Chosen.

The War of the Chosen Expansion

Although technically not a DLC pack, the War of the Chosen expansion is a vital piece of additional content for XCOM 2. This expansion makes significant changes to the base game, adding:

New Soldier Classes: The Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars offer entirely new playstyles and strategic possibilities.
The Chosen: These are powerful, persistent antagonists that hunt you throughout the campaign. Each has unique abilities and tactics, forcing you to adapt.
New Enemies: More alien types and variations are added, including the Lost, adding extra challenge and variety.
New Missions and Maps: Expanding on the tactical opportunities and objectives, keeping the experience fresh.
Campaign Structure Changes: WotC modifies the structure and flow of the campaign, adding more layers of strategy.

The War of the Chosen expansion is a substantial addition, drastically altering the gameplay experience and widely considered a must-have for fans. It’s often compared to Enemy Within for XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It’s important to note that while many would consider it a sixth DLC, it’s more accurately defined as a full expansion due to its depth and breadth of content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the XCOM 2 Collection include all DLC?

Yes, the XCOM 2 Collection includes the base game, the War of the Chosen expansion, and all five DLC packs: Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, Shen’s Last Gift, and the Tactical Legacy Pack.

2. What do the XCOM 2 DLCs add?

Each DLC pack adds different content:

Resistance Warrior Pack and Anarchy’s Children add primarily cosmetic customization options.
Alien Hunters introduces new alien rulers, weapons, armor, and a hunter class soldier.
Shen’s Last Gift introduces a new robot soldier class (SPARKs) and a story-driven mission.
Tactical Legacy Pack introduces new missions, weapons, maps, and game modes based on the original XCOM.

3. Is the War of the Chosen expansion worth it?

Absolutely. War of the Chosen (WotC) is highly recommended. It dramatically changes the game for the better, adding new soldier classes, enemies, missions, and campaign mechanics. It is a substantial addition that many consider essential to the XCOM 2 experience.

4. Which XCOM 2 DLC is the best?

This is subjective, but Alien Hunters and Shen’s Last Gift are commonly cited as favorites for their impactful gameplay additions. However, the War of the Chosen expansion is largely regarded as the most essential due to its sheer amount of new content and gameplay changes. The Tactical Legacy Pack also adds a lot of new content and is worth it for those who want to get the most out of the game.

5. Can I play XCOM 2 without the DLC?

Yes, you can play the base XCOM 2 game without any DLC or expansions. However, you will miss out on the additional content, challenges, and features that the DLC and WotC provide.

6. Should I activate all DLCs in my first playthrough?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer to experience the base game first and then add the DLC on subsequent playthroughs. However, many find that playing with all content enabled from the start provides the most comprehensive and engaging experience. Just remember that certain DLCs like Alien Hunters will make the game harder.

7. How do I activate DLC in XCOM 2?

In the main menu, navigate to the XCOM 2 settings and select Expansion Packs. Use the toggles to enable or disable the different DLC packs.

8. What is the difference between DLC and an expansion?

DLC (Downloadable Content) generally includes smaller additions to a game, often focusing on specific elements like cosmetics, weapons, or minor missions. Expansions are larger content packages that significantly alter gameplay, introducing new story elements, characters, mechanics, and systems. War of the Chosen is a major expansion because of its scale.

9. Does War of the Chosen make XCOM 2 harder?

Generally, yes. WotC adds new and challenging enemies, including the Chosen, which are difficult to deal with. However, the added player options like new classes and combat intelligence may balance out the difficulty increase, depending on the player.

10. What is “integrate DLC” in War of the Chosen?

The “integrate DLC” option combines certain DLC content into the main campaign in War of the Chosen. This can sometimes remove certain DLC missions (like the story for Shen’s Last Gift). Usually, this option is recommended, but be aware that if you toggle it off, you may have access to both the integrated DLC as well as its original standalone counterpart.

11. What are the new soldier classes in War of the Chosen?

War of the Chosen adds the following new soldier classes:

Reapers: Stealth-focused snipers.
Skirmishers: Mobile and aggressive soldiers.
Templars: Psionic melee fighters.

12. What is the Avatar Project?

The Avatar Project is a key mechanic that represents the alien’s progress towards victory. If the project completes, it results in the end of the campaign.

13. Is it okay to lose soldiers in XCOM 2?

Yes, losing soldiers is a normal part of the game. It’s a difficult game where tactical errors can have real consequences, but the game is designed to continue even after losses.

14. Which soldier class is the most powerful in XCOM 2?

Many consider Grenadiers to be one of the most powerful classes in XCOM 2 because of their powerful explosives and ability to destroy cover. Ultimately, it comes down to personal playstyle.

15. Is XCOM 2 addictive?

Yes, XCOM 2 is known for its addictive gameplay loop of tactical combat, resource management, and strategic progression. Its challenging and rewarding gameplay keeps players engaged for hours.

Conclusion

In summary, XCOM 2 has five DLC packs and one major expansion: War of the Chosen. Each adds unique content, enhancing the base game in different ways. Whether you’re a veteran commander or a new recruit, the added depth and replayability these DLC and expansion provide will only enhance your experience with this modern classic. The XCOM 2 Collection provides the most complete and rewarding way to dive into this tactical world.

How many DLCs does XCOM 2 have?