How Many Hours of Playtime is XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
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Figuring out just how much time you’ll spend in the tactical, turn-based world of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (WotC) can be tricky. The game’s depth and replayability mean that playtime can vary greatly from player to player. However, a general estimate can be given. If you focus on completing the main objectives of the game, you can expect to spend around 34½ hours. However, if you’re a completionist striving to see every aspect of the game and achieve 100% completion, expect to dedicate around 74½ hours or more to XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. This figure can increase dramatically depending on your difficulty settings and chosen playstyle.
Factors Affecting Playtime
Several factors contribute to the total playtime of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. It’s not just a matter of rushing through the main story; many elements can extend your time in this challenging game:
Play Style
Are you the type of player who meticulously plans each move, or do you prefer a more action-oriented approach? Methodical players will naturally spend more time per mission, thus increasing the total playtime. Additionally, those aiming for a 100% completion will engage with every facet of the game, including all missions, side objectives, and research projects.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty setting significantly impacts playtime. Playing on higher difficulties like Commander or Legend will demand more tactical awareness, increase the likelihood of squad wipes, and overall require more strategic planning for every encounter. Lower difficulty settings, such as Rookie or Veteran, will be more forgiving and can lead to faster gameplay. Higher difficulties demand more cautious play and more attempts per mission.
Mods
The modding community surrounding XCOM 2 is exceptionally active. Various mods can alter gameplay mechanics, add new classes, or introduce entirely new mission types. This variety can either lengthen or shorten your playtime, depending on the mods you use. For instance, Long War 2, a popular mod, greatly expands the campaign and can add hundreds of hours of additional playtime.
Campaign Failure
One of the defining aspects of XCOM 2 is the possibility of failure. If your squad is frequently wiped out or the campaign fails due to poor resource management and global strategy, you will inevitably need to start a new campaign. This can dramatically add to your total time investment.
Core XCOM 2 vs. War of the Chosen
It is important to note that XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is an expansion to the base game, not a standalone title. The expansion significantly changes and enhances the game experience. Without WotC, the base game typically takes less time to complete, usually 40-60 hours on a first playthrough. However, WotC introduces new enemies (the Chosen), new hero classes, a redesigned campaign structure, and new mechanics like soldier bonds and resistance orders. These new features not only add depth but also contribute to the overall playtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen that will help you better understand the game and playtime expectations:
1. What is the difference between XCOM 2 Long War 2 and WotC?
Long War 2 is a massive mod for XCOM 2 that overhauls the game with more classes, weapons, and complex strategic layers. WotC is an official expansion adding Chosen enemies, hero classes, and a new campaign structure. Essentially, Long War 2 is a mod while WotC is official DLC. WotC introduces significant campaign changes.
2. Is XCOM 2 a long game? How long does it take to beat XCOM 2?
The base game of XCOM 2 can take 40-60 hours for a single playthrough, though it can be completed faster with a focus on main objectives. Completionists may easily exceed 100 hours. Achieving all 50 achievements can take 150-200 hours.
3. Is XCOM 2 WotC the same story?
The main story of XCOM 2 and WotC is similar – resisting an alien invasion. However, **War of the Chosen changes the campaign structure**, adds new enemies, story elements, hero characters, and gameplay mechanics. It enhances and deepens the core XCOM 2 narrative, not replaces it.
4. How big is XCOM WotC?
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen requires approximately **70 GB of storage space** due to its extensive content.
5. Why is XCOM 2 so large?
XCOM 2 and WotC are effectively **two separate games that share a launcher**, leading to a larger file size (around 35 GB each) when both are installed. The complex textures, detailed models, and vast audio assets also contribute to its size.
6. What does WotC mean in XCOM?
WotC stands for **War of the Chosen**, which is a DLC expansion for XCOM 2. It was released in 2017.
7. Is XCOM 2 WotC worth it?
**Yes, for XCOM fans, War of the Chosen is generally considered a must-have**. It greatly enriches the core XCOM 2 experience, offering numerous new challenges, tactical options, and replayability.
8. Will there be XCOM 3?
Yes, Firaxis has confirmed that **XCOM 3 is in development.** While no release date is set, fans have high expectations.
9. Do you need to beat XCOM 2 before War of the Chosen?
**It’s highly recommended to play the base XCOM 2 before starting WotC**. Understanding core gameplay mechanics is essential before diving into the additional complexities introduced by the expansion. This will enhance your enjoyment and reduce the frustration of dealing with WotC's more challenging elements.
10. Can you play XCOM 2 infinitely?
Yes, XCOM 2 and WotC can be played indefinitely. As long as you don’t trigger the final mission, you can continue to play and manage your strategic campaign. However, the difficulty will increase over time.
11. Is XCOM 2 addictive?
Yes, XCOM 2 is well-known for its **addictive gameplay loop** of tactical combat and resource management, frequently leading to extended play sessions.
12. Who is the strongest soldier in XCOM 2?
While varied, many players consider the **Reaper class** to be the strongest, thanks to its ability to remain concealed and provide valuable intel. However, the **Grenadier class** is also highly rated for its damage output and battlefield control.
13. What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?
The **Plasma Bolt Caster** is often regarded as one of the most powerful standard weapons in XCOM 2, boasting significant damage per shot.
14. Did XCOM 2 sell well?
**XCOM 2 sold very well**, exceeding the sales of the original game within the first week of release, proving its success in the gaming community.
15. Are XCOM 2 percentages accurate?
The **percentages seen in-game are not always true chance-to-hit indicators**. They are more like chance-not-to-mess-up percentages. Values below 100% will give the chance of added deviation.
Conclusion
In summary, XCOM 2: War of the Chosen offers a significant amount of playtime. While focusing solely on the main objectives might take around 34½ hours, completionists can easily spend 74½ hours or more delving into every corner of the game. Factors such as difficulty level, play style, mod usage, and potential campaign failures can all impact your total playtime. This strategic and tactical experience provides depth and replayability that will continue to entice players, making it a valuable addition to any gamer’s library.