How Many XCOM 2 DLC Are There? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of how many DLC packs XCOM 2 has isn’t as straightforward as it might seem, largely due to the different ways the game and its content are packaged. The short answer is that XCOM 2 has five standalone DLC packs in addition to the major War of the Chosen expansion. These standalone DLCs are:
- Resistance Warrior Pack
- Anarchy’s Children
- Alien Hunters
- Shen’s Last Gift
- Tactical Legacy Pack
However, the XCOM 2 Collection, which is a common way to acquire the game, bundles these DLCs alongside the base game and the War of the Chosen expansion. This can sometimes cause confusion for players trying to figure out exactly what add-on content they have access to. Therefore, it’s important to understand the distinction between standalone DLC packs and the major expansion.
Standalone XCOM 2 DLC Packs
Each of the five standalone DLC packs provides unique additions to the game, enhancing both gameplay and customization options. Let’s break down what each one offers:
Resistance Warrior Pack
This pack is predominantly a cosmetic addition, offering new soldier customization options, such as unique outfits, headgear, and face paint. While it doesn’t significantly alter gameplay, it allows for greater personalization of your soldiers. It’s often included with pre-orders or certain versions of the game.
Anarchy’s Children
Anarchy’s Children also focuses on customization but with a more outlandish style. It adds over 100 new cosmetic options, including wild hairstyles, unconventional armor, and radical face paints. The themes are anarchistic and chaotic, providing a sharp contrast to the standard soldier appearance. This is ideal for players who want to add a unique and rebellious touch to their squad.
Alien Hunters
This DLC introduces three powerful new “Ruler” enemies, each with unique abilities and traits, who will randomly appear during missions. To combat these formidable foes, Alien Hunters also provides players with four new powerful weapons and three new sets of armor, each designed to be effective against a specific Ruler. These challenging encounters provide an engaging new layer of difficulty and strategy to the core gameplay.
Shen’s Last Gift
Shen’s Last Gift adds a new mission, “Lost Towers,” where the player will encounter a new class of soldier, the SPARK. SPARK units are powerful mechanical soldiers with their own unique abilities and upgrade paths. This DLC not only introduces a new class but also a new story element related to Chief Engineer Lily Shen, adding another layer of depth to the XCOM universe.
Tactical Legacy Pack
This DLC is a compilation of different game modes and content, focusing more on storytelling and additional challenges. It includes new missions and maps that retell pivotal events from XCOM’s past, and some new weapons and gear, and game modes like Skirmish mode. Tactical Legacy Pack provides a deep dive into the narrative side of the XCOM universe, along with various challenges and unique gameplay modes that will make sure the most invested fans of the franchise are more than pleased with its additions.
The War of the Chosen Expansion
While often discussed alongside DLC, War of the Chosen is a major expansion rather than a DLC pack. This expansion significantly overhauls many aspects of the base game, adding:
- New Soldier Classes: Three new hero classes – the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars – who provide new tactical options.
- New Enemies: The Chosen, powerful alien overlords who actively hunt your squad, each with unique abilities and personalities.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: Resistance factions, fatigue, covert actions, and other new elements that enhance depth and complexity.
- Enhanced Story: A richer narrative that intertwines with the base game’s campaign, creating a more compelling experience.
It is essential to understand that while the War of the Chosen expansion is often included in bundles like the XCOM 2 Collection, it is not a DLC pack in the traditional sense. It’s a major addition that significantly alters and expands upon the base XCOM 2 experience.
XCOM 2 Bundles: What You Get
The XCOM 2 Collection typically includes the base game, War of the Chosen, and all five of the standalone DLC packs mentioned earlier. This bundle offers the most complete experience and is often the most cost-effective option. Other bundles, such as the Digital Deluxe Edition, may only include a subset of these DLCs. Therefore, when purchasing, it is important to check exactly what is included to avoid confusion.
Understanding the difference between standalone DLC packs and the War of the Chosen expansion can be crucial when choosing which version of XCOM 2 to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about XCOM 2 DLCs and expansions to further help clarify any potential queries:
1. Does the XCOM 2 Collection include all DLC?
Yes, the XCOM 2 Collection includes the base game, War of the Chosen expansion, and all five standalone DLC packs: Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy’s Children, Alien Hunters, Shen’s Last Gift, and Tactical Legacy Pack.
2. Can I play the DLCs separately?
You can choose which DLCs to enable or disable from the game’s menu. However, War of the Chosen changes the campaign structure, so it can’t be played completely separately from the base game’s content.
3. Is the War of the Chosen expansion worth it?
Yes, War of the Chosen is widely considered to be essential for any player of XCOM 2, adding significant content, story, and gameplay improvements that make the game even more engaging and complex.
4. What does the Resistance Warrior Pack include?
The Resistance Warrior Pack includes cosmetic items for your soldiers, such as extra outfits, headgear, and face paint, for customization purposes.
5. What does Anarchy’s Children add to the game?
Anarchy’s Children provides over 100 new cosmetic customization options for soldiers, offering a unique, rebellious aesthetic for your troops.
6. What does the Alien Hunters DLC add?
Alien Hunters introduces three new “Ruler” enemies, four powerful weapons, and three new armors designed to combat these challenging foes.
7. What is Shen’s Last Gift about?
Shen’s Last Gift introduces a new mission, “Lost Towers,” and the new playable SPARK class, a powerful mechanical soldier unit, along with an additional story element.
8. What is included in the Tactical Legacy Pack?
The Tactical Legacy Pack includes new story-based missions, maps, additional weapons and gear, as well as a skirmish mode, providing a deeper dive into the game’s lore.
9. Do the DLCs make the game harder?
While some DLCs, such as Alien Hunters, can increase the game’s difficulty due to the introduction of challenging enemies, many add content that provides players with new tools to handle various situations.
10. Can I turn off the Alien Hunter rulers if they are too hard?
Yes, you can disable the Alien Hunters DLC if you prefer not to face the Ruler enemies. You can also turn them off in the game’s “Second Wave” options.
11. What is the difference between the XCOM 2 Collection and the Digital Deluxe Edition?
The XCOM 2 Collection includes the base game, War of the Chosen, and all five DLC packs, while the Digital Deluxe Edition typically contains the base game, a smaller amount of DLC and the digital soundtrack. The collection is the more complete package.
12. Are the DLCs necessary to enjoy XCOM 2?
While the base game is enjoyable on its own, the DLCs and War of the Chosen greatly enhance the experience, adding significant depth, content, and variety. The War of the Chosen is highly recommended, while the DLCs offer nice additions and customization.
13. Can I play XCOM 2 infinitely?
Yes, you can continue playing XCOM 2 indefinitely as long as you don’t complete the final mission. You can prevent the Avatar project from completing, meaning the game can technically be played forever.
14. Is XCOM 2 a luck-based game?
While luck is a factor in XCOM 2, it’s also a game of strategy and risk-management. Although your shots aren’t guaranteed to land, many of the chances can be improved by tactical positioning and proper upgrades, so knowing the game’s mechanics can lessen the impact of bad luck.
15. What is the most powerful class in XCOM 2?
Many players consider the Grenadier class to be one of the most powerful and versatile classes due to their area-of-effect damage capabilities and ability to destroy enemy cover. However, all classes can be powerful when utilized effectively.