The Twenty-Year Gap: Understanding the Time Between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2
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.
The direct answer is this: XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. However, understanding the significance of this twenty-year gap is crucial for appreciating the narrative depth and gameplay changes between the two titles. In Enemy Unknown, XCOM, a multinational task force, fought to repel an alien invasion. XCOM 2 flips the script. It presents a world where XCOM lost that initial war, and humanity is now under alien rule. This time jump isn’t just a narrative device; it’s the foundation upon which XCOM 2’s themes of resistance, guerrilla warfare, and desperation are built.
The Importance of Context: From Defense to Resistance
The shift from defending Earth to fighting for its liberation fundamentally alters the player experience. Enemy Unknown saw you building a base, researching alien technology, and responding to global threats. XCOM 2 throws you into a mobile headquarters – the Avenger – as you travel the world, recruiting allies and striking at ADVENT, the alien puppet government.
The years between games represent the time ADVENT has consolidated its power, brainwashed the populace with propaganda, and genetically modified humans. This makes the player’s task significantly harder and adds a layer of moral complexity. The 20-year gap isn’t just a number; it’s a measure of humanity’s suffering and the uphill battle facing XCOM.
Narrative and Gameplay Implications of the Time Jump
The narrative implications are immediately apparent. Characters from Enemy Unknown, such as Central Officer Bradford, reappear, aged and hardened by the years of defeat and resistance. Their experiences inform their actions and provide a link to the previous game, rewarding players familiar with the lore.
Gameplay-wise, the time jump allows for significant advancements in alien technology and ADVENT’s forces. The aliens are more powerful, and ADVENT soldiers utilize advanced weaponry and tactics. This necessitates new soldier classes, abilities, and research options for XCOM, creating a fresh and challenging experience. The mechanics of concealment and ambushes become vital in XCOM 2, reflecting the guerrilla nature of the resistance.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the XCOM Universe
Here are some frequently asked questions to further your understanding of the XCOM universe and the relationship between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2:
1. Is it necessary to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before XCOM 2?
While not strictly necessary, playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown (or its enhanced version, Enemy Within) is highly recommended. You’ll gain a better understanding of the lore, the core gameplay mechanics, and the returning characters. The storyline references the events of Enemy Unknown, making the experience richer and more engaging.
2. What year does XCOM: Enemy Unknown begin?
The campaign of XCOM: Enemy Unknown starts in the spring of 2015, marking the beginning of the initial alien invasion.
3. Is there a “time limit” in XCOM 2?
Yes, there is a doomsday meter, known as the Avatar Project, that represents the aliens’ progress towards a final, game-ending objective. While less restrictive than some time limits in other games, you must actively disrupt the aliens’ plans to prevent them from completing the project. Successfully completing covert actions and targeting alien facilities reduces the Avatar Project progress.
4. Is XCOM 2 an alternate timeline?
Yes, XCOM 2 presents an alternate timeline where XCOM failed to repel the initial alien invasion in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. This allows the developers to explore a different narrative direction and introduce new gameplay mechanics centered around resistance and liberation. This concept is familiar in sci-fi, and many might find it a refreshing narrative direction.
5. Is XCOM 2: War of the Chosen considered canon?
According to Firaxis, the canonical XCOM universe includes XCOM: Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, and XCOM: Chimera Squad. War of the Chosen significantly enhances XCOM 2 and adds new layers to the story, making it a key part of the overall narrative.
6. How luck-based is XCOM 2?
Luck plays a significant role in XCOM 2, as it does in most strategy games. Random number generation (RNG) affects shot accuracy, enemy behavior, and various other aspects of the gameplay. However, skilled players can mitigate the impact of luck by using strategic positioning, abilities, and tactical planning to improve their odds of success. As many board games do, it adds more dynamics.
7. Is XCOM 2 more difficult than XCOM: Enemy Unknown?
Many players consider XCOM 2 to be more challenging than XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The game features more aggressive enemies, stricter time constraints, and a greater emphasis on resource management. However, XCOM 2 also offers more customization options and strategic depth, allowing skilled players to overcome these challenges.
8. Can you play XCOM 2 indefinitely?
Yes, you can technically play XCOM 2 indefinitely. Even after completing the main story mission, the game continues to generate new missions and challenges. This allows players to continue building their team, researching new technologies, and expanding their influence over the world.
9. What happened between XCOM 2 and Chimera Squad?
Chimera Squad is set five years after the events of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. It explores the challenges of integrating humans and aliens in a post-war world. The game focuses on a special tactical unit, Chimera Squad, composed of both human and alien agents, working to maintain peace in City 31.
10. Which soldier class is generally considered the strongest in XCOM 2?
The Reaper class is often considered one of the strongest in XCOM 2. Reapers possess exceptional stealth abilities, allowing them to scout ahead, flank enemies, and deal massive damage from concealment. Their unique abilities and tactical flexibility make them invaluable assets in any mission.
11. How can I manage the time pressure in XCOM 2?
To effectively manage the time pressure in XCOM 2, prioritize missions that reduce the Avatar Project progress. Focus on destroying alien facilities and completing covert actions that disrupt their plans. Also, invest in technologies and abilities that allow you to move quickly and efficiently across the map. Upgrading the Avenger is a priority.
12. What is the best way to start a new game of XCOM 2?
A balanced build order for your base facilities is crucial for success in XCOM 2. A strong starting strategy is Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab. This ensures that you have adequate resources, trained soldiers, and access to advanced technologies.
13. Is it possible to lose Chosen weapons in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
Yes, Chosen weapons are unique and irreplaceable. If a soldier equipped with a Chosen weapon is killed and not evacuated from the mission, the weapon is permanently lost. Protect your soldiers and prioritize evacuation to avoid this devastating loss.
14. What are the main differences between XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen significantly expands upon the base game by adding new enemies (the Chosen), new hero classes (Reaper, Skirmisher, and Templar), and new story elements. The expansion also introduces fatigue mechanics, bonds between soldiers, and more dynamic enemy behaviors, making the gameplay experience more challenging and engaging.
15. Why is XCOM 2 so addictive?
XCOM 2 is addictive due to its blend of tactical combat, strategic resource management, and high stakes. The permadeath mechanic creates a sense of urgency and emotional investment in your soldiers. The combination of challenging missions, rewarding progression, and unpredictable events makes each campaign unique and replayable. Furthermore, the opportunity to learn more about game design as a fun activity connects to the goals of the Games Learning Society, which you can learn more about at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the XCOM Legacy
The 20-year gap between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2 isn’t just a plot device; it’s the heart of XCOM 2’s identity. It sets the stage for a desperate fight for survival against overwhelming odds, offering a compelling and challenging experience for players willing to dive into the world of resistance. Whether you’re a veteran of the original or a newcomer to the series, understanding this time gap will deepen your appreciation for the narrative and gameplay of XCOM 2. The game is complex, but it also has amazing features.