Is XCOM 2 Hard to Beat? A Comprehensive Look at the Challenge
The question of whether XCOM 2 is “hard to beat” is nuanced, and the short answer is: it depends. While the game isn’t inherently designed to be brutally punishing across all difficulty settings, it presents a unique and often unforgiving challenge, particularly for new players. The game’s difficulty curve is notorious, and many consider its early stages to be especially harsh. However, with experience, strategic thinking, and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics, the perceived difficulty significantly decreases. So, while not an easy game by any means, the challenge in XCOM 2 is more about mastery and adaptability than insurmountable barriers. The initial learning curve and punishing mistakes can be intimidating, but many find the feeling of overcoming the odds ultimately rewarding and engaging.
The Initial Hurdle: A Steep Learning Curve
Early Game Struggles
One of the primary reasons many players find XCOM 2 challenging is the game’s early phase. The game throws you into the fray quickly, with limited resources, inexperienced soldiers, and incredibly dangerous enemies like Sectoids with their mind control and reanimation abilities. These early missions often feel like a delicate balancing act, where one wrong move can lead to a complete squad wipe. The lack of experience and upgrades means that every decision is critical, and even a slight misstep can send your carefully constructed strategy crashing down around you.
Overwhelming Options
New players often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options presented to them. From Avenger facility management and research projects to squad customization and tactical gameplay, there’s a lot to learn. Without a firm grasp of these systems, the game can feel chaotic and unforgiving. This initial information overload is a major contributing factor to the perceived difficulty at the beginning of XCOM 2.
The Progression of Difficulty
Mid-Game Shift
As you progress through XCOM 2, the difficulty begins to subtly shift. By gaining experience, upgrading your soldiers, and researching advanced technology, you gain a much stronger foothold. The game still presents its challenges, but you now have the tools to tackle them more effectively. You become more confident in taking on multiple enemy pods, and you start to see the game’s strategic depth emerge.
Late Game Power
By the late game, if you’ve played your cards right, your squad can become an unstoppable force. With well-equipped soldiers and finely tuned strategies, you can take on even the toughest enemies with relative ease. Of course, the game can still throw curveballs at you but by then you have the knowledge and resources to adapt and overcome them. The late game is often considered the most rewarding part of XCOM 2, where you can see the culmination of your tactical planning and resource management.
Is it Truly Hard or Just Punishing?
The Feeling of Failure
XCOM 2 is often described as “punishing” because the game doesn’t shy away from showing you the consequences of your mistakes. Soldiers can be killed permanently, missions can be failed, and the Avatar Project can advance rapidly, forcing you to react to its progress. This feeling of potential loss is a core part of the game’s design, and it can feel very difficult for new players. However, this punishment is often seen as a learning opportunity; it pushes you to understand the mechanics, learn from your mistakes, and ultimately make better strategic choices in the future.
Adaptability is Key
The real challenge in XCOM 2 lies in your ability to adapt to the constantly changing battlefield and the unexpected events. The game isn’t about memorizing patterns; it’s about understanding the mechanics, strategizing, and being flexible. The player who can adapt to new challenges and learn from their failures is the one who will find the game rewarding rather than brutally difficult.
FAQs About XCOM 2 Difficulty
1. How hard is XCOM 2 for beginners?
XCOM 2 can be difficult for beginners due to its steep learning curve and unforgiving early game. New players can be easily overwhelmed by the game’s mechanics and options, which can lead to frustrating losses. However, with practice and a willingness to learn, the game becomes more manageable.
2. What’s the best order to build facilities in XCOM 2?
A balanced build order such as the Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab is often recommended to ensure a solid start and balanced progression.
3. How many hours does it take to beat XCOM 2?
Focusing solely on the main objectives, **XCOM 2** typically takes around **33½ hours** to complete. However, players seeking 100% completion can expect to spend roughly **78½ hours**.
4. Can you make XCOM 2 easier?
Yes, there are in-game options to make **XCOM 2** easier. **Lengthy Scheme doubles the Avatar Project timer** and **Time Turner doubles mission timers.** These allow more breathing room for new players.
5. How hard is XCOM 2 on Legend difficulty?
**Legend difficulty** is significantly harder than other difficulty settings. Enemies receive health and armor boosts, there are additional enemy pods, and you receive no bonus to aim and no penalties to enemies. It is best suited for experienced players seeking the ultimate challenge.
6. What is the most powerful class in XCOM 2?
The **Grenadier** is often considered one of the most powerful classes due to their ability to deal substantial damage at long range, destroy cover, and manipulate the battlefield effectively with their grenades.
7. Is XCOM 2 addictive?
Yes, **XCOM 2** is notoriously addictive. The mix of tactical combat and resource management creates a compelling gameplay loop that keeps players engaged for hours on end.
8. Is XCOM 2 beginner friendly?
On easier difficulties, **XCOM 2** is reasonably **beginner-friendly**, making mistakes less punishing. However, new players should expect a learning curve. The theme of failure can make early stumbles feel less frustrating.
9. Is XCOM 2 kid friendly?
**XCOM 2** is not generally considered kid-friendly due to its **graphic violence** and mature themes, as well as some soldiers using **lit cigars and cigarettes**.
10. Can you play XCOM 2 infinitely?
Yes, you can essentially play **XCOM 2** infinitely. The game will continue to generate missions even after completing the final main mission, allowing you to continue playing as long as you want.
11. Is XCOM 2 worth it?
**XCOM 2** is highly regarded and has received excellent reviews. Its **tactical experience is unmatched**, and the game's challenging but rewarding gameplay makes it well worth the investment.
12. Is XCOM or XCOM 2 easier?
While **XCOM 2** is easier on Veteran and Commander difficulties than its predecessor, it is **harder on Legendary difficulty** than the equivalent in the first game.
13. Should I play XCOM 2 first before War of the Chosen?
It is highly recommended to play the base **XCOM 2** game before jumping into the War of the Chosen expansion. The base game provides a foundation and avoids throwing too much new content at you.
14. Is XCOM 2 War of the Chosen easier?
War of the Chosen tends to be a bit harder in the early game, due to the introduction of the Chosen enemies, however, once you progress it becomes easier than base **XCOM 2** due to the enhanced abilities you get.
15. Is XCOM 2 luck-based?
While **luck** plays a role in some aspects of **XCOM 2**, such as determining hit percentages, it is more important to focus on **strategy and tactics**. Skillful planning and understanding the game's mechanics is the key to success, mitigating the role of luck significantly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, XCOM 2 isn’t hard to beat if you approach it methodically, willing to adapt and learn from your mistakes. Its initial difficulty curve is steep, but that challenge is part of what makes the game so rewarding. By understanding the game’s mechanics, utilizing strategy, and not being afraid to fail, players can conquer even the toughest missions. It is a game where patience and learning to adapt will turn what feels impossible into a satisfying and attainable objective. While not easy, XCOM 2 offers a deeply engaging and rewarding experience for those willing to invest time and effort.