Should You Dive into XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen First? A Comprehensive Guide

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The question of whether to start with XCOM 2 or its expansion, War of the Chosen (WotC), is a common one for newcomers to this acclaimed turn-based tactics series. Let’s get straight to the point: If you own War of the Chosen, you should absolutely play it first over the base XCOM 2 game. This isn’t to say the original XCOM 2 is bad, quite the opposite, but WotC is a vastly enhanced and superior experience, designed to be integrated from the get-go. It doesn’t require you to play through vanilla XCOM 2 first.

Why Start with War of the Chosen?

WotC isn’t just a simple DLC; it’s a full-scale expansion that fundamentally changes and improves the core gameplay of XCOM 2. Here’s why it’s the best starting point:

• Enhanced Core Mechanics: WotC integrates seamlessly into the XCOM 2 campaign, adding significant content from the start. It doesn’t feel tacked-on; it’s part of the core experience.
• New Factions: You gain access to three new hero factions: the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars, each with unique abilities and playstyles that add layers of strategic depth from the initial missions.
• The Chosen: These powerful, recurring antagonists force you to adapt your strategies. They learn from you and grow stronger, providing a dynamic and challenging layer that isn’t present in the base game.
• Resistance Ring: This new facility allows you to engage in covert operations with your new faction soldiers, unlocking powerful benefits and resources.
• Improved Campaign Flow: WotC introduces new mission types, world events, and narrative elements, making the campaign more varied and engaging. The whole experience feels significantly richer.
• More Beginner-Friendly: While some might argue that the Chosen add difficulty, the new factions and mechanics of WotC can be more beginner-friendly, offering diverse strategies to overcome tough challenges. The initial difficulty bump is quickly evened out by the new tools at your disposal.
• Optional Narrative Content: When starting a new game with WotC, you have options to include “Lost and Abandoned,” “The Nest,” and “Shen’s Last Gift.” These add more narrative context and can be enjoyed from your first playthrough.

Addressing the “Learn Vanilla First” Argument

Some players suggest starting with vanilla XCOM 2 to grasp the core mechanics before introducing the complexity of WotC. However, this argument doesn’t hold much water. WotC doesn’t fundamentally change the core mechanics, it expands upon them. You’ll still be learning the importance of cover, positioning, and action economy, just with more options at your disposal. The new elements of WotC enhance the game, making the base experience seem much more limited once you have experienced the expansion.

Setting Up Your First WotC Campaign

When you launch a new game with WotC enabled, ensure you select the options that include the new narrative content. These options are typically labeled as “Lost and Abandoned,” “The Nest,” and “Shen’s Last Gift”. These narrative additions enhance your initial gameplay experience significantly. You’ll still get a full and comprehensive introduction to the world, mechanics and story even with these narrative additions.

Key Things to Remember as a New Commander

Regardless of which version you play, there are some crucial beginner mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t Split Up the Squad: Stick together and use teamwork to overcome enemies.
• Plan Ahead With Soldier Abilities: Understanding class specializations and ability trees is key to developing an effective squad.
• Use Grenades Liberally: Grenades are invaluable for destroying cover and dealing with clumped enemies.
• Build Avenger Facilities Early: Prioritize crucial facilities like the Advanced Warfare Center, Guerrilla Training School, and Power Relay.
• Utilize Cover Effectively: Use high and low cover whenever possible to reduce the chance of your soldiers being hit.
• Don’t Forget Autopsies: Alien Autopsies provide technological advancements that can change the tide of battle.
• Have Reserve Soldiers: Ensure you are leveling up multiple soldiers as losses are inevitable.
• Prioritize a Main Squad: Focus on developing a core squad of soldiers you will always use, to ensure that you have a reliable team.
• Grow the Resistance Early and Often: Expanding your network will result in increased resources and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further guide you through your XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen journey:

1. Do I need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within before XCOM 2?
   While the story of XCOM 2 is a continuation of the events in XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within, you can play it without prior knowledge. The game provides sufficient background context. However, playing the earlier games will enhance your appreciation of the universe and lore.

2. Is XCOM 2 beginner-friendly?
   Yes, XCOM 2 is relatively beginner-friendly, particularly on easier difficulty settings. The game is designed in a way that mistakes are okay. Be prepared to learn and adapt!

3. Is War of the Chosen harder than the base game?
   In the early game, WotC can feel more difficult due to the addition of the Chosen, but the new factions and mechanics balance this out. Ultimately, many find that the mid- and late-game are easier with the expanded tools available in WotC.

4. What is the most fun class to play in XCOM 2?
   Many players consider the Grenadier class to be the most powerful and fun due to their long-range capability to deal damage and control the battlefield with grenades. However, this is subjective and other classes like the Reaper and Templar in WotC offer plenty of fun.

5. Does XCOM 2 have a time limit?
   Yes, but it is more of a soft limit. The Avatar Project introduces a doomsday meter that progresses as the aliens conduct research and operations. If this meter fills, you will lose the game. However, you are able to counteract this by sabotaging the alien’s operations. The game will not end unless you trigger the final mission.

6. What is the difference between XCOM 2 and WotC?
   XCOM 2 is the base game where you lead a resistance against alien invaders. War of the Chosen is a major expansion that adds new hero factions, powerful recurring enemies (the Chosen), expanded mission types, enhanced narrative, and improved gameplay mechanics and content.

7. What order should I build facilities in XCOM 2 (or WotC)?
   A balanced build order includes: Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab. This will give you a balance of resources and soldier training options.

8. Do I have to beat XCOM 2 before playing War of the Chosen?
   No, you do not need to play or complete the base game of XCOM 2 before diving into War of the Chosen.

9. What should I focus on first in XCOM 2?
   Focus on expanding the resistance by contacting new regions and building radio towers to increase supply income. Researching key technologies and building facilities is also essential to ensuring a strong foothold.

10. How many soldiers should I have in XCOM 2?
    It depends on the difficulty setting, but having a rotation of 12-24 well-trained soldiers is typically a good idea to ensure that you have soldiers available.

11. Can you lose Chosen weapons in XCOM 2?
    Yes, Chosen weapons can be permanently lost if the soldier wielding the weapon is killed and not evacuated. Ensure your soldiers are well protected.

12. What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?
    The Plasma Bolt Caster has the highest damage per shot, but its drawback is that it needs to be reloaded after every shot.

13. Is XCOM 2 never-ending?
    Yes, the game has a final mission, but it will keep spawning side missions until you decide to complete it.

14. How many years between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2?
    XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

15. Can I make XCOM 2 easier?
    Yes, options like “Lengthy Scheme” (doubles the Avatar Project timer) and “Time Turner” (doubles the length of mission timers) can make the game easier. However, practicing and learning the game mechanics is the most reliable approach to improving.

Conclusion

Don’t hesitate—jump right into War of the Chosen if you own it. It’s a far superior experience from the outset. Enjoy leading the resistance, developing your soldiers, and overcoming the challenges that await in this fantastic turn-based tactical game. Happy commanding!