Should You Play XCOM: Enemy Within Before XCOM 2?
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The question of whether to play XCOM: Enemy Within (EW) before diving into XCOM 2 is a common one for newcomers and veterans alike. The short answer is: it depends on your priorities and gaming style, but generally, yes, playing Enemy Within before XCOM 2 offers significant benefits. Let’s explore why, and dissect the nuances of this popular query.
Understanding the XCOM Landscape
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to understand what each game brings to the table. XCOM: Enemy Unknown (EU), the base game released in 2012, is the foundational experience. It introduces the core mechanics of turn-based tactical combat, strategic base management, and the overarching narrative of humanity fighting off an alien invasion. Enemy Within is not a separate game, but a standalone expansion that drastically enhances Enemy Unknown. It layers on new units, technologies, maps, missions, and a compelling new faction into the existing framework. XCOM 2, set 20 years after the events of EU/EW, presents a very different scenario: aliens have won, and humanity is fighting as a resistance. It builds upon the foundations established by its predecessors with new mechanics and a vastly different strategic layer.
The Case for Playing Enemy Within Before XCOM 2
Here’s why tackling Enemy Within before XCOM 2 is generally a good idea:
Foundational Familiarity
Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within serves as an excellent introduction to the core mechanics of XCOM. You’ll learn the ins and outs of tactical combat, managing your soldiers, research, engineering, and how to effectively strategize on the global Geoscape. XCOM 2 is more complex and throws you into the deep end almost immediately. Starting with EU/EW allows you to learn the game’s rhythms at a more manageable pace.
Story and Lore
XCOM 2 directly references the events and characters from Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within. While XCOM 2 does have its own story, knowing the context of the first games adds a significant layer of depth and emotional resonance. You’ll understand the historical significance of events and appreciate character references, making the narrative journey in XCOM 2 much more impactful.
Gradual Progression of Difficulty
XCOM 2 is notoriously challenging, even on lower difficulties. It often catches new players off guard with its brutal difficulty curve. By playing EU/EW first, you can familiarize yourself with the underlying tactical principles and gradually increase the difficulty with each game. This reduces the overwhelming feeling that some new players experience when diving straight into XCOM 2.
Enhanced Experience
Enemy Within doesn’t just tweak the original experience, it adds considerable new content. MECs, gene mods, new alien threats, and additional tactical options dramatically expand the strategic depth of XCOM. Going from a highly-refined version of the base game (EW) to a sequel that completely overhauls it (XCOM 2) provides a better appreciation for design progression.
The Case Against Playing Enemy Within Before XCOM 2
There are, however, valid reasons why someone might prefer skipping directly to XCOM 2:
Time Constraints
Some players may be constrained by time and might want to jump straight to the most modern experience. If you only have time for one XCOM title, XCOM 2 is the larger and newer game.
Preference for Modern Features
XCOM 2 has improved graphics and quality-of-life features that make it feel more polished for some. It also provides a different gameplay loop focusing on a guerrilla war.
XCOM 2’s Standalone Story
While XCOM 2 does reference previous events, its core narrative is self-contained and understandable without prior experience. You can absolutely follow the story of XCOM 2 without having played EU/EW.
Recommendation
Despite these counterpoints, the general recommendation still leans toward playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within before attempting XCOM 2. The cumulative learning experience, story context, and gradual difficulty progression provide a much smoother and more enjoyable transition into the more challenging XCOM 2.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the XCOM series, to further aid your decision:
1. Should I Start with Enemy Unknown or Enemy Within?
Always start with Enemy Within if you own both. Enemy Within incorporates all the content of Enemy Unknown while adding significantly more to the gameplay. There’s virtually no reason to play EU if you have EW.
2. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a Full Game?
No, XCOM: Enemy Within is a standalone expansion to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It dramatically enhances the existing game with new content, mechanics, and missions.
3. Are XCOM 1 and 2 Connected Story-Wise?
Yes, XCOM 2 is a direct sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within, taking place 20 years after the events of those games. XCOM 2 assumes that humanity lost the first war.
4. Does XCOM 2 Refer to Previous Events?
Absolutely. XCOM 2’s story and characters make frequent references to the first game’s events, creating a more nuanced experience for players who have played through EU/EW.
5. How Much Time Should I Spend on XCOM EU/EW Before XCOM 2?
It’s recommended that you complete at least one full playthrough of Enemy Within before attempting XCOM 2. This will give you a solid understanding of the mechanics and strategy.
6. Is XCOM 2 Harder Than Enemy Within?
Yes, XCOM 2 is generally considered more difficult than Enemy Within due to its more complex systems, ruthless enemy AI, and time-based missions.
7. Is XCOM 2 Beginner-Friendly?
XCOM 2 can be challenging for beginners, but manageable on easier difficulty settings. However, starting with EU/EW can help ease you into the game’s mechanics more gradually.
8. What’s the Difference Between XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen?
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (WotC) is an expansion pack for XCOM 2 that adds substantial new content, including new enemies, hero factions, gameplay mechanics, and a significant strategic layer overhaul. Many consider it essential to the full XCOM 2 experience.
9. Should I Play XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen First?
If you own both, it’s generally recommended that you start with War of the Chosen. WotC greatly enhances the base game and makes for a better overall experience.
10. What are the Recommended Difficulty Settings for Beginners?
Start with Normal difficulty for both XCOM EU/EW and XCOM 2. You can always adjust the difficulty later if you find it too easy or too difficult.
11. Is There a Specific Order to Play All the XCOM Games?
The recommended order is: XCOM: Enemy Unknown (or skipped if you own Enemy Within) -> XCOM: Enemy Within -> XCOM 2 -> XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
12. Are There Mods That Can Make XCOM 2 Easier?
Yes, there are numerous mods available, such as Disable Timers mod, which many players recommend for beginners struggling with the time-sensitive missions in XCOM 2.
13. Will There Be an XCOM 3?
Firaxis has confirmed that XCOM 3 is still happening, though no release date has been announced.
14. Is XCOM Worth Playing After XCOM 2?
Yes, XCOM: Enemy Within remains a compelling and rewarding experience, even after playing XCOM 2. The new content and unique mechanics still make it worthwhile for fans of the genre.
15. Are There any Key Differences between the Combat of XCOM EU/EW vs XCOM 2?
Yes, while the fundamental turn-based tactical combat is similar, XCOM 2 focuses more on mobility, concealment, and guerilla tactics, while XCOM EU/EW feels a bit more like a structured defense against a known enemy.