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Should I Play XCOM Games in Order? A Veteran Commander’s Guide

Alright, rookie, listen up! You want to know if you should play the XCOM games in order? The short answer is: it depends. While playing in release order offers certain benefits, like experiencing the evolution of the gameplay and story, it’s not strictly necessary to enjoy each game individually. However, let’s get into the nitty-gritty so you can make an informed decision.

Going through XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Enemy Within first provides a solid foundation in the core mechanics that define the series: the strategic layer of base building, resource management, and research, combined with the tense, tactical combat where every decision can mean the difference between victory and devastating loss. Jumping straight into XCOM 2 or even War of the Chosen (WotC) without that base knowledge can feel overwhelming.

Think of it like this: Enemy Unknown/Within is boot camp. It teaches you the basics. XCOM 2 is advanced training. And WotC? That’s the elite spec-ops level where everything you’ve learned gets tested to its absolute limit.

That being said, XCOM 2 is more forgiving on lower difficulties. It does a decent job of easing new players into the gameplay loop. If you’re itching to fight aliens with more variety, deeper customization, and the thrill of guerilla warfare, you can start with XCOM 2. Just be prepared for a steeper learning curve.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your personal preference, your gaming background, and the time you have available. Consider these factors:

Experience with Tactical Strategy Games: If you’re a veteran of games like Civilization, Total War, or even other squad-based tactics games, you might be able to jump straight into XCOM 2.
Tolerance for Difficulty: XCOM is notoriously difficult, even on the lower settings. If you prefer a gentler introduction, starting with Enemy Unknown on Normal difficulty is recommended.
Interest in Story and Lore: While the gameplay is the main draw, the overarching narrative of humanity’s struggle against an alien invasion adds significant weight to the experience. Playing in order lets you appreciate the evolution of the story and the stakes.
Time Commitment: Each XCOM game can easily devour dozens, even hundreds, of hours. If you have limited time, you might want to prioritize the experience that appeals to you the most, even if it’s not chronologically first.

My Personal Recommendation

If you have the time, start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and after that play Enemy Within. Enjoy the story and the gameplay without the additional complexities of XCOM 2. Then, dive into XCOM 2, and then experience War of the Chosen. This will give you the best appreciation for the series’ evolution and the depth of its gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before Enemy Within?

Yes, XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion pack that requires the base game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, to play. It’s not a standalone game.

2. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a full game?

No, it’s an expansion. While it adds a significant amount of new content, mechanics, and story elements, it builds upon the foundation of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

3. Is it necessary to play XCOM 1 before 2?

No, it’s not necessary, but it’s recommended. XCOM 2 picks up the story 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown/Within, assuming that humanity lost the war. While the game explains the premise, experiencing the first game adds depth and context to the sequel.

4. Which XCOM game should I play first?

If you’re new to the series, start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It’s the most straightforward entry point and teaches you the core mechanics effectively. After that, Enemy Within is a great option, or jump straight into XCOM 2.

5. Should I start with War of the Chosen or XCOM 2?

Start with vanilla XCOM 2 first. War of the Chosen (WotC) adds a significant amount of complexity and challenge, including the Chosen themselves, which are powerful and persistent adversaries. Getting familiar with the base game mechanics first will make the WotC experience more enjoyable.

6. Are XCOM 2 and XCOM 2 War of the Chosen different games?

No, War of the Chosen is an expansion for XCOM 2. It significantly alters and enhances the gameplay, but it requires the base game to play.

7. Is XCOM 1 better than XCOM 2?

That’s subjective. XCOM 2 offers more variety in enemies, classes, and strategic options. However, some players prefer the simpler, more focused experience of XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within. Both are excellent games.

8. Is XCOM worth playing after XCOM 2?

Absolutely! Enemy Within does things that XCOM 2 doesn’t. It’s not just a straight upgrade, it’s a different experience.

9. What is the chronological order of the XCOM games?

The core series, in chronological order of release, includes:

X-COM: UFO Defense (aka XCOM: Enemy Unknown)
X-COM: Terror from the Deep
X-COM: Apocalypse
X-COM: Interceptor
XCOM: Enemy Unknown (reboot)
XCOM: Enemy Within (expansion to reboot)
XCOM 2
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (expansion)

10. Are XCOM 1 and 2 connected?

Yes, XCOM 2 is a direct sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within. It takes place 20 years after the events of the first game, with the twist that the aliens won the initial invasion.

11. How hard is XCOM 2 for beginners?

XCOM 2 can be quite challenging for newcomers, especially on higher difficulties. The game throws a lot of information at you at once, and the strategic layer can be overwhelming. Starting on Rookie or Veteran difficulty is recommended.

12. Which XCOM 2 DLC should I get?

Without a doubt, War of the Chosen is the most essential DLC for XCOM 2. It adds a tremendous amount of new content, mechanics, and replayability. Alien Hunters and Shen’s Last Gift are also popular, but WotC is the priority.

13. Is XCOM 2 never-ending?

Technically, yes. After completing the final mission, you can continue playing in the same campaign with the same soldiers and base. The game will continue to generate new missions.

14. What is the best country to start in XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

Starting location doesn’t make a huge difference, but choosing one of the funding nations can make a slight difference. You’ll want to start in either Africa for the money or Europe for the research. In easier difficulties you’ll want the extra money/goodies right away, while in harder difficulties you need satellites as soon as possible. Combat advice: Whenever you are out of cover, enemies get a 50% bonus to crit you.

15. Where can I learn more about games and their impact on learning?

Check out the Games Learning Society! You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. There, you will find research, resources, and community discussions about the intersection of games and education. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for educators and game enthusiasts alike!

Should I play XCOM games in order?