Unleashing the Beast: What Does XCOM: Enemy Within Add?
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.
XCOM: Enemy Within is not just a simple add-on; it’s a transformative expansion pack for the critically acclaimed turn-based tactical strategy game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It dramatically enriches the core experience with a plethora of new gameplay elements, strategic depth, and challenging content. In short, Enemy Within adds new soldier abilities, MEC troopers, gene modifications, a new human enemy faction (EXALT), new missions and maps, and enhanced strategic options. These additions elevate the tactical gameplay and provide a greater challenge, making it an essential experience for fans of the original game.
Core Additions of Enemy Within
Let’s delve into the core improvements and additions that Enemy Within brings to the table:
MEC Troopers: The Power of Augmented Warfare
One of the most significant additions is the introduction of MEC Troopers (Mechanized Exoskeletal Cybersuits). These heavily armored units provide a whole new dynamic to combat. Instead of relying on regular soldiers, you can now augment your squad with MEC Troopers. These units boast incredible firepower, heavy armor, and a unique set of abilities. However, creating MEC Troopers is a significant investment, requiring resources, and converting a soldier into a MEC Trooper is a permanent alteration. You’ll need to carefully consider which soldiers you want to transform into MEC Troopers to maximize their utility on the battlefield.
Gene Modifications: Transhumanist Tactics
Enemy Within introduces gene modifications as another layer of soldier customization. These mods allow you to enhance your soldiers with abilities from alien DNA. Enhancements such as increased health regeneration, improved mobility, and heightened senses can make the difference between success and failure. The gene modification system allows players to tailor their soldiers to specific roles and playstyles. These additions provide an entirely new customization and strategic layer, adding to the depth of the base game.
EXALT: A New Human Threat
The expansion also introduces a new enemy faction: EXALT. This human paramilitary organization is working to subvert XCOM and acquire alien technology for their own purposes. They actively sabotage your operations and engage in covert missions. Combatting EXALT requires a different tactical approach compared to the alien threats. You’ll have to engage in covert missions, defend your base and assets, and unearth their hidden operations, which brings an entirely new dimension to the strategic and tactical gameplay.
New Missions, Maps and Resources: Expansion of the Battlefield
Enemy Within significantly increases the content, adding new missions, maps, and enemy types. The new missions include covert operations against EXALT, escort missions, and resource acquisition missions. These offer a wider range of objectives compared to the core game. New maps provide fresh tactical challenges, requiring you to adapt your strategies to varying terrains and environments. There’s a new resource, MELD, which is scattered throughout maps and can be collected to upgrade both MEC Troopers and gene modifications, introducing another element of strategy to tactical gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify and enrich your understanding of XCOM: Enemy Within, here are 15 related frequently asked questions:
1. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a full game?
No, XCOM: Enemy Within is not a full game. It is a standalone expansion pack that requires the base game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, to play.
2. Do I need to play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before playing Enemy Within?
Yes, you need to own and play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before you can play XCOM: Enemy Within. The expansion builds upon the original game, adding new features and content. It is best to experience Enemy Unknown to fully appreciate the additions of Enemy Within.
3. What is the main difference between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within?
The main difference is the addition of new gameplay mechanics. These include the introduction of MEC Troopers, gene modifications, a new enemy faction (EXALT), and a wider variety of new missions, maps, and alien types. Enemy Within expands the original game, making it more complex and strategic.
4. What are MEC Troopers?
MEC Troopers are heavily armored soldier units equipped with Mechanized Exoskeletal Cybersuits. They offer powerful abilities, weapons, and increased durability, fundamentally changing tactical gameplay.
5. What are Gene Modifications in XCOM: Enemy Within?
Gene Modifications allow players to enhance their soldiers by using alien DNA. They can improve a soldier’s movement, health regeneration, senses, and other capabilities, creating highly specialized units.
6. Who is EXALT?
EXALT is a new human enemy faction that attempts to disrupt XCOM and acquire alien technology for their own ends. This group presents a new type of strategic and tactical threat.
7. Does Enemy Within add new maps?
Yes, Enemy Within adds several new maps, enhancing the variety of gameplay environments. These new maps introduce unique tactical challenges.
8. What is MELD in XCOM: Enemy Within?
MELD is a new resource in Enemy Within used to upgrade MEC Troopers and purchase gene modifications. It can be gathered during missions, adding a risk-reward aspect to tactical gameplay.
9. Does XCOM: Enemy Within have multiple endings?
No, XCOM: Enemy Within does not have multiple endings. It shares the same ending as the base game, with a few minor differences in dialogue or sequences.
10. Does the Long War mod work with Enemy Within?
Yes, the Long War mod is designed to work with the XCOM: Enemy Unknown game, especially with the expansion XCOM: Enemy Within. It introduces over 700 changes to the vanilla game, increasing its length and difficulty.
11. Is XCOM: Enemy Within harder than Enemy Unknown?
Enemy Within generally increases the difficulty of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The introduction of MEC Troopers, gene modifications, EXALT, and new enemy types provide new and challenging encounters.
12. What order should I play the XCOM games in?
It is generally recommended to start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, then move on to XCOM: Enemy Within, and then play XCOM 2. This order allows you to gradually familiarize yourself with the core mechanics and new features.
13. Is XCOM a AAA Game?
XCOM is often considered an AA game which, for many people, is a niche title that didn’t get the funding a full AAA would. It has a dedicated following and has achieved considerable success.
14. How does Enemy Within change the strategic layer?
Enemy Within enhances the strategic layer by adding EXALT operations, which require constant monitoring and counter-operations, as well as new resource management with MELD, adding a more strategic depth to the game.
15. Is XCOM: Enemy Within a good game?
Yes, XCOM: Enemy Within is considered to be an excellent addition to the base game, praised for adding new mechanics, challenges, and strategic options that considerably enhance the overall experience for veterans and new players alike. The expansion is usually seen as an essential addition for any fan of XCOM.