Long Watch in XCOM 2: A Detailed Guide
Long Watch is a crucial, yet often misunderstood, ability in XCOM 2, primarily associated with the Sharpshooter class. At its core, Long Watch allows a soldier to take reaction shots against any enemy that enters the sight radius of an ally, regardless of whether the Sharpshooter can directly see that enemy. This means a Sharpshooter with Long Watch can provide overwatch fire against targets spotted by teammates even if they are behind cover, around corners, or in otherwise obscured positions.
This ability turns the Sharpshooter into a potent support unit, capable of reacting to enemy movements that might otherwise catch the squad off-guard. Instead of being confined to their own direct line of sight, the Sharpshooter becomes an integral part of the team’s tactical network, capable of delivering punishing blows to enemies revealed by teammates. It effectively extends the reach of their overwatch fire, making it a more versatile and dangerous tool. However, it’s important to note that Long Watch is not about having global vision. It relies on the sight of your other soldiers; if they cannot see the enemy, your Sharpshooter cannot react.
How Long Watch Changes Gameplay
The primary impact of Long Watch is its ability to enhance the overwatch strategy in XCOM 2. In the base game, overwatch is already a crucial aspect of the game, allowing soldiers to react to enemy movement during their turn. However, this is typically limited to the immediate surroundings of that specific soldier. Long Watch expands this greatly, allowing the Sharpshooter to react to enemies encountered by the entire squad.
Supporting the Squad
A Sharpshooter with Long Watch is an excellent complement to a forward-moving squad. By positioning the Sharpshooter in a safe and elevated position, the squad can advance, knowing that any enemies encountered will potentially trigger an overwatch shot from the Sharpshooter. This ability is particularly potent in maps that feature verticality and open areas. A well-placed Sharpshooter can often clear a wide area of enemies before the rest of the squad even enters the engagement zone.
Effective Positioning
The key to maximizing Long Watch is strategic positioning. Putting the Sharpshooter in an area with good sightlines that still allows cover from enemy fire is paramount. Remember, the Sharpshooter needs allies within the sight of the enemy, so they also need line of sight of their squad. High locations are usually optimal for Sharpshooters to take advantage of the height bonus for accuracy and clear lines of sight, but the soldier must be within reasonable distance of your other soldiers to be effective.
Beyond Overwatching
While the primary function of Long Watch is overwatch, it also synergizes with other abilities. For example, a Sharpshooter with the Kill Zone skill, which allows them to make overwatch shots on multiple targets, greatly increases the threat they pose when used in conjunction with Long Watch. Enemies attempting to flank your squad can be met with a deadly barrage of shots. The combination of these skills can make even the toughest enemies think twice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Long Watch and Squadsight?
Long Watch is an ability that allows a Sharpshooter to make reaction shots when an enemy is spotted by an ally. Squadsight, on the other hand, is a passive ability that grants Snipers global vision on any enemies an ally can see, as long as nothing obstructs their line of sight. Long Watch focuses on reaction shots, while Squadsight focuses on range.
2. Is Long Watch necessary for a Sharpshooter build?
It is not strictly necessary, but highly recommended, especially if you plan to use a Sharpshooter as a reliable support unit. Without Long Watch, your Sharpshooter’s utility can be severely limited. It greatly expands the Sharpshooter’s potential for effective overwatch usage, which is a core aspect of the class.
3. Does Long Watch trigger if an ally is concealed?
Yes, Long Watch still works if the allied soldier spotting the enemy is concealed, as long as that ally has sight on the enemy. This makes it a valuable asset for stealthy missions, allowing you to react to enemy patrols without revealing your squad.
4. Does Long Watch use my Sharpshooter’s turn?
No, Long Watch does not use your Sharpshooter’s turn. The ability allows them to react during the enemy’s turn, based on the actions of their allies. This is why it’s so powerful; it allows for free additional shots.
5. How do I best position a Sharpshooter using Long Watch?
Ideally, a Sharpshooter using Long Watch should be in a secure location with good visibility of both the battlefield and allies. Elevated positions are excellent for increased accuracy and line of sight, but also consider lines of sight to where you expect enemies will be moving. Balance is key; you want to be effective but also safe.
6. Can Long Watch be used in conjunction with other overwatch abilities?
Yes, Long Watch synergizes well with other overwatch abilities. For instance, when paired with the Kill Zone ability, the Sharpshooter can engage multiple targets as they come into view of the squad.
7. What are the limitations of Long Watch?
The main limitation is that Long Watch requires an ally to spot the enemy for it to trigger. The Sharpshooter will not react to enemies they cannot see through their allies. Also, the Sharpshooter will still be affected by the usual penalties for overwatch, such as reduced accuracy.
8. Is Long Watch affected by terrain?
Yes, terrain can both hinder and help Long Watch. The Sharpshooter’s line of sight through their allies is still subject to obstruction, so high cover or line of sight blockages can stop the effect. Positioning is crucial.
9. Can Long Watch be used against all enemy types?
Yes, Long Watch works against all enemy types that are visible to an ally. There are no enemy-specific restrictions that would prevent this ability from triggering.
10. Does Long Watch trigger if the enemy is revealed by an explosive?
Yes, if an enemy is revealed by an explosion that also allows a friendly soldier to see them, Long Watch will trigger, assuming the enemy enters into range of that ally.
11. Is Long Watch a good substitute for Squadsight?
No, Long Watch and Squadsight serve different functions. Squadsight gives your Sharpshooter a global range and is useful for dealing with enemies from a safe position. Long Watch increases overwatch effectiveness. Both are viable skills and are not mutually exclusive.
12. Is there a bug that prevents Long Watch from triggering?
Yes, there have been reports of a bug, particularly on consoles like the PS4, where Long Watch/Kill Zone combinations occasionally fail to trigger. However, these are not necessarily universal issues and may be linked to other circumstances.
13. Can enemy actions trigger Long Watch?
No, only the actions of allied soldiers detecting an enemy trigger Long Watch. Enemy actions do not trigger this ability.
14. How does Long Watch affect a Sharpshooter’s ranking?
Using Long Watch effectively will contribute to a Sharpshooter’s experience, helping them rank up. The more reaction shots they take and the more enemies they hit, the more experience they will gain.
15. Are there any specific skills that enhance Long Watch?
The Kill Zone ability synergizes the most effectively with Long Watch, allowing a Sharpshooter to fire multiple overwatch shots on different targets revealed by allies. Other accuracy-boosting abilities also indirectly enhance Long Watch by making those reaction shots more likely to hit.
By understanding the mechanics of Long Watch and incorporating it strategically into your gameplay, you can transform your Sharpshooter from a long-range sniper to a dynamic, reactive force on the battlefield in XCOM 2. It’s a key ability to master if you want to achieve victory.