From Rebellion to Reconciliation: What Happened Between XCOM 2 and Chimera Squad?
Five years. That’s the pivotal time jump separating the desperate, guerrilla warfare of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen and the uneasy peace of XCOM: Chimera Squad. The transition isn’t just about changing cities; it’s a profound shift in the political and social landscape of Earth. So, what exactly happened in those five years? In short, the period between these two games marks a crucial phase of reconstruction, reintegration, and the difficult beginnings of a new world order where humans and aliens attempt to coexist after decades of brutal conflict. Following the victory against ADVENT, Earth was left in a state of chaos and disarray. The alien overlords were gone, but the infrastructure and societal norms that had defined humanity for 20 years had been shattered.
The immediate aftermath of the war was not a smooth transition into utopia. While XCOM and its allies succeeded in dismantling the ADVENT regime, the world faced immense challenges. Former ADVENT enforcers and alien collaborators found themselves without purpose, causing potential instability and crime. The global populace, long indoctrinated under ADVENT propaganda, struggled to process the truth about their former rulers.
XCOM, having transitioned from a resistance group to a world power, had the monumental task of rebuilding society and ensuring a stable future. This task was complicated by the diverse range of alien species now stranded on Earth, some of whom genuinely sought peace while others harbored resentment. It was a period filled with tensions and complexities as humanity tried to reconcile its newfound freedom with the realities of a changed world. This leads us to City 31, a model for integration, where aliens and humans live together – a bold, and often uneasy, experiment born from these post-war realities. Chimera Squad, a special task force made up of both humans and aliens, plays a central role in maintaining order in this volatile environment.
The Rise of City 31
A Beacon of Hope, A Test of Harmony
City 31 isn’t just another urban sprawl; it’s a symbolic location carefully crafted to promote unity and understanding between humans and aliens. Conceived as a model of interspecies cooperation, its very existence signifies a monumental effort to overcome deep-seated animosities. It was a grand social experiment, designed to be a shining example of the post-war world, meant to show the potential for cohabitation and bridge the massive cultural and racial gaps between the victors and the vanquished.
However, this idealistic vision was immediately challenged by the presence of criminal elements and factions who refused to accept the new world order. While many aliens were indeed willing to live peacefully among humans, those associated with the previous regime still posed a threat. This made the city a hotbed for intrigue, dissent, and violent outbreaks, and it’s in this precarious balance of peace and chaos that Chimera Squad finds its purpose.
Chimera Squad’s Role in Post-War Earth
The formation of Chimera Squad is a direct response to the unique challenges of this post-war environment. This diverse team, consisting of humans and aliens, represents the kind of collaboration that City 31 is supposed to embody. Unlike the traditional military structure of XCOM, this squad operates as a SWAT-style police unit, focused on upholding the peace and ensuring the safety of both humans and aliens.
Their missions aren’t just about combating threats; they’re about maintaining the delicate fabric of this shared community, proving that coexistence is possible. The squad’s unique dynamics also allow for a fresh narrative approach, exploring the intricacies of cross-species communication and trust. The stakes are high and the challenges they face are reflective of the larger uncertainties that plagued Earth in the years immediately after the war. This is why Chimera Squad is critical to understanding the complete story between XCOM 2 and the potential future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help further clarify the timeframe and connections between the two games, as well as general information about the XCOM universe:
1. Is XCOM: Chimera Squad a direct sequel to XCOM 2?
No, XCOM: Chimera Squad is a standalone title set in the same universe as XCOM 2 but is not a direct sequel or expansion. You do not need to own XCOM 2 to play it.
2. How long after XCOM 2 does Chimera Squad take place?
Chimera Squad is set five years after the events of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
3. What happened immediately after the XCOM 2 victory?
The immediate aftermath of the XCOM 2 victory involved a chaotic transition from alien-ruled Earth to a world needing reconstruction. Many former ADVENT enforcers and collaborators had no place in the new order and thus created instability.
4. Why was City 31 created?
City 31 was created as a model city where humans and aliens could co-exist peacefully, demonstrating the possibility of integration and moving past the conflicts of the past.
5. What is the purpose of Chimera Squad?
Chimera Squad is a special forces unit operating within City 31, responsible for maintaining order, addressing civil unrest, and resolving conflicts between human and alien populations.
6. Can you play Chimera Squad without playing XCOM 2?
Yes, Chimera Squad is a standalone game and does not require you to have played XCOM 2.
7. Is XCOM 2: War of the Chosen canon?
Yes, XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is considered canon to the XCOM universe, along with XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM: Chimera Squad.
8. What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?
The Plasma Bolt Caster is considered one of the most powerful weapons in XCOM 2 in terms of damage per shot, though it needs to be reloaded after each shot.
9. Who is the strongest enemy in XCOM 2?
The Berserker, a melee-focused female alien, is considered one of the strongest enemies in XCOM 2, capable of unleashing devastating attacks.
10. Who is the hardest Alien Ruler in XCOM 2?
The Archon King, also known as Subject Alpha, is generally considered the most difficult Alien Ruler to defeat in XCOM 2.
11. What is the strongest soldier class in XCOM 2?
The Reaper is generally considered the most powerful class in XCOM 2 due to their high damage potential and stealth abilities.
12. Does XCOM 2 have an ending?
Yes, while XCOM 2 features a final mission that concludes the game’s main storyline, players can continue playing the game indefinitely by ignoring the final mission.
13. What happens if you fail a Retaliation Mission in XCOM 2?
Failing or ignoring a Retaliation Strike in XCOM 2 will cause a loss of contact with the region, destroy any existing radio relays, and permanently reduce income from the region.
14. Is XCOM 3 still in development?
Yes, Firaxis has confirmed that XCOM 3 is still happening, though no official release date or further details have been revealed yet.
15. What is the spiritual successor to XCOM?
Phoenix Point is often cited as a spiritual successor to the X-COM series, offering similar tactical gameplay with its own unique spin.
In conclusion, the five-year gap between XCOM 2 and Chimera Squad is not a blank space in the narrative. Instead, it’s a period of intense transition, rebuilding, and reconciliation. The creation of City 31 and the formation of Chimera Squad provide the context for a new phase in the XCOM universe, one where survival is no longer the sole objective but co-existence and harmony is the ultimate goal. It is within this challenging and often tumultuous framework that the events of Chimera Squad unfold, creating a bridge to the potential future of the series.