What is a Reaper in XCOM 2? A Deep Dive into the Shadowy Class
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In XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, the Reapers are a unique and powerful faction of human resistance fighters who operate on the fringes of society. Unlike the standard XCOM soldiers, Reapers excel at stealth and reconnaissance, making them invaluable assets in the fight against ADVENT. They are not revealed with the rest of the squad at the start of a mission, giving them a crucial edge in initiating ambushes and flanking the enemy. The Reaper class is all about being a silent killer, moving through the shadows to gather intel and eliminate threats before they even know they’re there. Their abilities and playstyle revolve around manipulating the battlefield from a concealed position. This makes them both extremely fun to play and a key component of any effective XCOM 2 squad.
The Reaper’s Core Abilities and Gameplay
The defining feature of the Reaper is their Shadow ability, a form of permanent concealment. This allows them to move unseen by enemies until they take an offensive action or get too close to an enemy. A key element of the Reaper gameplay is their ability to immediately return to Shadow after breaking it, which allows them to move to a new hidden position. This ability is limited to a single charge per mission, so it must be used strategically.
Reapers are also armed with the Vektor Rifle, a unique weapon that functions very differently from the standard Sniper Rifle. Unlike a sniper rifle, the Vektor Rifle only costs 1 action point to fire, lacks squad sight by default, and has no penalties at close range. It allows Reapers to attack effectively at any range and makes them much more adaptable than the Sharpshooter class. They also can have the ability to use Claymores, which are a powerful explosive for the Reaper class and can be detonated remotely to create an explosive attack that can cause chaos.
Beyond combat, Reapers excel in gathering intelligence. Their unique Stealth and Scouting abilities make them perfect for uncovering enemy positions, patrol routes, and identifying key targets. This information can be vital for planning effective strategies and avoiding deadly ambushes.
Role of Reapers in the XCOM 2 Story
The first Reaper you encounter in the game is a key character in the reworked opening cinematic of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. They are introduced as a separate faction, unaffiliated with XCOM, with their own specific agenda. The leader of the Reapers is Konstantin Volikov, also known as Volk, who plays an important role in the narrative. You then have the option to get a second Reaper by doing a Covert Operation through the Resistance Ring.
Reapers add a new level of tactical depth to XCOM 2, challenging players to think differently about how they approach missions. Rather than relying solely on direct engagements, Reapers encourage a more strategic and subtle approach, emphasizing infiltration and disruption before the main assault even begins.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reapers in XCOM 2
1. How do I recruit a Reaper?
The first Reaper is introduced in the game via a reworked opening cinematic that comes with the War of the Chosen expansion. Later in the game, you can recruit an additional Reaper via a covert operation that becomes available through the Resistance Ring building.
2. Can I have more than one Reaper in my squad?
While you will get a Reaper from the opening mission, you can obtain an additional Reaper. In most playthroughs, it’s common to acquire one from each faction type, including an additional Reaper, for a total of at least two. However, you can obtain more through Covert Operations that appear in your resistance ring.
3. What happens if a Reaper breaks Shadow by attacking?
If a Reaper attacks, they break their Shadow status revealing their position. However, the rest of the XCOM squad is also revealed as well. This forces the players to think strategically about using the Reaper and to have the other squad members well-positioned for an offensive strategy.
4. How does the Reaper’s Shadow ability work?
The Shadow ability is a permanent form of concealment that allows a Reaper to move unseen by enemies unless they are very close or attack. They can use the Shadow ability to move to different positions and scout the area. After attacking, they can use their single-charge ability to return back to the Shadow.
5. What is the Reaper’s primary weapon?
The Reaper uses the Vektor Rifle, which differs from a typical Sniper Rifle. It uses only 1 action point to fire, has no close-range penalties, and lacks squad sight by default. This allows the Reaper to be effective at any range.
6. Who is the leader of the Reapers?
The leader of the Reapers is Konstantin Volikov, also known by his call sign Volk. He is a key character in the War of the Chosen expansion.
7. Is the Reaper considered the strongest class in XCOM 2?
Many players consider the Reaper to be one of the strongest classes in XCOM 2, if not the strongest. Their stealth, scouting, and assassination abilities make them incredibly versatile and effective in combat.
8. How do Reapers compare to other classes in XCOM 2?
Reapers are unique due to their concealment-based gameplay. Unlike classes like Rangers who also utilize stealth, Reapers have a much more focused approach on scouting and picking off enemies while concealed. They are more mobile than snipers, but also bring an element of danger to their team.
9. Do Reapers get fatigued in XCOM 2?
Yes, like all other soldiers, Reapers are subject to fatigue due to repeated drafting for missions. Managing your soldiers’ fatigue is crucial to ensuring their long-term effectiveness.
10. Can Reapers carry fallen soldiers?
Yes, Reapers can carry unconscious, dead, or bleeding-out soldiers. If a fallen soldier is evacuated successfully, their equipment is recovered. For wounded soldiers, carrying them to extraction prevents them from bleeding out.
11. How do you survive a Reaper? (Referencing a different game)
In some contexts, “Reaper” refers to a strong enemy that must be defeated. Usually you must utilize key items, such as evolutions of weapons, in order to defeat them.
12. What is the best weapon for a Reaper? (Again, referencing XCOM 2)
The Reaper’s primary weapon is the Vektor Rifle, which is unique to them. It’s a strong all-around weapon that excels in close to medium range engagements, making it ideal for their stealth and infiltration tactics.
13. How does the Reaper class compare to others in XCOM 2’s tactical gameplay?
The Reaper encourages a more cautious and planned approach. While classes like the Grenadier or Ranger might focus on direct engagements, the Reaper excels in flanking, scouting, and setting up ambushes. This makes them a crucial part of any mission where enemy positions are unknown.
14. What are the unique skills of a Reaper?
Reapers have unique skills centered on stealth and scouting. Besides the Shadow ability and the Vektor Rifle, they often have additional abilities and upgrades that enhance their effectiveness in reconnaissance, target elimination, and remaining hidden. They also can use Claymores, a remote explosive.
15. What is “Shadow” ability and why is it so important?
The Shadow ability is critical for the Reaper, allowing them to move across the map unseen by the enemy. It’s a form of permanent concealment that breaks if the Reaper attacks or gets too close to an enemy, giving them a huge tactical advantage in almost every encounter. This is very different than traditional conceal, as they do not have a timer like Rangers do.
Conclusion
The Reaper class is a transformative addition to the XCOM 2 experience, bringing a unique playstyle centered on stealth, reconnaissance, and calculated assassinations. They are not only powerful assets on the battlefield but also add a compelling narrative element to the game. Mastering the Reaper class involves a shift in mindset, encouraging players to approach combat from a more strategic and nuanced perspective, and making them a crucial component of any successful campaign against ADVENT. By understanding their abilities and limitations, players can unlock their full potential, turning them into a force to be reckoned with.