The Essential First Step: Best Initial Research in XCOM: Enemy Within

The Definitive Answer: Xeno-Biology is Key

The very best first research in XCOM: Enemy Within is undoubtedly Xeno-Biology. This isn’t just a strong start; it’s a fundamental necessity for progressing through the game. While you might be tempted to explore other options, prioritizing Xeno-Biology sets the foundation for your entire campaign.

Why Xeno-Biology is Paramount

• Unlocking Alien Containment: The most crucial reason to begin with Xeno-Biology is that it unlocks the construction of the Alien Containment facility. This facility isn’t just an optional extra; it’s an objective required to advance the main plotline. Without the ability to capture live aliens, you’ll hit a hard wall in the campaign’s progression, rendering further research and tech advancements virtually impossible.
• Access to Arc Throwers: Xeno-Biology also directly enables the development of Arc Throwers. These vital pieces of equipment are needed to live capture a Sectoid, which in turn, allows you to progress further. Capturing aliens also gives you the benefit of being able to interrogate them and unlock valuable insights.
• Foundational Research: Xeno-Biology paves the way for many future research avenues. Specifically, after you’ve developed it, the next most important research to invest in is Alien Materials. Without this basic understanding of alien biology, your scientific endeavors will be limited from the outset.

Setting the Stage for Success

Ignoring Xeno-Biology in favor of other initial options will only lead to setbacks in the long run. By tackling it immediately, you guarantee:

• Smooth Campaign Progression: You avoid a bottleneck early in the game, allowing you to advance through the storyline without frustrating delays.
• Strategic Advantages: The ability to interrogate captured aliens and gain intel gives you a massive advantage.
• Resource Efficiency: By prioritizing Xeno-Biology, you can begin to manage your resources effectively since that will lead to profitable research options.
• Strong Foundation: With a grasp of alien biology, you’re well-equipped to handle future challenges.

In Conclusion

Starting your XCOM: Enemy Within campaign with Xeno-Biology is not just a good idea, it’s an absolutely crucial first step. It opens up essential gameplay mechanics, allows you to capture aliens for research and interrogation, and paves the way for subsequent technological advancements. Failing to prioritize this initial research will hinder your progress, and delay the completion of critical objectives. The most optimal starting strategy will undoubtedly have Xeno-Biology at the forefront. Don’t delay, secure your future by focusing on the fundamentals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Alien Containment facility and why is it important?

The Alien Containment facility is a necessary structure in XCOM that allows you to house and manage the live aliens you capture. It’s fundamental to advancing the plot, enabling interrogations and further research. Without it, you can’t proceed with key campaign objectives.

2. What is an Arc Thrower and why do I need it?

The Arc Thrower is a weapon that enables you to stun aliens without killing them. It’s essential for capturing Sectoids live for research and interrogation, which is a critical step in progressing the game’s story.

3. What is the Gray Market in XCOM: Enemy Within?

The Gray Market is a feature where you can sell recovered alien artifacts and materials for credits. It’s an important source of income and allows you to offload items you don’t currently need. The Gray Market is accessible through the Situation Room.

4. How important is capturing aliens in XCOM?

Capturing aliens is essential for numerous reasons: Interrogation unlocks crucial research and strategic advantages, it grants valuable resources, you can capture their weapons intact, and it is a core mechanic required for progressing the story.

5. What is the best continent bonus in XCOM: Enemy Within?

In general, Africa is the best continent to start in for its financial benefits, followed by South America, then Europe. Asia is typically considered the lowest priority bonus-wise and is therefore a good candidate to be used as a throwaway continent on higher difficulties.

6. What do Alien Corpses do in XCOM: Enemy Within?

Alien corpses are used for autopsies, engineering projects and Foundry upgrades. Many important items require alien corpses as components, making corpse collection a vital part of the game.

7. Should I play XCOM: Enemy Unknown before Enemy Within?

While not technically required, it is highly recommended. Playing Enemy Unknown first will introduce the core mechanics of the game, allowing you to better understand and appreciate the expanded features of Enemy Within.

8. What does XCOM: Enemy Within add to the base game?

Enemy Within adds a plethora of new content, including new abilities, upgrades, weapons, enemies, missions, tactical and strategic gameplay elements, and multiplayer content. It significantly enhances the complexity and replayability of XCOM.

9. What are the benefits of Interrogating Aliens?

Interrogating captured aliens unlocks valuable research projects and provides valuable information, often leading to crucial technological and tactical advancements.

10. Is it possible to lose the campaign in XCOM?

Yes, you can lose in XCOM by failing Avenger defense missions, letting key characters like Shen or Bradford die in DLC missions, or by failing the final two missions. There is a real risk of failing the campaign permanently if you aren’t careful.

11. Should I focus on satellites early in XCOM?

Satellites are absolutely essential, especially on higher difficulties. A strong satellite network is crucial for intercepting UFOs and preventing countries from leaving the XCOM project, as well as earning extra income.

12. How long does it take to beat XCOM: Enemy Within?

Focusing on the main objectives, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is about 26½ hours in length. Completionists will likely spend around 67 hours getting everything done. Enemy Within adds more content, so expect a longer gameplay experience overall.

13. Is XCOM 2 better than XCOM 1?

XCOM 2 is widely considered the better game overall due to its expanded content, more varied enemies, and gameplay improvements. However, both games offer their own unique strengths, and starting with XCOM 1 provides crucial context and is highly recommended.

14. Will there be an XCOM 3?

While there are no concrete details, Firaxis has confirmed that XCOM 3 is still happening. Fans are eagerly anticipating any further announcements about the next installment in the franchise.

15. What happens if countries leave the XCOM project?

Countries that leave the project will have an alien base built within their borders. You can regain control by assaulting that alien base. Alternatively, aliens can expend resources to send an Overseer into countries, instantly taking the country back.