XCOM 2 vs. War of the Chosen: A Comprehensive Comparison
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The core difference between XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (WotC) is that WotC is an expansion pack, not a standalone game. It significantly enhances the original XCOM 2 experience by overhauling gameplay mechanics, adding new content, and introducing a higher level of challenge. Think of it as the definitive version of XCOM 2, akin to the difference between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within. WotC retains the same core campaign and story, but injects it with new elements that dramatically change the player experience. The base game focuses on the core struggle against the alien invaders, while War of the Chosen expands upon this with new enemies, factions, and systems, making it a richer and more complex experience. It doesn’t just add to the game, it fundamentally reworks many of its systems.
Major Differences: Core Enhancements
New Factions and Soldiers
One of the biggest additions is the introduction of three new resistance factions: the Reapers, the Skirmishers, and the Templars. Each faction brings with them unique soldiers with special abilities, play styles, and strategic advantages on the battlefield. These factions are not just additional soldiers; they also offer new mission types, resistance orders and other strategic layer bonuses.
The Chosen: New Antagonists
The namesake of the expansion, the Chosen, are powerful, unique mini-boss enemies that hunt you relentlessly throughout your campaign. Each Chosen has a distinct personality, strengths, weaknesses, and weapons, making them unpredictable and challenging to deal with. Unlike regular enemies, the Chosen are persistent and require specific strategies to defeat. They also develop resistances over time, requiring you to adapt your tactics.
Fatigue and Bonds
WotC adds a fatigue system where soldiers can become tired from missions and need recovery time. This prevents players from relying too heavily on a small squad of elite soldiers, encouraging them to develop a wider roster. The Bonding System allows soldiers who fight alongside each other to develop bonds, granting them powerful combat buffs when working together. This adds another layer of strategy to squad composition and encourages more diverse teams.
New Mission Types and Situations
The expansion introduces new mission types, such as covert actions where you send soldiers on missions without direct control. These missions yield rewards like intel, supplies, or even soldier stat boosts. Environmental hazards are also more present and can drastically change how you approach a battle.
Strategic Layer Overhaul
WotC doesn’t just add new tactical layers, it tweaks how you manage the strategic layer, from recruiting resistance operatives to dealing with the Chosen. The introduction of resistance orders and other strategic choices drastically alters the pacing and management of the campaign.
Why War of the Chosen is Considered Superior
While the base XCOM 2 is an excellent game, War of the Chosen elevates it significantly. The new factions, Chosen enemies, fatigue systems, bonding, and other additions create a more dynamic and challenging experience. WotC forces you to adapt your strategies on both the tactical and strategic layers, adding a layer of unpredictability that is not present in the base game. Many players see WotC as the definitive way to play XCOM 2, offering far more content, replayability, and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I play XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen first?
It’s highly recommended to play the base XCOM 2 first. This allows you to grasp the fundamental mechanics, strategies, and story without the added complexity of WotC. Jumping directly into WotC can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The core game experience allows you to understand how to move, take cover, target enemies, and upgrade your gear before having to worry about the Chosen and other new features.
2. Is War of the Chosen a DLC or a separate game?
War of the Chosen is a DLC expansion for XCOM 2. You need to own XCOM 2 to play War of the Chosen. It is not a standalone game.
3. Does War of the Chosen make XCOM 2 harder?
Yes, significantly. War of the Chosen is notably more challenging than the base game, even at the same difficulty level. The Chosen, fatigue system, and new mission types contribute to this increased difficulty. It is a game that will test even veteran XCOM players.
4. Does XCOM 2: War of the Chosen include the base game?
No. If you don’t own the base game, you will need to buy it in order to play War of the Chosen. There is a game bundle often available that includes both.
5. What is the benefit of the new Factions in War of the Chosen?
The new factions (Reapers, Skirmishers, Templars) offer unique soldier classes with distinct abilities, which enhance squad diversity and strategic options. They also provide valuable bonuses and resistance orders on the strategic map.
6. Can I import characters from XCOM 2 into War of the Chosen?
Yes, you can import your character pool from the base game into WotC. This allows you to use your custom-made soldiers in the expansion.
7. How does the Chosen System impact the game?
The Chosen are powerful mini-bosses that hunt your XCOM squad. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses. Defeating them provides unique weapons and perks but they will learn and adapt during your game. They make the game unpredictable and require you to change up strategies.
8. Is War of the Chosen worth the purchase?
For those who enjoy XCOM 2, War of the Chosen is definitely worth the purchase. It significantly enhances the game by adding more content, depth, and replayability. Many consider it the definitive version of XCOM 2.
9. Does War of the Chosen add any new weapons or items?
Yes, WotC adds several new weapons, primarily tied to the Chosen, as well as additional armor and items. The Chosen weapons are powerful, but also unique and permanent.
10. Can you lose Chosen weapons?
Yes, if a soldier equipped with a Chosen weapon dies and is not evacuated, the weapon is lost permanently. This adds another layer of risk to missions, forcing you to be extra careful.
11. How long does it take to beat War of the Chosen?
A playthrough focusing on the main objectives takes around 34-35 hours, while a 100% completionist run can take 70+ hours.
12. What order should I build in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
A common build order recommendation is Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab. This balanced approach allows you to develop your soldiers while increasing your strategic layer capabilities.
13. What are the major differences between the base game and WotC?
The biggest differences are the new Factions, the Chosen enemies, the Fatigue and Bonding systems, and the new mission types and strategic layer features. These elements together fundamentally alter the game experience, providing a much more complex and challenging playthrough.
14. Does War of the Chosen add anything to the story of XCOM 2?
Yes, while WotC does not fundamentally change the overall story arc, it does add new narrative elements. The Chosen have their own backstories, and you’ll interact more with the resistance.
15. Is XCOM 2 still worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! XCOM 2 and especially with War of the Chosen are considered masterpieces of turn-based strategy games and they offer a challenging and rewarding experience even years after release. The high level of replayability means the game provides a compelling experience to players new and old.