XCOM 2 vs. War of the Chosen: A Comprehensive Comparison
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What is the difference between XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen?
The core difference between XCOM 2 and its expansion, War of the Chosen (WotC), is that WotC significantly enhances and alters the base game, transforming it into a much richer, more challenging, and strategically complex experience. While the underlying narrative and campaign structure remain broadly similar, WotC introduces a plethora of new elements, including new enemies, hero classes, and mechanics that fundamentally change how the game is played. To be clear, War of the Chosen is not just a DLC, it’s a deep and transformative expansion that makes substantial additions to gameplay. It reworks much of the original XCOM 2 formula, offering a different pace, set of challenges, and strategic considerations. Specifically, WotC does not overwrite XCOM2, and is run as separate game.
While XCOM 2 presents a compelling turn-based strategy experience focused on liberating Earth from alien occupation, War of the Chosen builds upon that foundation with a range of additions that makes the strategic layer more involved and the tactical engagements even more dynamic. The key difference lies in the added depth, complexity, and replayability offered by WotC. The base game is an excellent experience, but WotC enhances every facet of the game.
Key Differences in Detail
Enhanced Strategic Layer
War of the Chosen introduces a new layer to the strategic campaign via the Resistance Ring, a facility that allows you to manage the three new Hero Classes. Each of these factions has unique strengths and weaknesses and provides different bonus benefits. This layer of strategy was not present in XCOM 2 and allows for a much greater level of customization in your approach to the campaign. Additionally, Covert Actions, a new type of mission only in WotC, allow you to deploy soldiers while maintaining contact with these factions.
Tactical Combat Overhaul
On the tactical battlefield, War of the Chosen injects fresh life into the core combat mechanics. The titular Chosen, three unique and powerful mini-bosses with distinct personalities and tactical abilities, relentlessly hunt you throughout your campaign. These powerful enemies can appear at random in missions, creating dynamic battles that were absent in the standard game. Additionally, new enemies like the Lost, hordes of zombie-like humans that can overwhelm a squad, completely reshapes tactical strategies in missions.
New Soldier Classes
The introduction of Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars provides a much larger breadth of tactical options for your squad. Each Hero Class has unique abilities, talent trees, and mechanics. This vastly increases build diversity and greatly influences player strategy. These classes not only add more power but also add more complexity to soldier management.
Increased Difficulty and Replayability
The War of the Chosen expansion is widely acknowledged to be more difficult than the base game. The addition of the Chosen and the constant threat they pose, alongside the Lost hordes, significantly raises the stakes in every encounter. It also introduces new modifiers, positive or negative, to missions, adding a level of unpredictable difficulty. All these add a massive amount of replayability for the player, as no two campaigns are likely to play out the same way.
Story and Character Depth
The addition of The Chosen not only changes gameplay but also adds to the narrative and characterisation of the game. Each Chosen possesses a different personality and backstory, and the interplay between your squad and these new antagonists significantly enriches the story and overall sense of engagement. Furthermore, the addition of the resistance factions, and the interactions with the three hero classes enhance the world building of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I play XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen?
If you own War of the Chosen, it’s generally recommended to start there rather than with the base XCOM 2. WotC enhances the base game in nearly every way and provides a more complete and immersive experience. The additional challenges and new mechanics are more rewarding for a new player.
Does XCOM 2 collection include War of the Chosen?
Yes, the XCOM 2 Collection typically includes XCOM 2: War of the Chosen along with other DLC packs, such as Shen’s Last Gift, Alien Hunters, Anarchy’s Children, and the Resistance Warrior Pack. Check your specific purchase details to be sure.
Is XCOM 2: War of the Chosen harder?
War of the Chosen is considered more difficult than the base game. The early game can be especially challenging, primarily due to the unpredictable appearances and strength of the Chosen. While the mid to late game provides additional tools, such as the powerful hero classes, it still maintains a more difficult gameplay loop throughout.
What are the new enemies in War of the Chosen?
War of the Chosen introduces several new enemy types including the Chosen, each with unique powers and behaviour, and the Lost, hordes of zombie-like enemies that often appear in large numbers. Additionally, alien units may possess additional abilities and strengths.
Are the Chosen weapons permanent?
Yes, the Chosen weapons are unique and powerful, but they are also at risk of being permanently lost. If a soldier carrying a Chosen weapon dies and isn’t evacuated during a mission, that weapon will be gone for the remainder of the campaign.
What are the new hero classes in War of the Chosen?
War of the Chosen adds three new hero classes: the Reaper, a stealth-focused scout; the Skirmisher, a mobile and versatile fighter; and the Templar, a psionic warrior who utilizes melee combat.
Is XCOM War of the Chosen canon?
Yes, XCOM: War of the Chosen is considered canon within the XCOM universe. Along with XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM: Chimera Squad, it forms the main continuity of the franchise.
Do you need to play XCOM games in order?
While understanding the story in XCOM 2 benefits from playing XCOM: Enemy Unknown or Enemy Within first, it’s not necessary. The story is self contained, and XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen can be played as standalone titles. However, the lore and references will be more impactful to players that are familiar with the previous installments.
How long does it take to beat War of the Chosen?
A typical playthrough of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, focusing on the main objectives, takes around 35-40 hours. For those aiming for 100% completion and exploring all aspects of the game, a playthrough could easily extend to 70-80 hours.
What is the strongest soldier class in XCOM 2?
While individual playstyles might differ, the Reaper is frequently cited as one of the strongest classes in XCOM 2 due to their stealth capabilities and high damage output. Following closely are other classes such as the Grenadier and Ranger. However, within War of the Chosen, a combination of a good Hero Class, with the traditional Soldier Classes is needed for success.
Can you carry dead soldiers in XCOM 2?
Yes, soldiers can carry unconscious, dead, or bleeding out allies in XCOM 2. This feature allows you to rescue wounded squad members and recover the bodies of fallen heroes.
Can you evacuate even after shooting in XCOM 2?
If a soldier is in the designated extraction zone, they can evacuate at any time, regardless of whether they have used all action points. This is a key point of strategy, allowing players to retreat if needed.
What is the most powerful weapon in XCOM 2?
The Plasma Bolt Caster is considered one of the most powerful single-shot weapons in XCOM 2 due to its high damage output. However, it does need to be reloaded after each shot. This makes other weapons, with more capacity, useful for sustained engagements.
What happens when a soldier is captured in XCOM 2?
When a soldier is captured by ADVENT, they will be removed from your active roster. These captured soldiers may reappear later as rescue targets during VIP missions, where you’ll have a chance to retrieve them.
How many soldiers can you take on a mission in XCOM 2 War of the Chosen?
The typical squad size in War of the Chosen is eight soldiers for most missions. Special missions, like assaults on the Blacksite, may allow for ten or twelve soldiers. However, Network Tower Assaults are capped at a maximum of 5 soldiers.