The Final Showdown: Understanding XCOM 2’s Ultimate Mission

The final mission of XCOM 2, known as Operation Leviathan (also referred to as The Alien Fortress Assault), is the culmination of your fight against the alien occupation. It’s a challenging and pivotal encounter that will determine the fate of Earth and humanity. The mission requires you to infiltrate the alien fortress, navigate a dangerous path towards the Psi Gate, and ultimately confront the Elders’ Avatars. Victory hinges on defeating these powerful foes while keeping your Commander’s Avatar alive. This intense battle marks the end of the main storyline, leading to an ending that hints at future challenges.

Navigating the Alien Fortress

The journey to the final room in Operation Leviathan is fraught with danger. You’ll face waves of alien forces, and strategic planning is essential for survival. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Strategic Approach

• Psi Abilities: Spamming your Psi abilities is crucial. Use them aggressively to control the battlefield and take down enemies efficiently. Don’t hesitate to camp to recharge these vital powers.
• Resource Management: Focus on using Void Rift/Stock instead of grenades when possible, as they allow you to kill enemies without consuming precious grenade resources and avoiding self-damaging explosions.
• Mind Control: Be mindful that your Avatar’s Mind Control lasts until the turn after the ability’s timer says “T-1.”
• Steady Advance: Avoid rushing into open areas as you will get swarmed. Move from cover to cover and take full advantage of your Psi powers to control or eliminate enemies as you advance to the final room.
• No Time Limit: There is no time limit for this mission, so take your time and don’t rush. Prioritize your soldiers’ safety and use their strengths.

The Final Confrontation

The main objective of the final room is to destroy three Avatars controlled by the Elders. These are formidable opponents that require careful planning and a diverse team to defeat them. Make sure to keep your commander’s Avatar alive to complete the mission successfully.

The End of XCOM 2 and the Ominous Aftermath

Once you successfully complete the Alien Fortress Assault, you’ll witness humanity finally gaining the upper hand against ADVENT forces. The Avatars, the powerful conduits of the Elders, are eliminated, seemingly ending the threat. However, the game doesn’t end with a simple victory screen.

The ending features an ominous camera pan down into the depths of the ocean. There, between two tectonic plates, a mysterious purple glow is emitted, hinting at a continued presence of the enemy or another ominous force. This ambiguous ending leaves players wondering what future challenges await, setting the stage for further potential conflicts in the XCOM universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Advent Network Tower the final mission?

No, the ADVENT Network Tower Assault is not the final mission. It is the penultimate storyline mission of XCOM 2, which serves as an important step towards accessing the final confrontation with the Elders.

2. Does XCOM 2 continue after the ending?

No, XCOM 2 does not continue after the ending. Once you complete the campaign, you are given the option to start a new game, often with the “Ironman” mode enabled. The campaign is considered to be over after you’ve completed the Alien Fortress Assault.

3. Will there ever be an XCOM 3?

Yes, Firaxis has confirmed that XCOM 3 is still in development. While no specific release date has been given, the developers have expressed their love for the franchise and have stated there is “absolutely a future for it.”

4. Is XCOM 2 never-ending?

While XCOM 2 does have a final mission that will end the campaign, you are not forced to go to it. The game will continue to spawn side missions if you choose not to initiate the final mission, allowing for a potentially endless gameplay experience until you decide to engage in the last stand.

5. How do I liberate a region in XCOM 2?

Liberating a region involves completing a series of missions:

• Lib 1: A simple Hack Mission for Intel.
• Lib 2: A mission to Rescue a VIP or Extract a VIP.
• Lib 3: A mission to Neutralize a VIP or to Destroy a Relay/Sabotage a Transmitter (LWOTC).
• Network Tower Assault is the following mission to take over the region.
• Advent HQ Assault.
• Afterward, an Invasion may occur at least 21 days after liberation.

6. What is the Psionic Gate mission in XCOM 2?

The Psi Gate mission is a storyline mission that unlocks after researching the Codex Brain. Your team will investigate a Psionic Gateway guarded by a large number of Chryssalids and other enemies. A Gatekeeper will emerge from the gateway to defend it.

7. What is the tutorial mission in XCOM 2?

The very first mission in XCOM 2 serves as the tutorial. It introduces players to the game mechanics. You can skip this tutorial, and it is automatically disabled if you choose the Legend difficulty level. However, during the tutorial, the game dictates which actions you can perform.

8. What is the most powerful class in XCOM 2?

Many consider the Grenadier class to be the most powerful in XCOM 2. Their ability to deal damage from a long distance, destroy cover, and impact the battlefield makes them extremely versatile.

9. Who is the hardest alien ruler in XCOM 2?

The Archon King (Subject Alpha) is widely considered to be the hardest alien ruler in the game. He’s a far more powerful version of the Archon and poses a significant challenge for even experienced players.

10. What is the max rank in XCOM 2?

A soldier may progress through the following ranks in XCOM 2: Rookie, Squaddie, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and finally, Colonel, which is the maximum rank.

11. What happens if the Avatar Project completes in XCOM 2?

If the Avatar Project is completed, it means the aliens have won, and it’s game over. The Avatar Project is a key indicator of the aliens’ progress towards victory, so you must prioritize slowing it down to survive.

12. How long can XCOM 2 last?

On average, focusing solely on the main objectives will take approximately 33.5 hours. For players striving for 100% completion, it can take upwards of 78.5 hours or more.

13. Can you ignore retaliation missions in XCOM 2?

Yes, you can ignore Retaliation Strikes, but there will be consequences. Failing a Retaliation Strike will scatter the resistance in that region, and contact with it will be lost, along with any radio relays. Moreover, the region’s income will be permanently reduced.

14. What is the best enemy to mind control in XCOM 2?

Mutons, Heavy Floaters, and Muton Elites are excellent targets for Mind Control. They have low Will and can deal substantial damage to their former allies. Plus, Mutons carry alien grenades, making them effective suicide bombers.

15. How important is Combat Intelligence in XCOM 2?

Combat Intelligence is crucial, especially in the War of the Chosen DLC. It determines how quickly soldiers earn Ability Points in combat, which allows them to purchase additional abilities beyond their rank. This can have a major impact on your soldiers’ effectiveness.