What is the Grenadier Chosen Weapon in XCOM 2?
The Grenadier’s Chosen weapon in XCOM 2 is the Shredstorm Cannon. This unique and powerful heavy weapon is obtained by defeating the Chosen Assassin and completing the subsequent research project. Unlike the standard weapons available to Grenadiers, the Shredstorm Cannon offers a distinct strategic advantage due to its specialized features and impressive damage output. It’s a crucial asset for players seeking to maximize their Grenadier’s destructive potential and is a highly sought-after item in the game. The Shredstorm Cannon is not just a simple upgrade; it fundamentally alters how the Grenadier can be employed on the battlefield, providing a devastating area-of-effect option and enhancing their ability to control the flow of combat. It also cannot be equipped by any other class other than the Grenadier.
The Power of the Shredstorm Cannon
Unique Capabilities
The Shredstorm Cannon is more than just a stronger cannon; it’s a heavy weapon that requires power armor to wield and boasts a unique set of properties. It’s primarily known for its high damage, especially against armored enemies, and its ability to shred armor, making subsequent attacks even more effective. Its most significant feature is its ability to launch a devastating area-of-effect attack, hitting multiple enemies simultaneously. This is in stark contrast to standard Grenadier weapons, which are usually single-target or small area based. Its area-of-effect damage helps immensely when you need to control groups of enemies. It’s also excellent for damaging the enemies that are grouped up closely by other enemies.
Strategic Significance
The strategic impact of the Shredstorm Cannon cannot be overstated. Its area-of-effect damage is extremely valuable, especially against clustered enemies, removing cover and damaging everything in its radius. This forces enemies out of hiding and makes them vulnerable to follow-up attacks from your squad. It allows Grenadiers to move from a support position to a full-on assault soldier, capable of handling difficult enemy positions. The armor-shredding capability is also a massive asset, allowing your team to deal with the high-armor enemies found in late-game scenarios more efficiently, since you can shred their armor and quickly take them out with follow up damage from other members of your squad.
How to Acquire the Shredstorm Cannon
The Shredstorm Cannon isn’t simply bought or crafted. It is exclusively acquired by successfully assaulting a Chosen Stronghold and defeating the Chosen Assassin. This victory unlocks a special research project which, upon completion, will add the Shredstorm Cannon to your inventory, as well as other weapons from the Assassin. The challenge of acquiring the cannon makes it a highly prized weapon. Remember to use your best squad members, as chosen strongholds are some of the most difficult missions in the entire game.
Comparison to Other Grenadier Weapons
Unlike the regular cannons and grenade launchers, the Shredstorm Cannon is a heavy weapon with a limited range of action and single use per turn. This means the cannon is a dedicated action, whereas regular cannons and grenade launchers can still be used after taking action or moving. This makes the cannon the ideal choice to set up a heavy first attack, shredding enemies and creating openings for your other team members to finish them off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Shredstorm Cannon be upgraded?
Yes, like other weapons in XCOM 2, the Shredstorm Cannon can be upgraded with weapon mods to further enhance its damage, accuracy, and other attributes. You can make the cannon an even more powerful heavy weapon through mods that add increased damage or more range, and make it truly devastating on the battlefield.
2. Is the Shredstorm Cannon better than the standard Grenadier cannon?
In most situations, yes. The Shredstorm Cannon’s area-of-effect damage and armor-shredding capabilities make it superior to the standard cannon, which is more focused on single-target damage. However, the single use per turn nature of the cannon makes it less versatile than the standard cannon, which can be used on movement.
3. Can other soldier classes use the Shredstorm Cannon?
No. The Shredstorm Cannon is a unique heavy weapon that can only be wielded by the Grenadier class and cannot be equipped by any other class. The heavy nature of the cannon would make it unusable for other classes.
4. Does the Shredstorm Cannon require ammunition?
No, the Shredstorm Cannon doesn’t require ammunition. It reloads automatically each turn, so you can focus on using it as much as possible.
5. Can you lose the Shredstorm Cannon?
Yes, like all Chosen weapons, the Shredstorm Cannon will be permanently lost if the Grenadier wielding it is killed and not evacuated successfully. It is crucial to protect any soldier with the chosen weapons as much as possible, as each chosen weapon is unique and non-replicable.
6. What is the best build for a Grenadier using the Shredstorm Cannon?
A build focused on maximizing the Grenadier’s offensive capabilities is ideal. This includes perks and abilities that enhance damage output, area-of-effect abilities, and armor shredding. You should also include perks that allow you to still have an action in the same turn as using the heavy cannon.
7. How does the Shredstorm Cannon compare to other Chosen weapons?
The Shredstorm Cannon is specialized for area-of-effect damage and armor shredding, making it suitable for clearing groups of enemies. Other chosen weapons, like the Disruptor Rifle, are designed for single-target engagements. Ultimately, all chosen weapons are incredibly powerful and can allow you to decimate the enemy.
8. Does the Shredstorm Cannon’s area-of-effect damage affect friendly units?
Yes, the Shredstorm Cannon’s area-of-effect damage can harm your friendly units, so careful positioning and situational awareness is key before launching the attack. However, friendly fire is quite minimal in xcom2, making the friendly fire damage negligible in most cases.
9. Can the Shredstorm Cannon be used with special ammo types?
No, the Shredstorm Cannon cannot use special ammo types and is limited to its base damage. This makes it a very strong early to mid game weapon, while towards the late game, regular cannons with special ammunition can become more potent.
10. How can I prepare my Grenadier for using the Shredstorm Cannon?
Prioritize skills and abilities that complement the cannon’s area-of-effect and armor-shredding abilities. Also ensure that the soldier is in their best power armor before equipping the cannon.
11. Is the Shredstorm Cannon effective against robotic enemies?
Yes, the Shredstorm Cannon’s high damage and armor-shredding effects are very effective against robotic enemies, even the tougher ones. This makes it a great weapon to take down late game robotic enemies.
12. Does the Shredstorm Cannon work well with other Grenadier abilities?
Yes, the Shredstorm Cannon synergizes well with other Grenadier abilities such as grenades and demolition skills. Grenades can be used to remove cover from the enemy, and the heavy cannon can shred them all at once.
13. How many times can the Shredstorm Cannon be used per mission?
The Shredstorm Cannon can be used every turn, as it reloads automatically between turns. You are only limited by your turns per mission, not by any ammunition count.
14. Is it worth prioritizing the Chosen Assassin mission to get the Shredstorm Cannon?
Absolutely. The Shredstorm Cannon is one of the most powerful weapons in the game and will make your squad considerably more efficient and powerful, making it a very worthwhile investment of time and resources.
15. Can the Shredstorm Cannon be modified with a scope?
Yes, like all weapons, you can add a scope mod to increase its aim, making it more accurate and allowing you to hit your targets more often. This can make the heavy cannon more reliable on the battlefield, hitting more targets and doing more overall damage.