The Unstoppable Force: Unveiling the Most OP Class in XCOM 2

The question of the most OP (overpowered) class in XCOM 2 sparks endless debates among commanders. While different classes shine in specific roles, one stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of sheer battlefield dominance and versatility: the Reaper. With its unparalleled stealth capabilities, lethal ambush potential, and ability to manipulate the battlefield, the Reaper isn’t just strong—it’s game-changing. This article will delve into why the Reaper reigns supreme, exploring its unique skills and strategic impact.

The Reaper’s Arsenal of Advantages

What makes the Reaper so overwhelmingly powerful? It boils down to a combination of unique abilities and playstyle that no other class can replicate. Here’s a breakdown:

Unparalleled Stealth

The Reaper’s defining characteristic is its Shadow mode, granting near-permanent concealment. This allows Reapers to scout ahead, discover enemy positions, and position themselves for devastating attacks without being detected. Unlike other classes, who might briefly become concealed after a successful flank, the Reaper can maintain this cloak consistently, making them masters of information gathering and manipulation.

Lethal Ambush Potential

The Reaper’s ability to remain undetected translates into incredible ambush opportunities. With skills like Silent Killer, which significantly buffs damage when attacking from concealment, Reapers can inflict staggering damage to unsuspecting enemies. A well-placed Reaper can decimate entire enemy squads before they even realize what’s happening, turning the tide of battle from the first turn.

Battlefield Manipulation

The Reaper isn’t just about raw damage; they also bring a unique set of abilities that disrupt and control the battlefield. Remote Start, a unique skill, lets them detonate environmental hazards from a safe distance, creating devastating chain reactions that can cripple or eliminate multiple enemies. They are the masters of asymmetric warfare.

Persistent Advantage

Unlike many other classes who need a turn to re-engage with their abilities, the Reaper is consistently effective. Their stealth is always on, and their positioning advantages remain persistent through the entire engagement. The Reaper doesn’t rely on RNG (random number generation) as much as other classes – when you position a reaper, the odds are almost certainly that they will get the first engagement of any enemy pod discovered. This consistency makes them a reliable cornerstone of any team composition.

Beyond Damage: The Strategic Impact

The Reaper’s impact goes beyond simply killing aliens. Their strategic utility is immense:

• Information Gathering: Reapers act as your dedicated scout, uncovering hidden enemies, identifying patrol routes, and locating valuable targets. This information is invaluable for planning your team’s movements and executing effective strategies.
• Disruption and Control: The use of Remote Start and other abilities allow the reaper to take out cover and disrupt enemy positions. Often this will enable your other soldiers to get a clear shot at the enemy.
• Early Engagement Dominance: By acting as a sniper type, Reapers are usually the first to engage with the enemy in most situations. This allows them to engage enemies before the enemy can advance or make use of their abilities.

Why Other Classes Fall Short

While other classes excel in their own niches, they lack the consistency and versatility of the Reaper. Grenadiers are powerful but lack reliable mobility and stealth, Sharpshooters are long-range specialists but can be vulnerable when flanked, Rangers are mobile but need to be in close proximity to be effective, and Specialists are essential for support but lack the overwhelming offensive presence of a Reaper. While these classes all have strengths, none of them have quite as wide or important of a role as the Reaper. In fact, the Reaper can often fill multiple roles, such as a scout, support, and damage dealer, at once.

The Verdict: The Uncontested King

In conclusion, while XCOM 2 offers a wide variety of powerful classes, the Reaper stands alone as the most OP. Their ability to stay hidden, dish out incredible damage, manipulate the environment, and gather information makes them a force multiplier that can single-handedly shift the course of any battle. If you’re looking to dominate XCOM 2, building and leveraging the power of Reapers is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Reaper truly the best class in XCOM 2?

Yes, in terms of raw power, flexibility, and impact, the Reaper is widely considered the best class in XCOM 2, especially with the War of the Chosen expansion. Their persistent stealth and massive damage potential make them game-changers.

2. What makes the Reaper’s stealth so effective?

The Reaper’s Shadow mode is not just basic concealment. It’s incredibly reliable and can be maintained indefinitely as long as the Reaper doesn’t attack, move while enemies can see them, or use abilities that break concealment. This allows them to act as an effective scout, ambusher, and disrupter.

3. How does the Reaper’s Remote Start ability work?

Remote Start allows Reapers to detonate environmental hazards, like cars or gas tanks, from a safe distance. This can cause massive area-of-effect damage, making it extremely useful for clearing out enemy groups.

4. Can Reapers be detected while in Shadow mode?

Reapers can be detected by enemies with specific abilities that can pierce concealment. However, they are very difficult to find if you are careful. For the most part, if you are not making noise while moving and do not engage in combat, you will remain undetected.

5. How does the Reaper’s Silent Killer ability function?

Silent Killer significantly boosts damage when the Reaper attacks from concealment, which allows them to execute powerful alpha strikes on unsuspecting enemies. This is also the main reason they are the best damage dealing unit in most circumstances.

6. Is the Reaper class available in the base game of XCOM 2?

No. The Reaper class is only available with the XCOM 2: War of the Chosen expansion.

7. How do you acquire the Reaper class in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?

The Reaper class is unlocked through a mission that involves encountering and saving some Reapers. This mission, called “Lost and Abandoned”, will become available early in a War of the Chosen campaign.

8. What is the best loadout for a Reaper?

A Reaper’s best loadout usually involves equipping a Vektor Rifle, a Superior Expanded Magazine for more shots, and a Scope to improve accuracy. The Superior Repeater mod is also useful for executing enemies immediately.

9. How should I use a Reaper in combat?

Reapers should be used to scout ahead, identify enemy positions, and ambush with Silent Killer. They should remain in Shadow mode as much as possible to maximize their effectiveness.

10. Are there any downsides to using Reapers?

The only major downside to a Reaper is their reliance on stealth and ambush tactics. If they are detected and surrounded they will often be quickly overwhelmed and killed. If you can ensure that they never break cover, they will dominate the game.

11. Does the Reaper’s class have any particular counters?

Enemy types that possess the ability to reveal hidden units can cause issues for Reapers. But even then the Reaper can often still disengage and return to stealth. Therefore, there are not many ways to effectively counter a Reaper in XCOM 2.

12. How do Reapers compare to other classes for damage output?

While other classes are important for sustained damage, the reaper can be the biggest damage dealer for most encounters. The ability to start the fight with a significant hit can often help you to defeat pods before they even engage you.

13. What are the best skills for a Reaper to prioritize?

Prioritize Silent Killer to increase damage from concealment, Remote Start for crowd control, and Shadow Step to maintain stealth while moving. Banishing Shot is also a useful perk for end game builds.

14. How does the Reaper’s presence change the game strategically?

The Reaper allows players to have a more informed understanding of the battlefield, and plan ahead for encounters with the enemy, as well as enabling alpha strike strategies. This change in playstyle can significantly improve your chances of winning in the long term.

15. Why is the Reaper considered “OP” even with its weaknesses?

Despite minor weaknesses, the Reaper’s strengths far outweigh any drawbacks. Their ability to deal massive damage from concealment, manipulate the environment, and remain undetected makes them a dominating force on the battlefield, earning them the title of “OP.” Their consistent advantage and scouting makes them an invaluable asset.