The All-Seeing Eye: Understanding the Crucial Role of Intel in XCOM 2
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Intel in XCOM 2 is the lifeblood of your resistance movement. It’s far more than just a currency; it’s the key to unlocking strategic advantages, expanding your operations, and ultimately, liberating Earth from the alien invaders. At its core, Intel is used to gather information, expand your reach, and procure necessary resources and equipment. It serves as the main way you engage with the global map and allows you to interact with the world beyond your base of operations. Without a steady flow of Intel, your campaign will quickly grind to a halt.
The Multifaceted Uses of Intel
Intel functions as a versatile resource, facilitating several key aspects of the game:
Expanding Your Global Reach
- Contacting New Regions: One of the most crucial uses for Intel is establishing contact with new regions of the globe. This is essential for expanding the Resistance network, enabling you to find more missions, recruit soldiers, and access more resources. The more regions you control, the more powerful your Resistance becomes.
- Unveiling Hidden Dark Events: The insidious alien overlords constantly implement “Dark Events,” which are negative modifiers that can hinder your progress. Intel allows you to uncover these events before they take effect, giving you a chance to mitigate them, further increasing the importance of having a healthy Intel stockpile.
Engaging with the Black Market
- Purchasing Items: The Black Market is a shadowy haven where you can trade for powerful items and resources. Intel is often the primary currency used to acquire valuable weapons, upgrades, and soldier customizations.
- Trading for Supplies: While Supplies are often more readily available, there are times when you need a quick infusion to fund a new project or acquire a crucial piece of equipment. The Black Market allows you to trade Intel for Supplies, but it’s a transaction you should approach cautiously, as Intel is typically more valuable.
A Strategic Necessity
The availability of Intel directly impacts your strategic options within XCOM 2. It allows you to be proactive instead of reactive. Using Intel to find hidden Dark Events for example will give you a significant advantage. You will also need Intel to reach the various liberation objectives. These require intel to perform. Essentially, Intel is the primary means to proactively engage with the world and directly combat the alien occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Intel in XCOM 2
How do I obtain Intel in XCOM 2?
Intel is primarily gained through:
- Successful Covert Operations: Sending your soldiers on covert ops is a reliable way to earn Intel. The longer the mission and the higher the risk, the more Intel you’re likely to receive.
- Researching Datapads: Researching Datapads is a dedicated way to produce Intel, making it a good strategy for when you need a rapid influx.
- Scanning at certain locations: Sometimes, scanning specific locations on the Geoscape will reward you with Intel. Be sure to check your scan options regularly.
- Completing missions: Certain missions will reward you with Intel upon completion. Keep an eye out for missions that offer it.
- Region Income: Liberated regions will provide a passive income, some of which will be Intel.
Is Intel more valuable than Supplies?
Generally, yes. Intel is far harder to come by and is used for far more varied functions. Supplies are earned from various sources, but Intel is tied to higher risk actions like Covert Ops. Therefore, it’s wise to be frugal when spending Intel and only convert to Supplies when absolutely necessary.
What should I prioritize when spending Intel?
Prioritize spending Intel on:
- Contacting New Regions: Expanding your global network is paramount for a sustained campaign.
- Revealing Dark Events: Knowing what the enemy is planning is key to success.
- Critical Purchases from the Black Market: Use it for vital equipment, weapons, and upgrades that enhance your soldiers’ capabilities.
Can I earn Intel by trading in Supplies?
No, you cannot trade Supplies for Intel in XCOM 2. The trade is only one way.
What is the Black Market?
The Black Market is a location where you can purchase rare items, resources, and gear using Intel. However, the inventory and prices change regularly, so keep checking to see if anything of use has been restocked.
What are Covert Operations?
Covert operations are missions where you dispatch a small team of soldiers to acquire Intel, Supplies, or other rewards, often without engaging in combat. They are a vital tool for gaining Intel.
Why is it important to contact new regions?
Contacting new regions unlocks:
- More missions and opportunities.
- New recruits and soldiers to expand your squad.
- More resources from monthly region income.
- Further strategic opportunities within the Resistance.
How do Dark Events affect my gameplay?
Dark Events apply negative modifiers to the game, such as increased enemy numbers, improved enemy stats, or restrictions on your abilities. Knowing about them in advance allows you to prepare and mitigate their impact.
What should I research early in the game to get more Intel?
Prioritizing the research of Datapads is vital if you’re lacking Intel. This allows you to produce Intel.
How does Intel affect my ability to liberate regions?
You require Intel to make the initial contact and begin the liberation missions, as well as completing several liberation missions before you’re able to trigger an Advent HQ assault on that region.
What happens if I run out of Intel?
Running out of Intel can severely hamper your progress. You will be unable to establish contact with new regions, unveil hidden Dark Events, and acquire essential items from the Black Market.
How does the length of a Covert Op affect Intel rewards?
Generally, the longer and higher risk the covert op, the higher your Intel rewards will be. Be sure to consider your soldiers’ fatigue level and skills before sending them on longer missions.
Should I prioritize Intel or Supplies when trading in the Black Market?
Intel is far more valuable, generally only trade Intel to supplies in absolute emergencies. You should prioritize saving it to make region contact and reveal dark events.
Does the “War of the Chosen” expansion change the role of Intel?
No, War of the Chosen does not significantly alter the fundamental role of Intel, but it does introduce new avenues for acquiring it, and it makes it even more crucial for dealing with the new threats present in the game.
Why is Intel considered so strategically important in XCOM 2?
Intel provides you with the crucial information and means necessary to be proactive in your battle against the aliens. It allows you to expand the resistance network, thwart their schemes, and obtain vital resources and upgrades. Without it, you are at a significant disadvantage, constantly reacting to their actions, instead of proactively undermining them.