XCOM 2: A Deep Dive into Soldier Ranks and Progression

The backbone of any successful XCOM campaign is undoubtedly its roster of skilled soldiers. Understanding the rank structure and how your operatives progress through the ranks is crucial for maximizing your team’s potential. So, let’s get straight to the point.

What is the rank order for soldiers in XCOM 2? Soldiers in XCOM 2 progress through the following ranks in ascending order: Squaddie, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and Colonel. Each promotion unlocks new abilities and strategic advantages, making it vital to nurture your soldiers’ growth throughout the campaign.

Soldier Rank Progression Explained

Each rank in XCOM 2 represents a significant milestone in a soldier’s career. Here’s a closer look at what each rank entails:

Squaddie

Starting Rank: Every recruit starts as a Squaddie.
Abilities: Squaddies have access only to their base class abilities, which vary depending on their specialization (Ranger, Grenadier, Sharpshooter, Specialist).
Significance: This is the foundation upon which your squad is built. Squaddies are vulnerable but vital for gaining early combat experience.

Corporal

First Promotion: Soldiers gain their first promotion to Corporal by acquiring enough combat experience (XP) through mission assists and kills.
Abilities: Upon reaching Corporal, soldiers gain access to their first ability choice from their respective skill tree. This is a pivotal moment as it begins to shape their combat role.
Significance: Corporals are your developing soldiers, learning to hone their skills and specializations.

Sergeant

Second Promotion: The next promotion to Sergeant requires accumulating more XP in the field.
Abilities: Soldiers at Sergeant rank earn their second ability choice and gain a unique nickname.
Strategic Importance: Crucially, having a Sergeant unlocks Squad Size I and Wet Work for purchase at the Officer Training School, allowing you to field a larger team and improve soldier performance.
Significance: Sergeants begin to take on leadership roles in the squad and are key to bolstering team capabilities.

Lieutenant

Third Promotion: Lieutenants have survived a considerable amount of combat and are ready for more responsibility.
Abilities: A promotion to Lieutenant brings their third ability choice, further defining their role in the battlefield.
Significance: Lieutenants are seasoned soldiers, capable of handling tougher missions and leading smaller groups effectively.

Captain

Fourth Promotion: Captains are veterans who have proven their mettle in numerous engagements.
Abilities: Captains unlock their fourth ability choice, allowing them to access even more powerful skills.
Strategic Importance: Having a Captain unlocks Squad Size II for purchase at the Officer Training School, enabling the use of larger, more versatile teams.
Significance: Captains are essential for tackling the most challenging threats, making them leaders in combat.

Major

Fifth Promotion: Majors are elite soldiers who are nearly at the pinnacle of their skill.
Abilities: Majors unlock their fifth ability choice, reaching a peak in their potential.
Significance: Majors are capable of single-handedly changing the course of a battle, with mastery of their chosen specialization.

Colonel

Highest Rank: Colonel is the highest rank a soldier can achieve in XCOM 2.
Abilities: Colonels earn their final ability choice, granting them access to the most potent skills in their class.
Significance: Colonels are the best of the best, exemplifying the peak performance of your soldiers. They serve as powerful assets and often act as squad leaders during missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To provide an even deeper understanding of soldier progression and related elements in XCOM 2, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. How do soldiers level up in XCOM 2?

Soldiers level up by earning XP through mission assists (1 point each) and kills. Each class has its own XP multiplier. A Specialist kill grants 3 points, a Ranger kill 4 points, and a Sharpshooter/Grenadier kill yields 5 points.

2. What is the Officer Training School?

The Officer Training School is a facility that allows you to purchase crucial upgrades. Many upgrades, such as Squad Size increases, require a soldier of a specific rank (e.g. Sergeant, Captain) to be present in your roster.

3. What does the Sergeant rank unlock?

A Sergeant rank unlocks a new ability, a nickname, and access to Squad Size I and Wet Work purchases at the Officer Training School.

4. What does the Captain rank unlock?

The Captain rank unlocks a new ability and Squad Size II for purchase at the Officer Training School.

5. How does the Bonding system work?

Soldiers can form bonds with each other through combat experience. Bonds are rated through Cohesion, which ranges from 1.0 to 9.9. A rating of 5.0 or above is considered “high.”

6. What is the strongest class in XCOM 2?

The Reaper is often considered the strongest and best class in XCOM 2, followed closely by the Grenadier.

7. What are the different classes in XCOM 2?

The main classes in XCOM 2 are the Reaper, Grenadier, Ranger, Specialist, Sharpshooter, Templar, Psy-Operative, and Skirmisher.

8. What happens when a soldier is captured?

When soldiers are captured by ADVENT, they become unavailable for missions. They may reappear later as rescue targets during VIP missions.

9. How important is combat intelligence?

Combat Intelligence affects how quickly soldiers earn ability points in combat, allowing them to purchase new skills.

10. What is the best weapon in XCOM 2?

The Plasma Bolt Caster is among the most powerful standard weapons, offering high damage per shot, though it needs to reload after each shot.

11. What is the recommended team size?

The recommended team size varies depending on the difficulty. For Easy and Normal, 12 soldiers are sufficient. For higher difficulties, 24 or more is recommended.

12. What is a good team composition in mid-game?

A standard mid-game team should include two Rangers, one Specialist, one Grenadier, and one Sharpshooter.

13. What is the most difficult enemy in XCOM 2?

The Muton Elites are some of the most difficult enemies in XCOM 2, due to their high armor and health.

14. What does XCOM stand for?

XCOM stands for Extraterrestrial Combat Unit.

15. What is the best facility in XCOM 2?

The Workshop is considered the most important facility for base layout due to its capacity to turn engineers into four GREMLIN engineers, which can provide adjecency bonuses for other facilities.

Conclusion

Understanding the rank structure and progression system in XCOM 2 is vital for success. Each promotion not only signifies a soldier’s growth but also unlocks new strategic possibilities. From the vulnerable Squaddie to the commanding Colonel, nurturing your soldiers and understanding their potential is the key to victory against the alien threat. With careful planning and smart tactical decisions, you can lead your team to ultimate triumph.