What Should You Build First in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
The early game in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen can be brutal, especially for newcomers. Success hinges on making smart choices right from the start, and your building priorities are crucial. So, what should you build first? The answer is definitively the Guerrilla Training School (GTS).
While some may argue for other options, the GTS provides the most immediate and significant benefit for your fledgling squad. Here’s why it takes precedence and how to optimize it for early game success:
Why the Guerrilla Training School Is Your Top Priority
Squad Size I Is Game-Changing
The most compelling reason to prioritize the GTS is that it allows you to purchase Squad Size I, for a mere $100. This upgrade is essential because it increases your squad size from four to five soldiers. That one extra soldier significantly boosts your combat effectiveness and survivability. In the early missions, where your troops are inexperienced and resources are scarce, having that extra firepower or tactical flexibility is invaluable. A larger squad allows you to cover more ground, flank more enemies, and more effectively absorb hits, increasing your odds of completing missions successfully and keeping your soldiers alive.
Additional Soldier Training
Beyond the crucial squad size increase, the GTS offers a variety of other training options, such as additional soldier training and other perks. Early access to these will allow you to boost the development of your troops. Once Squad Size I is secured, you can immediately begin utilizing the GTS to train rookie soldiers to boost them and build your bench strength, as well as level up your seasoned troops and give them a variety of combat perks.
Building Timing
The GTS is also the correct size for your only starting empty space. This means you can build it immediately after the first mission without needing to worry about making room later on. This is a massive time saver.
Immediate Impact
Unlike some other facilities that provide benefits later on, the GTS provides immediate combat improvements. This is crucial in the early game, when missions can go south quickly. The added survivability from a larger squad and the increased training pace will give your team a fighting chance to take down the Chosen and other alien threats.
Early Research Choices
While the GTS is your first building priority, your research choices should complement it. Typically, Modular Weapons research should be your first research choice. This will provide a good boost to your damage in the early game and allows your soldiers to equip attachments, giving you an edge. Following this, the next important step is to aim for Magnetic Weapons or armor upgrades. Magnetic weapons provide a significant boost in damage, allowing you to eliminate enemies much more quickly, whereas armor upgrades are invaluable for increasing soldier survivability.
What Not To Build First
While some might be tempted by other facilities, it’s essential to understand why they are less important initially:
-
Advanced Warfare Center (AWC): While beneficial for healing and potential survival upgrades, its benefits are not as immediate as the squad size increase from the GTS. You’ll have time to get the AWC later.
-
Proving Grounds: This facility offers some interesting experimental technologies, but these do not have the immediate impact that a larger squad size provides.
-
Power Relay: It’s important for powering other facilities, but you won’t have a critical need for more power in the very early game.
-
Resistance Comms: While it will be necessary for contacting new regions, it is not immediately needed compared to the benefits that a larger squad provides.
The Ideal Early Game Strategy
Here’s the ideal sequence for your initial steps:
- Complete the first mission.
- Immediately build the Guerrilla Training School (GTS).
- Purchase Squad Size I for $100.
- Start researching Modular Weapons.
- Once available, start training additional troops in the GTS.
- Focus next on research for Magnetic Weapons or armor upgrades.
- Continue to build in the empty spaces after your first mission as required.
- Start developing a solid team of soldiers.
- Strategize to utilize your team and your upgraded facilities to best combat the alien threat and the Chosen.
By adhering to this priority list you’ll set yourself up for a much smoother and more manageable early game in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is XCOM 2 War of the Chosen harder than XCOM 2?
Yes, War of the Chosen is generally considered harder than the base XCOM 2 game, especially in the early game. The introduction of the Chosen adds challenging encounters that will test your tactical skills. The added systems of Resistance Ring and fatigue can be overwhelming.
2. What is the most OP class in XCOM 2 War of the Chosen?
The Reaper is often regarded as the most overpowered class in the game due to its ability to scout and deal significant damage from concealment. The combination of being concealed for a majority of the battle, and powerful sniper rifle like abilities are extremely potent.
3. Should I play War of the Chosen if I’m new to XCOM?
While War of the Chosen significantly enhances the XCOM 2 experience, it’s advisable to play the base XCOM 2 game first. This lets you grasp the core mechanics before tackling the increased difficulty and complexity introduced by the expansion.
4. How many soldiers should I aim to have in my roster?
On Normal difficulty, around 12 soldiers can be enough to manage. However, on higher difficulties, it’s prudent to maintain a larger roster of approximately 24 soldiers to account for casualties and fatigue.
5. What research should I prioritize early in War of the Chosen?
Early research should focus on Modular Weapons as your first pick followed by either Magnetic Weapons or armor upgrades. These upgrades provide early-game damage and survivability boosts.
6. What is the maximum squad size in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
The maximum squad size is 6 for regular missions. Certain special missions will provide the ability for more, up to 8, 10 or 12 soldiers.
7. How long does it take to beat XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
Focusing on the main story can take around 34-35 hours. Completing all aspects of the game can take approximately 75 hours.
8. Can I lose Chosen weapons permanently?
Yes, Chosen weapons are unique and cannot be replicated. If a soldier carrying a Chosen weapon dies and is not evacuated, the weapon will be lost permanently.
9. What is the difference between XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
War of the Chosen adds a plethora of content to XCOM 2, including the Chosen enemies, new hero classes, modifiers, and changes to the campaign structure. It is a vast expansion that essentially overhauls the original experience.
10. Is the Darkclaw pistol really that good?
Yes, the Darkclaw pistol is considered one of the best weapons in the game, particularly for the Sharpshooter class. It has the damage output of a sniper rifle and is able to ignore up to five armor points.
11. How do I stop the Avatar Project?
Destroying Alien Facilities on the world map will reduce the progress of the Avatar Project. Focus on sabotaging these sites to slow or halt the project.
12. Is it okay to lose soldiers in XCOM 2?
Yes, losing soldiers is part of the XCOM experience, particularly during the early game. Don’t get discouraged. Focus on learning from losses and adapting your strategies.
13. What does the Resistance Ring do?
The Resistance Ring lets you assign soldiers to specific missions, which will provide Resistance Orders. These provide you with a variety of effects and are important for boosting your abilities and thwarting the enemy.
14. Do I need to play XCOM 2 before War of the Chosen?
While not strictly required, playing XCOM 2 first is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics before tackling the added difficulty of War of the Chosen.
15. What is the best build order after the GTS?
A balanced build order would be: GTS> Advanced Warfare Centre > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab, but focus on upgrading these as required based on your current needs.
By understanding these FAQs, along with your priority on building the GTS, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenges that await you in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. Good luck, Commander!