What to Upgrade First in XCOM 2: A Comprehensive Guide

The initial hours of XCOM 2 are critical. The decisions you make in the first few weeks can either set you up for a strong campaign or condemn you to a frustrating struggle against the alien occupation. The question, then, is: What should you upgrade first in XCOM 2? The short answer is a multifaceted approach, prioritizing a balance between facilities, research, and soldier training. However, we can break it down into more manageable, actionable steps.

Building Your Foundation: The Initial Facility Rush

The first few days are about establishing your base of operations and getting your squad battle-ready. The Advanced Warfare Center (AWC) is arguably the most important facility to build as quickly as possible. This is your top priority and should be completed before all other base facilities. The benefits are crucial for survival:

• Guaranteed Soldier Save: The AWC grants a chance for a soldier to avoid death from a fatal hit, a game-changer especially in the early, perilous missions.
• Faster Healing: Injured soldiers recover much faster, keeping your squad at full strength and preventing downtime. This is essential to your long-term survivability.

Once you have the AWC, the next facility you should prioritize is the Guerilla Training School (GTS). The GTS allows you to train new soldiers, increasing squad size, which makes even early missions far easier to complete. Importantly, the GTS allows you to unlock certain class abilities that are otherwise locked, which will make your soldiers stronger in the long run.

Research: The Path to Power

Research in XCOM 2 is the key to unlocking new technologies and strategic advantages. While you’ll want to pursue various avenues, some initial research is more crucial. Here’s what you should focus on:

Prioritize Weaponry and Upgrades

In the beginning, your soldiers’ accuracy is poor, and the basic weapons are inadequate against the increasingly dangerous alien forces. Focus your research efforts on:

• Weapon Fragments: This allows you to equip your soldiers with scopes that significantly boost aim.
• Magnetic Weapons: These provide a massive leap in firepower, enhancing your chance of success in missions.
• Modular Weapons These upgrades let you adjust the specific weapon upgrades as needed, adding more flexibility to your squads.
• Alien Alloys: This is crucial for building new items and armor. Prioritize this research track early and often.

Early Autopsies

Autopsies unlock valuable intel and resources. The Muton Autopsy should be a high priority. Mutons are some of the toughest enemies you encounter early on, and the autopsy gives you access to important strategic options.

Communication is Key: Resist Comms

A crucial area of research is the Resist Comms track, starting with Resistance Radio. Early expansion across the globe is vital for increased monthly supply income, without which it’ll be hard to upgrade your squad.

Tactical Considerations and Soldier Growth

Beyond facilities and research, focus on your tactical approach and how you develop your soldiers:

• Don’t Split the Squad: Especially in the beginning, it’s best to keep your soldiers together for maximum firepower and support.
• Frag Grenades are your Friend: Use grenades liberally to destroy cover and deal area damage.
• Soldier Abilities are Key: Plan for long-term soldier development as the game progresses by unlocking early abilities that match your tactical style.

Initial Priorities in a Nutshell

Here’s a quick recap of the most critical upgrades:

1. Advanced Warfare Center: For soldier survival and faster healing.
2. Guerilla Training School: For increased squad size and squad abilities.
3. Weapon Upgrades (Scopes/Magnetic): Essential for improved accuracy and damage.
4. Resistance Comms and Radios for increased monthly income.
5. Muton Autopsy: For important strategic options.
6. Alien Alloy research: For new armor and equipment

By focusing on these crucial upgrades, you’ll be well-positioned to overcome the early challenges of XCOM 2 and establish a powerful resistance against the alien threat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Advanced Warfare Center really that important?

Yes, it is. The chance to survive fatal hits and faster injury recovery are game-changers. Without it, you’ll find yourself losing soldiers left and right, setting back your progress dramatically. Don’t skip this building in your early game, it’s the best way to protect your soldiers.

2. Should I prioritize weapons or armor upgrades?

Prioritize weapons in the early game. Improved accuracy and damage output from better weapons are more crucial in early encounters. Armor upgrades should be a secondary focus, after you’ve secured stronger weapons.

3. What’s the best starting country in XCOM 2?

The best starting country depends on your strategy. The United States is good for those focusing on aircraft. However, Europe is the best choice for players wanting to prioritize research and engineering.

4. Should I build the Proving Grounds early?

The Proving Grounds is helpful but not an immediate priority. Focus on the AWC and GTS first. The Proving Grounds is useful for unlocking Experimental items and will be useful as you progress but shouldn’t be your first build in your base.

5. How important is Intel in XCOM 2?

Intel is very important. It’s used to purchase upgrades, reveal Dark Events, and expand your territory. Aim to generate as much Intel as possible through missions and facilities.

6. What are Dark Events, and how do I deal with them?

Dark Events are negative modifiers the aliens implement. Intel lets you reveal and counter them. Always stay informed about these events to avoid nasty surprises.

7. Is it okay to skip missions?

Sometimes it’s okay, particularly Guerrilla Ops or supply raids. Skipping Council or Retaliation missions means losing contacts and potentially the region. It depends on what you can reasonably achieve.

8. How many soldiers should I have in my roster?

It depends on the difficulty. On Normal, 12-16 soldiers can be enough. On higher difficulties, a roster of 24 or more is better.

9. What is the most OP class in XCOM 2?

The Reaper is frequently cited as the strongest class due to its stealth and high damage output. But each class has it’s strengths, so play around and see what’s best for you.

10. What is the best enemy to mind control?

Mutons, Heavy Floaters, and Muton Elites are good choices due to their low Will and potential for high damage against their own kind.

11. How does combat intelligence work, and is it important?

Combat Intelligence (War of the Chosen DLC) allows soldiers to earn Ability Points faster in combat. It’s extremely important if you want access to a wider range of abilities and should be sought after.

12. Should I play XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen first?

Play the regular XCOM 2 first. War of the Chosen adds many new mechanics and is better experienced after you understand the base game.

13. Does time matter in XCOM 2? Can I go at my own pace?

Yes, time matters. The Avatar Project is a doomsday clock that ticks up as the aliens complete certain structures. So, while you’re not on a strict time limit, you should be mindful of progress and try to slow them down.

14. What is the strongest weapon in XCOM 2?

The Plasma Bolt Caster is among the most powerful weapons regarding damage per shot but requires reloading after each shot.

15. Can you beat XCOM 2 without losing a country?

Yes, it is possible. Focus on satellites and manage your resources carefully. Choosing which country to keep and which to let go is an important part of playing the game.