What Should You Research First in XCOM 2? A Comprehensive Guide
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The opening hours of XCOM 2 can be a daunting experience for new commanders. The game throws a lot at you, from managing a fledgling resistance to battling technologically superior aliens. One of the earliest and most impactful decisions you’ll make is choosing your initial research project. While there isn’t one single, universally “best” answer, Weapon Fragments generally stands out as the optimal starting research. This unlocks the Scope upgrade for your basic weapons, a cheap and incredibly effective tool for improving the accuracy of your rookie soldiers. However, understanding why and the broader context of early research is key to mastering the game.
Why Weapon Fragments Should Be Your First Research
The core reason for prioritizing Weapon Fragments lies in the fundamental challenge of XCOM 2: accuracy. Your starting soldiers, especially rookies, are notoriously inaccurate. This means many shots will miss, wasting precious action points and leaving your squad vulnerable to enemy attacks. The Scope, a relatively inexpensive item, provides a significant +10 Aim bonus to the equipped weapon. This boost can make the difference between a critical hit and a miss, dramatically increasing your effectiveness in combat.
Beyond improving accuracy, Weapon Fragments also paves the way for further important research. Specifically, you’ll need this initial research to gain access to Magnetic Weapons, a major mid-game upgrade that vastly increases your squad’s damage output. So, opting for Weapon Fragments provides both an immediate combat advantage and lays a solid foundation for future technological advancements.
Alternative Early Research Options & When to Consider Them
While Weapon Fragments is generally considered the best first research, there are some situations where alternative options may be viable:
Xeno-Biology
This research unlocks the Alien Containment facility which is required to capture live aliens. Capturing aliens allows you to perform autopsies that can lead to powerful research breakthroughs. If you feel you are doing well in early engagements and want to get ahead of the curve in terms of research, Xeno-Biology could be considered an alternative early research option. However, It’s important to note that capturing aliens is resource intensive, so plan accordingly.
Alien Materials
Unlocking Alien Materials will give you access to Carapace Armour earlier, improving your soldier’s survivability. If you are having difficulty keeping your soldiers alive, this research could prove to be very beneficial early on, giving you some valuable protection against alien attacks.
The Importance of Long-Term Planning
Beyond your initial research, it’s essential to consider the bigger picture and your long-term strategy. Here are some general research priorities to keep in mind during the early and mid-game:
- Resistance Comms: Unlocks the ability to contact new regions, expanding your supply income and allowing you to uncover new mission opportunities.
- Alien Autopsies: Each autopsy unlocks important tactical information about enemy units and often provides access to new technologies.
- Armor & Weapon Upgrades: Keep advancing your arsenal by prioritizing new weapon tiers and armor.
- Experimental Weapon Research: Once available, these weapons often offer unique tactical advantages, so investigate them when possible.
Ultimately, success in XCOM 2 hinges on a careful balance between immediate needs and future planning. Don’t get too caught up on the “perfect” research order. Instead, focus on adapting to the challenges the game throws your way and make choices that align with your overall strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions players have regarding research priorities in XCOM 2:
1. Is there a single “best” research path in XCOM 2?
No, there isn’t a single “best” path. Your research choices should adapt to your playstyle and the current challenges you face. However, prioritizing Weapon Fragments early is almost universally beneficial.
2. Should I focus on weapons or armor first?
Generally, prioritize weapon upgrades over armor. Increasing your damage output will be more effective early on than trying to simply tank more damage. This is because the goal is to eliminate enemies as quickly and efficiently as possible, and that requires better weapons.
3. How important are Alien Autopsies?
Alien Autopsies are vital. They provide invaluable information on enemy weaknesses and unlock new research opportunities. Prioritize autopsies whenever possible, especially early in the game.
4. When should I research Resistance Comms?
Resistance Comms should be prioritized early on. Expanding your contacts is crucial for increasing your monthly supply income and gaining access to more resources.
5. What is the benefit of researching Xeno-Biology early?
Xeno-Biology is useful to begin capturing aliens for autopsies, but early on, the priority is increasing your soldier’s combat effectiveness, making Weapon Fragments a better choice.
6. Should I skip any missions to focus on research?
Skipping missions should be done sparingly. While you might want to speed up research, skipping Council missions or Retaliation missions can have long-term consequences, such as losing contact with a region.
7. How do I get scientists?
You can recruit scientists as personnel through Council missions or by recruiting from the Black Market. It is also important to note that there are rewards for completing certain research projects that can provide you with scientists as a reward.
8. What’s the role of engineers in research?
Engineers speed up the construction of facilities in your base, which includes research labs. They also help with upgrading facilities.
9. What are experimental weapons, and when should I research them?
Experimental Weapons are unique weapons that can be very powerful, offering different tactical options. Research them when available, but make sure you have a solid base of traditional weaponry first.
10. Should I play Vanilla XCOM 2 first, or jump into War of the Chosen?
If you are new to XCOM, it is strongly advised that you play Vanilla XCOM 2 first. War of the Chosen is significantly harder and will overwhelm new players.
11. How do I manage the Avatar Project?
The Avatar Project is the doomsday timer. Research can help slow it down by providing technology to hinder ADVENT progress. Focus on destroying alien facilities and completing story objectives to keep the Avatar Project under control.
12. Can I make XCOM 2 easier?
Yes, several options can make the game easier. The Lengthy Scheme option increases the Avatar Project timer, and the Time Turner option doubles mission timers, both allowing you more time to complete objectives. You can also adjust the difficulty settings when starting a new campaign.
13. How important is combat intelligence?
Combat intelligence, added in the War of the Chosen DLC, is important for earning ability points more quickly. Prioritise it if you have access to it.
14. What is the best enemy to Mind Control?
Mutons are good targets for Mind Control because they have low will and can be used to attack their own allies.
15. Which class is the most powerful in XCOM 2?
The Reaper is often considered the strongest class in XCOM 2, due to their stealth capabilities and high damage output.
By carefully selecting your initial research and keeping these broader strategies in mind, you will be well-prepared to tackle the alien threat and lead your resistance to victory in XCOM 2. Remember, flexibility is key, and adapting to the game’s challenges will ultimately lead to your success.