Decoding the Shadows: Who is the Reaper Leader in XCOM?
The leader of the Reapers in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is Konstantin Volikov, known by his callsign Volk (“Волк”), which translates to “Wolf” in Russian. He is the figurehead of this elusive faction, guiding their actions and strategy in the fight against ADVENT and the alien invaders.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Reapers and Their Commander
Konstantin Volikov, as Volk, embodies the Reaper’s core values: stealth, subterfuge, and unwavering loyalty to humanity. Living on the fringes of society, the Reapers represent a fiercely independent resistance cell, operating outside the established norms and utilizing unconventional tactics to strike at the enemy. Volk’s leadership is crucial in maintaining their operational effectiveness and ensuring their survival in a hostile world.
Volk’s role extends beyond tactical command. He is also responsible for maintaining the Reapers’ ideology and ensuring their continued commitment to the fight. The Reapers are a tight-knit group, relying heavily on trust and mutual support. Volk’s presence provides stability and direction, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the faction. He is a crucial element in the War of the Chosen’s larger narrative, and his story intertwines significantly with the player’s efforts to liberate Earth.
Konstantin Volikov: A Closer Look
While the game reveals limited details about Volk’s personal history, we can infer certain aspects of his character from his actions and interactions within the game. He’s portrayed as a seasoned veteran, hardened by years of fighting against the alien occupation. His strategic acumen is evident in the Reapers’ successful operations, which often involve daring raids and covert infiltrations. He also clearly cares about the safety of his people.
Elena Dragunova: Volk’s Right Hand
It’s crucial to mention Elena Dragunova. She acts as Volk’s trusted second-in-command and a vital link between the Reapers and XCOM. Her initial meeting with a representative from the Skirmishers is a pivotal moment, highlighting the complexities of forging alliances between different resistance factions. Dragunova’s loyalty to Volk and the Reapers is unquestionable, and she plays a crucial role in supporting their operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Reapers and Volk
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Reapers, their leader, and their role in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, to give you a more complete understanding of this fascinating faction.
1. What exactly are the Reapers in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
The Reapers are one of three new factions introduced in the War of the Chosen expansion. They are a stealth-focused resistance group who live on the outskirts of society and excel at infiltration and covert operations.
2. How do I recruit Reapers into my XCOM squad?
You encounter the Reapers as part of the main story. After completing a specific mission, you can recruit Reaper soldiers, starting with Elena Dragunova.
3. What makes Reapers unique as soldiers?
Reapers are masters of stealth. They possess skills that allow them to remain concealed for extended periods, even while moving. This makes them ideal for scouting, flanking, and executing ambushes. They also use a special weapon, the Vektor Rifle, which differs from the Sniper Rifle.
4. What is the Vektor Rifle and how does it differ from Sniper Rifle?
The Vektor Rifle is the Reaper’s conventional primary weapon. It shares upgrade technology with the Sniper Rifle, but unlike the Sniper Rifle, it doesn’t have long range or Squadsight. It also does not have close range penalties.
5. Are Reapers good for hacking?
While any soldier can hack, Reapers are not specialized hackers like the Specialist class or SPARK units. However, they can still perform hacking actions, especially against ADVENT Security Towers.
6. Who are the other factions besides the Reapers?
The other two factions are the Skirmishers and the Templars. The Skirmishers are former ADVENT soldiers who defected to the resistance, while the Templars are psionic warriors who emerged after the fall of XCOM.
7. Who are the Chosen?
The Chosen are the main antagonists of the War of the Chosen expansion. They are three unique alien enemies – the Assassin, the Warlock, and the Hunter – who act as powerful bosses with distinct abilities and personalities.
8. How does Elena Dragunova fit into the Reaper’s structure?
Elena Dragunova is Konstantin Volikov’s right-hand woman and a key figure within the Reaper faction. She acts as a liaison between the Reapers and other resistance groups.
9. What are the best strategies for using Reapers in combat?
Utilize their stealth abilities to scout ahead, position them for flanking attacks, and use their powerful sniper rifles to eliminate high-value targets from a distance. Conserve ammunition, as this is a problem early on.
10. Do Reapers have any unique abilities?
Yes. Reapers have abilities like Shadow Concealment, which makes them difficult to detect, and Silent Killer, which allows them to eliminate enemies without breaking concealment (with certain restrictions).
11. How important is the Reaper faction to the overall War of the Chosen campaign?
The Reaper faction is crucial. Their scouting and infiltration capabilities are invaluable for gathering intel and disrupting enemy operations. They significantly enhance XCOM’s strategic options.
12. What is the relationship between the Reapers and XCOM?
The Reapers are allied with XCOM, providing support and resources in the fight against ADVENT and the aliens. However, they maintain their independence and operate according to their own priorities.
13. What is the link between the Games Learning Society and XCOM?
The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) explores the educational potential of games, and XCOM, with its strategic depth, resource management, and tactical combat, offers valuable learning opportunities for players. They can develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. The Games Learning Society’s mission aligns with the idea of leveraging games like XCOM for educational purposes. The strategic depth of the game can engage players in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom setting. GamesLearningSociety.org is where you can find out more.
14. Can Reapers carry unconscious/dead/bleeding soldiers like other classes?
Yes. Soldiers, including Reapers, can carry unconscious, dead, and bleeding-out units, enabling you to rescue fallen comrades from the battlefield.
15. What happens if a Reaper unit is captured by the Chosen?
If a Reaper is captured, you’ll need to undertake a rescue mission to retrieve them. The Chosen will gain valuable intel and potentially use the captured Reaper against you.
By understanding the role of Konstantin Volikov and the Reaper faction, players can gain a significant advantage in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen and successfully liberate Earth from alien occupation. Remember to use their unique strengths and abilities effectively to turn the tide of the war.