Beginner Tips & Tricks

Learn essential XCOM 2 beginner tips and tricks to help you fight back against alien occupation. Master combat, strategy, and squad management to save Earth.

Welcome, Commander. The aliens have won, and Earth is under their oppressive rule. As the leader of the XCOM resistance, you'll need every advantage to fight back. This guide provides essential tips and tricks for new players to get started in XCOM 2.

Key Beginner Tips:

• Utilize Cover: Always keep your soldiers behind cover to reduce incoming damage. Low cover provides a partial bonus, while full cover offers a greater defensive advantage.
• Mind the Flank: Enemies will try to flank your soldiers. Be aware of enemy positioning and try to flank them yourself to gain combat bonuses.
• Concealment is Key: At the start of most missions, your squad is concealed. Use this to set up ambushes and gain the element of surprise.
• Timed Objectives: Many missions have turn limits. Prioritize objectives and move efficiently to complete them before time runs out.
• Understand Action Points: Soldiers have a limited number of action points per turn. Use them wisely for movement, attacking, or special abilities.
• Overwatch: The Overwatch ability allows soldiers to automatically attack any enemy that moves within their line of sight during the enemy's turn. It's a powerful tool for defense and catching enemies off guard.
• Hunker Down: This action significantly increases a soldier's defense but prevents them from attacking or moving. Use it to protect vulnerable soldiers or when you need to hold a position.
• Hack Enemy Systems: Specialists can use their drones to hack enemy turrets and other mechanical units, temporarily shutting them down or even taking control of them.
• Character Classes: Familiarize yourself with the unique abilities of each class: Ranger (melee), Grenadier (explosives), Specialist (drone support), Sharpshooter (sniping), and Psi Operative (psionic abilities).
• Ironman Mode: Once you're comfortable, consider trying Ironman mode. This mode automatically saves your progress after every action, making decisions permanent and adding significant challenge.
• Mod Support: XCOM 2 has extensive mod support via Steam Workshop. Mods can add new campaigns, cosmetics, and gameplay features.