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Dark Events
XCOM 2

Dark Events

Learn how to counter and overcome the challenging Dark Events in XCOM 2. This guide provides strategies and tips to help you succeed against these formidable threats.

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Dark Events

Learn how to counter and overcome the challenging Dark Events in XCOM 2. This guide provides strategies and tips to help you succeed against these formidable threats.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Identify Dark Events: Dark Events appear on the Geoscape with a timer. They are visually distinct and often have ominous names indicating their nature.
  2. 2
    Assess the Threat: Each Dark Event has a specific negative effect if it completes. These can range from increasing the alien's region strength, reducing your income, or even causing permanent damage to your facilities.
  3. 3
    Prioritize and Plan: You cannot stop every Dark Event. You must decide which ones are the most critical to address based on their penalties and your current strategic position. Consider the resources (time, soldiers, aircraft) required to intercept them.
  4. 4
    Launch the Mission: Select the Dark Event on the Geoscape and launch the corresponding mission. These missions are often more challenging than standard missions, sometimes featuring unique objectives or tougher enemy compositions.
  5. 5
    Complete the Objective: Successfully completing the mission will negate the Dark Event's penalty and often grant a reward, such as resources, research, or soldier promotions.
  6. 6
    Accept the Consequences: If you fail to complete the Dark Event before its timer runs out, the stated penalty will be applied to your campaign.
Tips
  • Scout Ahead: Use your Scanner or scout units to reveal enemy positions early, especially in timed missions.
  • Bring the Right Tools: Equip your soldiers with gear and abilities suited to the expected mission type. For example, explosives are useful for destroying cover, and high-damage weapons are good for tough enemies.
  • Time Management is Key: Many Dark Events have strict turn limits. Always be mindful of the turns remaining and plan your moves efficiently.
  • Don't Overextend: While speed is important, avoid rushing into overwhelming odds. A lost mission can be more detrimental than letting a Dark Event complete.
  • Consider the Rewards: Some Dark Events offer very valuable rewards that might justify the risk and resource expenditure.
  • Research and Development: Prioritize research that unlocks better gear and soldier abilities, which will make tackling Dark Events easier in the long run.
  • Expand Your Roster: Having a larger pool of soldiers means you can afford to lose a few or have them injured without crippling your operations.

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