Part 10

Understanding Squad Activation: Unlike older X-COM games, enemies in XCOM: Enemy Unknown (and Enemy Within) do not actively hunt the player. Alien and Exalt squads begin inactive. They become active when the game camera focuses on them (sometimes triggering a brief cutscene) or when spotted by the player's squad.

Enemy Actions Upon Activation: Once activated, enemy units typically receive two free moves. They will either move to cover or advance towards the player if cover is not viable or if they detect the player is vulnerable. If taking cover is impossible, they may go on overwatch. Enemies that drop into the map are considered active immediately and usually go on overwatch.

Player Advantages: This system removes the pressure to rush through maps. Players can advance cautiously, using cover and conserving action points to eliminate enemy squads before they can retaliate. Enemies never get to shoot first, unlike in previous X-COM titles.

Strategic Considerations: While beneficial, this system can penalize aggressive playstyles. Assault class soldiers, who need to get close to enemies, may inadvertently reveal more of the map and trigger enemy squads. The game's enemy spawn locations can feel random, based on probability rather than fixed points.

Recon and Movement: Upon entering a tactical map, quick save (F10) and assess the map size. Larger maps are generally safer, reducing the chance of encountering multiple squads simultaneously. Small maps, especially bomb defusal missions, are more dangerous.

Advancing Safely: Advance every turn, especially since Meld is present on most missions (except Terror, Council, and Exalt). Keep your squad relatively close but not bunched up, moving from cover to cover. Avoid dashing, as this expends all movement actions, leaving soldiers unable to react if an enemy squad is spotted.

Facing Enemies: Generally, keep your squad facing the direction of advance. Enemies typically do not attack from the rear unless previously activated and then allowed to disengage.

Dealing with Multiple Squads: Encountering one squad at a time is ideal for reloading and regrouping. Running into three or more squads at once may necessitate the use of powerful explosives (grenades, rockets) or reloading a save file.

Reloading vs. Ironman: This guide assumes players are not playing on Ironman mode and are willing to reload saves to prevent soldier deaths. While some players accept soldier casualties, reloading when a valuable soldier is lost maximizes the chances of winning the game.

Unseen Squads and Teleporting: Be aware that some unseen enemy squads can appear within sight range. Reloading a save might change their location, or they may disappear entirely, which can be a glitch or a frustrating game mechanic. Quicksave frequently during scouting.

Enemy Activation on Spotting: When an enemy squad is spotted, they will activate and move to cover or advance if the AI deems the player unable to retaliate. However, there are instances where enemy squads may not activate even when spotted.