Skip to content
Part 4
XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Part 4

Learn XCOM: Enemy Unknown base building, facility bonuses, and research priorities. Sell UFO power sources for cash.

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

Learn XCOM: Enemy Unknown base building, facility bonuses, and research priorities. Sell UFO power sources for cash.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    From the base menu, click 'Engineering' and then 'Build Facilities' to construct structures and excavate ground.
  2. 2
    Designate one side of your base for Satellite Uplinks, building them adjacent to existing ones for bonuses.
  3. 3
    Immediately build an Access Lift and begin excavating.
  4. 4
    Cue up 2-3 extra satellites as Satellite Uplinks are limited by power and available engineers.
  5. 5
    Build Power Generators on the side of the base not used for Satellite Uplinks.
  6. 6
    On this side, also build the Officer Training School, Cybernetics Lab, or Gene Mod (a community-made modification that changes the game) Labs, depending on your chosen strategy.
  7. 7
    To start research, click 'Research' and select 'Start New Research Project'.
  8. 8
    Prioritize researching 'Alien Materials' for increased soldier HP or 'Weapon Fragments' for better weapons; the latter is recommended for combat effectiveness.
  9. 9
    Researching weapon fragments unlocks 'Experimental Warfare' and potentially plasma weapons if you capture specific UFO components.
  10. 10
    Avoid researching 'Xenobiology' early on, as capturing live aliens is not very rewarding until later in the game, unless you have the South America continent bonus.
  11. 11
    Wait until Mutons become common before capturing aliens; capturing Muton Elites can provide advanced plasma weapons.
  12. 12
    After building facilities, recruiting soldiers (rarely), and setting research, click the globe and then the 'Scan' button to advance time and trigger events like abduction missions, council missions, or UFO sightings.
Tips
  • Buildings gain bonuses when similar types are grouped together horizontally or diagonally.
  • Satellite Uplinks are limited by power and the number of available engineers.
  • Do not demolish existing buildings or build Laboratories early on.
  • Only upgrade soldiers if absolutely necessary or if you have excess cash.
  • Shoot down UFOs, capture their power sources and flight computers intact, and sell them for cash to fund base construction and prevent nations from leaving the XCOM project.
  • Researching weapon fragments is generally more beneficial early game due to combat mechanics.
  • Capturing late-game aliens provides stronger plasma weapons, reducing research time for the plasma weapon tree.
  • If you wait until Muton Elites are common, you can capture one and research its gun for significant plasma tech benefits.
  • Interceptor armaments and air combat are detailed in section 3B.
  • Tactical mission management is covered in section 3.
  • Council missions are random, except for specific DLC (downloadable content — extra missions or items released after launch) missions.
  • UFO interception with a standard interceptor (the raven) and basic missiles is capable against most alien craft; one interceptor with a laser cannon can handle most UFOs except battleships.
  • Failing to intercept UFOs can lead to battleships attacking satellites.
  • On difficulties lower than Impossible, UFO interception is generally easy; maintaining one or two basic interceptors per continent is usually sufficient.

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content