Part 5

Decide between a Genetics Lab or Cybernetics Lab for your XCOM soldiers. Learn about MECs, Genemods, and the best squad compositions for tactical battles.

While managing your base and satellites is crucial for winning XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the tactical battles are arguably the most engaging part of the game. To succeed, you'll need a strong tactical force, which requires a long-term plan for its development.

A key decision is whether to build a Genetics Lab or a Cybernetics Lab. While you can build both, it's a resource drain, and you have limited Meld to spend. Choose based on your preferred playstyle: squishy infantry with genetic upgrades or large, durable MECs.

Genetics Lab vs. Cybernetics Lab

Genetics Lab:

• Offers passive soldier upgrades like health regeneration.
• More Meld-intensive with less impact per point spent.
• Upgrades are marginally useful, with many considered useless by some players.
• A single upgrade can cost up to 20 Meld, the maximum from many missions.

Cybernetics Lab:

• Provides MEC troopers, which are cost-effective and powerful.
• Outfitting a MEC costs $35 and 50 Meld ($10 and 10 Meld for the pilot, $25 and 40 Meld for the MEC).
• MECs are extremely effective even late-game.
• Key MEC abilities include the Kinetic Strike Module (for mobility, flanking, and capturing Meld canisters) and Flamethrower.
• High-level MECs can self-repair and require multiple hits to kill.
• MEC upgrades offer more HP but less useful abilities.
• If a Heavy Trooper is converted to a MEC, they gain the 'Body Shield' bonus, reducing enemy hit chance and critical hits against them.
• If an Assault Trooper is converted to a MEC, they gain 'Shock-Absorbent Armor,' reducing damage from enemies within 4 tiles by 33%.

Squad Composition

Your squad can have up to 6 units, with any combination of classes. Early game, use rookies for easier missions unless Thin Men are present, then use Veterans. The best team composition depends on your playstyle.

Class Descriptions:

• Heavy Troopers:
  • All-round soldiers with powerful explosive weapons (90% hit chance).
  • Can be customized to shoot twice per turn and gain a 50% bonus against mechanical enemies.
  • Carry a machine gun for higher damage than rifle users.
  • Downsides: High ammo consumption and poor aim.
  • Capable of Suppressing enemies.
• Assault Troopers:
  • Can shoot after moving a full turn's worth of movement.
  • Customizable to ignore the first Overwatch fire, gain up to 20 defense based on nearby enemies, extra armor HP, and a free shot at close enemies.
  • Lethal abilities include shooting twice in rapid succession and an ability to force enemies out of cover.
  • Can carry shotguns or assault rifles; most abilities benefit shotguns.
  • Tend to have the highest critical hit rate.
  • Downside: Need to get close to targets, which can result in more enemies spawning.
• Sniper Troopers:
  • Highest Aim stat in the game.
  • Carry a long-range sniper rifle.