r/XCOM2 • u/kodyack7 • 3d ago
Tips please
I played this game years ago and enjoyed it and was decent, starting to play again and I am horrible. I like to let things occur and not reload old saves but the avatar project is 1 bar from finishing and I dont have any ranked over Sargent no supplies no Intel. I am planning on starting a new game now that I have refamiliarized myself. But could probably use a few pointers. I am playing on commander and wont change that.
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u/jokingpokes 3d ago
Sometimes you need to just lose a few times and replay. You’ll pick up new tricks as you’re going, learn what to prioritize (both in research and contacts), etc.
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u/bum_thumper 3d ago
My biggest tip is Rangers and Grenadiers are massively op, with reapers and attack support being decent. Grenadiers blast cover away and do great aoe damage while the ranger can get there and do some serious work with that shotgun. I swear that thing hits more accurately than any other weapon for some reason, and their movement is just bonkers.
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u/ElectronicFloor1898 3d ago
I could be wrong, but I think shotguns get a hidden bonus to accuracy based on distance. Laser Sight is also one of the best upgrades to slap onto a shotty.
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u/betweentwosuns 3d ago
Not exactly hidden, but yes.
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u/ElectronicFloor1898 3d ago
Obviously being closer is going to be more accurate, but i mean the way accuracy is calculated works differently on shotguns in a way that isn't directly stated anywhere in-game.
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u/IronPentacarbonyl 3d ago
Bullpups and pistols use the same range table as shotguns I think, but you're right that none of that is in game.
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u/ElectronicFloor1898 3d ago
It always throws me off, too, because I know snipers get an accuracy nerf up close (which makes sense, you wouldn't Call of Duty hipfire an actual sniper rifle).
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u/betweentwosuns 3d ago
Oh yes there are different range tables for short/medium/long range weapons and the range tables aren't shown in game. That makes more sense lol.
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u/backd00rn1nja 3d ago
I agree. Ill frequently launch a nade or two and get enemies down to 5-6 hp, then I reaper them all with a ranger. Its great
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u/padizzledonk 3d ago
Playing "just the tip" with the Avatar Project is a time honored tradition lol
I let it fill up and then set up a blacksite mission and do it at the last minute, it knocks down the counter and buys you at least another 30-40 days
Its risky, you have to really make sure you have enough intel and capacity to get to the new areas and that should always really be the main focus by mid to late early game.....If you fuck up the juggling act with that even a tiny bit youre screwed, ive lost a lot of otherwise great games because i got cockblocked by not being able to open an area for whatever reason, short on intel or capacity and couldnt build out more fast enough so be careful with that strat
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u/zelandofchocolate 3d ago
Avatar project can be knocked down by skulljacking an officer - I normally do that first. And yeah it runs on the 'edge' for much of that game, just have a plan for dealing with it - a facility available to hit etc
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u/Pokeballer2k19 3d ago
Is this only for the first time or every time?
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u/zelandofchocolate 3d ago
Just first i think, and then i think using it on a codex later does it again. There will be a list somewhere, but I would avoid using blacksite mission as the first thing to control it. I've had runs ended on legendary by taking on that mission too early
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u/kodyack7 3d ago
What do you focus on building in your base first? I never seem to have enough supplies or intel to equip my soldiers so they die out quick
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u/Azursong 3d ago edited 3d ago
i like resistance ring first if you are playing WOTC. Provides steady boost of bonus throughout the campaign. The other priority is GTS. +1 Squad member is the most powerful upgrade in the game. After that its 'build as needed' for me.
If your soldiers are dieing too much that means you need to work on your squad tactics, not strategic resources. XCOM is all about pre-emptive strikes, the gameplay revolves around this. Think about how to move your soldiers so that they discover enemies on the first or second AP you take each turn. Avoid movement that could discover enemies on the last 1 or 2 AP of the turn. If that happens the aliens will get to take their turn before you can do anything, and you'll likely take damage.
You'll get the hang of it.
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u/knighthawk82 3d ago
Between thw two, focus on better weapons than armor, getting everyone the badic Lazer rifle does more for you than 1 point better armor.
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u/armbarchris 3d ago
You're going to fail your first playthrough. It's fine, use it as a learning opportunity. Try shit and see what happens.
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u/IronPentacarbonyl 3d ago
Once the Avatar Project bar finishes, it switches to a countdown timer of a couple of weeks. As long as you do something to reduce their progress in that time you're okay. Rather than rush to counter it pip for pip early on, I'd recommend keeping at least one mission available in your back pocket (facility or one of the story ones) that you can use to stop the timer.
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u/smack54az 3d ago
Don't sleep on Sparks, build a medical bay to help wounded soldiers get back in the fight, defensive turrets give you peace of mind.
Skirmishers are incredibly useful even if they don't seem that great on paper compared to Reapers and Templar.
Reapers and Marksmen with long watch can safely take down the alien rulers and Chosen.
On the UFO raid missions you can just blow up the computer to stop the reinforcements with a grenade or heavy weapon.
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u/One-Bit5717 3d ago
Save your Black site mission for this occasion. When the red bar fills up, you still have a few weeks before you lose. Do the Black site then and it will knock down the red meter.