A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Weapons in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is renowned for its tactical depth and strategic complexity. One of the most crucial aspects of this experience is the arsenal at your disposal. The right weapon can mean the difference between victory and defeat. In this guide, we’ll explore the best weapons in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, analyzing their strengths, advantages, and how they fit into various tactical scenarios.

1. Introduction to Weapon Systems in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

In XCOM 2, weapons are classified into several categories, including rifles, shotguns, sniper rifles, and more. Each category has its unique strengths and tactical applications. The introduction of the War of the Chosen expansion further enriches the weapon system with new options, upgrades, and enhancements.

1.1. Weapon Categories

• Assault Rifles: Versatile and balanced, ideal for a wide range of combat scenarios.
• Sniper Rifles: High damage and long range, perfect for picking off enemies from a distance.
• Shotguns: Powerful close-range weapons with high damage output.
• Submachine Guns: Lightweight and fast-firing, suitable for rapid engagement.
• Heavy Weapons: Provide high damage and area-of-effect capabilities, often used to deal with groups of enemies.

1.2. Weapon Upgrades

In XCOM 2, weapons can be upgraded with various attachments, such as scopes, extended magazines, and superior materials. These upgrades can significantly enhance weapon performance, making it crucial to understand their impact on different weapons.

2. Top Assault Rifles

Assault rifles are the backbone of many XCOM squads, offering a blend of firepower and versatility. Here are the top assault rifles in War of the Chosen:

**2.1. M4A1 Carbine

Overview: The M4A1 Carbine is a reliable, versatile weapon favored for its balance of range, accuracy, and damage.

Key Features:

• Versatile Performance: Effective at both medium and close range.
• High Accuracy: Good base accuracy that can be improved with scopes.
• Customization Options: Supports a variety of attachments for improved performance.

Why It’s Great: The M4A1 Carbine’s balanced stats make it a go-to choice for many situations, providing consistent performance across different combat scenarios.

**2.2. TAC-50 Rifle

Overview: The TAC-50 Rifle is known for its high damage output and precision.

Key Features:

• High Damage: Delivers significant damage per shot, ideal for taking down heavily armored targets.
• Long Range: Effective at long distances, making it suitable for sniping enemies from afar.
• Precision: High accuracy ensures shots hit their mark.

Why It’s Great: The TAC-50’s high damage and accuracy make it an excellent choice for eliminating high-priority targets from a distance.

**2.3. M16A4

Overview: The M16A4 is a reliable and powerful assault rifle with a solid mix of firepower and versatility.

Key Features:

• Balanced Stats: Offers a good balance between damage, range, and accuracy.
• Automatic Fire: Capable of automatic fire, useful for suppressing enemies and dealing with groups.
• Upgradable: Can be fitted with various attachments to enhance performance.

Why It’s Great: Its versatility makes the M16A4 suitable for various tactical situations, from engaging enemies at medium range to providing suppressive fire.

3. Best Sniper Rifles

Sniper rifles are crucial for providing long-range fire support and picking off high-value targets. Here are the best sniper rifles available:

**3.1. AMR-2 Sniper Rifle

Overview: The AMR-2 Sniper Rifle is designed for high damage and long-range accuracy.

Key Features:

• High Damage Output: Capable of dealing massive damage to enemy targets.
• Long Range: Effective at extreme distances, allowing snipers to stay out of danger.
• Precision: Excellent accuracy ensures consistent hits on target.

Why It’s Great: The AMR-2’s high damage and long-range capability make it ideal for taking out enemies from a distance and providing crucial support to your squad.

**3.2. Remington 700

Overview: The Remington 700 is a classic sniper rifle known for its reliability and precision.

Key Features:

• Accuracy: Provides high accuracy for long-range engagements.
• Consistent Performance: Reliable damage output and performance.
• Customization: Supports various attachments for improved effectiveness.

Why It’s Great: The Remington 700’s combination of accuracy and reliability makes it a solid choice for snipers who need consistent performance in long-range combat.

**3.3. SVD Dragunov

Overview: The SVD Dragunov is a semi-automatic sniper rifle known for its high rate of fire and accuracy.

Key Features:

• Semi-Automatic Fire: Allows for rapid follow-up shots, increasing overall damage output.
• Accuracy: High accuracy makes it effective for long-range engagements.
• Versatility: Can be used effectively in various tactical situations.

Why It’s Great: The SVD Dragunov’s semi-automatic firing mode and accuracy make it a versatile sniper rifle, suitable for both precision shots and rapid engagements.

4. Top Shotguns

Shotguns are formidable close-range weapons that can deal significant damage to enemies in close quarters. Here are the top shotguns in War of the Chosen:

**4.1. Remington 870

Overview: The Remington 870 is a powerful and reliable shotgun designed for close-range combat.

Key Features:

• High Damage: Delivers devastating damage at close range.
• Wide Spread: Effective against multiple targets in close proximity.
• Customization: Supports various attachments to enhance performance.

Why It’s Great: The Remington 870’s high damage and wide spread make it a top choice for clearing enemies in tight spaces and dealing with groups.

**4.2. Mossberg 500

Overview: The Mossberg 500 is a versatile shotgun known for its reliability and power.

Key Features:

• Balanced Performance: Offers a good balance of damage, spread, and rate of fire.
• Versatility: Effective at both short and medium ranges.
• Customization: Can be upgraded with various attachments.

Why It’s Great: The Mossberg 500’s balanced stats and versatility make it a reliable choice for various close-range combat situations.

**4.3. Benelli M4

Overview: The Benelli M4 is a high-performance shotgun with excellent close-range capabilities.

Key Features:

• High Rate of Fire: Allows for rapid follow-up shots.
• High Damage: Delivers powerful damage to enemies at close range.
• Customization: Supports a range of attachments for improved performance.

Why It’s Great: The Benelli M4’s high rate of fire and damage output make it ideal for aggressive close-range combat and dealing with enemy groups.

5. Best Heavy Weapons

Heavy weapons provide high damage and area-of-effect capabilities, making them invaluable in dealing with large groups of enemies or heavily armored targets. Here are the top heavy weapons in War of the Chosen:

**5.1. M134 Minigun

Overview: The M134 Minigun is a powerful heavy weapon known for its high rate of fire and damage output.

Key Features:

• Rapid Fire: Capable of delivering a large volume of fire in a short period.
• High Damage: Effective at shredding enemy armor and dealing with groups.
• Area-of-Effect: Can hit multiple targets in its path.

Why It’s Great: The M134 Minigun’s rapid fire and high damage make it ideal for clearing out enemy groups and dealing with heavily armored foes.

**5.2. M202 FLASH

Overview: The M202 FLASH is a rocket launcher with powerful explosive capabilities.

Key Features:

• Explosive Damage: Delivers devastating explosive damage to enemies.
• Area-of-Effect: Effective against multiple targets in a blast radius.
• Versatility: Can be used to target both enemies and environmental objects.

Why It’s Great: The M202 FLASH’s explosive power and area-of-effect capabilities make it a valuable tool for dealing with large groups of enemies or destroying enemy cover.

**5.3. GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun)

Overview: The GPMG is a versatile heavy machine gun with a balance of firepower and accuracy.

Key Features:

• Sustained Fire: Capable of providing continuous fire for suppressing enemies.
• Balanced Performance: Offers a mix of damage, accuracy, and rate of fire.
• Customization: Supports various attachments for enhanced performance.

Why It’s Great: The GPMG’s sustained fire and balanced stats make it a reliable choice for providing support and suppressing enemy positions.

6. Weapon Upgrades and Customization

Upgrading and customizing weapons in XCOM 2 is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. Here’s an overview of some key upgrades and customization options:

6.1. Weapon Upgrades

Scopes: Scopes improve accuracy, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges. They can also enhance critical hit chances, which is vital for snipers and rifles.

Extended Magazines: Extended magazines increase the number of rounds a weapon can hold before needing to reload. This is particularly useful for weapons with a high rate of fire, like machine guns and assault rifles.

Laser Sights: Laser sights improve a weapon’s accuracy and can also add bonus damage. They are especially useful for shotguns and rifles where precision is critical.

Reinforced Barrels: These upgrades improve a weapon’s overall damage and range. Reinforced barrels are beneficial for sniper rifles and heavy weapons where maximizing damage is crucial.

Advanced Stocks: Advanced stocks reduce weapon recoil and improve aim stability, making them ideal for rifles and sniper rifles where accuracy is essential.

6.2. Weapon Customization

Attachments: Customizing your weapons with various attachments can tailor their performance to specific needs. For instance, adding a silencer to a rifle can help with stealth missions, while an underslung grenade launcher can provide additional utility in combat.

Upgrade Paths: Some weapons have specific upgrade paths that enhance their performance. For example, upgrading a sniper rifle to have a longer range or higher damage output can make it more effective in taking down high-priority targets.

Appearance Modifications: While primarily aesthetic, customizing the appearance of your weapons can help personalize your squad and make the game more enjoyable.

7. Choosing the Best Weapons for Different Scenarios

Different missions and enemy types require different strategies and weapon choices. Here’s how to choose the best weapons for various scenarios:

7.1. Urban Combat

In urban environments with tight spaces and multiple floors, shotguns and submachine guns excel due to their high damage output and close-range effectiveness. The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are excellent choices for this type of combat.

Recommended Weapons:

• Remington 870: High damage and spread make it ideal for clearing rooms.
• Mossberg 500: Versatility and balanced performance suit urban warfare.

7.2. Long-Range Engagements

For long-range engagements, sniper rifles and rifles with high accuracy and damage are preferred. The AMR-2 Sniper Rifle and TAC-50 Rifle are great choices for picking off enemies from a distance.

Recommended Weapons:

• AMR-2 Sniper Rifle: High damage and accuracy for long-range shots.
• TAC-50 Rifle: Powerful and precise, suitable for eliminating high-value targets.

7.3. High-Density Combat

In situations with large groups of enemies, heavy weapons and rapid-fire rifles are essential. The M134 Minigun and M202 FLASH are effective at dealing with multiple targets and providing area-of-effect damage.

Recommended Weapons:

• M134 Minigun: High rate of fire and damage for crowd control.
• M202 FLASH: Explosive damage to clear out groups of enemies.

7.4. Stealth Missions

For stealth missions, weapons that allow for silent takedowns or low-profile operations are crucial. Sniper rifles with silenced upgrades and rifles with scopes for precision are beneficial.

Recommended Weapons:

• Silenced Sniper Rifle: Allows for silent elimination of targets from afar.
• Silenced Assault Rifle: Effective for stealthy engagements while remaining versatile.

8. Modding and Community Recommendations

The XCOM 2 modding community has produced many mods that enhance or change weapon mechanics, providing additional options and balance adjustments. Here are some notable mods and community recommendations:

8.1. Weapon Overhaul Mods

Long War 2: This mod introduces extensive changes to weapon stats and customization, providing a more challenging and immersive experience.

The Alien Hunters: Adds new alien weapons and upgrades, enhancing the variety of weapons available in the game.

8.2. Cosmetic Mods

Weapon Skins: Various mods provide new skins and appearances for weapons, allowing for greater personalization of your arsenal.

Animations: Mods that change weapon animations can enhance the visual appeal of combat and make the game more engaging.

8.3. Balance Mods

XCOM 2 Balance Mod: Adjusts weapon stats to provide a more balanced experience, addressing any overpowered or underpowered weapons.

Enhanced Weapon Customization: Expands the customization options available for weapons, allowing for more tailored performance.

9. Conclusion

In XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, choosing the best weapons is crucial for success in various combat scenarios. Whether you’re engaging in close-quarters battles, long-range sniping, or heavy assaults, selecting the right weapon can make a significant difference.

Summary of Top Weapons

• Assault Rifles: M4A1 Carbine, TAC-50 Rifle, M16A4.
• Sniper Rifles: AMR-2 Sniper Rifle, Remington 700, SVD Dragunov.
• Shotguns: Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Benelli M4.
• Heavy Weapons: M134 Minigun, M202 FLASH, GPMG.

By understanding the strengths and applications of these weapons, you can build a well-rounded squad capable of tackling any challenge that comes your way. Combine these weapons with thoughtful upgrades and customization to optimize their performance and adapt to various combat scenarios.

Whether you’re a veteran player or new to XCOM 2, knowing how to leverage the best weapons will enhance your tactical prowess and contribute to a successful campaign.