Best weapons xcom enemy unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game where players command a squad of soldiers to fight off an alien invasion. The effectiveness of your squad is heavily influenced by the weapons they wield. Choosing the best weapons can significantly impact your chances of success in the game’s challenging missions. This comprehensive review explores the best weapons in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, analyzing their features, strengths, weaknesses, and the roles they play in different scenarios.

1. Understanding Weapon Categories

In XCOM: Enemy Unknown, weapons are categorized into several types:

1. Rifles
2. Shotguns
3. Sniper Rifles
4. Heavy Weapons
5. Pistols
6. Exalt Weapons (from the Enemy Within expansion)

Each weapon category has unique attributes and plays a different role on the battlefield. Understanding these roles helps in selecting the most suitable weapons for your squad.

2. Best Rifles

Rifles are the backbone of any squad in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. They offer a balance of damage, accuracy, and versatility. The best rifles include:

2.1. Laser Rifle

• Features: The Laser Rifle is the first significant upgrade from standard ballistic rifles, offering increased damage and accuracy. It also has a faster rate of fire compared to early-game rifles.
• Strengths: The Laser Rifle deals more damage per shot than earlier rifles and is effective against most enemies encountered in the mid-game. It’s also useful in overcoming some of the armor types encountered later.
• Weaknesses: While it’s a significant upgrade from the standard rifle, it does not offer the same level of firepower as more advanced weapons. It also doesn’t have any special effects or unique abilities.

2.2. Plasma Rifle

• Features: The Plasma Rifle is a powerful upgrade from the Laser Rifle, featuring higher damage output and better accuracy. It represents a significant technological leap and is highly effective against most enemy types.
• Strengths: The Plasma Rifle’s high damage and accuracy make it ideal for dealing with heavily armored enemies. Its performance is reliable throughout the latter stages of the game.
• Weaknesses: It requires advanced research and resources to obtain, making it a late-game weapon. Its high damage output can also make it somewhat overpowered for lower-tier missions.

2.3. Gauss Rifle (from Enemy Within)

• Features: The Gauss Rifle is a hybrid weapon introduced in the Enemy Within expansion, combining high damage with the unique ability to penetrate enemy armor.
• Strengths: Its armor-piercing capability makes it exceptionally effective against heavily armored aliens. It also has a good balance of accuracy and damage.
• Weaknesses: Like other advanced weapons, it is available only after significant progression in the game. It can be resource-intensive to upgrade and maintain.

3. Best Shotguns

Shotguns excel in close-quarters combat, dealing substantial damage to enemies within a short range. The best shotguns include:

3.1. Laser Shotgun

• Features: The Laser Shotgun provides a substantial increase in damage over the standard shotgun. It has a wide spread, making it effective for close-quarters engagements.
• Strengths: The high damage output and wide spread are ideal for dealing with enemies in tight spaces or rooms. It’s particularly useful for Assault class soldiers who often find themselves in close combat situations.
• Weaknesses: The Laser Shotgun is less effective at longer ranges and may struggle against enemies with high mobility or armor. Its effectiveness decreases when enemies are spread out.

3.2. Plasma Shotgun

• Features: The Plasma Shotgun offers even more damage and improved accuracy compared to its Laser counterpart. It also has a wider spread, making it deadly in close-quarters combat.
• Strengths: Its high damage and effective spread make it one of the best options for Assault soldiers engaging in close-range combat. It can decimate enemies quickly when used properly.
• Weaknesses: Similar to other shotguns, it is less effective at long ranges and can be less versatile in missions that require engagement from a distance.

4. Best Sniper Rifles

Sniper Rifles are crucial for providing long-range support and dealing with high-value targets. The best sniper rifles include:

4.1. Laser Sniper Rifle

• Features: The Laser Sniper Rifle offers increased damage and accuracy over the standard sniper rifle, making it a powerful tool for long-range engagements.
• Strengths: Its high damage and precision make it ideal for picking off key targets from a distance. It is especially effective when combined with abilities that enhance its critical hit chance.
• Weaknesses: The Laser Sniper Rifle is less effective in close-quarters combat and requires careful positioning to maximize its effectiveness.

4.2. Plasma Sniper Rifle

• Features: The Plasma Sniper Rifle provides a significant boost in damage and accuracy over the Laser Sniper Rifle, making it a top choice for dealing with high-priority targets.
• Strengths: Its superior damage output and precision make it highly effective against most enemies, including those with heavy armor. It’s essential for dealing with tough opponents from a safe distance.
• Weaknesses: As with other advanced weapons, it requires substantial research and resources to obtain and upgrade. Its effectiveness diminishes if the enemy is too close or if the Sniper is not properly positioned.

5. Best Heavy Weapons

Heavy Weapons are designed to deal massive damage and control the battlefield. The best heavy weapons include:

5.1. Rocket Launcher

• Features: The Rocket Launcher fires a high-explosive rocket that deals substantial area-of-effect damage, making it ideal for breaking enemy cover and dealing with groups of enemies.
• Strengths: Its ability to clear large areas and destroy enemy cover makes it invaluable in missions where controlling the battlefield is crucial. It’s particularly effective against clusters of enemies or heavily fortified positions.
• Weaknesses: The Rocket Launcher has limited ammunition and can be less effective in missions requiring precision or stealth. It can also be less effective against enemies that are spread out.

5.2. Plasma Cannon

• Features: The Plasma Cannon is a high-powered energy weapon that deals significant damage in a concentrated beam. It’s a step up from the Rocket Launcher in terms of damage output and precision.
• Strengths: Its high damage and precision make it effective for dealing with armored enemies and high-value targets. It also provides a good balance of firepower and accuracy.
• Weaknesses: Like other heavy weapons, it can be less versatile in missions requiring rapid movement or precision. Its high damage output can also make it resource-intensive to use.

6. Best Pistols

Pistols are secondary weapons that can be used in various situations. While they typically offer lower damage compared to primary weapons, some pistols have unique attributes that make them valuable.

6.1. Laser Pistol

• Features: The Laser Pistol provides a moderate increase in damage over the standard pistol. It’s a reliable sidearm for soldiers who need an additional weapon in close-quarters combat.
• Strengths: Its increased damage and accuracy make it a valuable secondary weapon. It’s particularly useful for soldiers who need a reliable backup in tight situations.
• Weaknesses: Pistols generally have lower damage output compared to primary weapons and may not be as effective in high-stakes engagements.

6.2. Plasma Pistol

• Features: The Plasma Pistol offers even more damage and accuracy compared to the Laser Pistol, making it a powerful secondary weapon.
• Strengths: Its high damage and reliability make it an excellent choice for soldiers who need a powerful sidearm. It’s particularly useful for situations where a primary weapon is not practical.
• Weaknesses: Like other pistols, it has lower damage compared to primary weapons and may not be as effective in more challenging scenarios.

7. Exalt Weapons (from Enemy Within)

Exalt weapons were introduced in the Enemy Within expansion and provide additional options for players. These weapons are used by the Exalt faction and include:

7.1. Exalt Rifle

• Features: The Exalt Rifle offers similar performance to the basic rifles but with some unique attributes. It provides a balanced option for players who encounter Exalt enemies.
• Strengths: It has balanced damage and accuracy, making it a versatile choice for various situations. It also provides a good balance between performance and resource investment.
• Weaknesses: It may not offer the same level of damage or specialization as advanced weapons but serves as a reliable option against Exalt forces.

7.2. Exalt Shotgun

• Features: The Exalt Shotgun offers high damage in close-quarters combat, similar to other shotguns but with unique attributes.
• Strengths: It’s effective in tight spaces and can deal substantial damage at close range. Its performance is comparable to other shotguns.
• Weaknesses: It is less effective at longer ranges and may struggle in missions requiring precision or stealth.

8. Choosing the Best Weapons

The choice of the best weapons in XCOM: Enemy Unknown depends on various factors, including the mission objectives, enemy types, and squad composition. Here are some considerations for selecting the best weapons:

8.1. Mission Objectives

• Assault Missions: For missions requiring aggressive engagement, the Plasma Rifle and Plasma Shotgun offer high damage and effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
• Area Control: In missions where controlling large areas or breaking enemy cover is crucial, the Rocket Launcher and Plasma Cannon are highly effective.
• Precision and Support: The Plasma Sniper Rifle and Laser Pistol excel in situations where precision is key. The Plasma Sniper Rifle can take down high-value targets from a distance, while the Laser Pistol provides reliable backup in close encounters. For support roles, integrating weapons that enhance the squad’s versatility and adaptability is crucial.

8.2. Enemy Types

• Armored Enemies: Enemies with heavy armor require high-damage weapons or those with armor-piercing capabilities. The Plasma Rifle and Gauss Rifle are particularly effective against armored foes, while the Rocket Launcher can help in clearing out groups of heavily armored enemies.
• Swarm Enemies: When facing enemies that appear in large numbers, weapons with area-of-effect capabilities, like the Rocket Launcher and Plasma Cannon, are advantageous. Additionally, the Laser Shotgun’s wide spread is effective for dealing with multiple enemies in close quarters.

8.3. Squad Composition

• Balanced Squads: For well-rounded squads, having a mix of rifles and shotguns allows for flexibility. The Plasma Rifle can handle various enemies with high damage, while the Laser Shotgun ensures close-quarters combat effectiveness.
• Specialized Roles: If your squad has specialized roles such as snipers or heavy weapons experts, equipping them with the best sniper rifles or heavy weapons enhances their effectiveness. For snipers, the Plasma Sniper Rifle is ideal, while heavies benefit greatly from the Rocket Launcher or Plasma Cannon.

9. Advanced Weapon Tactics

Effective use of weapons in XCOM: Enemy Unknown goes beyond just selecting the best ones; it involves understanding their tactical applications:

9.1. Weapon Upgrades

• Weapon Mods: Upgrading weapons with mods such as scopes, laser sights, and autoloaders can significantly enhance their performance. For instance, a weapon with an autoloader can fire more frequently, while a scope improves accuracy.
• Customization: Tailoring weapons to specific roles within the squad, such as equipping snipers with scopes and assault soldiers with extended mags, optimizes their effectiveness in different scenarios.

9.2. Positioning and Cover

• Optimal Positioning: Positioning your soldiers in advantageous locations, such as high ground or behind cover, maximizes their weapon effectiveness. For snipers, placing them on high ground ensures better visibility and accuracy.
• Cover Usage: Using cover effectively reduces the chances of enemy hits and allows for better weapon utilization. Weapons with high damage can make quick work of enemies hiding behind cover.

9.3. Overwatch and Reaction Fire

• Overwatch: Utilizing weapons in Overwatch mode allows soldiers to fire at enemies during their movement phase. Equip weapons with high accuracy and damage for effective overwatch strategies.
• Reaction Fire: Weapons with high damage potential are valuable for reaction fire, allowing soldiers to deal significant damage to enemies who move within their line of sight.

10. Comparative Analysis

To provide a clear picture of the best weapons, a comparative analysis of the key weapons is essential:

10.1. Laser Rifle vs. Plasma Rifle

• Damage: The Plasma Rifle outperforms the Laser Rifle in terms of damage, making it more effective against tougher enemies.
• Accuracy: Both rifles offer high accuracy, but the Plasma Rifle’s superior damage provides a more significant advantage in difficult encounters.

10.2. Laser Shotgun vs. Plasma Shotgun

• Damage Output: The Plasma Shotgun deals more damage than the Laser Shotgun, making it more effective in high-risk close combat situations.
• Range and Spread: Both shotguns excel in close quarters, but the Plasma Shotgun’s enhanced damage provides a more decisive edge.

10.3. Plasma Sniper Rifle vs. Laser Sniper Rifle

• Damage and Precision: The Plasma Sniper Rifle offers higher damage and precision compared to the Laser Sniper Rifle, making it ideal for dealing with high-priority targets.
• Resource Requirement: The Plasma Sniper Rifle requires more resources and research, but its enhanced capabilities justify the investment.

10.4. Rocket Launcher vs. Plasma Cannon

• Area-of-Effect: Both weapons provide significant area-of-effect damage, but the Plasma Cannon offers higher precision and damage output.
• Utility: The Rocket Launcher is more versatile for clearing large groups, while the Plasma Cannon’s precision makes it valuable for targeted attacks.

11. Conclusion

Choosing the best weapons in XCOM: Enemy Unknown involves considering various factors, including mission objectives, enemy types, and squad composition. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons, players can tailor their arsenal to suit their playstyle and the challenges they face.

Laser Rifles and Plasma Rifles offer a balance of damage and accuracy, making them reliable choices for most situations. Shotguns, such as the Laser Shotgun and Plasma Shotgun, excel in close-quarters combat, while Sniper Rifles like the Plasma Sniper Rifle provide long-range support. Heavy Weapons such as the Rocket Launcher and Plasma Cannon are crucial for dealing with large groups and heavily armored enemies.

Ultimately, the best weapons in XCOM: Enemy Unknown are those that align with your strategic approach and the specific demands of each mission. By selecting and upgrading weapons strategically, players can enhance their effectiveness and achieve success in the challenging and immersive world of XCOM: Enemy Unknown.