XCOM 2: War of the Chosen Achievements

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is not just a standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed XCOM 2 but a significant enhancement that introduces a plethora of new features, enemies, and challenges. For those aiming to unlock all the achievements in this expansion, there’s a lot to consider. This guide will delve into the details of each achievement, providing tips and strategies on how to unlock them, and offering insight into the game mechanics that you’ll need to master to achieve 100% completion.

1. Introduction to War of the Chosen Achievements

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen adds over 20 new achievements, each corresponding to various aspects of the game, including new gameplay features, mission objectives, and specific challenges related to the Chosen – the game’s new powerful adversaries. These achievements are designed to test your strategic thinking, adaptability, and understanding of the game’s mechanics.

2. Chosen and Resistance Achievements

The War of the Chosen expansion introduces three new alien leaders known as the Chosen, each with unique abilities and challenges. The Resistance factions – the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars – are also a critical part of the game. Many achievements are tied to interactions with these new elements.

A. The Chosen

1. “The Harder They Fall”
   • Objective: Kill all three Chosen.
   • Tips: The Chosen – the Hunter, the Warlock, and the Assassin – each require different strategies to defeat. Focus on countering their strengths and exploiting their weaknesses. Equip your soldiers with the right gear, and don’t hesitate to retreat if a mission goes awry. Remember that the final confrontation with a Chosen happens in their stronghold, so be prepared for a tough battle.
2. “Exquisite Timing”
   • Objective: Beat the game on Commander+ difficulty by July 1st.
   • Tips: This achievement requires not only defeating the Chosen but doing so efficiently. Prioritize your objectives, make sure to manage the Avatar Project, and use Resistance Orders to your advantage. Mastering the game’s strategic layer is crucial for this achievement.
3. “A Rival Silenced”
   • Objective: Permanently defeat one of the Chosen.
   • Tips: After encountering a Chosen multiple times, you’ll get the opportunity to raid their stronghold. Use Covert Actions to find the stronghold’s location, then assemble your best team to take them down once and for all.

B. Resistance Factions

1. “No One Left Behind”
   • Objective: Rescue a soldier who was captured by the Chosen.
   • Tips: Occasionally, the Chosen will capture your soldiers. To rescue them, you’ll need to embark on a special rescue mission. These missions can be challenging, so make sure your squad is well-equipped and prepared for the task.
2. “Born in the Darkness”
   • Objective: Get four kills from Shadow mode with a Reaper in a single mission.
   • Tips: Shadow mode is a unique ability of the Reaper class that allows them to remain concealed while attacking. Use the Reaper’s Banish ability or sniper shots from concealment to pick off enemies without being detected.
3. “It Takes Two”
   • Objective: Form a level 3 bond between two soldiers.
   • Tips: Bonds between soldiers grow as they complete missions together. To form a level 3 bond, regularly deploy the bonded pair on missions and ensure they both survive. Utilize the Training Center to improve their bond and unlock powerful bond abilities.
4. “Circle of Psi”
   • Objective: Raise a Templar to maximum Focus level, spend it all, and reach the max again in a single mission.
   • Tips: Templars generate Focus by killing enemies and using certain abilities. To achieve this, you’ll need to carefully manage your Focus generation and expenditure during a mission. Try to target enemies that can be easily killed and use the gained Focus for powerful abilities like Volt and Rend.

3. Advent and Alien Achievements

War of the Chosen also introduces new enemy types, including the Lost and new Advent units. Several achievements are tied to defeating these enemies or accomplishing specific tasks during missions involving them.

A. The Lost

1. “Zombie Slayer”
   • Objective: Kill 15 zombies with a single soldier in a single mission.
   • Tips: The Lost appear in large hordes and can be killed with a single shot if you hit them. Equip a soldier with an Assault Rifle or Shotgun and position them in a place where they can take multiple shots without moving. Abilities that grant extra actions, like Reaper (for Rangers), can also be very useful.
2. “The Lost Tower”
   • Objective: Complete the Lost Towers mission.
   • Tips: This mission is part of the Shen’s Last Gift DLC, integrated into War of the Chosen. It introduces the SPARK unit. Focus on staying mobile and dealing with the Lost efficiently to complete the mission.
3. “Bring It Down”
   • Objective: Sabotage an Advent facility.
   • Tips: Facility Sabotage missions are critical for reducing the Avatar Project progress. Make sure to scout the facility before going in, and be prepared for a tough fight, as these facilities are often heavily guarded.

B. ADVENT Units

1. “Now Am I Become Death”
   • Objective: Kill 3 enemies in a single turn with a Skirmisher.
   • Tips: Skirmishers are highly mobile and can chain attacks together. Use abilities like Justice or Wrath to pull enemies towards you, then follow up with melee or ranged attacks to quickly eliminate multiple foes in a single turn.
2. “Always Be Shooting”
   • Objective: Hit three shots on a single turn with a SPARK unit.
   • Tips: SPARK units, introduced in the Shen’s Last Gift DLC, have a powerful Overdrive ability that allows them to take multiple actions in a single turn. Equip your SPARK with weapons that have high ammo capacity, and position it in a way that maximizes its firing opportunities.
3. “Hail of Bullets”
   • Objective: Complete a mission with a SPARK unit in the squad.
   • Tips: Simply deploy a SPARK unit on a mission and complete the objective. SPARKs are robust units with high durability, making them excellent for frontline combat.

4. Unique Mission Achievements

Certain achievements in War of the Chosen are tied to unique missions or specific tasks that must be completed during these missions. These achievements often require careful planning and execution.

A. Covert Actions

1. “Matter Over Mind”
   • Objective: Complete a mission with a squad of only Psi Operatives, Templars, and Skirmishers.
   • Tips: This achievement requires you to have advanced in the game to the point where you have access to multiple Psi Operatives and Templars or Skirmishers. These units all have unique abilities that can complement each other well, so plan your strategy around their strengths.
2. “Unified Resistance”
   • Objective: Get all three Resistance factions to maximum relationship status in a single game.
   • Tips: Focus on completing Covert Actions for each faction and responding to their requests. Additionally, make sure to use Resistance Orders that increase your standing with these factions. Keep in mind that some Covert Actions can negatively impact your relationship with one faction while improving it with another, so choose wisely.
3. “Fully Operational Resistance”
   • Objective: Construct all Resistance Comms, Workshops, and Laboratories on the Avenger.
   • Tips: This achievement requires you to build all possible facilities on the Avenger. Prioritize your construction projects to ensure you can build everything by the end of the game. You may need to excavate all available spaces to achieve this.

B. Story-Related Achievements

1. “The Sun Never Sets”
   • Objective: Complete a campaign with all continents contacted.
   • Tips: This achievement requires you to expand your influence across the entire globe. Make sure to prioritize making contact with new regions as soon as possible, and build and upgrade your Resistance Comms facility to increase the number of regions you can contact.
2. “The Few and the Proud”
   • Objective: Beat the game on Commander+ difficulty without buying a Squad Size upgrade.
   • Tips: This achievement is challenging, as it restricts your squad size to the default four soldiers. You’ll need to rely heavily on strategy, bonds, and advanced abilities to succeed. Carefully manage your resources and always plan several steps ahead.
3. “Weary Warriors”
   • Objective: Complete a mission with all soldiers tired.
   • Tips: Soldiers become tired after missions, reducing their effectiveness in combat. To achieve this, deploy soldiers who are already tired from previous missions. This can be risky, as tired soldiers are more likely to suffer from negative traits or panic during combat.

5. Time-Sensitive and Conditional Achievements

Some achievements in War of the Chosen are tied to specific conditions or time limits. These require careful planning and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.

A. Speedrun Achievements

1. “Exquisite Timing”
   • Objective: Beat the game on Commander+ difficulty by July 1st.
   • Tips: This achievement demands efficient gameplay and quick decision-making. You’ll need to focus on completing key story missions while keeping the Avatar Project in check. Maximize your usage of Covert Actions to boost your efficiency, and prioritize the Chosen’s Strongholds early to eliminate their constant interference. Balancing your research, facility building, and mission completion is crucial. Keep an eye on the global timer and avoid unnecessary delays.
2. “Who Needs Tygan?”
   • Objective: Beat the final mission without researching any Beam Weapons.
   • Tips: This is a tough achievement, as Beam Weapons are a significant upgrade in firepower. To compensate, focus on alternative strategies like Psi Operatives, advanced armor, and special abilities from the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars. Use Guerilla Tactics School upgrades to enhance your soldiers’ effectiveness, and make good use of explosives and other non-weapon tools to deal damage.
3. “Weary Warriors”
   • Objective: Complete a mission with all soldiers tired.
   • Tips: This achievement is relatively straightforward if you plan it towards the end of your campaign. To maximize the chances of success, choose a mission with lower stakes or one where you have the advantage. Utilize bonds and advanced abilities to offset the tiredness debuffs. Remember that tired soldiers are more susceptible to panic, so keep your squad’s morale high with bonding activities and strategic gameplay.

B. Conditional Achievements

1. “Valhalla”
   • Objective: Beat the game on Commander+ difficulty in Ironman mode.
   • Tips: Ironman mode is one of the most challenging ways to play XCOM 2, as it disables manual saves, meaning every decision is permanent. To earn this achievement, you must play cautiously and strategically. Always have backup plans, and never underestimate the enemy. Focus on diversifying your squad and keeping key soldiers alive. Understanding the game’s mechanics and anticipating enemy moves are essential for success.
2. “No One Left Behind”
   • Objective: Rescue a captured soldier.
   • Tips: Captured soldiers can be rescued through Covert Actions or specific rescue missions. To ensure a successful rescue, prioritize the mission and send a well-balanced team. Be aware that rescue missions can be unpredictable, so always prepare for the worst. Equip your squad with items that can deal with various enemy types, and use stealth tactics when possible to minimize engagements.
3. “Excalibur”
   • Objective: Build the Blademaster sword.
   • Tips: The Blademaster sword is a special weapon that requires you to progress through the Reaper faction’s Covert Actions and complete specific research. Ensure you’re allocating resources towards this goal early on, and keep your Reapers active in missions to accelerate progress. Once available, the Blademaster sword offers significant melee combat advantages, particularly for Rangers.
4. “Heavy Metal”
   • Objective: Kill an enemy with every heavy weapon in the game (Flamethrower, Rocket Launcher, Shredder Gun, etc.).
   • Tips: Heavy weapons are typically mounted on SPARK units and the EXO or WAR suits. As you progress through the game, make sure to build and equip each type of heavy weapon. Plan missions where you can effectively use these weapons against the right targets. Some heavy weapons are more situational, so take the opportunity to deploy them in specific missions that suit their capabilities.
5. “Born in the Darkness”
   • Objective: Get four kills from Shadow mode with a Reaper in a single mission.
   • Tips: Shadow mode allows Reapers to remain concealed while attacking, which is crucial for achieving this objective. Select missions with plenty of weak or isolated enemies and position your Reaper strategically. Utilize the Banish ability or high-crit shots to maximize damage while staying in concealment. It’s important to carefully choose the Reaper’s targets and plan your moves to avoid breaking concealment prematurely.

6. Combat-Related Achievements

Combat achievements in War of the Chosen often require specific actions or feats during battles. These can range from using particular abilities to achieving kill streaks or surviving difficult encounters.

A. Ability-Specific Achievements

1. “Overpowered”
   • Objective: Kill an enemy with every non-standard explosive (Acid, Incendiary, EMP, etc.).
   • Tips: Non-standard explosives are specialized grenades that have different effects on enemies. As you unlock and build these grenades, plan your mission loadouts to include them. Some grenades work better against specific enemy types, so choose your targets wisely. This achievement can be spread out across multiple missions, so focus on one type of grenade per mission to ensure you eventually cover all bases.
2. “Now Am I Become Death”
   • Objective: Kill three enemies in a single turn with a Skirmisher.
   • Tips: Skirmishers excel at close combat and can chain multiple attacks in a single turn using abilities like Justice, Wrath, and the Skirmisher’s grappling hook. To maximize the chances of this achievement, target low-health enemies or those that are already damaged. Position your Skirmisher in the thick of the action, where they can reach multiple targets without needing to move far.
3. “A New Alliance”
   • Objective: Complete a mission with only Resistance faction soldiers.
   • Tips: This achievement requires a mission with soldiers exclusively from the Resistance factions: Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars. Plan this for a mission where the enemy force composition is predictable, and take advantage of each faction’s unique strengths. Reapers can handle stealth operations, Skirmishers excel in mobility and versatility, and Templars are powerful melee fighters with strong Psi abilities.

B. Kill Streak Achievements

1. “Bring It Down”
   • Objective: Sabotage an Advent facility.
   • Tips: Sabotaging Advent facilities is essential for delaying the Avatar Project. These missions often require you to fight through heavily defended locations, so bring a well-rounded squad. Use high-damage abilities and weapons to clear rooms quickly, and always keep an eye on the mission timer to ensure you can plant the charges before reinforcements overwhelm you.
2. “Zombie Slayer”
   • Objective: Kill 15 zombies with a single soldier in a single mission.
   • Tips: The Lost, zombie-like enemies, often appear in large swarms, making this achievement easier to obtain during Lost-heavy missions. Equip a soldier with an Assault Rifle or Shotgun, as these weapons offer the right balance of damage and ammo capacity. Position your soldier in a place with good visibility and an open field of fire, and let the zombies come to you. Abilities that grant extra actions, like Reaper, can also be invaluable for racking up kills.
3. “Heroes of the Resistance”
   • Objective: Beat the game on Commander+ difficulty without losing a soldier.
   • Tips: This is one of the most challenging achievements, requiring flawless gameplay from start to finish. To achieve this, prioritize soldier survivability at all costs. Use defensive tactics, cover, and abilities that can negate or reduce incoming damage. Bonds between soldiers can help mitigate panic or negative effects when things go wrong. Always have a backup plan, and don’t be afraid to retreat if a mission goes south.

7. Strategy Layer Achievements

The strategy layer in War of the Chosen has several achievements tied to managing your resources, building facilities, and advancing your strategic goals.

A. Facility and Research Achievements

1. “Fully Operational Resistance”
   • Objective: Construct all Resistance Comms, Workshops, and Laboratories on the Avenger.
   • Tips: Building every facility requires careful resource management and strategic planning. Ensure you prioritize Engineers and Scientists in Covert Actions to speed up construction and research times. Make use of the Workshop’s adjacency bonuses to maximize efficiency, and ensure you’re always building towards your final facility goals. Excavating the Avenger’s facilities as soon as possible will give you the space you need.
2. “The Sun Never Sets”
   • Objective: Complete a campaign with all continents contacted.
   • Tips: Expanding your influence across the globe is key to this achievement. Build Resistance Comms early and upgrade them as needed to increase your contact capacity. Use Covert Actions and Intel to speed up the process of contacting new regions. Keep an eye on your supplies and make sure to balance expansion with defense, as the Avatar Project can progress quickly if you neglect certain regions.
3. “Know Thy Enemy”
   • Objective: Research each type of ADVENT soldier.
   • Tips: Researching ADVENT soldiers requires you to recover their corpses from the battlefield, so be mindful of which enemies you kill and retrieve. Prioritize missions that involve new enemy types, and always aim to leave a few enemies alive for research purposes. The faster you complete autopsies, the quicker you’ll unlock new technologies and abilities to use against the ADVENT forces.

B. Strategic Gameplay Achievements

1. “Unified Resistance”
   • Objective: Get all three Resistance factions (Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars) to maximum relationship status in a single game.
   • Tips: Achieving maximum relationship status with each faction involves completing their unique Covert Actions and missions while fulfilling their requests. Prioritize Covert Actions that improve your standing with each faction and assign high-ranking soldiers to ensure success. Additionally, focus on eliminating the Chosen early, as doing so will earn you favor with the factions. Balance your efforts between the factions to avoid neglecting any one group, and aim to consistently improve relationships throughout the campaign.
2. “Global Resistance”
   • Objective: Complete all Guerrilla Ops in a single campaign.
   • Tips: Guerrilla Ops are crucial for maintaining global stability and preventing Dark Events from occurring. Make sure to complete each Guerrilla Op as they become available, even if it means making sacrifices in other areas. Prioritize Ops that counter the most dangerous Dark Events or those that provide valuable rewards. Use your Intel to choose the most critical Ops, and always have a squad ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
3. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”
   • Objective: Complete all Covert Actions in a single campaign.
   • Tips: Covert Actions are a significant part of War of the Chosen’s strategy layer, offering various rewards and bonuses. To complete all Covert Actions, focus on building the Resistance Ring early and always have soldiers assigned to active missions. Use the extra slots from upgraded facilities to run multiple Covert Actions simultaneously. Be aware of the risks associated with each action, such as ambushes or soldier injuries, and plan accordingly.
4. “Shadow Chamber Master”
   • Objective: Complete all Shadow Chamber projects.
   • Tips: The Shadow Chamber is vital for advancing the main storyline and gaining valuable intel on enemy forces. To complete all projects, make sure to gather the necessary alien materials during missions and prioritize the construction of the Shadow Chamber. Balance your research between advancing the story and completing these projects, as they often lead to significant tactical advantages. Keep an eye on the Avatar Project progress, as completing Shadow Chamber projects can sometimes be critical for delaying its completion.

8. Base Management Achievements

Base management in War of the Chosen involves optimizing your facilities, staff, and resources to build a strong foundation for your resistance efforts. Several achievements are tied to effectively managing these aspects.

A. Staff and Facility Optimization

1. “Field Commander”
   • Objective: Promote a soldier to the rank of Colonel.
   • Tips: Promoting a soldier to Colonel requires them to gain experience through successful missions and kills. Assign your most promising soldiers to key missions where they can earn significant experience, and ensure they survive by prioritizing their safety and health. Use the Advanced Warfare Center to speed up healing times and get them back into action quickly. Bonding soldiers with others can also provide additional experience through joint kills and missions.
2. “Fully Armed and Operational”
   • Objective: Build every type of facility on the Avenger.
   • Tips: Building every facility requires careful planning of your Avenger’s available space and resources. Start by prioritizing essential facilities like the Guerrilla Tactics School, Resistance Comms, and the Psi Lab. As you progress, focus on building specialized facilities like the Defense Matrix and Workshop. Be mindful of power consumption and make sure to upgrade your Power Relays as needed. Excavating new spaces as soon as possible will allow you to construct the remaining facilities and earn this achievement.
3. “Master Tactician”
   • Objective: Complete a mission with a squad of Colonels only.
   • Tips: Completing a mission with an all-Colonel squad requires patience and careful management of your soldiers’ experience. Focus on promoting multiple soldiers to Colonel rank by assigning them to missions where they can earn high experience points. Once you have a full squad of Colonels, choose a mission that plays to their strengths, ensuring you bring a well-rounded team that can handle any threat. This achievement is best pursued late in the campaign when your roster is well-developed.
4. “Psi Master”
   • Objective: Fully upgrade a Psi Operative.
   • Tips: Psi Operatives gain new abilities through training in the Psi Lab. To fully upgrade a Psi Operative, prioritize building the Psi Lab early and continuously train them until they have unlocked all available abilities. Assign them to missions to gain combat experience, and use their unique abilities to gain an edge in difficult encounters. A fully upgraded Psi Operative can become one of your most powerful soldiers, capable of turning the tide of battle with their mind.
5. “Hero of the Resistance”
   • Objective: Unlock all possible orders in the Resistance Ring.
   • Tips: Resistance Orders provide various bonuses and are unlocked through completing Covert Actions and improving your relationships with the Resistance factions. To unlock all possible orders, focus on completing faction-specific Covert Actions and leveling up your faction influence. Each faction has its unique orders, so diversify your Covert Actions to ensure you unlock them all. Consider the impact of each order on your overall strategy and prioritize those that complement your playstyle.

9. Endgame and Narrative Achievements

As you approach the endgame in War of the Chosen, several achievements are tied to completing key story missions, defeating the Chosen, and finishing the campaign under specific conditions.

A. Story and Campaign Completion Achievements

1. “Defender of Humanity”
   • Objective: Complete the final mission on any difficulty.
   • Tips: The final mission of War of the Chosen is a challenging, multi-stage encounter that requires a well-prepared squad and strategic use of your abilities. Make sure your soldiers are equipped with the best gear available, and consider bringing Psi Operatives and other specialized units to handle the unique threats you’ll face. Utilize cover and squad coordination to overcome the enemy forces, and be prepared for a tough battle against the final boss. Completing this mission will earn you the “Defender of Humanity” achievement.
2. “Army of One”
   • Objective: Beat the final mission with only one soldier left standing.
   • Tips: This achievement is extremely difficult and requires precise planning. It’s best attempted on lower difficulties where the enemy forces are less overwhelming. During the final mission, focus on keeping one soldier alive while sacrificing others as necessary. Choose a soldier with strong survivability, such as a high-ranking Psi Operative or Ranger with stealth capabilities. Use cover, defensive abilities, and careful positioning to keep your final soldier safe while completing the mission objectives.
3. “Chosen Slayer”
   • Objective: Kill all three Chosen in a single campaign.
   • Tips: The Chosen are powerful adversaries who will regularly disrupt your operations until they are defeated. To kill all three Chosen, you must locate and assault their Strongholds. Each Chosen requires a different approach, so tailor your squad’s composition to counter their unique abilities. Completing Covert Actions related to locating Chosen Strongholds will speed up the process. Be prepared for tough battles, as the Chosen are highly resilient and can call in reinforcements. Successfully eliminating all three will net you the “Chosen Slayer” achievement.
4. “Last Stand”
   • Objective: Beat the final mission with the three Resistance faction leaders.
   • Tips: This achievement requires you to bring the Reaper, Skirmisher, and Templar faction leaders into the final mission. Throughout your campaign, make sure to keep these leaders alive and prioritize their upgrades. Each leader brings unique abilities to the table, so leverage their strengths during the final encounter. Coordinate their actions to maximize their effectiveness against the challenging enemies you’ll face. Completing the final mission with all three leaders will earn you this rare achievement.
5. “Untouchable”
   • Objective: Complete the final mission on Commander+ difficulty without losing a soldier.
   • Tips: Completing the final mission on Commander+ difficulty without losing a soldier is a true test of your strategic abilities. To achieve this, bring a highly experienced squad with the best equipment and abilities available. Focus on defensive tactics, making use of cover, Overwatch, and abilities that can prevent or mitigate damage. Be mindful of enemy placements and abilities, and plan your moves carefully to avoid unnecessary risks. Keeping your soldiers alive through the final mission will earn you the “Untouchable” achievement.

10. Miscellaneous Achievements

Finally, War of the Chosen has a variety of miscellaneous achievements that don’t necessarily fit into other categories but are still worth pursuing.

1. “The Few and the Proud”
   • Objective: Beat the game with only three soldiers.
   • Tips: This achievement is a significant challenge, as it requires you to complete the entire campaign with only three soldiers. To achieve this, choose your soldiers carefully, focusing on classes that complement each other. Rangers, Specialists, and Psi Operatives are strong choices for their versatility and survivability. You’ll need to play cautiously and avoid unnecessary risks, as losing a soldier can make the rest of the campaign nearly impossible. Make full use of Guerilla Tactics School upgrades and special abilities to maximize your small squad’s effectiveness.
2. “Not Throwing Away My Shot”
   • Objective: Perform three attacks in a single turn with a single soldier.
   • Tips: To perform three attacks in a single turn, you’ll need to use abilities that grant extra actions or allow for rapid actions. The Ranger class is ideal for this achievement due to its unique ability set. By upgrading your Ranger with abilities like Implacable (which grants a bonus action after killing an enemy) and Rapid Fire (which allows two shots with reduced accuracy), you can potentially chain kills and actions together. Additionally, equipping a Ranger with Reaper (a melee ability that resets the action point after a kill) can further facilitate multiple attacks. Another option is the Gunslinger subclass of the Sharpshooter, who can use abilities like Faceoff and Lightning Hands to attack multiple targets in a single turn. Carefully plan your moves, target weaker enemies to ensure kills, and make use of any buffs from other squad members to secure the achievement.
3. “Run and Gun”
   • Objective: Kill an enemy after using the Dash ability during the same turn.
   • Tips: This achievement is straightforward but requires precise timing and positioning. The Run and Gun ability, which is available to the Ranger class, allows a soldier to dash and still take an offensive action, such as a shot or a melee attack, in the same turn. To achieve this, select a target within range, activate Run and Gun, dash toward the target, and then take the shot or perform a melee attack to secure the kill. It’s a useful tactic for quickly closing the distance on high-priority targets, and with careful planning, it can be a game-changer in tight situations.
4. “The Hardest Road”
   • Objective: Complete the game on Legendary difficulty.
   • Tips: Legendary difficulty is the ultimate test for XCOM 2 players, significantly increasing the challenge by enhancing enemy stats, reducing resources, and generally making the game less forgiving. To complete the game on this difficulty, you must master every aspect of the game, including squad management, base building, and tactical combat. It’s essential to avoid unnecessary risks, manage your soldiers’ health carefully, and make the most of every resource. Prioritize research and facility construction to stay ahead of the curve, and take advantage of every opportunity to gain an edge, such as completing Guerrilla Ops and Covert Actions. Save often and be prepared to adapt your strategies as you progress through the campaign.
5. “A God Falls”
   • Objective: Kill an Alien Ruler the first time you encounter it.
   • Tips: Alien Rulers are powerful enemies introduced in the Alien Hunters DLC, and they act as mini-bosses with unique abilities and extra turns between your soldiers’ actions. To kill an Alien Ruler on the first encounter, you need a well-prepared squad with strong weapons and abilities. Equipping your soldiers with items from the Alien Hunters DLC, such as the Bolt Caster and Frost Bomb, can help you control and damage the Ruler. Focus fire on the Ruler and use abilities that can either stun or freeze them to limit their actions. Timing and coordination are crucial, as Alien Rulers can escape if not defeated quickly enough. Plan your approach carefully and make sure your squad is in the best possible position to deliver maximum damage.
6. “Exquisite Timing”
   • Objective: Beat the game on Commander+ difficulty by July 1st (in-game time).
   • Tips: Completing the game on a high difficulty level before July 1st requires an aggressive and efficient approach to the campaign. Focus on completing story objectives as quickly as possible, minimizing distractions from side missions unless they provide essential resources or rewards. Prioritize building the necessary facilities, researching key technologies, and recruiting soldiers early on to maintain a strong momentum. Avoid unnecessary engagements that could delay your progress and make smart decisions about which missions to undertake. Efficient management of time and resources is key to achieving this time-sensitive goal.
7. “Brutal Collection”
   • Objective: Complete the Alien Hunters DLC missions on Legendary difficulty.
   • Tips: The Alien Hunters DLC introduces some of the toughest enemies in the game, and completing these missions on Legendary difficulty is a significant challenge. Make sure your squad is fully upgraded and equipped with the best gear available before attempting these missions. Utilize the unique weapons and items from the DLC, such as the Hunter’s Axe and Shadowkeeper, to gain an advantage. Focus on crowd control and reducing the Rulers’ ability to take extra actions, as these can quickly overwhelm your squad. Play defensively, and don’t be afraid to retreat and regroup if necessary. Patience and careful planning are crucial to success in these missions.
8. “The Few and the Proud” (Redux)
   • Objective: Complete the game with only three soldiers.
   • Tips: This achievement requires an incredibly disciplined and strategic approach. You’ll need to carefully select and develop your soldiers, ensuring they are versatile and capable of handling a variety of situations. Choose classes that complement each other, such as a Ranger for upfront damage, a Specialist for healing and hacking, and a Sharpshooter for long-range support. Focus on maximizing their abilities and equipping them with the best gear available. Avoid unnecessary risks and prioritize missions that offer significant rewards. This achievement requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and a willingness to adapt your strategies as the campaign progresses.

11. Conclusion

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen offers a rich and challenging experience with a wide range of achievements that test your strategic and tactical prowess. Whether you’re aiming for combat-focused milestones, base management achievements, or tackling the game’s most difficult challenges, each achievement adds an extra layer of depth and replayability to the game.

To succeed in earning these achievements, players must carefully balance aggression with caution, making smart decisions both on the battlefield and in managing the resistance’s resources. Understanding the unique mechanics introduced in War of the Chosen—such as the Chosen themselves, Covert Actions, and the bond system—will be crucial in navigating the campaign and reaching your goals.

Remember that XCOM 2 is a game that rewards persistence and adaptability. Learning from each mission, refining your strategies, and staying flexible in your approach will help you overcome the game’s toughest challenges and earn the most prestigious achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned commander or a newcomer to the series, War of the Chosen provides an engaging and rewarding experience that will test your skills to the fullest.

As you pursue these achievements, keep in mind that the journey is as important as the destination. The thrill of outmaneuvering the alien threat, building a powerful resistance, and ultimately leading humanity to victory is what makes XCOM 2: War of the Chosen such a compelling game. Good luck, Commander!