XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is a substantial expansion of the critically acclaimed XCOM 2, introducing new factions, enemies, and a host of new gameplay mechanics. Among the most significant additions are the new soldier classes that expand on the game’s strategic depth. This review delves into the best classes in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, exploring their strengths, roles, and optimal usage to help players get the most out of their squads.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of Classes in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen
The expansion introduces three new classes: the Reaper, the Skirmisher, and the Templar. Each class brings unique abilities and playstyles to the table, offering players a range of tactical options. Understanding the strengths and synergies of these classes is crucial for crafting an effective squad and overcoming the challenges presented by the game.
1.1. The Reaper
The Reaper class, introduced by the resistance faction known as the Reapers, excels in stealth and precision. This class is designed for players who enjoy a tactical, hit-and-run playstyle.
1.1.1. Abilities and Strengths
- Shadow: Reapers can enter a stealth mode, becoming invisible to enemies. This ability allows them to reposition or set up ambushes without being detected.
- Claymore: A unique explosive device that can be placed in a location and remotely detonated. It’s highly effective for setting traps and dealing with clustered enemies.
- Remote Start: Allows Reapers to detonate environmental explosives, such as gas tanks or explosive barrels, from a distance. This can cause significant damage to enemies and trigger chain reactions.
- Silent Killer: Enhances the Reaper’s ability to deal increased damage when attacking from stealth, making them formidable snipers.
1.1.2. Best Uses
The Reaper class is highly versatile and excels in ambushing enemies and setting up traps. They are particularly useful in missions where stealth and precision are required, such as infiltrating enemy bases or taking down key targets without alerting the entire enemy force. Their ability to deal high damage from stealth makes them ideal for eliminating high-priority targets early in a mission.
1.2. The Skirmisher
The Skirmisher class, introduced by the Skirmishers, is a versatile class that combines mobility with strong offensive capabilities. This class is suited for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle with high mobility and flexibility.
1.2.1. Abilities and Strengths
- Grapple: Allows Skirmishers to move to elevated positions or distant locations quickly, providing them with excellent mobility and positioning options.
- Skirmisher’s Armor: Provides additional protection and resistance to damage, enhancing their survivability in the heat of battle.
- Whiplash: A powerful melee attack that can knock back enemies and deal significant damage, especially effective against armored foes.
- Bladestorm: Skirmishers have a chance to automatically counterattack enemies that move within their reach, adding a layer of defense and offensive capability.
1.2.2. Best Uses
Skirmishers are excellent for engaging enemies up close and disrupting enemy formations. Their high mobility and melee capabilities make them ideal for flanking enemies and creating chaos on the battlefield. They excel in missions that require rapid movement and aggressive tactics, such as ambushes or assaults on fortified positions. Their ability to grapple and reposition also makes them valuable for adapting to changing combat situations.
1.3. The Templar
The Templar class, introduced by the Templars, focuses on psionic abilities and melee combat. This class is designed for players who enjoy a blend of psychic powers and close-quarters combat.
1.3.1. Abilities and Strengths
- PSI Powers: Templars possess unique psionic abilities that can be used to deal damage, control enemies, and support allies. These abilities include telekinesis, mind control, and energy manipulation.
- Volt: A powerful psionic attack that deals high damage to a single target, making it effective against heavily armored or high-priority enemies.
- Bladestorm: Templars can perform powerful melee attacks that can penetrate enemy armor and deal significant damage.
- Parry: A defensive ability that allows Templars to reduce damage from enemy attacks, providing additional survivability in close combat.
1.3.2. Best Uses
Templars are highly effective in both offensive and defensive roles. Their psionic abilities allow them to control the battlefield by disabling or manipulating enemies, while their melee attacks provide a strong offensive presence. They excel in missions that involve close-quarters combat and psionic challenges, such as dealing with enemy psionics or fighting against heavily armored foes. Their ability to control and disrupt enemies makes them valuable for both solo engagements and team support.
2. Comparing the Classes
2.1. Tactical Flexibility
- Reapers: Highly flexible in terms of stealth and precision. They are excellent for setting up ambushes and taking out key targets without detection. Their remote start ability and claymore provide versatile options for dealing with clusters of enemies.
- Skirmishers: Offer superior mobility and offensive capabilities. Their ability to grapple and whiplash provides excellent tactical flexibility, allowing them to engage enemies at close range and reposition as needed.
- Templars: Combine psionic abilities with melee combat. They are highly effective in controlling the battlefield and dealing with armored foes. Their psionic powers provide unique tactical options, while their melee attacks offer strong offensive capabilities.
2.2. Combat Roles
- Reapers: Best suited for a sniper or support role, focusing on precision strikes and stealth. They are ideal for missions that require eliminating high-priority targets without alerting the entire enemy force.
- Skirmishers: Fit well into an aggressive assault or flanking role. Their high mobility and melee capabilities make them effective at disrupting enemy formations and engaging enemies up close.
- Templars: Excel in a hybrid role, combining psionic support with melee combat. They are effective in both offensive and defensive situations, providing a strong presence on the battlefield and controlling enemy movements.
2.3. Synergy with Other Classes
- Reapers: Work well with classes that benefit from stealth and precision, such as Sharpshooters or Specialists. Their ability to scout and set up ambushes complements other classes that rely on positioning and precision.
- Skirmishers: Synergize with classes that benefit from high mobility and disruption, such as Rangers or Grenadiers. Their ability to engage enemies up close and create chaos complements aggressive playstyles and offensive strategies.
- Templars: Pair well with classes that benefit from psionic support and melee combat, such as Psionics or Rangers. Their ability to control the battlefield and provide strong melee attacks complements other classes that rely on close-quarters combat or psionic abilities.
3. Best Class for Different Playstyles
3.1. Stealth and Precision
For players who prefer a stealthy and precise approach, the Reaper class is the best choice. Their ability to remain undetected and deal high damage from stealth makes them ideal for players who enjoy setting up ambushes and taking out key targets without alerting enemies.
3.2. Aggressive Assault
If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, the Skirmisher class is the ideal choice. Their high mobility, melee capabilities, and ability to grapple make them perfect for players who enjoy engaging enemies up close and disrupting enemy formations.
3.3. Psionic Power and Melee Combat
For players who enjoy a blend of psionic powers and melee combat, the Templar class is the best option. Their unique abilities allow them to control the battlefield, deal high damage, and provide strong support in close-quarters combat.
4. Recommendations for Optimal Gameplay
4.1. Squad Composition
Creating an effective squad involves balancing the strengths of different classes. Consider the following recommendations for optimal gameplay:
- Balanced Squad: Include a mix of Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars to cover different tactical roles. This provides flexibility and allows you to adapt to various combat situations.
- Specialized Squad: Focus on a specific playstyle by prioritizing one class. For example, a squad composed primarily of Reapers can excel in stealth missions, while a Skirmisher-focused squad can dominate in aggressive assaults.
4.2. Upgrading Abilities
Investing in the right abilities is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of each class. Prioritize abilities that enhance the class’s strengths and complement your squad’s overall strategy:
- Reapers: Upgrade abilities that improve stealth, damage, and utility. Focus on skills like Shadow and Remote Start to maximize their precision and versatility.
- Skirmishers: Invest in abilities that enhance mobility and melee combat. Upgrade Grapple and Whiplash to increase their effectiveness in aggressive playstyles.
- Templars: Prioritize abilities that enhance psionic powers and melee attacks. Upgrade Volt and Bladestorm to improve their offensive capabilities and battlefield control.
4.3. Adapting to Mission Requirements
Adapt your squad composition and tactics based on the mission requirements. Consider the following tips:
- Stealth Missions: Use Reapers to scout and set up ambushes. Their stealth abilities allow them to take out key targets without detection.
- Assault Missions: Deploy Skirmishers to engage enemies aggressively. Their mobility and melee attacks make them ideal for breaching enemy lines and disrupting formations. Combine them with other classes that can provide supporting fire or crowd control to create a powerful offensive force.
- Psionic Challenges: Use Templars to handle missions involving enemy psionics or heavily armored foes. Their psionic abilities can neutralize enemy psionics and deal substantial damage to armored targets. Additionally, their melee attacks can be particularly effective in close-quarters combat situations.
- Mixed Objectives: For missions with diverse objectives or mixed enemy types, consider a balanced squad that includes a combination of Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars. This approach allows you to leverage the unique strengths of each class and adapt to various challenges as they arise.
5. Class-Specific Strategies
5.1. Reaper Strategies
Stealth Deployment: Start missions by deploying Reapers to scout ahead and identify enemy positions. Use their Shadow ability to move unseen and set up Claymore traps in chokepoints or clusters of enemies. Once the trap is set, use Remote Start to trigger explosions for maximum impact.
Precision Strikes: Utilize the Reaper’s ability to deal high damage from stealth. Prioritize high-value targets, such as enemy commanders or heavily armored units, and take them out before they can react. Reapers are also effective in eliminating enemies from afar with their silent attacks.
Extraction and Recon: Reapers excel at reconnaissance and extraction missions. Their stealth capabilities make them ideal for infiltrating enemy bases or recovering valuable assets without being detected. Use their mobility to quickly maneuver in and out of enemy territory.
5.2. Skirmisher Strategies
Flanking and Disruption: Use Skirmishers to flank enemies and create chaos on the battlefield. Their Grapple ability allows them to reach elevated positions or bypass obstacles, giving them an advantage in engaging enemies from unexpected angles. Combine Whiplash with other attacks to maximize damage output.
Mobility and Positioning: Take advantage of the Skirmisher’s high mobility to reposition rapidly during combat. Use Grapple to escape dangerous situations or move to advantageous positions. Their ability to engage enemies up close or from a distance makes them versatile in various combat scenarios.
Counterattacks: Leverage the Skirmisher’s Bladestorm ability to defend against enemy melee attacks. This automatic counterattack can deter enemies from closing in on your squad and provide additional offensive capability.
5.3. Templar Strategies
Psionic Control: Use the Templar’s psionic abilities to control the battlefield. Abilities like Volt can deal significant damage to enemies, while psionic control powers can neutralize threats or turn enemies against each other. Prioritize enemies with strong psionic capabilities to neutralize their influence.
Close-Quarters Combat: Deploy Templars in situations that require powerful melee attacks. Their Bladestorm ability and high melee damage make them effective in close-quarters combat. Use them to breach enemy defenses and engage enemies directly, especially those with high armor or health.
Support and Disruption: Templars can provide valuable support by disrupting enemy plans and controlling the flow of battle. Use their psionic abilities to create openings for other classes or to neutralize key threats. Their defensive abilities also make them resilient in prolonged engagements.
6. Combining Classes for Maximum Effectiveness
6.1. Synergistic Squad Composition
Combining different classes can enhance overall squad effectiveness. Here are some synergistic combinations to consider:
Reaper + Skirmisher: This combination offers a balance of stealth and aggressive tactics. Use the Reaper to scout and set up traps, then deploy the Skirmisher to engage enemies aggressively and capitalize on the chaos created. The Reaper’s precision and the Skirmisher’s mobility create a powerful offensive duo.
Skirmisher + Templar: Pairing Skirmishers with Templars provides a blend of mobility, melee combat, and psionic support. The Skirmisher’s Grapple and Whiplash abilities can disrupt enemy formations, while the Templar’s psionic powers and melee attacks provide additional firepower and control.
Reaper + Templar: Combining Reapers and Templars offers a mix of stealth, psionic abilities, and melee combat. Use the Reaper to eliminate high-priority targets from stealth, and then deploy the Templar to control the battlefield with psionic powers and engage enemies in close combat.
6.2. Tactical Deployment
When deploying different classes, consider the following tactical guidelines:
Positioning: Place Reapers in positions that allow them to set up effective traps and take advantage of stealth. Position Skirmishers to flank enemies and disrupt their formations. Deploy Templars in close-quarters situations where their psionic and melee abilities can be maximized.
Complementary Abilities: Leverage the strengths of each class to complement each other’s abilities. For example, use Reapers to scout and identify enemy positions, then have Skirmishers and Templars engage based on the information gathered.
Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the evolving battlefield. Different mission types and enemy compositions may require adjustments to your squad composition and tactics. Flexibility and adaptability are key to overcoming the diverse challenges in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
7. Conclusion
In XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, choosing the best class for your playstyle and mission requirements is crucial for success. Each class – Reaper, Skirmisher, and Templar – offers unique abilities and strengths that can be leveraged to create a powerful and versatile squad. By understanding the roles and optimal usage of each class, players can enhance their strategic approach and overcome the formidable challenges presented by the game.
Whether you prefer the stealthy precision of the Reaper, the aggressive mobility of the Skirmisher, or the psionic prowess of the Templar, each class brings something valuable to the table. Combining these classes effectively and adapting your tactics to different missions will allow you to master the complexities of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen and achieve victory against the alien threat.
Embrace the strategic depth of the game, experiment with different class combinations, and refine your approach to create a squad that suits your playstyle and mission objectives. With the right strategies and a well-balanced squad, you can tackle even the most challenging missions and lead humanity to victory.