XCOM 2: War of the Chosen Console Commands Review

Introduction

“XCOM 2: War of the Chosen,” the expansion to the critically acclaimed strategy game XCOM 2, introduces a host of new features, enemies, and gameplay mechanics that significantly deepen the experience. For many players, mastering these new elements can be a challenge, and sometimes, the difficulty curve of the game can become overwhelming. This is where console commands come into play. Console commands provide players with the ability to manipulate the game in various ways, from tweaking gameplay settings to spawning resources or characters, essentially allowing for a tailored experience.

In this review, we’ll dive deep into the world of console commands in “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.” We’ll explore their uses, the benefits they offer, and how they can enhance (or potentially detract from) the gameplay experience. We’ll also provide a detailed examination of some of the most useful commands, how to use them, and what impact they can have on your campaign. Whether you’re looking to overcome a tough mission, experiment with game mechanics, or simply want to have fun with some cheats, console commands can be a powerful tool.

The Role of Console Commands in XCOM 2

Console commands in “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen” serve multiple purposes. For some players, they are a way to overcome particularly challenging sections of the game or recover from significant setbacks. For others, they are a means of experimentation, allowing players to test different scenarios, soldier builds, or strategies without the risk of losing progress. Additionally, console commands can be used to bypass bugs or glitches that may otherwise hinder the gameplay experience.

Cheating vs. Experimentation:

One of the key aspects of using console commands is the distinction between cheating and experimentation. While some players may use commands to gain an unfair advantage (such as giving themselves unlimited resources or invincible soldiers), others may use them to experiment with different aspects of the game, such as testing new strategies or soldier builds. The key is in how these commands are used: as a crutch to bypass difficulty or as a tool to enhance understanding of the game’s mechanics.

Enhancing Replayability:

“War of the Chosen” is known for its replayability, with each campaign offering a different set of challenges based on procedural generation and the decisions players make throughout the game. Console commands can further enhance this replayability by allowing players to customize their experience, whether through altering the difficulty, tweaking the game’s settings, or even creating custom scenarios. This level of customization can keep the game fresh for those who have already completed multiple campaigns.

Debugging and Bug Fixes:

Like many complex games, XCOM 2 is not without its bugs. Console commands can serve as a valuable tool for fixing these issues on the fly. Whether it’s resetting a mission that has glitched, fixing a stuck camera, or resolving issues with soldier abilities, console commands offer a level of control that can prevent frustration and keep the game running smoothly.

How to Access Console Commands

Before delving into the specifics of various console commands, it’s important to understand how to access them in “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.”

Enabling the Console:

To access console commands, players need to enable the in-game console. This can typically be done by adding a command line parameter to the game’s launch options. For most players using Steam, this involves right-clicking on the game in their library, selecting “Properties,” and then adding -allowconsole to the launch options. This command enables the console within the game, which can then be accessed by pressing the tilde key (~) during gameplay.

Using the Console:

Once the console is enabled, players can open it during gameplay and type in commands to execute various functions. It’s important to note that commands are case-sensitive and must be entered exactly as intended to work correctly. Some commands may also require specific parameters (such as the name of a soldier or a resource type), so it’s essential to understand how each command functions before using it.

Essential Console Commands

There are a wide variety of console commands available in “War of the Chosen,” each serving a different purpose. Below is a breakdown of some of the most essential and commonly used commands, along with explanations of how they can be used to enhance your gameplay experience.

Resource and Economy Commands

Managing resources is a critical part of XCOM 2, but sometimes players may find themselves in a tough spot where resources are scarce. Console commands can provide a quick fix by giving players additional supplies, intel, or other resources.

1. AddResource [ResourceType] [Amount]:
   • This command adds a specified amount of a particular resource to your inventory. Replace [ResourceType] with the desired resource (e.g., Supplies, Intel, EleriumDust) and [Amount] with the quantity you want.
   • Example: AddResource Supplies 500 adds 500 supplies to your inventory.
2. GiveTech [TechName]:
   • This command instantly completes the research for the specified technology. This can be useful if you want to skip ahead in the tech tree or unlock a specific upgrade quickly.
   • Example: GiveTech MagneticWeapons instantly researches Magnetic Weapons.
3. SetStratagyFacilitiesSuperSpedUp:
   • This command significantly reduces the build time for facilities in your base, allowing you to complete construction projects instantly.

These commands can be particularly useful for players who want to experiment with different base setups or recover from a resource shortage that might otherwise derail their campaign.

Soldier Management Commands

Soldiers are the backbone of your XCOM forces, and managing their abilities, stats, and equipment is crucial for success. Console commands offer several ways to customize and manage your soldiers more effectively.

1. GiveSoldier [FirstName] [LastName] [Stat] [Amount]:
   • This command allows you to modify a soldier’s stats, such as aim, health, or will. Replace [Stat] with the desired attribute (e.g., Aim, HP, Will) and [Amount] with the value you want to add.
   • Example: GiveSoldier John Doe Aim 10 adds 10 aim to the soldier named John Doe.
2. MakeSoldierAClass [FirstName] [LastName] [Class]:
   • This command changes a soldier’s class to a specified type, allowing you to customize your squad composition.
   • Example: MakeSoldierAClass Jane Smith Ranger changes Jane Smith’s class to Ranger.
3. HealSoldier [FirstName] [LastName]:
   • This command instantly heals a soldier, removing all injuries and restoring them to full health.
   • Example: HealSoldier John Doe fully heals the soldier named John Doe.

These commands provide players with the ability to tailor their soldiers to their preferred playstyle, ensuring that they have the right team for any mission.

Mission and Gameplay Commands

Sometimes, missions in XCOM 2 can become overwhelming, and players may need a little extra help to turn the tide. Console commands offer several options for influencing mission outcomes and gameplay scenarios.

1. KillAllAliens:
   • This command kills all alien enemies on the current mission map, instantly completing the mission. While it may seem like an extreme measure, it can be useful if you encounter a bugged mission or want to skip past a particularly difficult encounter.
2. LevelUpBarracks [Rank]:
   • This command instantly promotes all soldiers in your barracks to the specified rank. Replace [Rank] with the desired rank (e.g., Squaddie, Sergeant, Colonel).
   • Example: LevelUpBarracks Colonel promotes all soldiers to Colonel rank.
3. ForceCompleteObjective [ObjectiveID]:
   • This command instantly completes the specified mission objective, allowing you to bypass certain parts of a mission or finish it early. Replace [ObjectiveID] with the ID of the objective you want to complete.

These commands can be particularly useful for players who want to focus on the strategic layer of the game or are looking to bypass certain challenging missions to progress in the campaign.

Advanced Console Commands

For players who want to dive deeper into the customization and manipulation of the game, there are several advanced console commands available. These commands offer more intricate control over the game’s mechanics and can be used to create custom scenarios or modify the game in significant ways.

Creating Custom Scenarios

One of the most interesting uses of console commands is the ability to create custom scenarios. By combining various commands, players can set up specific mission conditions, customize their squad, and even manipulate the game’s enemies.

1. SpawnSoldier [Class]:
   • This command spawns a new soldier of the specified class in your barracks. Replace [Class] with the desired class (e.g., Ranger, Grenadier).
   • Example: SpawnSoldier Sharpshooter spawns a new Sharpshooter in your barracks.
2. SpawnAlien [AlienType]:
   • This command spawns an alien enemy of the specified type on the current mission map. Replace [AlienType] with the desired alien (e.g., Sectoid, Muton).
   • Example: SpawnAlien Sectoid spawns a Sectoid on the current mission map.
3. SetRngSeed [Seed]:
   • This command sets the random number generator seed for the game, allowing you to manipulate the outcome of certain events. This can be useful for testing different scenarios or ensuring a specific outcome.

By using these commands, players can create their own custom missions, test different strategies, or simply have fun experimenting with different game conditions.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Console commands can also be a valuable tool for debugging and troubleshooting issues in “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.” Given the game’s complexity, players may occasionally encounter bugs or glitches that disrupt the experience. Fortunately, several console commands can help resolve these issues without the need to restart the game or load an earlier save.

1. TacticalShortCircuit:
   • This command effectively ends the current tactical mission by failing it. While this might not seem beneficial at first glance, it can be useful if a mission becomes bugged and is unable to progress. Using this command allows players to bypass the mission and return to the strategic layer of the game without the need for a forced reload.
2. RestartLevel:
   • This command restarts the current mission, reloading it from the beginning. It’s a useful option if the mission is bugged or if you want to start over without reloading a previous save file. This can be a lifesaver in situations where the game’s autosave system might have saved in a compromised state.
3. SetStrategyFacilitiesInstantBuild:
   • If you encounter issues with the construction of facilities within your Avenger base, this command forces all facilities to be instantly completed. It’s useful for resolving problems where construction might get stuck or take longer than expected due to glitches.
4. FixSoldierAbilities:
   • Occasionally, soldiers may experience issues with their abilities not functioning correctly. This command refreshes and repairs the abilities of all soldiers, ensuring that they work as intended.
5. GiveAllTechAndWeapons:
   • If you’re experiencing issues with technology or weapon research not progressing correctly, this command instantly unlocks all technologies and weapons in the game. While it may feel like overkill for minor bugs, it’s an effective way to ensure that your progress isn’t hampered by glitches.

These commands are especially valuable for players who encounter bugs late in a campaign, where restarting or losing progress could be particularly frustrating. By providing quick fixes to common issues, console commands help maintain the flow of the game and allow players to continue their campaigns with minimal disruption.

The Ethical Dilemma: To Cheat or Not to Cheat?

While console commands offer a powerful toolset for customizing and controlling the “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen” experience, they also raise an ethical question: should players use them to gain an advantage? The answer largely depends on the player’s goals and how they wish to experience the game.

Playing for Fun: If a player is primarily focused on enjoying the story, experimenting with different mechanics, or simply having fun without worrying too much about the challenge, console commands can be a valuable asset. They allow players to tailor the game to their preferences, whether by making the game easier, testing out new builds, or simply having fun with invincible soldiers.

Maintaining the Challenge: On the other hand, for players who value the challenge and satisfaction of overcoming the game’s obstacles through strategy and skill, the use of console commands can detract from the experience. The satisfaction of a hard-fought victory may be lessened if it was achieved through the use of cheats. For these players, the temptation to use console commands can be balanced by the knowledge that doing so might undermine the core appeal of “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen”—its demanding tactical gameplay.

Finding a Balance: Ultimately, the choice to use console commands comes down to individual preference. Many players find a middle ground by using commands sparingly, perhaps only to recover from a significant setback or to experiment with game mechanics without committing to them in a full campaign. Others might reserve console commands for a second playthrough, where they’re more interested in exploring different aspects of the game rather than being fully immersed in the challenge.

Conclusion: The Value of Console Commands in “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen”

“XCOM 2: War of the Chosen” is a game that offers a deep, challenging, and rewarding experience for strategy game enthusiasts. However, its difficulty and complexity can sometimes be daunting, especially for new players or those encountering unexpected challenges. Console commands provide a valuable tool for managing this difficulty, offering players the flexibility to customize their experience, recover from setbacks, and experiment with the game’s mechanics.

From adjusting resources and managing soldiers to resolving bugs and creating custom scenarios, console commands offer a wide range of possibilities that can enhance the gameplay experience. While they can be used to cheat, they can also serve as a tool for learning and exploration, allowing players to engage with the game on their own terms.

In the end, console commands in “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen” are a double-edged sword. They can make the game more accessible and enjoyable, but they also carry the risk of undermining the game’s core challenge. How they are used—whether as a crutch, a tool for experimentation, or a way to overcome bugs—ultimately depends on the player’s goals and how they wish to engage with this richly layered strategy game. Regardless of how they’re used, console commands remain an integral part of the XCOM 2 experience, offering a level of control and customization that can enhance the game’s longevity and replayability for many players.