Introduction
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is the expansion to the acclaimed XCOM 2, a turn-based strategy game made by Firaxis Games. Considerable new content was added with new factions, enemies, missions, and gameplay mechanics, thus making it one of the most comprehensive expansions in the genre. While a major part of the audience plays the single-player campaign, XCOM 2 also has multiplayer in which you get to spin the classic story in an entirely new way.
In this review, we take a dive into the multiplayer side of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, how it compares to single-player, and how it fares in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Then, we’ll delve into whether it enhances a starting content-rich title.
1. Overview of XCOM 2 Multiplayer
XCOM 2 multiplayer mode is a turn-based, competitive gameplay wherein two players are pitted against each other with teams they’ve created. In contrast to the main single-player campaign where you control a squad of human soldiers fighting against an alien invasion, the multiplayer mode allows players to mix human and alien units into one squad. This creates the capacity for superlative strategies as both sides can mix and match various unit combinations and approaches.
With War of the Chosen, multiplayer still follows very much along the same lines as the original game, but with the addition of new units and abilities provided by the expansion pack. The new factions-Ripers, Skirmishers, and Templars-provide the player with fresh abilities and playstyles that enrich the multiplayer battles further.
2. Building the Team and Strategy
For XCOM 2 multiplayer, squad building stands a crucial position. players are allotted a specified amount of points (called Squad Points) with which to buy their teams, and obviously, each unit costs differently according to their power and ability. The whole point system ensures all-around barefoot equality, such that both players have to make strategic decisions about what units they take into battle.
Squad Composition: The varieties of units available through multiplayer are one of its fortes. Players have an option to assemble a team of XCOM soldiers, ADVENT troops, or alien units, all with various connotations of strengths and weaknesses. To put things in perspective, XCOM soldiers are generic; thus, they can be customized with different classes and abilities, whereas alien units like Mutons and Sectoids wield some special powers of their own such as Psionics and strong melee damages.
Faction Units: The new faction units in War of the Chosen bring another layer of strategy to squad composition. Reapers utilize stealth and can employ long-range sniper shots to harass their enemies. Skirmishers, with their grappling-hooks and multi-action per turn capabilities, excel in aggressive hit-and-run style attacks. Templars fare well in close combat and can focus on building up Focus to unleash immensely devastating attacks. The critical challenge in multiplayer squad building is to find balance for these new units with old-school XCOM soldiers and alien units.
Customization: Customization is another crucial piece in squad-building. Players are able to outfit their soldiers with a range of weapons, armor, and items to tailor their squad to their way of playing. This can open up a lot of creativity and experimentation as they try different options to see which fits best.
3. Multiplayer Gameplay
Now that we have squads built, teams indulge in a turn-based battle in a randomly generated map. The goal in this fight is very simple: killing the enemy squad. Parallel to that goal, the multiplayer is quite a challenge: XCOM 2 multiplayer demands great foresight, tactical movement, and judicious ability use.
Turn-Based Strategy: Multiplayer matches in XCOM 2 are a test of tactical virtue. The allied sides move their units into attack positions or simply use their abilities in turns. The game covers majorly, as positions behind covers meanless to be hit by enemy fire. Another way to attack in a beneficial way for a hit is flanking-the enemy from either of a side or from the back.
Fog of War: There will be the fog of war in the multiplayer maps. This creates an additional virtue of uncertainty and slight tension in gameplay as you don’t know exactly where the enemy is or what they’re planning to do. Reconnaissance becomes very important, and players must be wary not to stretch too far; otherwise, overextension could put them at risk of being ambushed.
Ability and Skills: Every Unit in XCOM 2 has a certain set of abilities-skill combinations to use and turn the tide of battle. For instance, Sharpshooters may employ Deadeye to make a heavy damage shot, while Psionic may use mind control to take control over the enemy unit. Ability management and its employment at the right time are likely to be key matters in multiplayer matches. To make things harder, players must also consider the cooldowns or action points each ability needs because mismanagement might expose units.
Mind Games and Bluffing: The multiplayer environment in XCOM 2 is just as psychology-based as it is strategic. Because you are playing another human being, mind games and bluffing take centre stage. For example, you leaveThat unit exposed on purpose to bait your opponent into a trap, or perhaps you pretend to run away behind one of your other units to lure the enemy into an ambush. It is therefore assuredly crucial for you to adjust your approach depending on what type of playstyle your opponent is into.
4. War of the Chosen’s Influence on Multiplayer
The War of the Chosen expansion further improves the multiplayer of XCOM 2 by introducing new content that generates variety and depth of gameplay.
New Units: As introduced earlier, the faction units of the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars add additional layers of strategy in multiplayer. Each faction has its specialty in the playstyle, so mastering the use of these units provides considerable leverage in battles. For example, Reapers may remain undetected, picking enemies at range, whereas Skirmishers may grapple up and down rooftops to reposition and deliver strikes.
The Chosen: The most conspicuous addition in War of the Chosen is the Chosen themselves-the enemy bosses that can spawn all through the campaign. Although these bosses don’t appear in multiplayer, their ramifications trickle down into new player abilities and tactics. Some of these player abilities may be based on the Chosen’s own campaign abilities-such as teleportation or calling in reinforcements-which, of course, suggests all sorts of new strategies for multiplayer.
New Maps and Environments: With War of the Chosen, the multiplayer experience becomes that much more diverse with the introduction of new maps and environments. They are procedurally generated; thus, no two matches are ever the same: thereby presenting a great designing challenge. The Lost City and underground tunnels, for instance, pose unique challenges and opportunities for strategic play.
Covert Actions and Resistance Orders: These are normally mechanic systems unique to the single-player campaign, but they also influence multiplayer by adding new mechanics or abilities. Covert Actions may provide temporary spell buffs for units, whereas Resistance Orders give permanent passive bonuses. These mechanics add underpinning depth in which these mechanics can be crafted into interesting multiplayer game strategies.
5. Strengths of XCOM 2 Multiplayer
1. Strategic Depth: One of the biggest strengths of XCOM 2 multiplayer is the strategic depth it offers. In view of all the varied units, abilities, and customization options to choose from, players find themselves experimenting with strategies and tactics. With War of the Chosen introducing even more units and abilities, the depth is certainly increased and gives each and every match a new-found challenge and variation.
2. Balanced Gameplay: With the wider range of units and abilities being offered, the multiplayer of XCOM 2, in contrast, is equally well balanced. The Points system for the Squad should ensure fairness for both players. Furthermore, the great variety of units advertised should disallow the definition of a “best” strategy. Victory in multiplayer matches depends on the skill levels of the players, strategies, and how well a player can outthink the opponent.
3. Replayability: Due to the procedural generation of maps and the variety of units and abilities present, XCOM 2 multiplayer is highly replayable. In a certain way, each match almost doubles the fun in itself since there will always be something new to try or another strategy to test out. Casual gaming among friends or competitive online playing helps fill hours upon hours of fun from multiplayer mode.
4. Repulsion and Exciting Gameplay: Tension and excitement fill XCOM 2’s multiplayer. The turn-based nature guarantees that each move counts, while fog of war preserves the uncertainty and suspense. Outmaneuvering an opponent, taking-clinical-shots, or executing a successful ambush-all such rewarding experiences offer goosebumps of an enjoyable thrilling experience.
6. Disadvantages of XCOM-2 Multiplayer
1. Lack of Player Base: One of the pressing dilemmas concerning XCOM 2 multiplayer is that of a smaller player base. The single-player campaign, indeed, enjoys much more popularity than the multiplayer mode. The consequence is that it has been sold hard against being able to find a match, especially at certain times of the day, or when one is looking for ranked matches.
2. Unattended Mode; Never-received Updates: In relation to War of the Chosen adding content to the game, the multiplayer mode has not yet had equal help made available to its basis, nor has updated content. Many therefore feel that the multiplayer has to date been somewhat neglected, so that some problems including certain bugs and balance issues remain unpatched.
3. Learning Curve: For new XCOM 2 multiplayer enthusiasts, the game can be quite difficult because of that steep learning curve. The ins and outs of building squads, unit abilities, and map strategies require repetition and experience. Newbies may find it immensely hard to stand against seasoned opponents who have mastered all these. A fog of war and a need for strategic positioning make the whole experience intently hard at first and it needs to be allowed some time to sink in fully.
4. Lack of Variety in Game Modes: The one-on-one battles lend much excitement to the multiplayer but can start feeling very repetitive. The single-player campaign, unlike multiplayer, offers a more extensive range of mission types and objectives. This absence of game mode variety will, in some players, induce feelings of boredom.
5. Technical Issues: XCOM 2 multiplayer, as with most online games, sometimes experiences technical difficulties, such as connection problems or bugs that affect gameplay. Although rather infrequent, they can be infuriating when they disrupt an otherwise pleasant match.
7. Winning Strategies in XCOM 2 Online
1. Understand the Basics: Prior to competitive matches, you must have your basics down. Know how units interact with each other, how to use cover, and when to use squad ability. Practice these basics in skirmishes or against AI to have considerable confidence in your foundation.
2. Play With Different Squads: The relative freedom of composition in XCOM 2 multiplayer adds to the fun and enjoyment of experimentation. Test various unit combinations, abilities, and equipment to discover what really works with your style of play. Do not hesitate to change up your squad according to the challenge you face.
3. Make Use of Terrain and Cover: There are a number of terrain types and covers available in multiplayer XCOM 2 maps. Position your troops in these areas in a way that best suits your plan. High ground usually equals better visibility and better hit chances, while full cover will almost certainly reduce the risk of taking damage. So get to know your terrain appreciation and put your units to work in controlling crucial map areas.
4. Anticipate Enemy Abilities: Know your enemy’s unit abilities to counter them. For example, if you know Reaper is in the opponent’s army, be particularly cautious about exposing your positions. On the other hand, if fighting against Skirmishers, plan for their mobility.
5. Mind Games: As XCOM 2 multiplayer is partly psychological, use mind games against your opponent. Maybe pretend to retreat and lure the opponent into a trap or perhaps use a decoy to distract from your actual goal.
6. Use Resources Wisely: Every unit in XCOM 2 has a limited-time action and ability allotment. Make sure to use them well and not waste them on moves that serve no purpose. Managing resources efficiently can help you turn the tide of battle to your favor.
7. Adapt and Evolve: XCOM 2 multiplayer is ever-changing, and strategies that work well in one confrontation might not be as apt when repeating the next. Acquaint yourself with adjusting tactics according to the situation plus the approaches of your opposition. Being flexible is paramount to victory in multiplayer confrontations.
8. Community and Multiplayer Experience
1. Community Engagement: Despite this, the XCOM 2 multiplayer scene is truly working and passionate. Engaging with the community could lend a few interesting perspectives that will definitely help you win. Forums, social media groups, and dedicated multiplayer communities form an ocean of information where you may seek help and also make friends.
2. Tournaments and Events: Community-run tournaments and events run rarely but offer players the opportunity to exhibit their skills and compete with each other in a very formal set-up. Engaging in these events can very well evaluate your capabilities, name your fame, and give you a totally new feel in the multiplayer arena.
3. Modding Community: XCOM 2’s modding community continues to be lively and inscribes various mods allowing enhancement or alteration of the multiplayer experience. While modding for multiplayer is less common than for single-player, there might be mods adding new units, abilities, or balance adjustments that the multiplayer crowd will appreciate.
9. Conclusion
Finally, the multiplayer mode gives XCOM 2: War of the Chosen a slightly different feel to the classic XCOM formula. While the multiplayer mode does not always have the same attention and support as the single-player mode, it still provides a highly competitive, strategic environment where one can prove his or her skills through difficulty and gratification. The introduction of new units and abilities in War of the Chosen poses a deeper strategic opportunity for the multiplayer, wherein each encounter promises a steamy embarrassment of fresh and fun experiences.
The strengths of XCOM 2 multiplayer lie in its strategic depth, balanced gameplay, and replayability. However, it also faces challenges such as a limited player base, a steep learning curve, and technical issues. For those who enjoy competitive turn-based strategy and are willing to invest the time to master the game, XCOM 2 multiplayer can be a highly satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Ultimately, XCOM 2: War of the Chosen multiplayer offers a rich and vibrant experience that is worth exploring whether you’re a seasoned XCOM veteran or a newcomer trying to put skills against others. Using the right strategies, some practice, and openness to changes will provide the best experience for you while allowing you to enjoy hours upon hours of strategic battles.