Table of Contents
Introduction
“XCOM 2: War of the Chosen” is an expansion that takes the already challenging and immersive experience of XCOM 2 to new heights. With its complex gameplay mechanics, diverse missions, and the introduction of powerful new enemies known as the Chosen, this expansion has added layers of depth to both the strategic and tactical elements of the game. For many players, navigating through the intricacies of “War of the Chosen” can be daunting, and this is where a comprehensive walkthrough becomes invaluable.
This review will delve into the various aspects of an effective “War of the Chosen” walkthrough, examining how it guides players through the expansion’s content, offers strategic advice, and helps them overcome the many challenges that XCOM 2 presents. We’ll explore how a good walkthrough can enhance the player’s experience by providing detailed explanations, mission strategies, and tips for managing the ever-evolving threats that the game throws at you.
The Structure of the Walkthrough
A well-structured walkthrough for “War of the Chosen” is essential for players who want to maximize their success in the game. The expansion introduces several new gameplay elements, and understanding how to effectively utilize them is crucial for progressing through the campaign.
Introduction and Overview:
The walkthrough should begin with an overview of what “War of the Chosen” adds to XCOM 2. This includes an explanation of the new factions (Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars), the introduction of the Chosen, and the additional gameplay mechanics such as Covert Actions, the Resistance Ring, and the Bonds system. By providing this context, the walkthrough ensures that players understand the fundamental changes and enhancements that the expansion brings.
Early Game Strategy:
The early game in “War of the Chosen” can be particularly challenging, especially for players who are new to XCOM 2 or those who haven’t played in a while. A good walkthrough will guide players through the initial missions, offering advice on how to best utilize their starting resources, which technologies to prioritize, and how to approach the first encounters with the Chosen.
For instance, the walkthrough might recommend focusing on establishing contact with new regions to expand the resistance’s reach while also building essential facilities like the Guerrilla Tactics School to enhance squad capabilities. Additionally, the early game walkthrough should emphasize the importance of scouting missions and gathering Intel, which are crucial for maintaining momentum in the campaign.
Mission Walkthroughs:
As players progress through the campaign, they will encounter a variety of mission types, each with its own set of challenges. The walkthrough should provide detailed strategies for each mission type, including tips on squad composition, positioning, and how to deal with specific enemies.
For example, when dealing with the Chosen, the walkthrough should explain their strengths, weaknesses, and the best tactics for defeating them. The walkthrough might suggest using certain soldier classes or abilities that are particularly effective against a specific Chosen. It should also offer advice on how to handle the new Lost enemies, which can overwhelm players if not managed properly.
Managing the Strategy Layer:
One of the key aspects of “War of the Chosen” is the strategy layer, where players must make decisions about research, base management, and global resistance operations. A good walkthrough will provide guidance on how to balance these elements, ensuring that players can build a strong foundation while keeping up with the escalating threats from the Advent and the Chosen.
The walkthrough should cover the importance of managing resources like Intel, Supplies, and Elerium, and provide advice on when to invest in specific upgrades or facilities. It should also explain the significance of Covert Actions and how to choose the most beneficial ones based on the current state of the campaign.
Dealing with the Chosen:
The Chosen are a central feature of the “War of the Chosen” expansion, and understanding how to counter them is critical for success. The walkthrough should provide a comprehensive guide to each of the Chosen, including their abilities, preferred tactics, and how they evolve over time.
For example, the walkthrough might detail how to weaken the Chosen by completing specific objectives or how to prepare for the inevitable encounters with them. It should also offer strategies for dealing with the Chosen when they show up during regular missions, where their presence can complicate an already difficult situation.
Late Game Strategy and the Final Assault:
As the campaign progresses into the late game, the difficulty ramps up significantly. The walkthrough should provide advice on how to prepare for the final missions, including tips on squad composition, equipment upgrades, and which Covert Actions to prioritize. It should also cover the final assault on the Chosen’s stronghold, offering a step-by-step guide to ensure players are fully prepared for this climactic battle.
The final mission against the Advent and the Chosen is one of the most challenging parts of the game, and the walkthrough should provide a detailed plan for overcoming it. This includes advice on how to manage the different phases of the mission, which enemies to prioritize, and how to deal with the inevitable surprises that the game throws at you.
Enhancing the Player’s Experience
A well-crafted walkthrough does more than just guide players through the game; it enhances their overall experience by helping them understand the depth and complexity of “War of the Chosen.” By providing clear explanations and thoughtful advice, the walkthrough empowers players to make informed decisions and tackle challenges with confidence.
Explaining Mechanics:
“War of the Chosen” introduces several new gameplay mechanics that can be overwhelming for players, especially those who are new to XCOM 2. A good walkthrough will take the time to explain these mechanics in detail, ensuring that players understand how they work and how to use them to their advantage.
For example, the Bonds system allows soldiers to form close relationships that provide combat bonuses when they are deployed together. The walkthrough should explain how to develop these bonds, how to manage them, and how to use them effectively in battle. Similarly, the Resistance Orders system, which grants global bonuses based on the player’s alliances with the different factions, should be thoroughly explained so that players can make the most of these powerful abilities.
Providing Strategic Insights:
One of the most valuable aspects of a walkthrough is the strategic insights it offers. “War of the Chosen” is a game that rewards careful planning and foresight, and a good walkthrough will help players develop these skills by offering advice on long-term strategy.
For instance, the walkthrough might recommend focusing on certain technologies or facilities early in the game to gain a strategic advantage later on. It could also offer tips on how to manage the game’s escalating difficulty, such as when to take on the Chosen directly versus when to focus on other objectives.
Helping Players Overcome Challenges:
XCOM 2 is known for its difficulty, and “War of the Chosen” is no exception. Players will inevitably encounter missions that seem impossible or situations where they are overwhelmed by enemy forces. A good walkthrough provides guidance on how to overcome these challenges, offering tips and strategies that can turn the tide of battle.
For example, the walkthrough might suggest alternative tactics for dealing with a particularly tough enemy or explain how to use environmental features to the player’s advantage. It could also provide advice on how to recover from setbacks, such as losing a key soldier or failing a critical mission.
Encouraging Exploration and Experimentation:
While a walkthrough is designed to guide players through the game, it should also encourage them to explore and experiment with different strategies. “War of the Chosen” offers a wealth of options when it comes to squad composition, soldier abilities, and mission tactics, and a good walkthrough will highlight these possibilities without dictating a single “correct” way to play.
For instance, the walkthrough might suggest trying out different soldier classes or experimenting with different combinations of abilities to see what works best for the player’s style. It could also encourage players to take risks, such as attempting a difficult mission or using a new tactic, with the understanding that failure is part of the learning process in XCOM 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a comprehensive and well-crafted walkthrough for “XCOM 2: War of the Chosen” is an invaluable resource for players navigating the complex and challenging world of the game. By providing detailed explanations, strategic advice, and mission strategies, the walkthrough enhances the player’s experience and empowers them to take on the many challenges that the expansion presents.
Whether you’re a newcomer to XCOM 2 or a seasoned veteran looking to tackle “War of the Chosen” for the first time, a good walkthrough will help you make the most of your time with the game. It will guide you through the early stages of the campaign, help you manage the strategy layer, and provide the tools you need to defeat the Chosen and bring down the Advent once and for all.
Ultimately, a walkthrough for “War of the Chosen” is more than just a guide; it’s a companion that helps you navigate the intricacies of one of the best strategy games available today. By offering clear, thoughtful advice and encouraging players to explore the game’s many possibilities, the walkthrough ensures that you get the most out of your experience with XCOM 2.