XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a tactical turn-based strategy game that has captivated players with its challenging gameplay and deep strategic elements. In addition to its gripping story and tactical combat, the game features a variety of achievements that test players’ skills and encourage them to explore different aspects of the game. This comprehensive achievement guide aims to help players unlock all achievements, offering strategies, tips, and insights into how to achieve them.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Achievements in XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Achievements in XCOM: Enemy Unknown are designed to reward players for completing specific tasks, reaching milestones, or demonstrating skill in various aspects of the game. Achievements can range from completing missions under certain conditions to unlocking all research projects or successfully managing the global defense effort.
1.1. Types of Achievements
- Mission-Related Achievements: These are earned by completing specific missions or objectives within the game. They often require players to meet certain conditions or complete missions in a particular way.
- Research and Engineering Achievements: Unlocking these achievements involves completing research projects, developing new technologies, or constructing various facilities in the game.
- Combat Achievements: These are awarded for demonstrating skill in combat, such as defeating certain enemies or achieving specific combat-related milestones.
- Strategic Achievements: These achievements are related to the overall management of the XCOM base, including successful defense against alien invasions and managing resources efficiently.
- Miscellaneous Achievements: These cover a range of tasks that don’t fit neatly into the other categories, such as experimenting with different tactics or reaching certain game milestones.
2. Mission-Related Achievements
Mission-related achievements often involve completing specific objectives or missions under particular conditions. Here’s a breakdown of some notable mission-related achievements and strategies to obtain them:
2.1. “The Last Defense”
Objective: Successfully defend the XCOM headquarters from an alien invasion.
Strategy:
- Preparation: Ensure that you have a well-balanced squad with a mix of classes. Equip them with the best available gear and ensure that your base defenses are upgraded.
- Mission Execution: Focus on taking out alien threats quickly and efficiently. Use cover effectively and prioritize targets that pose the greatest threat.
2.2. “Big Brother”
Objective: Complete a mission with an entire squad of soldiers promoted to Sergeant or higher.
Strategy:
- Squad Management: Promote soldiers to Sergeant rank and beyond before starting the mission. Ensure they are equipped with high-quality weapons and gear.
- Mission Focus: Choose a mission that is appropriate for your squad’s level and skill. Utilize your squad’s abilities effectively and avoid unnecessary risks.
2.3. “Fury of the Skies”
Objective: Successfully repel a UFO attack without losing any interceptors.
Strategy:
- Interceptor Upgrades: Invest in upgrading your interceptors with the best available weapons and armor.
- Mission Timing: Launch interceptors as soon as you detect a UFO. Coordinate their attacks to maximize damage and avoid losing any interceptors.
3. Research and Engineering Achievements
Research and engineering achievements are obtained by completing various research projects and constructing key facilities. Here’s a guide to achieving these:
3.1. “The New Model Army”
Objective: Research and develop all available technologies in the game.
Strategy:
- Research Prioritization: Focus on researching technologies that provide immediate benefits, such as better weapons and armor. Prioritize research that will enhance your combat effectiveness and base defense capabilities.
- Resource Management: Ensure you have the resources needed for research and development. Allocate funds efficiently and avoid overspending on non-essential items.
3.2. “Engineering Marvel”
Objective: Construct every available facility in the XCOM base.
Strategy:
- Facility Planning: Plan your base layout to accommodate all necessary facilities. Consider the space requirements and resource needs for each facility.
- Construction Prioritization: Build essential facilities first, such as workshops and labs, before focusing on additional or specialized facilities.
4. Combat Achievements
Combat achievements require players to demonstrate skill and strategic thinking in battle. Here’s how to achieve some of the notable combat-related achievements:
4.1. “A Soldier’s Best Friend”
Objective: Successfully complete a mission with at least one soldier carrying a fully upgraded weapon and armor.
Strategy:
- Upgrading Equipment: Ensure that at least one soldier in your squad is equipped with fully upgraded weapons and armor. Focus on enhancing their gear with the best available upgrades.
- Mission Selection: Choose missions where you can effectively utilize the upgraded soldier’s capabilities. Prioritize missions that align with their strengths and abilities.
4.2. “The Ultimate Weapon”
Objective: Defeat an alien boss using only basic weapons.
Strategy:
- Preparation: Equip your squad with basic weapons and avoid using advanced technology or upgrades. Focus on tactics and positioning to overcome the alien boss.
- Combat Strategy: Use cover and flanking maneuvers to maximize damage while minimizing risk. Prioritize attacking weak points and avoiding direct confrontations.
5. Strategic Achievements
Strategic achievements are related to the overall management of the XCOM base and global defense efforts. Here’s how to achieve these:
5.1. “Global Guardian”
Objective: Successfully defend all countries from alien invasions.
Strategy:
- Global Monitoring: Keep a close eye on global activity and respond quickly to alien invasions. Allocate resources and interceptors to areas with the highest threat levels.
- Base Upgrades: Invest in base upgrades that enhance your defensive capabilities and improve global coverage.
5.2. “The Perfect Plan”
Objective: Achieve a perfect score on a mission without taking any damage.
Strategy:
- Mission Planning: Carefully plan your mission strategy to avoid unnecessary risks and minimize exposure to enemy attacks.
- Squad Management: Ensure your squad is well-equipped and utilizes effective tactics to avoid damage. Use cover and positioning to your advantage.
6. Miscellaneous Achievements
Miscellaneous achievements cover a range of tasks and milestones that don’t fit into other categories. Here’s how to achieve some of these:
6.1. “The Road Less Traveled”
Objective: Complete the game without researching or using any experimental technologies.
Strategy:
- Technology Avoidance: Avoid researching or using experimental technologies throughout the game. Focus on traditional technologies and strategies.
- Gameplay Focus: Adapt your gameplay to compensate for the lack of experimental technologies. Utilize basic weapons and tactics effectively.
6.2. “The Survivor”
Objective: Complete the game with at least one soldier surviving from the beginning to the end.
Strategy:
- Squad Management: Ensure that at least one soldier is kept alive throughout the game. Focus on protecting this soldier and avoiding unnecessary risks.
- Mission Strategy: Use defensive tactics and prioritize the safety of your surviving soldier.
7. Achievement Tracking and Tips
7.1. Tracking Progress
- In-Game Tracker: Utilize the in-game achievement tracker to monitor your progress and see which achievements you have yet to complete.
- External Resources: Refer to online guides and forums for additional tips and strategies on achieving specific milestones.
7.2. Tips for Success
- Strategic Planning: Plan your strategies carefully and adapt your tactics based on the mission objectives and challenges.
- Resource Management: Allocate resources efficiently and prioritize upgrades and research that will enhance your overall capabilities.
- Practice and Persistence: Some achievements may require multiple attempts or specific conditions. Practice and persistence will help you overcome challenges and unlock all achievements.
8. Conclusion
Unlocking all achievements in XCOM: Enemy Unknown requires a combination of strategic thinking, tactical skill, and careful planning. By focusing on mission objectives, optimizing research and engineering efforts, and demonstrating combat prowess, players can earn all achievements and fully experience the game’s depth and complexity.
This achievement guide provides a comprehensive overview of the various achievements, offering strategies and tips to help players achieve success. Whether you are aiming to complete specific missions, unlock all technologies, or demonstrate skill in combat, this guide will help you navigate the challenges and achieve your goals in XCOM: Enemy Unknown.