“XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” developed by Firaxis Games, has established itself as a hallmark in the turn-based strategy genre since its release in 2012. The game is renowned for its deep tactical gameplay, challenging difficulty, and the constant pressure on players to make the right decisions, both on the battlefield and in base management. For newcomers and veterans alike, navigating the complex layers of XCOM can be daunting, which is where a well-crafted strategy guide becomes invaluable.
This review delves into the “XCOM: Enemy Unknown Strategy Guide,” evaluating its usefulness, depth, clarity, and how well it equips players to tackle the challenges of the game. Whether you’re a novice commander struggling with the early missions or an experienced player looking to optimize your strategies, this guide has something to offer. Let’s explore the various aspects of the guide in detail.
Table of Contents
Structure and Organization of the Guide
One of the first things to consider in any strategy guide is its structure and how well it organizes information. The “XCOM: Enemy Unknown Strategy Guide” excels in this regard by breaking down the game into its core components: base management, tactical combat, soldier development, and alien research. Each section is further divided into chapters that focus on specific elements, such as mission types, alien autopsies, or equipment upgrades.
The guide begins with an overview of the game’s mechanics, which is particularly helpful for new players. It explains the basics of turn-based combat, the importance of cover, the significance of flanking, and how the fog of war operates. By starting with these foundational elements, the guide ensures that even those unfamiliar with the genre can quickly get up to speed.
From there, it moves into more detailed sections on base management, outlining the optimal strategies for building and expanding your XCOM headquarters. It discusses the importance of satellite coverage, the best locations for key facilities like the Officer Training School, and how to balance your budget to ensure long-term success. This section is crucial for players who struggle with resource allocation and planning, as the guide provides clear, actionable advice.
The combat section is one of the most comprehensive, covering everything from soldier classes and abilities to enemy types and mission strategies. It includes detailed breakdowns of each soldier class, offering insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and how they can be best utilized in various situations. For example, the guide suggests specific ability builds for Assault soldiers depending on whether you prefer an aggressive or defensive playstyle.
Tactical Combat: Mastering the Battlefield
Tactical combat is the heart of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” and the strategy guide dedicates substantial attention to this aspect. It emphasizes the importance of positioning, cover, and movement, all of which are critical to surviving the game’s often brutal encounters. The guide breaks down each mission type, such as UFO crash sites, abductions, terror missions, and council missions, providing tailored strategies for each.
For instance, in terror missions, the guide stresses the importance of prioritizing civilian rescue while maintaining caution against ambushes. It suggests using high-mobility soldiers to reach civilians quickly, while maintaining a defensive perimeter with other squad members to fend off alien attacks. The guide also advises on when to take calculated risks, such as pushing forward to save multiple civilians versus pulling back to ensure the safety of your squad.
The section on enemy types is particularly valuable, offering in-depth analysis of each alien species you encounter. It covers their abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and how best to counter them. For example, the guide recommends focusing fire on Sectoid Commanders to prevent them from using their Mind Control ability, which can turn your own soldiers against you. Similarly, it advises using explosives against groups of Thin Men to neutralize their poison spit and high accuracy.
The guide also delves into advanced tactics, such as the use of Overwatch, suppression, and the importance of line of sight. It explains how to set up effective ambushes, how to deal with flanking enemies, and the benefits of maintaining a height advantage. These advanced strategies are essential for players looking to tackle the game’s higher difficulty levels, where every decision can mean the difference between victory and a squad wipe.
Base Management: Building a Strong Foundation
Base management in “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” is as critical as tactical combat. The strategy guide offers detailed advice on how to manage resources, build facilities, and research alien technology effectively. One of the key points the guide makes is the importance of satellite coverage. It stresses the need to prioritize satellite construction early in the game to increase your income, reduce panic levels in member countries, and gain access to additional resources through satellite bonuses.
The guide also covers the optimal layout for your base, suggesting where to place key facilities such as power generators, workshops, and laboratories. It explains the benefits of adjacency bonuses, where placing certain facilities next to each other provides additional benefits, such as reduced power consumption or increased research speed. This section is invaluable for players who struggle with the long-term planning aspect of base management, as it provides a clear blueprint for success.
Resource management is another critical aspect of base operations, and the guide offers tips on how to balance your budget, manage your soldiers, and allocate resources efficiently. It suggests which items and technologies to prioritize in the early game, such as laser weapons and medkits, and which can be delayed until later, like certain advanced armors or plasma weapons. By following these recommendations, players can avoid common pitfalls, such as running out of funds or being unprepared for tougher missions.
Soldier Development: Training the Elite
Developing your soldiers is a key part of “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” and the strategy guide provides detailed advice on how to create an effective, well-rounded squad. It covers the strengths and weaknesses of each soldier class—Assault, Heavy, Sniper, and Support—and offers specific ability builds based on different playstyles. For example, the guide might suggest an “Aggressive Assault” build that focuses on close-quarters combat and high mobility, or a “Defensive Support” build that prioritizes healing and buffing the squad.
The guide also emphasizes the importance of soldier rotation and training. It advises against relying too heavily on a core group of elite soldiers, as losing them in battle can be catastrophic. Instead, it recommends training a larger pool of soldiers to ensure you always have a capable team ready for deployment. This strategy is particularly important in Ironman mode, where the loss of a single soldier can have long-lasting consequences.
In addition to class-specific strategies, the guide also covers general tips for soldier development, such as the importance of Willpower for resisting psychic attacks, and how to maximize the benefits of the Officer Training School. It suggests when to promote soldiers, how to manage fatigue and injuries, and the best ways to use medals to boost soldier performance.
Alien Research and Engineering: Gaining the Edge
Research and engineering are critical to gaining the upper hand in “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” and the strategy guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of how to approach these aspects of the game. It provides a recommended research path, advising players on which technologies to prioritize for maximum impact. For example, it suggests focusing on laser weapons early on to gain a significant firepower boost, followed by researching alien materials for better armor.
The guide also covers the benefits of autopsies and interrogations, explaining how they can unlock new research projects and provide critical intel on enemy weaknesses. It suggests prioritizing certain autopsies, such as those for Sectoids or Floaters, to gain access to key technologies like improved medkits or enhanced interrogation techniques.
Engineering is another area where the guide offers valuable insights. It advises on the construction of key items and facilities, such as the Foundry and the Genetics Lab, which can provide significant benefits later in the game. The guide also covers the pros and cons of different equipment, such as choosing between the Arc Thrower and additional grenades, and how to best utilize limited resources to outfit your squad effectively.
Dealing with Difficulty Levels and Ironman Mode
“XCOM: Enemy Unknown” is notorious for its difficulty, and the strategy guide provides tailored advice for tackling each difficulty level, from Easy to Impossible. It explains how the game scales in difficulty, such as increased enemy health and damage on higher settings, and offers strategies for adapting your playstyle accordingly.
For example, on higher difficulties, the guide suggests being more conservative with your movements, using Overwatch more frequently, and prioritizing defensive abilities and equipment. It also recommends focusing on building a strong economy early on to ensure you have the resources to handle tougher enemies as the game progresses.
Ironman mode, where the game auto-saves after every action and prevents reloading previous saves, is a particular challenge for XCOM players. The guide offers specific advice for surviving in Ironman mode, such as the importance of backup plans, the need to accept losses, and the value of adaptability. It encourages players to think several moves ahead, always considering the potential consequences of their actions and preparing for the worst-case scenario.
Multiplayer Strategies: Competing Against Other Commanders
In addition to the single-player campaign, “XCOM: Enemy Unknown” features a multiplayer mode where players can face off against each other in tactical battles. The strategy guide includes a section dedicated to multiplayer strategies, offering tips on how to build effective squads, counter common tactics, and outmaneuver your opponents.
The guide covers the unique aspects of multiplayer, such as the ability to mix human and alien units in your squad, and the importance of unit synergy. It suggests different squad compositions based on various playstyles, such as a fast-moving assault team or a long-range sniper squad. It also advises on how to adapt to different opponents, recognizing the signs of specific strategies and adjusting your tactics accordingly.
Multiplayer battles in XCOM are often fast-paced and require quick thinking, and the guide provides insights into how to maintain composure and make smart decisions under pressure. It also covers the meta-game aspects of multiplayer, such as understanding the current popular strategies and finding ways to counter them effectively. This section of the guide ensures that players not only understand the mechanics of multiplayer battles but also how to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of XCOM’s multiplayer scene.
Common Challenges and Solutions
The “XCOM: Enemy Unknown Strategy Guide” does a commendable job addressing common challenges players face. It provides solutions for issues that can trip up both new and experienced players, making it a comprehensive resource for overcoming obstacles and improving overall gameplay.
Managing Panic and Funding
One of the major challenges in XCOM is managing panic levels across the different countries and balancing your funding. The guide offers strategies for keeping panic in check, such as prioritizing satellite coverage in high-risk areas and choosing missions that will have the most impact on reducing panic levels. It also covers the importance of building a strong relationship with the Council, advising on which countries to focus on for funding and support.
Dealing with Squad Losses and Injuries
Losing soldiers and dealing with injuries can be disheartening, particularly if they are high-ranking or well-developed. The guide provides strategies for managing these setbacks, such as maintaining a balanced roster of soldiers to ensure you always have replacements ready. It also emphasizes the importance of rotating soldiers to avoid overusing key members and discusses how to make the most of injured soldiers through rest and recovery.
Adapting to Alien Evolution
As the game progresses, aliens evolve and become more challenging. The guide offers insights into how to adapt your tactics to deal with these increasingly difficult enemies. It provides advice on countering new alien abilities, such as the Psionic attacks of the late-game enemies or the advanced weaponry of the Sectoid Commanders. The guide stresses the importance of research and upgrading your equipment to stay ahead of the curve.
Advanced Strategies and Tips
For players seeking to master “XCOM: Enemy Unknown,” the guide includes advanced strategies and tips that delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and offer nuanced advice for optimizing performance.
Effective Use of Cover and Positioning
Advanced tactics involve leveraging cover and positioning to gain an advantage on the battlefield. The guide explains how to use full cover effectively, the benefits of using half cover, and how to position your squad to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing their exposure to enemy fire. It also covers how to use the environment to your advantage, such as taking high ground to increase your accuracy and visibility.
Optimizing Soldier Builds
The guide offers in-depth advice on optimizing soldier builds for various roles. It includes recommendations for skill progression, equipment choices, and tactical roles for each soldier class. For example, it provides detailed build suggestions for Snipers, including the optimal mix of abilities for long-range engagements and how to complement them with support from other squad members.
Resource Management
Efficient resource management is crucial for long-term success in XCOM. The guide provides advanced tips on managing your resources, such as when to invest in costly upgrades and how to balance immediate needs with long-term goals. It also covers how to prioritize research and engineering projects based on your current situation and future objectives.
Conclusion: The Value of the Strategy Guide
The “XCOM: Enemy Unknown Strategy Guide” is a valuable resource for players at all levels of experience. Its comprehensive coverage of the game’s mechanics, tactical advice, and strategic insights makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to excel in XCOM.
The guide’s structured approach, clear explanations, and detailed advice ensure that players can navigate the complexities of the game with confidence. Whether you are struggling with base management, facing challenges in tactical combat, or seeking advanced strategies for high difficulty levels, the guide provides the information and support needed to succeed.
For new players, the guide serves as a practical introduction to the game’s systems and strategies, helping them to build a solid foundation for their XCOM campaign. For experienced players, it offers in-depth insights and advanced tactics to refine their gameplay and tackle the game’s toughest challenges.
Overall, the “XCOM: Enemy Unknown Strategy Guide” enhances the XCOM experience by providing valuable knowledge and strategies that empower players to take control of their campaigns and overcome the game’s numerous obstacles. Its comprehensive nature and practical advice make it a must-have resource for anyone looking to master XCOM’s demanding and rewarding gameplay.