XCOM 2 War of the Chosen is an expansion to the critically acclaimed strategy game XCOM 2, offering players an enhanced and more challenging experience. Released in 2017, War of the Chosen introduces new enemies, allies, missions, and gameplay mechanics that significantly expand the tactical possibilities of the base game. The expansion adds depth to the already complex world of XCOM 2, where players must lead a resistance force against an alien occupation on Earth. With new character classes, enemies, and strategic options, it provides both veterans and new players with fresh challenges and rewarding gameplay.
Overview of XCOM 2 War of the Chosen
XCOM 2 War of the Chosen builds on the foundation of XCOM 2, which places players in the role of Commander of the XCOM resistance. The game combines turn-based tactical combat with strategic base management. In War of the Chosen, the stakes are higher as the aliens have strengthened their grip on Earth, introducing new factions known as the Chosen who actively hunt the player’s operatives. These enemies provide a persistent and personal threat, adding tension and urgency to each mission.
New Factions and Enemies
One of the most notable features of War of the Chosen is the introduction of the Chosen enemies. These elite alien warriors are unique adversaries who develop a vendetta against the player over time. They include
- The Assassin A stealthy and deadly enemy capable of ambushing soldiers and bypassing defenses.
- The Hunter A highly mobile and ranged attacker who can deal massive damage from a distance.
- The Warlock A psionic powerhouse who can manipulate the battlefield and control soldiers with psychic abilities.
Each Chosen enemy has its own personality, abilities, and tactics, making encounters with them unpredictable and highly challenging. They evolve over time, meaning that their threat level increases as the game progresses, and they can personally target the player’s soldiers, creating a persistent sense of danger and strategy.
New Hero Classes and Abilities
War of the Chosen also expands the player’s tactical options with new soldier classes, each with unique abilities that alter the approach to combat. These include
- ReaperA stealth-focused class capable of moving unseen across the battlefield and striking enemies with deadly precision.
- SkirmisherAgile soldiers with the ability to dash across terrain and perform powerful melee attacks, offering versatility in combat.
- TemplarPsionic warriors who can harness psychic powers for both offense and defense, adding a new layer of strategy to team composition.
These classes encourage players to experiment with different squad setups, combining traditional XCOM tactics with the new mobility and psionic options to adapt to the Chosen threat and other enemy forces.
Strategic Layer Enhancements
Beyond the tactical missions, War of the Chosen adds complexity to the strategic layer of the game. Players manage resistance operations, recruit soldiers, research new technologies, and expand their influence across the globe. The expansion introduces new mechanics such as Faction Missions and Bonds between soldiers, which can impact combat performance and story development.
Faction Missions
Three new resistance factions are introduced, each with unique abilities and perks for the player’s squad. These factions are
- The Reapers Experts in stealth and reconnaissance, providing players with intelligence and tactical advantages.
- The Skirmishers Former ADVENT soldiers turned resistance fighters who add mobility and offensive capabilities to squads.
- The Templars Masters of psionic powers who can unlock psychic abilities for your soldiers and provide bonuses in combat.
Players can undertake faction missions to gain favor and earn rewards, which in turn can improve the capabilities of their soldiers. Balancing relationships with these factions adds a new strategic element to the campaign.
Soldier Bonds and Relationships
War of the Chosen introduces a new mechanic called Bonds, which allows players to develop relationships between soldiers. Soldiers with strong Bonds gain combat bonuses when deployed together, enhancing teamwork and tactical efficiency. Conversely, soldiers with poor relationships may suffer penalties, adding a layer of realism and complexity to squad management.
Tactical Missions and Gameplay Innovations
The expansion introduces a variety of new mission types, such as retaliation missions, covert operations, and objectives that require strategic decision-making under pressure. These missions often require careful positioning, use of cover, and coordination of abilities to succeed. The introduction of new enemies, environmental hazards, and mission objectives increases the challenge for players, making each engagement feel fresh and demanding.
Enhanced Enemy AI
Enemies in War of the Chosen are more intelligent and adaptive. The Chosen actively hunt down your soldiers and coordinate attacks, requiring players to adjust their strategies continuously. Regular ADVENT forces have also become more varied and unpredictable, forcing players to think critically about cover, flanking, and the use of special abilities.
Expanded Customization
Players have more options for customizing their soldiers and base than ever before. Armor and weapon upgrades can be tailored to suit specific tactical approaches, and soldiers’ appearances can be personalized. These customization options not only improve combat performance but also deepen the player’s connection to their units, making losses in battle more impactful.
Challenges and Replayability
War of the Chosen significantly increases the replayability of XCOM 2. With multiple factions, soldier classes, and random mission layouts, no two campaigns are exactly the same. The persistent threat of the Chosen, combined with strategic decisions and soldier management, ensures that players must remain flexible and adaptable to succeed. Higher difficulty levels and new modes such as Ironman add additional layers of challenge for veteran players seeking a more punishing experience.
Impact on the XCOM 2 Community
The expansion has been praised for revitalizing the XCOM 2 experience. It added depth and variety, encouraging players to experiment with new strategies and soldier combinations. The Chosen enemies, in particular, have become a hallmark of the expansion, creating memorable encounters that challenge even experienced players. War of the Chosen has helped maintain XCOM 2’s position as a leading tactical strategy game in the gaming community.
XCOM 2 War of the Chosen offers a compelling expansion that enhances the tactical and strategic depth of the original game. With new enemies, including the persistent and deadly Chosen, new soldier classes like Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars, and enriched strategic mechanics such as faction missions and soldier Bonds, players are challenged to think critically and adapt constantly. The combination of tactical innovation, strategic complexity, and narrative depth makes War of the Chosen a must-play for fans of XCOM 2. Its engaging gameplay, high replayability, and memorable encounters continue to make it a standout expansion in the strategy gaming genre.