XCOM 2 War of the Chosen is a popular strategy game that challenges players to lead a squad of soldiers against an alien invasion. One of the most important aspects of achieving success in the game is establishing a solid build order early in your campaign. The build order refers to the sequence in which you construct facilities, research technologies, and manage resources to maximize efficiency and ensure your squad is prepared for tougher missions. Understanding the optimal build order can significantly improve your chances of surviving alien attacks and completing objectives successfully, especially when playing with the War of the Chosen expansion, which adds new enemies, abilities, and tactical depth.
Understanding the Basics of Build Order
In XCOM 2 War of the Chosen, a build order is more than just the sequence of construction-it is a strategic plan that balances multiple priorities simultaneously. Players must consider base construction, soldier training, research projects, and resource management. Proper timing ensures that your squad has the right equipment, the base has the necessary facilities, and resources like supplies, alloys, and intel are used efficiently. The early game is especially critical, as missteps in the build order can leave your squad underprepared for challenging alien encounters.
Key Considerations
Before setting a build order, it is essential to evaluate several key factors
- Resource AvailabilitySupplies, alloys, and intel are limited, so prioritize facilities and research that provide the most immediate benefits.
- Mission TimingCertain facilities unlock critical upgrades or missions. Align construction with upcoming objectives to avoid delays.
- Soldier Classes and AbilitiesUnderstanding the strengths of different soldier classes helps determine which equipment and upgrades to pursue first.
- Alien Threat LevelDifferent regions may have unique enemy types. Tailoring your build order to anticipated threats increases survival chances.
- Faction BonusesIn War of the Chosen, factions provide unique abilities and missions. Incorporating these into your build order can accelerate progress.
Recommended Early Game Build Order
The early game in XCOM 2 War of the Chosen requires prioritizing survival and establishing a strong foundation. The following steps outline a commonly recommended early game build order
Step 1 Establish Essential Facilities
Start by constructing basic facilities that provide immediate benefits. These usually include the Guerrilla Tactics School (GTS) and the Resistance Comms. The GTS allows soldier training and class upgrades, while Resistance Comms expand your operational reach and allow contact with additional regions. Prioritizing these facilities ensures that your squad gains experience and that your strategic options increase rapidly.
Step 2 Initiate Early Research Projects
Simultaneously, focus on research projects that unlock essential equipment and capabilities. Priorities often include weapon and armor upgrades, basic psionic research if available, and projects that counter the alien threat in your current region. Early research can also unlock covert operations and other strategic advantages that help maintain momentum.
Step 3 Expand Soldier Training
Training and leveling up soldiers is critical. Promote soldiers strategically to unlock key abilities in each class. Focus on balancing your squad composition by having at least one soldier of each class early on. Doing so provides tactical flexibility and ensures that you are prepared for various mission types. Classes like Rangers and Grenadiers are often prioritized because of their versatility in early combat encounters.
Mid-Game Build Order Considerations
As the campaign progresses, the mid-game focuses on expanding capabilities, improving soldier equipment, and integrating new War of the Chosen features such as Chosen enemies and faction operatives. Facilities that improve squad survivability and mobility become increasingly important. Examples include the Proving Ground, which allows experimental weapon and armor development, and the Shadow Chamber, which provides intelligence on alien forces.
Equipment Upgrades
Mid-game build orders should prioritize upgrading weapons and armor to advanced tiers. Plasma weaponry, improved armor, and specialized grenades significantly increase your squad’s effectiveness. Conducting targeted research and building supporting facilities ensures that these upgrades are available when alien threats intensify.
Faction Integration
War of the Chosen introduces factions such as the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars. Early integration of these factions is beneficial, as they provide unique soldiers and missions. Prioritize building contact with faction leaders, completing missions for them, and recruiting their soldiers. This integration can enhance squad diversity and unlock abilities that are crucial for challenging late-game missions.
Late Game Build Order Priorities
The late game in XCOM 2 War of the Chosen focuses on preparing for the final confrontation with alien forces. At this stage, you should prioritize final facility upgrades, full squad optimization, and specialized training. Facilities like the Advanced Warfare Center and Psi Lab are critical for maximizing soldier potential. Research should focus on advanced armor, experimental weapons, and strategies to counter the remaining alien threat and Chosen adversaries.
Squad Optimization
Late-game build orders emphasize optimizing your soldiers with specialized equipment, perks, and abilities. Completing the training and promotion of all soldiers ensures that your squad is capable of handling the most difficult missions. Integrating faction operatives fully into the squad provides additional tactical options, such as stealth attacks, ranged sniping, and psionic powers.
Resource Management
In the late game, resources such as alloys, elerium, and intel become critical for sustaining operations. The build order should ensure that facilities producing these resources are maximized and that stockpiles are sufficient to support advanced upgrades. Resource planning prevents bottlenecks that can slow progress and ensures readiness for the final alien assault.
Common Mistakes in Build Order
Even experienced players can make mistakes in build order planning. Common errors include
- Over-prioritizing one type of facility at the expense of soldier development.
- Neglecting faction integration early, missing out on unique abilities.
- Failing to research critical equipment before mid-game missions.
- Mismanaging resources, leading to delays in upgrades or squad enhancements.
- Ignoring Chosen enemy strategies, which can escalate mission difficulty.
Tips for Effective Build Order
To ensure an efficient and successful build order in XCOM 2 War of the Chosen, consider these tips
- Balance base construction with soldier training and research projects.
- Keep a flexible build order that can adapt to mission demands and alien threats.
- Integrate factions early to take advantage of their unique soldiers and abilities.
- Monitor resources closely and prioritize upgrades that provide immediate combat benefits.
- Plan for Chosen encounters by researching countermeasures and building specialized facilities.
A well-planned build order is essential for success in XCOM 2 War of the Chosen. From establishing essential facilities and research projects in the early game to optimizing soldier squads and integrating factions in the mid and late game, a strategic approach ensures survival and efficiency. By balancing resources, prioritizing upgrades, and preparing for unique challenges like the Chosen, players can maximize their chances of completing the campaign successfully. Understanding the nuances of build order not only improves gameplay but also provides a satisfying and rewarding experience as players lead their squad to victory against alien forces.