What changed in XCOM® 2 in 2017

Fixed an issue where XCOM soldiers became permanently nonfunctional after ending a mission where they are actively bound.

Fixed an issue where XCOM soldiers became permanently nonfunctional after ending a mission where they are actively bound.

Implemented stability improvements.

Fixed a hang caused by a soldier suffering from an incapacitating status effect transitioning to the Avatar showdown

Fixed crashes related to object destruction.

Fixed crashes related to object destruction.

Fixed a hang caused by a soldier suffering from an incapacitating status effect transitioning to the Avatar showdown.

Implemented stability improvements.

Defeating a Chosen and using their weapons may trigger unique comments from other Chosen during combat.

The Chosen are named adversaries with unique personalities and abilities that interact with players throughout the game.

The Chosen are new adversaries in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, providing a personal and dynamic enemy experience.

Procedural strengths and weaknesses of the Chosen were balanced to prevent overpowering combinations.

Each encounter with the Chosen is designed to create a unique narrative based on player actions during missions.

Defeating a Chosen and using their weapons may trigger unique comments from other Chosen.

Each Chosen has distinct roles and combat styles, enhancing the variety of encounters.

Early development featured placeholder voice acting, adding humor to the Chosen's character.

The Chosen interact with players based on decisions made, affecting both tactical and strategic gameplay.

The procedural strengths and weaknesses of the Chosen were balanced to prevent combinations that could create overly powerful enemies.

The Chosen engage with players on both tactical and strategic layers, affecting the overall story and gameplay experience.

Placeholder voice acting was used during development, adding a humorous element to the Chosen's character.

Players can send soldiers on missions for rewards, adding new strategic choices.

The Chosen introduce new strategic agendas and challenges for players to navigate.

Original Res HQ mechanics were cut to streamline gameplay and accommodate new features.

New feature allowing players to develop relationships between soldiers, enhancing narrative depth.

New character and audio feature that enhances the game's atmosphere and narrative.

New system influenced by Civilization VI, allowing players to activate strategic effects through cards.

New systems increase player engagement with the resistance factions and their narratives.

New feature allowing players to develop relationships between soldiers.

New system allowing players to activate orders that impact gameplay strategically.

New visual elements that add personality and narrative depth to the game.

New feature allowing players to send soldiers on missions for rewards, enhancing strategic gameplay.

New gameplay element that introduces negative traits for soldiers.

New characters and narrative elements added to enrich player experience.

New audio feature with a unique DJ character to enhance immersion.

Original Res HQ mechanics were cut to streamline gameplay and integrate new features.

New visual elements that add personality to the game.

Available on October 1 with multiple enemy forces trying to intercept.

Available on October 1 in City Center, with ADVENT troops and Vipers attempting to intercept.

Available on September 30, expect tough fights against various enemies.

Available on September 30 in an Abandoned City environment, facing tough enemies.

Available on September 28 in Subway Tunnels, guarded by ADVENT troops and Sectopods.

Available on September 28, requiring caution against defending forces.

Announcement of new books providing additional lore and background for XCOM 2.

A new book is planned to expand on the world of XCOM 2.

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen introduces new factions and narrative experiences.

Available on September 27 in the Slums with Sectoid and ADVENT Priest units.

New factions introduced in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, enhancing the narrative experience.

A new feature that allows players to creatively illustrate their soldiers' stories.

Over 10,000 lines of new voice over added to the expansion.

Over 10,000 new lines of voice over added to the expansion, enhancing character interactions.

New gameplay mechanic allowing players to form bonds between soldiers, enhancing personal storytelling.

Players can illustrate their soldiers' stories and share them with the world.

Three new nemesis characters that taunt players, adding depth to the narrative.

New gameplay feature allowing players to form bonds between soldiers, enhancing personal storytelling.

Three nemesis characters that taunt the player, adding a new narrative depth.

Available on September 26 in a Shanty Town environment, featuring a major Chryssalid infestation.

Available on September 26 with a focus on a major Chryssalid infestation.

New objectives and missions available in Challenge Mode for the week of September 25.

Available on September 25 and 29 in different environments with varying enemy forces.

New objectives and missions available in Challenge Mode for the week of September 25.

Available on September 25 and 29 in a small town environment.

Mission objective for September 24 in city center with a ranger and reaper.

Mission objective for September 23 in abandoned city with rangers.

Mission objective for September 22 in subway tunnels with a group of Andromedons and Spectres.

Mission objective for September 21 in slums with specialists and skirmishers.

Mission objective for September 20 in waterfront with a small squad.

Mission objective for September 19 in slums with an alien wrecking crew.

Mission objective for September 18 in sewer tunnels with mixed alien/ADVENT forces.

New objectives and missions available in Challenge Mode for the week of September 18.

Location: Slums. Team: Grenadiers and Sectopod. Enemy Forces: ADVENT ground forces and heavier units.

Mission on September 17 to recover the ADVENT Logistics Report in the Slums.

Location: Subway Tunnels. Team: Mutons and Vipers. Enemy Forces: Vipers, Mutons, and ADVENT Stunlancers.

Mission on September 16 to plant X4 charges on the Psionic Transmitter in Subway Tunnels.

Mission on September 18 in sewer tunnels with a mixed alien/ADVENT team.

Mission on September 23 in an abandoned city with Rangers.

Mission on September 20 at waterfront with a small squad.

Mission on September 22 in subway tunnels with a group of Andromedons and Spectres.

Location: Slums. Team: Templars and Reaper Squad. Enemy Forces: ADVENT troops, Archons, and potentially Andromedons.

Mission on September 21 in slums with a team of Specialists and Skirmishers.

Mission on September 19 in slums with an alien wrecking crew.

New objectives and missions available in Challenge Mode for the week of September 18, including various enemy forces and environments.

Mission on September 15 to download Cryogenic Experiments from an exposed access point in the Slums.

Mission on September 24 in the city center with a Ranger and Reaper.

Location: Wilderness. Team: Andromedon, Sectoid, and Sectopod. Enemy Forces: Heavy resistance from ADVENT forces.

Mission on September 14 to protect and secure critical supplies from enemy forces in the Wilderness.

Location: Small Town. Team: All Purifiers. Enemy Forces: Chryssalid infestation.

Skirmishers explore their alien nature post-ADVENT control, introducing new narrative elements.

The Skirmisher class explores the narrative of freed ADVENT soldiers, introducing new gameplay strategies.

The Reaper class can control concealment and never breaks out of it, enhancing tactical options.

The Templar class features a distinct visual manifestation of psionic energy, differing from base game Psi Operatives.

Three new factions with unique soldier classes and gameplay mechanics introduced.

Three new factions introduced, each with unique soldier classes and gameplay mechanics.

The Skirmisher's 'Forward Operator' ability was cut due to excessive action point gain.

'Forward Operator' ability was cut due to excessive action points granted upon enemy reveal.

Mission on September 13 to plant X4 charges on the Psionic Transmitter in a Small Town.

The Reaper class introduced with a unique Shadow concealment mechanic that enhances tactical gameplay.

Templar class features offensive psionic effects that differ from traditional Psi Operatives.

Reaper's 'Executioner' ability reworked to 'Death Dealer' to reduce overpowered late-game performance.

Restrictions applied to the Templar's 'Ghost' ability to prevent infinite summons.

The Reaper's ability 'Executioner' was reworked to 'Death Dealer' to balance gameplay.

Restrictions applied to Templar's 'Ghost' ability to prevent infinite summoning in missions.

Location: Shanty. Team: Templars. Enemy Forces: Faceless, Sectoid, Vipers, and ADVENT ground troops.

Mission on September 12 to neutralize an alien strike force in the Shanty location.

Mission on September 11 to protect and secure critical supplies from enemy forces in the Wilderness.

New missions available in Challenge Mode for the week of September 11, including various objectives and enemy forces.

Location: Wilderness. Team: Skirmishers and Gatekeeper. Enemy Forces: Multiple Archons, Purifiers, and Andromedons.

New objectives and incoming Intel for Challenge Mode in XCOM 2: War of The Chosen.

Three new factions: Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars, each with unique abilities.

Tactical missions across new environments including abandoned cities and underground tunnels.

Customize and create resistance posters to share in-game.

Tactical missions set in new environments including abandoned cities and underground tunnels.

Manage relations with factions and counter The Chosen's operations.

XCOM 2: War of The Chosen will be released on August 29 for PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

Customize and pose soldiers to create unique resistance posters that can be shared.

New enemies known as The Chosen, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, will hunt XCOM soldiers.

The expansion War of The Chosen is now available on PC, enhancing the base game with new content.

Daily community challenges in Challenge Mode for leaderboard rankings.

A new alien capable of creating dark copies of XCOM soldiers.

Manage relations with factions and counter The Chosen’s operations with new Resistance Orders.

Soldiers can develop bonds for new abilities and dynamic mission modifiers.

Introduction of new enemies including the Spectre, ADVENT Purifier, and ADVENT Priest.

Introduction of new enemies including the Spectre, ADVENT Purifier, and ADVENT Priest.

New mechanics for managing relations with factions and countering The Chosen's operations.

Expansion launching on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on August 29, 2017.

Daily community challenges for players to compete on global leaderboards.

Cunning enemies that can kidnap and kill XCOM soldiers, with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Tactical missions across new environments including abandoned cities and underground tunnels.

New enemy force called the Chosen, with unique strengths and weaknesses.

New community challenges for players to compete on global leaderboards.

A new alien capable of creating dark copies of XCOM soldiers.

The expansion War of The Chosen is now available on PC.

Soldiers can develop bonds for new abilities and the SITREP system adds modifiers for unique challenges.

Three new factions - Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars - with unique abilities and hero class soldiers.

Customize and create unique resistance posters to share in-game.

New regular one-shot community challenges for global leaderboard.

Customize soldiers and create unique resistance posters to share in-game.

New enemy type known as The Chosen, with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Soldiers can develop bonds for new abilities and the SITREP system adds mission modifiers.

New factions: Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars, each with unique abilities.

Expansion launching on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on August 29, 2017.

Tactical missions set in new environments such as abandoned cities and underground tunnels.

New factions: Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars, each with unique abilities.

Manage relations with factions and counter The Chosen’s operations with new Resistance Orders.

Players can fight alongside aliens and Faction members, creating unique team dynamics.

A new challenge will be available every day, featuring unique tactical scenarios not found in the campaign.

Players have 30 real-time minutes to complete each challenge, with scores decreasing for each turn taken.

PC version will allow viewing replays of the best performances in each challenge.

Top scorers will be spotlighted on the front page of Challenge Mode.

Aliens in Challenge Mode can perform basic functions like Evac, which they weren't programmed for in the main game.

Players can experience unique scenarios with aliens and Faction soldiers in their squad.

A new Challenge Mode allows players to compete globally for the best score on special missions.

New challenges will be available every day, each with the same mission for all players.

Top scorers for each challenge will be spotlighted on the front page of Challenge Mode.

PC version will allow players to view replays of the best Commanders from each challenge.

Players have 30 real-time minutes to complete challenges, with scores decreasing for longer turns.

A new mode where players compete globally on special missions with unique scenarios and scoring.

Aliens in Challenge Mode can perform basic functions like Evac, differing from their roles in the main game.

Templars gain the Momentum ability, allowing them to move back into cover after a Rend attack.

Skirmishers are former ADVENT troopers with versatile combat abilities and mobility.

Skirmishers can use grapples for mobility and battlefield control.

The Battlelord ability allows Skirmishers to take an action after every enemy action, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

Reapers can remain concealed to ambush enemies, reshaping mission approaches.

Skirmishers are former ADVENT troopers with versatile combat abilities.

The Templars are a new faction with unique abilities and play styles, focusing on Psionic energy and melee combat.

Templars have access to abilities like Parry, Deflect, and Reflect to improve survivability.

Templars have abilities like Parry, Deflect, and Reflect to enhance survivability.

The Reapers are a new faction that excels in scouting and ambush tactics.

Reapers can remain concealed and set up ambushes, utilizing abilities like Homing Mine and Silent Killer.

Templars collect Psionic energy from kills, boosting their power and effectiveness of abilities.

Templars can collect Psionic energy through kills, enhancing their abilities and stats based on Focus charges.

Activating Battlelord allows Skirmishers to take an action after every enemy action.

Templars can use abilities like Deep Focus and Pillar to enhance their combat effectiveness and battlefield control.

The Reapers are a new faction that specializes in stealth and ambush tactics.

Skirmishers can use grapples for mobility and have powerful close-quarters combat abilities.

Templars gain Momentum after every Rend attack, allowing them to move back into cover.

The Templars are a new faction with unique abilities and play styles, focusing on Psionic energy and melee combat.

The expansion will be available on August 29 for PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

Create and customize propaganda posters with various backgrounds, filters, and soldier poses.

A free application allowing players to create custom propaganda posters using XCOM troops.

The Propaganda Center includes a Photobooth application for creating custom soldier posters.

A free download on Steam allowing players to create custom propaganda posters using XCOM troops.

Unique cards for each Faction that enhance gameplay, such as 'Infiltrate' and 'Mental Fortitude'.

Players can recruit new Factions that provide unique strategic advantages.

Missions include 'Hunt the Chosen', 'Rescue Soldier', 'Locate Faction', and more.

Modifier cards that provide various gameplay benefits based on player choices and Faction trust.

New non-combat missions where players allocate resources and soldiers to gain intel and perks.

New non-combat missions that allow players to allocate resources and soldiers for various objectives.

New Resistance Orders like 'Infiltrate', 'Volunteer Army', 'Bomb Squad', and 'Mental Fortitude' added.

Modifier cards that provide various gameplay benefits based on player choices and Faction trust.

Players can recruit new Factions that provide unique benefits and HQs for strategic gameplay.

New missions such as 'Hunt the Chosen', 'Rescue Soldier', and 'Locate Faction' introduced.

Includes Advanced Teamwork and Dual Strike abilities.

Soldiers can select abilities from multiple classes, enhancing customization.

Bonded soldiers unlock new abilities such as Teamwork, Spotter, and Dual Strike.

Soldiers gain compatibility through shared experiences, affecting their performance and abilities.

New abilities include granting an additional action point to a bondmate.

Includes Spotter, Stand By Me, and Covert Operators abilities.

Players earn Ability Points through combat maneuvers, allowing for more diverse soldier development.

Replaces the Advanced Warfare Center, allowing soldiers to gain Ability Points for new skills.

Replaces Advanced Warfare Center, allows spending Ability Points on new skills.

Earn Ability Points through combat maneuvers to enhance soldier skills.

Soldiers can now form bonds during missions, enhancing their abilities and interactions.

Soldiers need rest to avoid negative traits and maintain performance.

Soldiers can bond during missions, enhancing their abilities and compatibility.

Soldiers may develop negative traits from overuse, affecting their performance.

The ADVENT Purifier is a new enemy unit equipped with flamethrowers and incendiary grenades, causing area damage.

The ADVENT Priest wields magnetic rifles and possesses Psionic abilities, including Mind Control and the ability to boost allies, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity in combat.

The Spectre is a stealthy enemy that can transform into a nanorobotic cloud and create shadow versions of XCOM soldiers.

The ADVENT Priest is a new enemy that can mind control units and boost allies, posing a significant threat in combat.

The Spectre is a stealthy alien that can transform into a nanorobotic cloud, using abilities like Shadowbind to lock soldiers in place and create shadow versions of them.

The ADVENT Purifier is a flame-throwing unit designed to deal with The Lost and civilian retaliation strikes, capable of causing area damage and potentially exploding upon death.

The Lost are drawn to loud noises and will swarm players, creating dynamic combat scenarios.

The Lost are mutated humans that roam abandoned cities, attacking both XCOM and ADVENT forces.

The Lost are newly introduced enemies that swarm in hordes and can attack both XCOM and ADVENT forces.

Players can score free actions by taking down The Lost with headshots, encouraging strategic decision-making during combat.

Players can score free actions by taking down The Lost with headshots, introducing new tactical decisions during combat.

The Lost are drawn to loud noises and swarm in waves, creating dynamic combat scenarios.

The Hunter can fire a Tracking Shot that targets XCOM soldiers, requiring players to break line of sight within one turn.

The Hunter can abduct XCOM troops to interrogate them for information about the Avenger's location.

The Hunter employs Concussion Grenades and Tranquilizer Shots to toy with XCOM units.

The Hunter is a new ranged unit that stalks XCOM units and can use a grappling hook to gain advantageous positions.

The Hunter is a new ranged unit that stalks XCOM units and can use a grappling hook to gain advantageous positions.

The Hunter can fire a Tracking Shot that targets XCOM soldiers, requiring players to break line of sight within one turn.

The Hunter employs Concussion Grenades and Tranquilizer Shots to toy with XCOM units during encounters.

The Hunter can abduct XCOM troops to interrogate them for information about the Avenger's location.

New faction introduced, the Templars, a group of psionically enhanced soldiers.

Templars use a new mechanic called Focus to enhance their combat abilities.

Templars primarily use Psionic blades and Autopistols in combat.

Templars use a new mechanic called Focus to enhance their combat abilities.

Templars wield Psionic blades as their primary weapon.

Templars possess unique abilities such as 'Volt' and 'Ionic Storm'.

New faction introduced, the Templars, a group of psionic soldiers with unique abilities.

Templars have unique psionic skills including 'Volt' and 'Ionic Storm'.

The Warlock can summon spectral zombies, teleport allies, mind control enemies, and infect them with madness.

The Warlock can summon spectral zombies, teleport allies, mind control enemies, and summon guards.

While summoning guards, the Warlock enters stasis, becoming invulnerable to harm.

The Warlock is a new unique ADVENT enemy introduced in the War of the Chosen expansion.

The Warlock is a new unique ADVENT enemy with psionic abilities.

Skirmishers can use a grappling hook to scale structures and close the gap to enemies.

New faction of Skirmishers, former ADVENT soldiers rebelling against their masters.

Skirmishers use a wrist-mounted Ripjack for close combat attacks.

Skirmishers have skills like Whiplash for free attacks and Reflex for extra actions based on enemy fire.

Skirmishers are equipped with a Bullpup SMG that can be fired twice in a single turn with training.

Skirmishers can use a grappling hook to scale structures and close the gap to enemies.

New faction of Skirmishers, former ADVENT soldiers rebelling against their masters.

Skirmishers are equipped with a custom Bullpup SMG that allows for double firing with training.

Skirmishers have skills like Whiplash for free attacks and Reflex for extra actions.

Skirmishers employ a Ripjack for close combat attacks.

Reapers utilize the Vektor rifle and a special Claymore explosive that does not break concealment.

Skilled Reapers can attach Claymores to enemy units, turning them into explosive devices.

Reaper unit features enhanced concealment mode called 'Shadow' for greater mobility and stealth.

New faction of human loyalists called the Reapers introduced, who are willing to work with XCOM.

Reapers utilize a new weapon, the Vektor rifle, and a special Claymore explosive that does not break concealment.

New faction of resistance fighters called the Reapers, specializing in infiltration and stealth.

The Reaper unit is an infiltration specialist and stealth marksman with enhanced concealment mode called 'Shadow'.

The Assassin fights primarily with a katana and can stun and disorient soldiers with Harbor Wave.

The Assassin is a stealth-based melee unit who prefers to fight at close range.

The Assassin can kidnap soldiers, grow stronger over the campaign, and sabotage the Avenger.

The Assassin is a stealth-based melee unit who fights at close range and poses a persistent threat in the War of the Chosen campaign.

The Assassin can vanish from sight, perform powerful slashes with her katana, and use Harbor Wave to stun and disorient soldiers.

Introduction of new tactical mission scenarios including Jailbreak, Haven Defense, ADVENT Base Assault, Invasion, Rendezvous, ADVENT Supply Raid, ADVENT Intel Raid, and ADVENT Recruiting Raid.

The Skyranger now takes time to arrive at a mission site for extraction in Long War 2.

Introduction of new mission types including Jailbreak, Haven Defense, ADVENT Base Assault, Invasion, Rendezvous, ADVENT Supply Raid, ADVENT Intel Raid, and ADVENT Recruiting Raid.

The Skyranger now takes time to arrive at a mission site for extraction in Long War 2.

ADVENT reinforcements have become more dangerous overall in the Long War 2 mod.

ADVENT reinforcements have become more dangerous overall in the Long War 2 mod.

Players can assign rebels to tasks such as scrounging for supplies, recruiting, or gathering intelligence.

Rebels can die during missions, and some may be Faceless in disguise.

Players can manage rebels in each region, assigning them to tasks like scrounging for supplies, recruiting, or gathering intelligence.

The Long War 2 mod completely overhauls the Geoscape and strategic gameplay in XCOM 2.

ADVENT employs a new strategic AI that counters player efforts and aims to finish the Avatar Project.

Players can deploy a scientist, engineer, or soldier to provide bonuses to tasks in regions.

The Long War 2 mod introduces significant changes to the strategic gameplay layer, including managing Resistance in regions.

ADVENT employs a new AI that counters player efforts and advances the Avatar Project.

Players can deploy multiple squads to infiltrate several enemy targets at once, with each mission played individually.

Players can deploy a scientist, engineer, or soldier to regions to provide bonuses to specific tasks.

Rebels can die during missions, and some may be Faceless in disguise.

Players can deploy multiple squads simultaneously to infiltrate several enemy targets.

A new class of XCOM soldier, the Technical, is introduced with unique abilities and weapons.

A new class of XCOM soldier, the Technical, is introduced, featuring heavy weapons like a rocket launcher and flamethrower.

The ability tree for the Technical class allows specialization in either the rocket launcher or flamethrower.

The Technical class utilizes a Gauntlet secondary weapon combining a rocket launcher and flamethrower.

New suite of weapons called Coilguns available for research in XCOM 2 campaign.

New suite of weapons called Coilguns available for research in XCOM 2 campaign.