Do I Need to Play Enemy Unknown Before Enemy Within?
XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion pack for the base game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. The expansion pack builds on the gameplay of the base game, adding new upgrades, options, mission types, and more. But the question remains: do you need to play Enemy Unknown before Enemy Within?
The Short Answer
No, you don’t necessarily need to play Enemy Unknown before Enemy Within. Enemy Within is designed to be a standalone expansion, meaning you can jump right in without playing the original game. However, playing Enemy Unknown first will provide a more cohesive and immersive experience.
The Long Answer
Enemy Within is an expansion pack that adds new content to the base game, Enemy Unknown. The expansion pack includes new enemies, weapons, and abilities, as well as new mission types and game modes. The story of Enemy Within is a direct continuation of Enemy Unknown, so playing the original game will provide context and background information for the expansion.
Benefits of Playing Enemy Unknown First
Playing Enemy Unknown first will provide several benefits:
- Better understanding of the game mechanics: Enemy Unknown introduces the core gameplay mechanics, including base building, soldier customization, and combat. Playing the original game will help you understand the game’s systems and strategies.
- More context for the story: Enemy Within’s story is a direct continuation of Enemy Unknown’s story. Playing the original game will provide context and background information for the expansion’s story.
- Improved immersion: Playing Enemy Unknown first will help you become more invested in the game’s world and characters, making the experience more immersive and engaging.
Can I Still Play Enemy Within Without Playing Enemy Unknown?
Yes, you can still play Enemy Within without playing Enemy Unknown. The expansion pack is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can jump right in without playing the original game. However, you may miss out on some of the context and background information that playing Enemy Unknown provides.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you don’t necessarily need to play Enemy Unknown before Enemy Within, playing the original game will provide a more cohesive and immersive experience. Enemy Within is designed to be a standalone expansion, but playing Enemy Unknown first will help you understand the game mechanics, appreciate the story, and become more invested in the game’s world and characters.
Additional Tips
- Start with the tutorial: If you’re new to the series, start with the tutorial in Enemy Unknown to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and systems.
- Play on Easy difficulty: If you’re new to the series, consider playing on Easy difficulty to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and systems.
- Experiment with different playstyles: Enemy Within introduces new enemies, weapons, and abilities. Experiment with different playstyles to find what works best for you.
Table: Comparison of Enemy Unknown and Enemy Within
| Feature | Enemy Unknown | Enemy Within |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Introduces the XCOM universe and story | Continues the story of Enemy Unknown |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Introduces core gameplay mechanics | Adds new enemies, weapons, and abilities |
| Difficulty | Available on Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulty | Available on Easy, Normal, and Hard difficulty |
| Standalone | Can be played as a standalone game | Designed to be a standalone expansion |
I hope this article helps you make an informed decision about whether to play Enemy Unknown before Enemy Within. Happy gaming!