Do I Need to Play XCOM: Enemy Within Before XCOM 2?
XCOM: Enemy Within is an expansion pack to the original XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and XCOM 2 is a standalone sequel to the original game. As such, it’s natural to wonder whether playing Enemy Within is necessary before diving into XCOM 2. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between the two games and provide guidance on whether you should play Enemy Within before XCOM 2.
Story Continuity
XCOM: Enemy Within takes place directly after the events of Enemy Unknown, and its story is a natural continuation of the original game. However, XCOM 2 is set 20 years after the events of Enemy Within, and its story is largely independent of the previous games. While you can play XCOM 2 without playing Enemy Within, you’ll miss out on some background information and character development.
Gameplay Mechanics
Enemy Within introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to hack enemy robots and create new soldiers with unique abilities. These mechanics are not carried over to XCOM 2, which features its own set of mechanics and gameplay systems. XCOM 2 has its own unique soldiers, classes, and abilities, making it a distinct experience from Enemy Within.
XCOM 2’s Start
XCOM 2 starts with a brief recap of the events of the previous games, but you can easily follow along even if you haven’t played Enemy Within. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can pick up the basics quickly.
Should You Play Enemy Within Before XCOM 2?
While you don’t strictly need to play Enemy Within before XCOM 2, there are some benefits to doing so:
- Familiarity with the story: Playing Enemy Within will give you a better understanding of the XCOM universe and its characters, making the transition to XCOM 2 smoother.
- New gameplay mechanics: Enemy Within introduces new gameplay mechanics that are not carried over to XCOM 2, so playing Enemy Within will give you a chance to experience these mechanics before moving on to XCOM 2.
- Enhanced replayability: Playing Enemy Within first will give you a deeper understanding of the XCOM universe and its characters, making your playthrough of XCOM 2 more enjoyable and replayable.
On the other hand, XCOM 2 is a standalone game that can be enjoyed without playing Enemy Within. If you’re new to the series, you can start with XCOM 2 and still have a great experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you don’t strictly need to play XCOM: Enemy Within before XCOM 2, playing the expansion pack can enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the XCOM universe. If you have the time and resources, playing Enemy Within first is recommended. However, XCOM 2 is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can still have a great time playing the game without playing Enemy Within first.
XCOM 2 Comparison Table
| XCOM: Enemy Unknown | XCOM: Enemy Within | XCOM 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story | Original story | Continuation of Enemy Unknown | Independent story set 20 years later |
| Gameplay Mechanics | Basic gameplay mechanics | New gameplay mechanics (hacking, soldier creation) | Unique gameplay mechanics and classes |
| Difficulty | Challenging | More challenging with new mechanics | More challenging with new mechanics and story |
Recommendation
If you’re new to the series, start with XCOM 2 and get a feel for the gameplay and story. If you have the time and resources, play Enemy Within to experience the new gameplay mechanics and get a deeper understanding of the XCOM universe.