How Big Can a Squad Be in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is a tactical turn-based strategy game that challenges players to assemble and lead a team of elite warriors in a fight against an alien invasion. One of the key questions many players have is how big their squad can be. In this article, we’ll delve into the answer and provide some important tips and strategies for building the perfect XCOM 2: War of the Chosen squad.
Without Mods: Squad Size Limitations
Before we dive into the possibilities with mods, let’s first address the limit without them. According to an official answer from SamBC on the game’s FAQ page, the maximum squad size without mods is six. This is a fixed limit and cannot be increased without using modded content.
Mod-Supported Squad Size Increase
If you’re willing to experiment with mods, however, you can increase your squad size up to 12 soldiers. To achieve this, you’ll need to edit your XCOMMissions.ini file, increasing the "MaxSoldiers" parameter accordingly. Keep in mind that using mods will require some technical expertise and may alter the game’s balance and performance.
In-Game Squad Building Limitations
Even without mods, the game has some in-game limitations that can affect your squad size. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Starting Squad: Each new game begins with a starting squad of four soldiers.
- Additions: You can add soldiers to your squad as you complete missions and earn experience points.
- Ranking: Soldiers gain rank and experience as they fight, but there are only seven ranks in total. This means you can only have a maximum of seven fully-experienced soldiers in your squad.
Building the Perfect Squad: Key Considerations
When building your squad, consider the following key factors to maximize your effectiveness:
- Team Composition: Balance your squad with a mix of roles, including:
- Assault: Close-range fighters (e.g., Rangers, Assault Troopers)
- Support: Specialized units that provide buffs or debuffs (e.g., Specialists, Grenadiers)
- Snipers: Long-range, high-damage marksmen
- Soldier Selection: Focus on soldiers with high stats in your desired roles, such as high armor, health, or damage output.
- Mission Objectives: Consider the objectives of each mission and choose your squad members accordingly. For example, if the objective is to capture a location, choose a squad with high mobility and ranged attack capabilities.
Squad Planning: Tips and Strategies
Here are some additional tips and strategies to help you build an effective squad:
- Plan Your Loadouts: Ensure each soldier is equipped with the right gear for the mission.
- Use Cover: Position your soldiers to use cover effectively, reducing damage taken and increasing combat effectiveness.
- Flanking and Outflanking: Take advantage of enemy weaknesses by outflanking or using flanking positions to attack from unexpected angles.
- Play to Your Soldiers’ Strengths: Adapt your strategy to each soldier’s strengths and weaknesses, using their unique abilities to support your overall strategy.
Conclusion
Building the perfect squad in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen requires strategic planning, careful selection of soldiers, and adaptation to changing circumstances. By considering the game’s limitations, team composition, soldier selection, and mission objectives, you can create a formidable squad that can conquer even the toughest challenges. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, incorporating these tips and strategies will help you refine your skills and dominate the battlefield.