Should I play XCOM 2 or Long War first?

Should I Play XCOM 2 or Long War First?

XCOM 2, the critically acclaimed turn-based tactics game, offers a rich and immersive gaming experience with a wide range of mods and content to keep you engaged for hours on end. With Long War, a popular mod, and the base game, choosing where to start can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll provide an unbiased perspective on whether you should start with the base game, XCOM 2, or jump straight into Long War.

XCOM 2 Basics

Before we dive into the meat of the topic, let’s quickly recap some basic facts about XCOM 2.

• XCOM 2 is the direct sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
• It’s a turn-based tactics game that takes place in a dystopian world.
• The game features a new research tree, improved graphics, and additional units.
• XCOM 2 offers a relatively short campaign with about 15-20 missions.
• The game has a high replay value, making it a great choice for multiple playthroughs.

Long War Mod: The Good and the Bad

Long War, developed by Pavonis Interactive, is one of the most popular XCOM 2 mods. It introduces many new features, mechanics, and difficulty spikes that significantly alter the gameplay experience. Here are some key points to consider:

Good:

• Increased complexity and challenge: Long War introduces more factions, units, and equipment, which makes the game more immersive and engaging.
• Improved storytelling: Long War expands on the game’s storyline, providing more context and motivation for your characters.
• Enhanced customization options: Long War adds more unit customization options, including more advanced weapons and abilities.
• Infinite replayability: With its expanded content and randomized mission generators, Long War offers a high level of replayability.

Bad:

• Steeper learning curve: Long War requires more understanding of the game mechanics, tactics, and strategies, which can be overwhelming for new players.
• Increased difficulty: The mod is known for its challenging enemy units and terrain, which can be frustrating for less experienced players.
• Complex setup: Setting up Long War can be complicated, with many options and choices to consider before starting a new playthrough.

Should I Play XCOM 2 First?

Based on our analysis, we recommend starting with the base game, XCOM 2, before jumping into Long War. Here are a few reasons why:

• Understanding the base game mechanics: Starting with XCOM 2 will give you a solid understanding of the game mechanics, allowing you to appreciate the changes introduced by Long War.
• Easier introduction to the game: XCOM 2 has a more manageable pace and introduces new concepts gradually, making it an ideal starting point.
• Building a foundation for Long War: Once you’re familiar with XCOM 2, you’ll have a solid foundation for the more complex and challenging world of Long War.

But Which Order Should I Play Them In?

Here’s a suggested play order:

1. Start with XCOM 2: Complete the main campaign to get a feel for the game’s mechanics, characters, and story.
2. Then move to Long War: Use the experience and knowledge gained from XCOM 2 to tackle Long War’s increased complexity and difficulty.

By following this order, you’ll get a chance to appreciate the base game, build your skills, and gradually work your way up to the more challenging content of Long War.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your XCOM 2 and Long War experience:

• Focus on character development: Long War has a strong focus on character customization, so prioritize building your soldiers’ abilities and upgrade trees.
• Experiment with different tactics: Long War offers more complexity and unpredictability, so be prepared to adapt and change your tactics on the fly.
• Keep an eye on resource management: Long War increases the difficulty level, so make sure to keep your resources, such as ammo, medical kits, and funds, in check.
• Explore the community: Both XCOM 2 and Long War have a dedicated community, offering strategies, tutorials, and guides to help you overcome challenging moments.

In conclusion, whether you choose to start with XCOM 2 or Long War, you can’t go wrong. Both offer an amazing gaming experience, and with a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be a seasoned veteran in no time. By following our suggested play order and taking note of the tips and insights above, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the world of XCOM 2 and Long War.