What Should I Play First: XCOM 2 or XCOM 2: War of the Chosen?
XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen are two of the most popular and highly-rated turn-based strategy games in the world. Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, these games offer a unique blend of strategic gameplay, engaging storytelling, and intense action. But, for new players, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which one to play first.
In this article, we will help you make that decision by comparing the two games, highlighting their similarities and differences, and offering a brief overview of what to expect from each one.
Similarities and Differences
Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand the similarities and differences between XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen. Both games are set in the same universe, but War of the Chosen is an expansion pack to the original XCOM 2. This means that War of the Chosen builds upon the story, mechanics, and gameplay of the original game.
Key Differences
Here are the key differences between the two games:
- Story: XCOM 2: War of the Chosen has a separate storyline that continues from where XCOM 2 left off. The game adds new characters, missions, and storylines that enhance the overall narrative.
- New Mechanics: War of the Chosen introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to recruit additional soldiers, new enemy types, and improved customization options.
- Game Length: XCOM 2: War of the Chosen has a longer gameplay experience, with more missions and storylines to explore.
- Difficulty Level: War of the Chosen has a higher difficulty level than the original XCOM 2, with more challenging enemies and tighter difficulty settings.
Playthrough Order
So, what’s the best playthrough order for these games? Here’s a recommended order:
- XCOM 2: Play the original XCOM 2 first to get a feel for the gameplay mechanics, story, and setting. This will also give you a solid understanding of the game’s controls, objectives, and gameplay strategies.
- XCOM 2: War of the Chosen: Once you’ve finished the original XCOM 2, you can jump into War of the Chosen. This will allow you to build upon your knowledge and skills, and explore new storylines, characters, and mechanics.
Pros and Cons of Playing War of the Chosen First
While playing War of the Chosen first may seem like a tempting option, there are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- More challenging gameplay: War of the Chosen has a higher difficulty level, which can make the game more challenging and rewarding.
- New mechanics and gameplay styles: War of the Chosen introduces new mechanics, such as the ability to recruit additional soldiers, which can add variety to the gameplay.
Cons:
- Lack of familiarity: Playing War of the Chosen first can make it difficult to understand the game’s mechanics and setting, as it builds upon the story and gameplay of the original XCOM 2.
- Missing out on the core game: By playing War of the Chosen first, you may miss out on the core gameplay mechanics and story of the original XCOM 2, which can make the experience less engaging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recommended playthrough order for XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is to play the original game first, followed by War of the Chosen. This will allow you to get a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics, setting, and story, and build upon your skills and knowledge.
Whether you choose to play the original XCOM 2 or XCOM 2: War of the Chosen first, both games are highly enjoyable and offer a unique blend of strategic gameplay and engaging storytelling. So, get ready to join the fight against the alien menace and experience the thrill of XCOM 2 and its expansion pack, War of the Chosen!