This year’s smash PC hit XCOM 2 makes its anticipated console debut this week. The sequel ably builds and expands upon the solid foundation established by XCOM: Enemy Unknown back in 2012. Whether you’re an XCOM veteran needing a refresher or a newcomer that wants to know what led up this major sequel, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about XCOM 2 below.
Crash Course
In the video, we cover the story so far, as well as the core gameplay concepts of the tactical strategy RPG series.
What’s New in XCOM 2
XCOM 2 takes place 20 years after the end of Enemy Unknown, in a world where the aliens have taken over the planet. The XCOM organization is now a renegade group fighting in the shadows. You’re the commander of the resistance and you must take back the Earth and free society from the alien overlords. Here is an overview of everything else that’s new in XCOM 2.
Fannotated Trailer
Next, check out our Fannotated XCOM 2 trailer. The Fannotation reveals several XCOM 2 Easter eggs and provides insider knowledge about the game.
Developer Interviews
For even more XCOM 2 insider knowledge, here are two interviews with Lead Producer Garth DeAngelis and Designer Mark Nauta. We caught up with DeAngelis and Nauta earlier this year prior to the PC version’s release. We discuss the new systems in the game, including procedural generation of the maps, what has changed since the last game, what lessons they brought forward from XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its follow-up Enemy Within, and where the new game fits into the overall XCOM timeline and lore.
XCOM 2 Starter Guide
If you’re ready to take the plunge and get started in XCOM 2, our Super Walkthrough has tips and tricks to help give you the edge over the alien invaders. It includes an overview over all five XCOM soldier classes and the alien and Advent enemies you are up against. It also provides an overview of the tactical and strategic layers of the game, with mission and combat tips to ensure as many of your beloved soldiers survive as possible — that is, unless you plan on save scumming your way through the game.
Be sure to check out the rest of the XCOM wiki for a complete overview of everything XCOM.
A version of this article originally ran on Feb. 4, 2016.
