XCOM 2, the turn-based tactics game developed by Firaxis Games, challenges players to lead a team of soldiers against an alien invasion. One of the most frustrating experiences in the game is losing a unit to the enemy, especially if it’s a high-ranking soldier with valuable skills and equipment. However, there is hope for retrieving these captured units, and this article will delve into the details of how to do so.
Understanding the Mechanics of Unit Capture
In XCOM 2, units can be captured by the enemy if they are knocked out and not evacuated promptly. This can happen during missions, and it’s essential to understand the circumstances that lead to unit capture. Units that are knocked out and left on the battlefield are vulnerable to capture, and the enemy will take them prisoner if they are not rescued or evacuated.
The Importance of Prompt Evacuation
Prompt evacuation is crucial in preventing unit capture. If a unit is knocked out, it’s essential to prioritize their evacuation to prevent the enemy from taking them prisoner. Evacuating units as soon as possible reduces the risk of capture and ensures that they can be recovered and treated. This can be achieved by using evacuation protocols, such as extracting them to a safe location or using a Skyranger to retrieve them.
Consequences of Unit Capture
Losing a unit to capture can have significant consequences, including loss of experience, skills, and equipment. Captured units are also subject to interrogation, which can reveal sensitive information about XCOM’s operations and strategies. Furthermore, captured units can be used as leverage by the enemy, potentially leading to difficult decisions and moral dilemmas.
Methods for Retrieving Captured Units
Fortunately, there are ways to retrieve captured units in XCOM 2. The following methods can be employed to rescue lost soldiers:
Prisoner Rescue Missions
One way to retrieve captured units is by undertaking prisoner rescue missions. These missions become available when a unit is captured, and they provide an opportunity to rescue the prisoner and bring them back to XCOM’s base. Prisoner rescue missions are high-risk, high-reward operations that require careful planning and execution. They often involve infiltrating enemy-held facilities, avoiding detection, and extracting the prisoner without alerting the enemy.
Trading with the Black Market
Another method for retrieving captured units is by trading with the black market. The black market is a clandestine network of traders and smugglers who deal in illicit goods and services. Trading with the black market can provide access to captured units, but it comes with significant risks and uncertainties. The black market is unpredictable, and trades can go sour, resulting in loss of resources or even betrayal.
Strategies for Successful Unit Retrieval
Retrieving captured units requires careful planning, strategy, and execution. The following strategies can increase the chances of successful unit retrieval:
Reconnaissance and Intelligence Gathering
Gathering intelligence on the enemy’s operations and facilities is crucial for successful unit retrieval. Reconnaissance missions can provide valuable information on enemy troop movements, facility layouts, and security measures. This information can be used to plan and execute prisoner rescue missions or trades with the black market.
Team Composition and Equipment
The team composition and equipment used for unit retrieval missions are critical factors in determining success. A well-rounded team with a mix of skills, abilities, and equipment can increase the chances of successful unit retrieval. This includes using soldiers with stealth, hacking, and combat skills, as well as equipping them with appropriate gear, such as silenced weapons, smoke grenades, and medkits.
Tactical Execution
Tactical execution is the final piece of the puzzle in successful unit retrieval. A well-executed plan, taking into account the enemy’s strengths, weaknesses, and movements, can make all the difference. This includes using cover, flanking, and suppressing fire to outmaneuver the enemy, as well as adapting to changing circumstances and unexpected events.
Conclusion
Losing units to capture is a frustrating experience in XCOM 2, but it’s not the end of the world. By understanding the mechanics of unit capture, prioritizing prompt evacuation, and employing strategies for unit retrieval, players can increase their chances of recovering lost soldiers. Retrieving captured units requires careful planning, strategy, and execution, but the rewards are well worth the risks. With the right approach, players can rescue their captured units, recover lost experience and equipment, and continue to fight against the alien invasion.
| Method | Description | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Prisoner Rescue Missions | Undertake high-risk missions to rescue captured units from enemy-held facilities | High |
| Trading with the Black Market | Trade with the black market to retrieve captured units, but beware of risks and uncertainties | Medium-High |
By following the strategies and methods outlined in this article, players can increase their chances of retrieving captured units and continuing to fight against the alien invasion in XCOM 2. Remember to always prioritize prompt evacuation, gather intelligence, and plan carefully to ensure successful unit retrieval. With the right approach, you can reclaim your lost soldiers and emerge victorious in the battle against the aliens.
What are the chances of getting a captured soldier back in XCOM 2?
The chances of getting a captured soldier back in XCOM 2 depend on various factors, including the type of mission, the number of enemies present, and the soldier’s skills and abilities. Generally, the sooner you act to rescue a captured soldier, the higher the chances of success. If you delay, the enemy may transport the soldier to a more secure location, making it harder to rescue them. Additionally, the type of enemies you are facing also plays a crucial role, as some enemies are more likely to execute captured soldiers than others.
To increase the chances of getting a captured soldier back, it’s essential to have a well-equipped and experienced team. Soldiers with high health, armor, and combat skills are more likely to survive the rescue mission. Moreover, having a diverse team with a mix of skills, such as hacking, healing, and combat, can help you overcome the challenges you’ll face during the rescue mission. It’s also crucial to plan carefully, using cover, flanking, and other tactics to outmaneuver the enemy and reach the captured soldier quickly. By taking a strategic approach and having the right team, you can significantly improve the chances of getting your captured soldier back.
How do I identify the location of a captured soldier in XCOM 2?
Identifying the location of a captured soldier in XCOM 2 can be challenging, but there are several ways to do so. One way is to use your soldiers’ scanning abilities, such as the Scan ability, to reveal enemy positions and movements. You can also use hacking to access enemy systems and gather intel on their operations, including the location of captured soldiers. Additionally, completing side missions and gathering resources can provide valuable information about enemy movements and bases, which can help you locate captured soldiers.
Another way to identify the location of a captured soldier is to analyze the mission objectives and enemy behavior. If you’ve received a message indicating that one of your soldiers has been captured, you can try to track the enemy’s movements and identify patterns. You can also use your knowledge of the map to anticipate where the enemy is likely to take the captured soldier. By combining these methods and using your soldiers’ abilities strategically, you can increase your chances of locating the captured soldier and planning a successful rescue mission. It’s essential to act quickly, as the longer you take, the higher the risk of the soldier being executed or transported to a more secure location.
What are the best strategies for rescuing captured soldiers in XCOM 2?
The best strategies for rescuing captured soldiers in XCOM 2 involve careful planning, coordination, and execution. One key strategy is to use stealth and concealment to sneak past enemy defenses and reach the captured soldier undetected. This can be achieved by using abilities such as Concealment and Stealth, as well as exploiting the environment to stay hidden. Another strategy is to create a diversion to draw enemy attention away from the captured soldier, allowing your team to sneak in and rescue them. You can use abilities such as Smoke Grenades or hacking to create a diversion and disrupt enemy communications.
A well-coordinated team is essential for a successful rescue mission. Assigning specific roles to each soldier, such as sniper, medic, or hacker, can help you overcome the challenges you’ll face. It’s also crucial to use cover and positioning to your advantage, as this can help you stay safe while taking out enemy forces. Additionally, having a backup plan in case things go wrong is vital, as rescue missions can be unpredictable and prone to unexpected twists. By combining these strategies and adapting to the situation, you can increase your chances of rescuing captured soldiers and getting them back to your team.
Can I rescue captured soldiers from ADVENT facilities in XCOM 2?
Yes, it is possible to rescue captured soldiers from ADVENT facilities in XCOM 2, but it’s a challenging and high-risk mission. ADVENT facilities are heavily guarded and fortified, making it difficult to infiltrate and extract captured soldiers. To succeed, you’ll need a well-equipped and experienced team, as well as a solid plan and strategy. You’ll need to use your soldiers’ abilities and skills to overcome the facility’s defenses, including turrets, traps, and heavily armed guards.
Rescuing captured soldiers from ADVENT facilities requires careful planning and execution. You’ll need to gather intel on the facility’s layout, defenses, and guard patrols to identify the best entry and exit points. You can use hacking and scanning abilities to gather this information and plan your approach. Additionally, having a team with a mix of skills, such as hacking, combat, and healing, can help you overcome the challenges you’ll face. It’s also essential to be prepared for unexpected twists and to have a backup plan in case things go wrong. By taking a strategic approach and using your team’s abilities effectively, you can rescue captured soldiers from ADVENT facilities and deal a significant blow to the enemy.
How do I prevent my soldiers from getting captured in XCOM 2?
Preventing your soldiers from getting captured in XCOM 2 requires a combination of strategic planning, careful positioning, and effective use of abilities. One key way to prevent capture is to keep your soldiers in cover and use positioning to your advantage. This can help protect them from enemy fire and reduce the risk of capture. Additionally, using abilities such as Overwatch and Concealment can help you detect and respond to enemy movements, reducing the risk of surprise attacks and capture.
Another way to prevent capture is to use your soldiers’ skills and abilities to control the battlefield. For example, using area-of-effect abilities such as grenades or rockets can help clear clusters of enemies and reduce the risk of capture. You can also use hacking and scanning abilities to gather intel on enemy movements and positions, allowing you to anticipate and prepare for potential threats. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, you can reduce the risk of your soldiers getting captured and minimize the need for rescue missions. It’s also essential to keep your soldiers’ health and armor topped up, as this can help them survive longer in combat and reduce the risk of capture.
Can I rescue captured soldiers from alien facilities in XCOM 2?
Yes, it is possible to rescue captured soldiers from alien facilities in XCOM 2, but it’s an extremely challenging and high-risk mission. Alien facilities are heavily guarded by powerful and aggressive alien forces, making it difficult to infiltrate and extract captured soldiers. To succeed, you’ll need a highly experienced and well-equipped team, as well as a solid plan and strategy. You’ll need to use your soldiers’ abilities and skills to overcome the facility’s defenses, including powerful alien creatures and deadly traps.
Rescuing captured soldiers from alien facilities requires careful planning and execution. You’ll need to gather intel on the facility’s layout, defenses, and alien patrols to identify the best entry and exit points. You can use scanning and hacking abilities to gather this information and plan your approach. Additionally, having a team with a mix of skills, such as combat, healing, and hacking, can help you overcome the challenges you’ll face. It’s also essential to be prepared for unexpected twists and to have a backup plan in case things go wrong. By taking a strategic approach and using your team’s abilities effectively, you can rescue captured soldiers from alien facilities and deal a significant blow to the alien threat.