21 Tips to Dominate XCOM 2

XCOM 2 is a brutal but rewarding tactical experience. Whether you’re pushing through Legend Ironman or just trying to survive your first campaign, these 21 tips will sharpen your skills, improve your survivability, and help you keep the aliens in check.

1. Boost Your Aim

Aim is everything—missed shots can be lethal.
Equip scopes (especially superior ones) to increase hit chances.
Use Perception PCS for further aim bonuses.
Check the Black Market regularly for high-tier scopes and perception mods.

2. Mimic Beacons Are Life-Savers

Mimic Beacons act as decoys to absorb enemy fire.
They’re incredibly useful in chaotic situations or when you’re out of cover.
Carry one—or better yet, two—on critical missions.

3. Personalize Your Squad

Customize names, armor, and colors for your soldiers.
This emotional investment helps you play more cautiously and make smarter decisions.

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4. Train Psionics Early

Psi Operatives are game-changers with abilities like Stasis, Dominate, and Insanity.
Dominate turns powerful enemies into allies permanently—an elite scout, tank, or damage dealer.

5. Use Specialized Ammo

Blue Screen Rounds wreck robotic units like MECs and Sectopods.
Armor-Piercing Rounds bypass armor—perfect for Rangers or Sharpshooters.
These “magic bullets” give you the edge in late-game combat.

6. Learn from Others

Watch experienced players on YouTube or Twitch.
You’ll pick up tactics, build strategies, and new perspectives.

7. Build the Advanced Warfare Center Early

AWC offers bonus cross-class skills when soldiers level up.
Random skill combos can create unique, overpowered units.
Also accelerates soldier healing time—a win-win.

8. Chase the Right Region Bonuses

Prioritize regions with bonuses like Arm to the Teeth (extra weapon mod slots).
These can dramatically enhance your squad’s power in the long term.

9. Use Multi-Kill Abilities

Serial (Sharpshooter) and Reaper (Ranger) can wipe entire pods in one turn.
Set up weak enemies beforehand to maximize these powerful abilities.

10. Don’t Hoard Abilities

Use grenades, consumables, and abilities when needed.
“Saving it for later” often means wasting it when it could’ve saved a life.

11. Know Your Grenades

Flashbang: Disorients, disables Overwatch, breaks mind control.
Acid: Shreds armor and causes lingering damage.
Gas: Reduces aim, mobility, and causes poison damage.
EMP: Devastates robotic enemies; often stuns.
Incendiary: Burns enemies, preventing many actions.

12. Use Berserkers Against Their Allies

Berserkers in a rage will attack the nearest target—even alien allies.
Position your squad wisely to make them a tool instead of a threat.

13. Extinguish Fire Properly

Hunker down to put out flames, or run through water if nearby.
Don’t panic—fire damage stops after proper action.

14. Handle Retaliation Missions Smartly

Use a concealed Ranger and a battle scanner to find Faceless.
Avoid fighting more than needed; focus on saving civilians.

15. Blow Holes in Walls

VIP rescue or hacking targets? Use explosives to create shortcuts.
It’s faster and often safer than navigating through enemies.

16. Don’t Overrely on Overwatch Traps

Out of concealment, Overwatch often misses or targets the wrong enemies.
Direct shots are usually more effective unless ambushing with Kill Zone.

17. Identify Real Threats

Not all enemies are equal. Ignore Codex or Archons initially.
Focus on units like MECs, Mutons, and Sectoids that disrupt your squad.

18. Create a Sniper Death Squad

Equip Sharpshooters with Kill Zone, Serial, and special ammo.
Run two together and set up cross-map kill zones for lethal results.

19. Maximize Hacking Potential

Specialist hacking stat increases via:
- Promotions (+5 per level)
- Skulljack (+25 with Skullmining)
- Gremlin Upgrades (Mark II: +20, Mark III: +40)
- Permanent boosts from mission rewards
High stats turn robots into allies and give mission-critical advantages.

20. Don’t Burn Out

XCOM 2 can be stressful. Take breaks when needed.
A fresh mind makes better tactical decisions.
Most importantly—have fun. That’s the point.

21. Like, Share, or Add Your Own Tips

Found these tips useful? Hit the like button.
Think the aliens still win too often? Share your own top tips in the comments.
Let’s help fellow Commanders survive another mission.

Conclusion

Whether you’re fighting Advent or surviving the Lost, these tips can mean the difference between defeat and victory. Use them to build a stronger squad, survive longer missions, and most importantly—enjoy your time with XCOM 2.

Good luck, Commander. Humanity needs you.