The Viper King is the first Alien Ruler introduced in the Alien Hunters DLC—and he’s easily one of the most punishing enemies in the game if you’re unprepared. This guide breaks down his abilities, how to counter them, and the best gear and squad composition to ensure your success.

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Viper King Abilities

1. Reaction Phases

• Like all Alien Rulers, the Viper King takes a turn after each action your squad performs. This includes moving, reloading, attacking, or even hunkering down.
• He does not act during the regular Alien Activity phase—his danger lies entirely in his reactions.

2. High Durability

• Health: 44 (Rookie) to 69 (Legend)
• Armor: 2–3 points, depending on difficulty
• Dodge: Makes chipping his health even harder unless you’re packing guaranteed damage

3. Tongue Pull + Bind

• Pulls a soldier to him and binds them, dealing 2–4 damage per reaction and potentially knocking them unconscious.
• If left unchecked, this can effectively remove a soldier from combat permanently.

4. Frost Breath

• A frontal cone attack that freezes all soldiers in range for 2 turns, preventing any action.
• Unlike regular Vipers, he doesn’t poison—he freezes.

5. Bolt Caster Attack

• A 4–6 damage shot, rarely used unless you’re out of reach.

6. Psionic Gate Escape

• Once injured (typically at 1/3 health), he opens a gate and escapes if not killed in time. He’ll retain remaining HP and armor for your next encounter.

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Before the Encounter: Be Prepared

1. Delay the Mission

• When the “Triangulated Position” mission appears, don’t rush it. Wait until your squad has:
  • Magnetic weapons
  • Predator armor
  • Proving Grounds gear (e.g. Dragon Rounds, Frost Bombs)

2. Ideal Loadout

• Frost Bombs: Freeze him and deny reaction phases for two soldier actions.
• Acid Grenades: Strip armor and apply acid damage-over-time.
• Dragon Rounds: Burn damage triggers every reaction, ideal for chipping away at health passively.
• Plasma Grenades: Solid direct damage and armor shredding.

3. Squad Composition

• Grenadier: For Shredder and explosives. Rupture is also powerful here.
• Sharpshooter: Leverage Kill Zone and Lightning Hands for multiple free hits.
• Specialist: Use Combat Protocol to finish weakened rulers or save soldiers from Bind.
• Ranger: Use upgraded blades or Hunter’s Axe for high melee damage and stun potential.

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Combat Strategy

1. Deny Reaction Phases

• Frost Bombs are your best tool—two frozen reactions give you breathing room.
• Use free actions that don’t trigger reactions, such as:
  • Throwing the Hunter’s Axe
  • Using Lightning Hands
  • Grappling with a Spider Suit

2. Efficient Action Management

• Minimize unnecessary actions—each one gives him a turn. If you need to reposition, dash instead of taking two moves.
• Avoid reloading in the middle of the fight unless absolutely necessary.

3. Focus Fire and Shred

• Break down his armor fast. Follow with concentrated fire to push him into escape mode quickly.
• Damage-over-time effects like Acid and Burning punish him every time he reacts.

4. Counter Bind Immediately

• Bound soldiers can’t act and will take damage each reaction phase.
• Break the bind by damaging him:
  • Shoot or grenade him
  • Use Combat Protocol for a safe disengage
  • Even splash damage works

5. Stay Spread Out

• Frost Breath can freeze multiple soldiers in a single cone. Maintain spacing between units to reduce risk.

6. When He Tries to Escape

• You’ll only get one or two actions before he exits. Deal as much damage as possible or reapply DOT effects to weaken him for next time.
• Don’t panic if he gets away—you’ll face him again.

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Extra Tips

• Flashbangs: Can reduce his aim and mobility, buying you time.
• Repeaters: Small chance of an instant kill—even Alien Rulers can fall to a lucky roll.
• Ignore Mimic Beacons: Alien Rulers don’t fall for them.

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Final Thoughts

The Viper King is terrifying—but beatable. The key is control: freeze him, stagger your actions, and focus fire hard. With proper gear, a good squad, and some calm decision-making, you’ll send this snake slithering into the afterlife.

If this guide helped you, share it with fellow Commanders. For more tactical breakdowns, be sure to check out our other XCOM 2 guides. Good luck out there—and watch for the tail swipe!