The Avenger Defense mission in XCOM 2 is one of the most intense and critical operations you’ll face. This guide walks you through its key elements, the threats you’ll encounter, and the strategies needed to ensure your squad—and the Avenger—make it out alive.

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Mission Overview

The Avenger has been hit by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), grounding it and leaving it vulnerable to a direct alien assault. The aliens are deploying a powerful EMP spike to further disrupt your systems. You must:

1. Destroy the EMP Spike to restore control of the ship.
2. Defend the Avenger and extract your squad safely.

You’ll face relentless waves of ADVENT troops, mechanical units, and elite enemies. Proper preparation and strong tactics are critical.

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Preparation: Before the Fight

1. Optimal Squad Composition

• Grenadiers: Essential for shredding armor and clearing groups with explosives.
• Sharpshooters: Great for long-range damage and Kill Zone overwatch traps.
• Rangers: Use for flanking and burst damage with Bladestorm or shotguns.
• Specialists: Bring at least one for healing and Combat Protocol against robotic enemies.
• Psi Operatives (if available): Useful for stalling enemies with Stasis or Void Rift.

2. Essential Equipment

• Plasma or Acid Grenades: Excellent for damaging groups and stripping armor.
• Dragon/AP Rounds: Deal extra damage to armored or high-health enemies.
• Frost Bombs: Freeze powerful units like Sectopods to buy time.
• Mimic Beacons: Useful for absorbing fire during overwhelming waves.
• Hunter’s Axe / Lightning Hands: Free actions that don’t trigger ruler-like reactions.

3. Armor and Mobility

• Equip Warden Armor or other advanced suits (e.g., Icarus, Serpent) for increased survivability and movement.

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Mission Phases and Strategy

Phase 1: Defending the Avenger

• Hold the Ramp: Position your team near the Avenger ramp with good cover.
• Set Up Overwatch: Enemies drop in reinforcements almost every turn—overwatch traps will thin their numbers.
• Target Priority: Eliminate high-threat enemies first: MECs, Mutons, Archons, and Sectoids. Standard ADVENT troops can wait.

Phase 2: Destroying the EMP Spike

• Advance with Caution: Push forward using cover and overwatch. Be prepared for enemy drops near the spike.
• Shred the Spike’s Armor: Use Grenadiers and Acid/Plasma grenades.
• Focus Fire: Have multiple soldiers attack the spike in the same turn to quickly destroy it and trigger the next phase.

Phase 3: Extraction and Final Defense

• Regroup Quickly: After the spike is down, begin retreating toward the ramp. Expect another wave of reinforcements.
• Cover the Retreat: Use overwatch, crowd-control abilities, or Mimic Beacons to delay enemy advances.
• Keep Squad Cohesion: Don’t split up—protect weakened units and keep your formation tight for the final push.

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Tactical Tips for Success

• Use High Ground: Place Sharpshooters or Psi Operatives on elevated terrain for better visibility and aim.
• Eliminate Armor First: Focus on shredding enemy armor early in engagements to maximize damage output.
• Reserve Resources: Save grenades and cooldown abilities for dangerous clusters or elite threats.
• Maximize Free Actions: Use abilities like Lightning Hands or the thrown Hunter’s Axe to deal damage without wasting an action.
• Adapt to Reinforcements: ADVENT drops are constant—set overwatch traps, rotate cooldowns, and don’t overextend.
• Time Management: Don’t get bogged down in killing every enemy—advancing to the spike is more important than full extermination.

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Post-Mission Outcome

Destroying the EMP spike restores the Avenger’s systems, allowing the ship to escape. The mission’s outcome determines whether you can continue the campaign without disruption. Keeping your squad alive is key to maintaining momentum.

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Final Thoughts

The Avenger Defense mission is a pressure test of everything you’ve learned in XCOM 2. With the right loadout, sharp tactics, and calm execution, you’ll not only survive but turn the tables on ADVENT. Plan every move, keep your squad alive, and make every shot count.

Good luck, Commander—the resistance is counting on you.