XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is a turn-based strategy expansion that builds directly on the core systems of its base game. Players lead XCOM forces in a campaign to resist alien occupation on Earth, managing resources, soldiers, and global operations while executing missions on the tactical layer. The expansion introduces three resistance factions that supply specialized hero class soldiers, along with persistent threats from the Chosen and new alien units that alter mission planning and execution.
Gameplay
The core loop alternates between the strategy layer on the Avenger and individual tactical missions. On the strategy layer, players allocate personnel to covert actions that improve relations with the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars while generating supplies and intelligence. Resistance Orders provide additional strategic priorities that shape how the campaign progresses over multiple months.
Tactical combat requires positioning soldiers on varied terrain, using cover, and coordinating abilities. The Reapers emphasize stealth and long-range precision, the Skirmishers focus on mobility and close-quarters disruption, and the Templars deliver melee strikes backed by psionic powers. These hero classes join regular soldiers and introduce new options for squad composition on every deployment.
Enemy encounters now include the Spectre, which spawns dark copies of XCOM soldiers, the ADVENT Purifier with area-denial explosives, and the ADVENT Priest that applies psionic effects. The Chosen appear as recurring antagonists across campaigns, each carrying distinct abilities that force repeated adaptation. Players can locate and assault their strongholds to remove them permanently.
Additional systems deepen decision-making. Soldiers form bonds with compatible teammates that unlock shared perks. The SITREP system applies random modifiers to missions, changing objectives or environmental conditions. Advanced campaign settings let players adjust length and difficulty before starting.
Game Modes
The expansion supports a single-player campaign that combines persistent strategic management with turn-based tactical missions. No separate multiplayer modes exist. Every playthrough follows the same overarching structure of building resistance strength, countering Chosen operations, and completing objectives across procedurally influenced maps.
Missions occur in new environments such as ruined urban zones, underground tunnel networks, and xenoformed wilderness areas. Objectives range from standard extractions and assassinations to specialized tasks introduced by the expansion. The campaign concludes when players defeat the final threats, though multiple campaigns can be started with different settings for varied pacing.
Customization and Replayability
Soldiers receive expanded options for appearance and loadouts. Compatible pairs develop bonds that grant unique combat bonuses. The resistance poster creator lets players pose soldiers, apply filters, and add text before saving images that appear in-game.
Campaign options allow fine control over length and challenge level. Combined with faction relations, covert actions, and dynamic SITREPs, these elements encourage repeated playthroughs without altering the fundamental single-player structure.
Is It Worth Playing?
This expansion suits players who enjoy detailed turn-based strategy with layered decision-making across tactical and strategic scales. The added factions, enemies, and systems increase depth without requiring prior experience beyond the base game. Positive user feedback on Steam highlights the increased variety and challenge in missions and the strategy layer.
Support continues through community mods available on the Steam Workshop, though the core content remains unchanged since release. Availability requires ownership of XCOM 2. Those seeking a focused single-player campaign with meaningful progression and persistent threats will find the expansion delivers consistent engagement across multiple playthroughs.
