XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics video game that has garnered a massive following since its release in 2016. Developed by Firaxis Games, the game is a sequel to the critically acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown and promises to deliver an even more immersive and challenging experience. One of the most common questions that new players and veterans alike ask is: how long is XCOM 2? In this article, we’ll delve into the gameplay mechanics, difficulty levels, and player experiences to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Understanding the Gameplay Mechanics
To accurately estimate the length of XCOM 2, it’s essential to understand the game’s core mechanics. XCOM 2 is a single-player, turn-based strategy game where you control a team of soldiers fighting against an alien invasion. The game is divided into two main components: the strategic layer and the tactical layer.
The Strategic Layer
In the strategic layer, you manage your base, resources, and research. You’ll gather supplies, build facilities, and conduct research to improve your soldiers’ abilities and equipment. This layer is crucial to the game’s progress, as it allows you to prepare for upcoming battles and adapt to the alien’s ever-changing tactics.
The Tactical Layer
The tactical layer is where the action takes place. You’ll control your soldiers in turn-based combat, using cover, flanking, and abilities to take down the alien forces. Each mission presents a unique challenge, with varying enemy compositions, terrain, and objectives.
Difficulty Levels and Their Impact on Gameplay Length
XCOM 2 offers multiple difficulty levels, each with its own set of challenges and requirements. The difficulty level you choose significantly impacts the game’s length, as it affects the enemy’s strength, aggression, and the resources available to you.
Rookie Difficulty
On Rookie difficulty, the game is more forgiving, with weaker enemies and more resources available. This difficulty level is ideal for new players, as it allows them to learn the game mechanics without feeling overwhelmed. Completing the game on Rookie difficulty can take around 20-30 hours, depending on the player’s skill level and playstyle.
Veteran Difficulty
Veteran difficulty is a significant step up from Rookie, with tougher enemies and reduced resources. This difficulty level is suitable for players who have completed the game on Rookie or have experience with turn-based strategy games. Completing the game on Veteran difficulty can take around 30-50 hours, depending on the player’s strategy and adaptability.
Commander Difficulty
Commander difficulty is the highest level of difficulty in XCOM 2, with extremely challenging enemies and limited resources. This difficulty level is not for the faint of heart, as even a single misstep can result in catastrophic consequences. Completing the game on Commander difficulty can take around 50-100 hours or more, depending on the player’s expertise and luck.
Player Experience and Playstyle
A player’s experience and playstyle significantly impact the game’s length. Here are a few factors to consider:
Exploration and Completionism
Players who focus on exploring every nook and cranny of the game’s world, completing every side mission, and collecting all the resources may spend more time playing the game. This approach can add 10-20 hours to the overall gameplay time.
Stealth or Aggression
Players who adopt a stealthy approach, using concealment and surprise to take down enemies, may spend more time planning and executing missions. Conversely, players who focus on aggression, using brute force to defeat the aliens, may complete missions faster but may also suffer more casualties.
Soldier Development and Attachment
Players who become emotionally attached to their soldiers may take more time to develop their skills, upgrade their equipment, and make tactical decisions. This approach can add 5-10 hours to the overall gameplay time.
Additional Content and DLC
XCOM 2 has received several DLC packs and updates that add new content, mechanics, and challenges to the game. These DLCs can significantly increase the game’s length, providing additional hours of gameplay.
War of the Chosen
The War of the Chosen DLC adds a new faction, the Chosen, with their own agenda and abilities. This DLC introduces new missions, enemies, and challenges, adding around 10-20 hours of gameplay.
Shen’s Last Gift
Shen’s Last Gift is a DLC that adds a new story mission, new enemies, and a new facility to the game. This DLC adds around 5-10 hours of gameplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the length of XCOM 2 depends on various factors, including the difficulty level, player experience, and playstyle. On average, completing the game on Rookie difficulty can take around 20-30 hours, while completing it on Commander difficulty can take around 50-100 hours or more. Additional content and DLCs can add up to 20-40 hours of gameplay, providing a rich and immersive experience.
| Difficulty Level | Average Gameplay Time |
|---|---|
| Rookie | 20-30 hours |
| Veteran | 30-50 hours |
| Commander | 50-100 hours or more |
Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the series, XCOM 2 offers a captivating and challenging experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, buckle up, soldier, and get ready to face the alien threat!
How long does it take to complete the main story of XCOM 2?
The main story of XCOM 2 can take around 20-30 hours to complete, depending on the player’s skill level and difficulty setting. However, this time can vary significantly depending on how much time the player spends exploring the game’s world, completing side quests, and developing their soldiers.
Additionally, the game’s story is heavily influenced by the player’s choices and actions, so multiple playthroughs can offer a unique experience each time. The story is also heavily focused on the player’s interactions with their soldiers, so building a strong bond with them can make the experience feel more immersive and engaging.
How long does it take to 100% complete XCOM 2?
Completing XCOM 2 with 100% completion can take around 50-70 hours, depending on the player’s level of dedication and skill. This includes completing all side quests, researching all technologies, and developing all soldier abilities.
A 100% completion run requires a lot of time and effort, as the player needs to explore every aspect of the game and complete every challenge. However, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with achieving 100% completion can be extremely rewarding for dedicated players.
Is there a significant difference in playtime between easier and harder difficulties?
Yes, there can be a significant difference in playtime between easier and harder difficulties in XCOM 2. On easier difficulties, the player can complete the main story and side quests more quickly, as the game’s challenges are less demanding. This can result in a playtime of around 15-25 hours.
On harder difficulties, the game becomes much more challenging, and the player may need to spend more time developing their soldiers, researching technologies, and completing side quests. This can result in a playtime of 30-50 hours or more, depending on the player’s skill level and difficulty setting.
How does the game’s difficulty affect playtime?
The game’s difficulty has a significant impact on playtime in XCOM 2. On higher difficulties, the game becomes much more challenging, and the player may need to spend more time developing their soldiers, researching technologies, and completing side quests to progress.
Additionally, the game’s difficulty can also affect the player’s approach to the game. On higher difficulties, the player may need to adopt a more cautious and strategic approach, which can result in longer play sessions. On lower difficulties, the player may be able to adopt a more aggressive approach, which can result in shorter play sessions.
Can I complete XCOM 2 in a single playthrough?
It is possible to complete XCOM 2 in a single playthrough, but it may require a significant amount of time and effort. The game’s story is heavily focused on the player’s interactions with their soldiers, so building a strong bond with them can make the experience feel more immersive and engaging.
However, the game’s randomization and procedurally generated maps can make each playthrough unique, so the player may not be able to complete the game in a single playthrough. The game’s challenges and difficulties can also make it difficult to complete the game in a single playthrough, especially on higher difficulties.
How does the game’s replayability affect playtime?
XCOM 2 has a high level of replayability, with multiple factors contributing to its replay value. The game’s procedurally generated maps, randomization of enemy placements, and multiple playable characters all contribute to a unique experience each time.
This replayability can significantly affect playtime, as the player may want to play through the game multiple times to experience different storylines, characters, and gameplay scenarios. This can result in a total playtime of 100 hours or more, depending on the player’s level of dedication and interest.
Is XCOM 2 worth the time investment?
Yes, XCOM 2 is definitely worth the time investment. The game offers a rich and immersive gameplay experience, with a strong focus on strategy, tactics, and storytelling. The game’s characters, plot, and world are all deeply engaging, and the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with completing the game can be extremely rewarding.
Additionally, the game’s replayability and randomization ensure that each playthrough is unique, offering a high level of replay value. Overall, XCOM 2 is a game that can provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment, making it a worthwhile investment of time and effort.