Xcom 2: Tips for suffering less.

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[SirWagglepuss]

A few important notes (Large comment inbound, Commander): First, flashbangs break most if not all psionic links. Sectoid MC'd your Ranger? Flashbang the Sectoid and the connection is gone. It'll also break panic or disorientation directly inflicted by psionic enemies.

Second, laser sights are god-like when equipped on Rangers. Laser sight crit chances increases when you close with the target, with the superior LS (+15) giving around +45 crit at closest range, if not more. Combine with your shotgun's innate crit and abilities from skills and you can have Corporals with regular 50+ crits and Colonels critting everything they flank. Throw in the late game Ranger-specific unlock for +3 damage on a flank for regular applications of insane damage. Pretty much all attachments are incredibly useful when creatively mixed with class-specific weapons or abilities.

Third, weapons ARE a priority - at first. Once you've hit mag tier and got some promotions in the mix you should be able to handle most pods of enemies you meet until late game. Straight up Predator armour provides a rather underrated +1 item slot, meaning flashbangs, mimic beacons, specialist ammo, spare medkits and whatever else you want for days. Even early on with few items produced, it makes for an entire squad with grenades + your couple of specialist pieces.

Finally, and most importantly, take your time. This cannot be stressed enough. You are regularly against the clock, but that timer does not tick until you tell it to. Rushing flanks, hopeful shots and general complacency is how surprise squad wipes happen. Learn target priorities (EG, Sectoids will pretty much always perform psionic shenanigans rather than shoot you, unless you've given it the juiciest of shots, meaning you can safely leave them for a turn in favour of taking down priority threats) and never advance beyond your current line of sight unless you've got a recon element or a backup plan for when it goes tits up from a surprise pod. Personally, I quickly plan each soldier's move before any orders are given, to ensure everybody is alive or has best odds of survival at the end of my turn.

I could honestly go on for a full guide-length, but I rather think this comment is much too long as it stands. I've completed my Commander Ironman run and am currently in my Legend Ironman run, so some harsh lessons had to be learned fast. Oh, and as a final parting note... If you're feeling cheeky, put an AIM PCS with at least +20 aim on to a Ranger - It'll guarantee melee hits, and Colonel Rangers with 80+20(sword)+20(PCS) will always hit anything short of an Archon or Gatekeeper.

[mwbgaming]

Powered armor should have shields, especially something like the WAR suit

[B.attle-Brother]

I like the title of the video: "Tips for suffering less". That is not matter what you do or how good you become, you will still suffer in this game =P

[Nekrocow]

Autoloader for small clip weapons, Extra ammo for chars who have shoot-a-lot skills (like the Assault / Sniper skills).

The skulljack can make a mediocre combat unit into a 1-hit killer against humanoid enemies.

[Arphalia]

It took me three tries to figure this out on my own. Before I even got mag weapons, I went for a GTS and got the squad size upgrade ASAP. Amazing how much just one more rifle makes when taking on some of the worst the aliens have to offer early on.

[ForeverTributesNL]

I killed the last avatar with a repeater upgrade. Without it, my squad would have certainly wiped.

[Mithguar]

don't underestimate expanded magazines. Work best on sharpshooters. If you set up killzone (skill) You want to have 6 bullets instead of 3. If you have 2 sharpshooters like that, 2 killzones can wipe out 2 pods just on activation.

[GGlock]

Good tips.  I took special note of the warning about gaining free intel through waiting.  I changed this several times to speed up base building.  In the long run, speeding up base building hurt because I didn't have enough intel to purchase little upgrades to improve my chances to win battles.  I wanted to focus on digging deep to get power to the Coil bonus (10+ power).  Yeah, I would get there, but at what price.  My best soldiers were getting wiped prior to mid-game.  By the way, I am playing on Commander and getting slaughtered.  I already beat the game on Veteran on my 2nd attempt.  This is my 5th attempt on Commander.  No success yet. Brutal. There were times when it reminded me of XCOM 1 Impossible.  Full cover is like hiding behind a wall made of cheese sometimes.

[MrSnapy]

Getting guerrilla warfare up early helps getting that fifth squad member gives 25% more damage per turn.Always get this early as possible along with weapons of course. Having that extra guy really helps early!

[I_saw_that]

“Commander I can’t help but notice you haven’t outfitted the troops in better armor in months, why is that?”

*“Hehe plasma nade go boom, cannon go

[---klck]

Literally taught me how to play COH2 and now XCOM 2. You truly are my gaming hero Dane!

[magoomagoon]

Recently got back into this game, love it.
You do remind me of the guy from the film 'split second'.
"Guns, guns, we need big fucking guns"

[RageUnchained]

Exceedingly helpful. Subbed. Thank you

[Lassaro]

"Stay With Me" might be the most useful upgrade next to squad size 1 and 2. You should really(!) get it.

[Falsneta]

My soldier missed a 93% shot in a critical moment :(

[dergerat]

Dane you should definitely try out the mimic beacon! In my opinion it is utterly op, because the mimic gets also a cover bonus and the aliens have to shoot it and will sometimes even rush them head on ignoring any kind of cover. I really enjoy your content btw. Keep up the good work!

[MorellioBenoir]

As much as he is searching for words, one comes to mind - kickass. Thank you for the vid. :)

[drewmyself]

I love the title “tips for suffering less” as in you will still suffer, just a little bit less 😂

Kinda reminds me of the time I was cruising through a mission until the Archon King dropped by for a cup of tea and devastation.

[muratyagmur]

how can you have such lot's of contacts?...when i reach 3/3 contacts, i can't make contacts anymore...i'm playing in legendary mode...

[UKPhoto]

Nice tips. Those ski masks are so ugly though!