Why Does Xcom 2 Recommend Not Skipping Missions

Why XCOM 2 Recommends (and You Should Heed) Not Skipping Missions

XCOM 2, the critically acclaimed strategy game, famously advises against skipping missions. But why? While the temptation to rush through the campaign and focus on research or building your base is strong, ignoring this advice can severely impact your chances of winning the war against ADVENT. This article dives into the reasons why skipping missions in XCOM 2 is a recipe for disaster, examining the interconnected gameplay systems that make every mission crucial.

The Importance of Every Mission in XCOM 2: This seemingly simple strategic game relies on a complex interplay between resource management, unit development, and global strategy. Skipping missions directly undermines this delicate balance. Think of it like this: every mission offers a chance to gain valuable resources, experience for your soldiers, and crucial intel, all of which are critical for long-term success.

Resource Acquisition: More Than Just Money

Ignoring missions means missing out on vital resources like supplies, alloys, and electronics. These resources are essential for building and upgrading your base facilities, researching crucial technologies, and constructing powerful weapons and armour. Failing to acquire sufficient resources significantly slows down your technological advancement, making you vulnerable to ADVENT's relentless progress.

Soldier Experience and Progression: The Heart of Your Army

XCOM 2 is all about your soldiers. Each mission provides valuable opportunities to increase their experience, allowing them to improve their skills, gain promotions, and unlock powerful abilities. Skipping missions robs your soldiers of this essential growth, leaving them underpowered and significantly increasing the risk of casualties. Veteran soldiers, with their honed skills and developed abilities, are essential to surviving the challenging late-game missions. Losing seasoned soldiers early on due to under-prepared rookies significantly increases the difficulty.

Intel Gathering: Strategic Advantage

Each mission isn't just about combat; it's also about gathering crucial intelligence. Intel reports are vital for uncovering ADVENT's plans, identifying their weaknesses, and prioritizing your research efforts. Skipping missions means missing out on this vital intel, potentially leaving you blindsided by unexpected events and technological advancements from ADVENT. This lack of foresight can significantly hamper your strategic planning and overall campaign progress.

The Global Threat: A Ripple Effect

XCOM 2's global strategy layer is heavily influenced by your actions in the field. Skipping missions allows the ADVENT threat to escalate unchecked. This can lead to increased global panic, hindering your ability to recruit soldiers and gain public support. A high global panic level creates more challenging missions with fewer resources available. This vicious cycle makes overcoming the ADVENT threat exponentially more difficult.

The Psychological Aspect: Momentum and Confidence

Beyond the concrete resource and strategic implications, skipping missions can also hurt your overall morale and strategic planning. Each successful mission builds momentum and confidence, preparing you for future challenges. Conversely, neglecting missions can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and reactive, rather than proactive in your strategic approach. The constant pressure of escalating global panic, combined with under-prepared soldiers, can lead to a sense of defeat that's hard to overcome.

Conclusion:

While the lure of speeding through the campaign might seem appealing, skipping missions in XCOM 2 is ultimately detrimental to your chances of victory. Each mission, however seemingly minor, contributes significantly to your overall success. Embrace the challenge, develop your soldiers, gather your resources, and outwit ADVENT through careful planning and tactical execution. The rewards for perseverance in XCOM 2 far outweigh the risk of cutting corners. Remember, every mission is a crucial step towards achieving victory.