The concealment mechanic in XCOM 2 allows operatives to remain undetected by enemies until they break concealment. Operatives can scout without being spotted, gaining strategic advantage. Once concealment is broken, operatives must rely on cover and tactics to survive enemy encounters.
Concealment Mechanic in XCOM 2:
The concealment mechanic in XCOM 2 is a crucial gameplay element that allows your squad to remain undetected by enemy forces until they break concealment or are themselves detected. When a mission begins, your soldiers start the mission in concealment, giving you the opportunity to position them strategically and set up ambushes. This mechanic adds depth to the tactics involved in the game, as you must carefully plan your approach to maximize the element of surprise and minimize the risk of being overrun by enemy forces.
Activating Concealment:
Concealment is automatically activated at the start of most missions in XCOM 2. However, certain mission types or environmental conditions may prevent you from starting in concealment. It's important to pay attention to the mission briefing and any specific conditions that may affect concealment to adjust your strategy accordingly. Once in concealment, your soldiers can move freely without alerting nearby enemy units, allowing you to scout ahead and plan your approach carefully.
Breaking Concealment:
Concealment is broken when your squad is detected by the enemy, either through getting too close to an enemy unit or by performing certain actions that reveal your position. It's important to be mindful of your soldier's positioning and the enemy's line of sight to avoid breaking concealment prematurely. Once concealment is broken, all remaining enemy units on the map will be alerted to your presence, and the mission shifts to a more traditional turn-based combat mode.
Benefits of Concealment:
The concealment mechanic in XCOM 2 offers several strategic advantages to the player. By starting a mission in concealment, you have the opportunity to position your soldiers for optimal engagement with enemy forces. This can allow you to set up devastating ambushes, take high ground positions, or flank enemy units without fear of immediate retaliation. Additionally, remaining concealed gives you more control over the pacing of the mission, as you can choose when to break concealment based on your tactical objectives.
Abilities and Items:
There are certain soldier abilities and items in XCOM 2 that interact with the concealment mechanic to provide additional benefits. For example, there are abilities that allow soldiers to remain concealed even after the squad is detected, providing opportunities for repositioning or setting up secondary ambushes. Similarly, there are items such as the Battle Scanner that can reveal enemy positions without breaking concealment, giving you valuable information to plan your strategy more effectively.
Strategies for Concealment:
To make the most of the concealment mechanic in XCOM 2, it's important to develop effective strategies for scouting, positioning, and engaging enemy forces. Scouting ahead with a concealed soldier can help you identify enemy positions and plan your approach accordingly. Positioning your squad in advantageous positions such as high ground or full cover can give you a significant tactical advantage when the time comes to break concealment and engage the enemy. Finally, coordinating your soldiers' actions to execute a well-planned ambush can turn the tide of a battle in your favor.
Impact on Gameplay:
The concealment mechanic fundamentally changes the way players approach missions in XCOM 2. By introducing an element of stealth and surprise into the gameplay, it challenges players to think critically about their positioning, timing, and resource management. Successfully utilizing concealment can give players a significant edge in combat situations, allowing them to gain the upper hand against overwhelming odds or difficult enemy types. Overall, the concealment mechanic adds depth and complexity to XCOM 2's gameplay, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and tactics to achieve victory.