One of the most effective methods to upgrade weapons and armor in XCOM 2 is through researching and investing in the Proving Ground facility. By completing research projects, players can unlock advanced weaponry and armor modifications that significantly enhance their soldiers' effectiveness in combat.
Research and Development
One of the best ways to upgrade weapons and armor in XCOM 2 is through the Research and Development aspect of the game. This includes researching new technologies, weapons, and armor upgrades. By investing resources and time into research, you can unlock advanced weaponry and armor that will significantly boost your squad's effectiveness in combat. Researching new technologies will also provide you with insight into the strengths and weaknesses of enemy units, allowing you to better strategize your approach in battles.
Engineering Upgrades
Another crucial aspect of upgrading weapons and armor in XCOM 2 is through Engineering upgrades. This involves investing resources into improving your weapons and armor to enhance their performance on the battlefield. By visiting the Engineering section of your base, you can customize your squad's gear, including weapon attachments, upgraded armor plating, and other enhancements that will give your soldiers an edge in combat. Engineering upgrades are essential for increasing your squad's survivability and damage output, making them a vital component of your overall strategy.
Black Market and Supply Raids
In XCOM 2, you can also acquire weapon and armor upgrades through the Black Market and Supply Raids. The Black Market offers a variety of items for sale, including advanced weapons and armor mods that can be purchased with Intel or supplies. By keeping an eye on the Black Market inventory, you can acquire powerful upgrades that will give your squad an advantage in challenging missions. Additionally, participating in Supply Raids can provide you with valuable resources and materials that can be used to upgrade your weapons and armor back at base.
Class Specializations
Class specializations play a significant role in upgrading weapons and armor in XCOM 2. Each soldier class has unique abilities and skills that can be enhanced through training and combat experience. By specializing your soldiers in specific roles, such as sharpshooters, grenadiers, rangers, or specialists, you can tailor their weapons and armor upgrades to complement their abilities effectively. For example, equipping a sharpshooter with advanced sniper rifles and scopes can maximize their long-range accuracy, while outfitting a ranger with upgraded shotguns and swords can enhance their close-quarters combat effectiveness.
Mission Rewards and Objectives
Completing missions and objectives in XCOM 2 can also be a rewarding way to upgrade your weapons and armor. Many missions offer valuable rewards, such as weapon caches, alien artifacts, or experimental technology that can be used to enhance your squad's gear. By prioritizing missions with promising rewards and objectives, you can steadily build up your arsenal and outfit your soldiers with the best weapons and armor available. Additionally, achieving mission objectives efficiently and without casualties can earn you valuable resources that can be reinvested into further upgrades for your squad.
Alien Technology and Research Breakthroughs
As you progress through XCOM 2, you will encounter alien technology that can be reverse-engineered and used to upgrade your weapons and armor. By capturing alien specimens and artifacts in missions, you can unlock new research projects that will lead to breakthroughs in weapon and armor development. By studying and analyzing alien technology, you can gain access to cutting-edge upgrades that will give your squad a considerable advantage in combat. Experimenting with alien technology can lead to unique weapons and armor modifications that can turn the tide in challenging battles.