InXCOM 2, selecting the right weapons is an important factor in making sure all the squad members make it safely back to the Avenger after a mission. Other factors help, like employingthe proper tactics, and armor starts playing a role in soldier survivability later in the game; however, it all starts with the weapons.
RELATED:Which Strategy Game Should You Play, Based On Your D&D Alignment?
It’s not only about picking the right weapons but knowing which weapon to avoid. Equipping the wrong weapons will make fights much more difficult. This leads to dead soldiers, which leads to higher expense costs as the player must rehire new recruits. This list will include weapons from theWar Of The Chosenexpansion, in addition to those in the base game ofXCOM 2.
Updated on August 12th, 2022, by Jeff Drake:One of the most exciting parts about playing any of the XCOM games is when a player has researched a new weapon, had their engineers build enough for a squad, and then equipping the best soldiers with those new weapons before a mission. It almost feels like the squad has transitioned from normal humans to superheroes; or rather, in the space of only a few days (game time) the squad has gone from using modern technology to using Star Wars level tech. The original list had the best of the best when it comes to weapons in XCOM 2, this update will add five weapons that didn’t quite make the original list, but are still among the best weapons in the game.
15Plasma Rifle
The Plasma Rifle has been a part of theXCOMseries from the beginning, and even in the firstXCOMgame it was one of the best weapons. This weapon does a lot of damage, has great accuracy, carries enough ammo to forgo constant reloading, and is not too expensive to manufacture.
The best thing about the Plasma Rifle is its ability to be used by multiple classes. Many primary weapons aretied to a specific class; sniper rifles, for example, can only be used by Sharpshooters. Towards the end of this game, many players will find this weapon indispensable.
14Arashi
This is a unique weapon carried by the Chosen Assassin, and is the best standard-sized shotgun in the game. The Shredstorm Cannon is better than the Arashi; it’s also a heavy weapon that requires power armor, and only does one more point of damage than the Arashi.
As a unique weapon, the Arashi comes with a long list of upgrades. These include; increased clip size (+3), a +15% chance of a critical hit (+5 damage), a 15% chance of a bonus action, extra damage (+3) on missed shots, a greater range than other shotguns. This weapon makes a Ranger a one-person army.
13Katana
Melee weapons play a larger role inXCOM 2than they did in previousXCOMgames. A veteranranger with a high-quality melee weaponcan do significant damage to an enemy - as much as a Plasma Rifle. A ranger with the Bladestorm ability and a high-tier melee weapon can hold off an entire squad of enemies solo if they’re guarding a narrow passage.
RELATED:The Best Tactical Shooters Of All Time, Ranked
When it comes to melee weapons, a player’s first pick should be the Katana. It may not have any secondary effects, but it still has numerous bonuses that make it the preferred choice. It always hits and hits fully - no glancing blows with the Katana. The Katana also ignores up to five armor points.
12Shredstorm Cannon
The Shredstorm Cannon is the final evolution of the shotgun inXCOM 2. This is a heavy weapon; meaning it needs to be attached to powered armor. Expect to see more heavy weapons further down this list. The Shredstorm Cannon fires sharp metal shrapnel in a cone shape. The width of this cone at the end gives this weapon enough coverage to kill numerous enemies with a single shot.
This weapon’s magazine only holds one shot. Honestly, though, one shot is usually all that’s needed; anything left can be easily finished-off with Plasma Rifles or explosives.
11Darkclaw
The Darkclaw sounds like it should be a melee weapon of some sort, but it’s not. The Darkclaw, part of theWar of the ChosenDLC, is arguably the best pistol inXCOM 2. This sidearm has the damage output of a sniper rifle, and can only be used by the Sharpshooter class of soldier.
One benefit possessed by the Darkclaw that puts it on this list is its ability to ignore up to five armor points. With the Fan Fire ability, a Sharpshooter increases the number of shots per use to three. This makes the damage potential of the Darkclaw 12-21; which can be increased further with the right research.
10Hellfire Projector
The Hellfire Projector, when researched, is an improved version of the Flamethrower heavy weapon. The two have nearly identical stats; however, the Hellfire Projector does two more points of damage than the Flamethrower (on average). The biggest difference between the two is that the Hellfire Projector leaves the area in flames.
RELATED:Games To Play If You Liked Fire Emblem
The persistent flames left behind by the Hellfire Projector are perfect for creating zones of control. Enemies that need to get close to attack, like themuch-feared Chryssalid, are kept at a distance by these flames. This weapon also has a chance of making enemies panic.
9Plasma Bolt Caster
When it comes to damage per shot, the Plasma Bolt Caster is at the top of the list inXCOM 2; at least among the standard (non-heavy) weapons. The drawback for such a powerful shot is that the weapon needs to reloaded after each shot. This effectively makes the soldier using a Bolt Caster less mobile, since movement (normally) must be sacrificed to reload.
In addition to its impressive damage, the Bolt Caster series of weapons also have a chance of stunning the target with each shot. Aliens with increased genetic manipulation are more susceptible to being stunned.
8Alien Psi Amp
The Psi Operative class inXCOM 2is a slightly overpowered class that has a selection of psionic abilities from which to choose. These abilities include, but are not limited to, mentally dominating an enemy soldier (turning them into an ally), creating a Void Rift that damages an area and can cause insanity on its victims, and remotely detonating an enemy’s explosive device.
Psi Amps boost the user’s Psi Talent, making a successful hit more likely. This bonus also negates any resistance to Psi attacks the target has. A well-trained Psi Operative with an Alien Psi Amp is a one-person army.
7Darklance
Sharpshooters play an important role. They are able to hit enemies from extremely long-range, and often kill with one shot. The Darklance is the ultimate sniper rifle inXCOM 2, provided the player has theWar Of The Chosenexpansion. The Darklance is the weapon carried by the Chosen Hunter - an elite sniper that is extremely difficult to kill.
The Darklance does the same damage as the inferior Plasma Lance, but it comes with four superior mods: Scope, Hair Trigger, Stock, and Auto Reload. This weapon does three points of damage to the target on a miss. To repeat, this weapon still causes damage if it misses the target.
6Frag Grenade
Any longtime player oftheXCOMgameswill not be surprised to see the Frag Grenade ranked so high on this list. This entry might as well be titled “Grenade” because any grenade that causes damage to the enemy applies. Enemies inXCOM 2have a tendency to cluster in groups. This makes them susceptible to being wiped out by a couple of well-thrown grenades.
RELATED:The Most Influential Sci-Fi Games
In the early part of the game, most of the damage a player inflicts throughout a mission will undoubtedly be caused by frag grenades. Relying on these during the early missions also allows the player time to research and build better weapons. These are also great for clearing away the enemy’s cover.
