Compared to other XCOM titles, XCOM: Chimera Squad is easier due to its removal or permadeath and faster tech progression. That doesn’t mean Chimera Squad isn’t difficult, however. Those who haven’t mastered XCOM’s dance of death will likely struggle. Even veterans might have trouble adjusting with all of this game’s changes to core systems.
One such large change is the focus on eleven distinct Agents rather than class-based characters. These characters have abilities that can synergize with each other and make combat much easier, which means squad composition is more important than ever. From items to great characters, here are 10 tips to make an overpowered squad in XCOM: Chimera Squad.
10 Cover Your Breaching Bases
Every mission in XCOM: Chimera Squad involves your team entering a room by Breaching. This mechanic can provide noticeable buffs to your team if you have the right equipment.
When you are equipping your squad with items, make sure you have one of each Breach item to keep your options open. You’ll want a Keycard to enter secure doors and Breach Charges to blow open walls. These entrances are more likely to have positive modifiers than negative ones, so always having these entryways available can make missions go much smoother.
9 Plan Around Enemies’ Weaknesses
During each act of Chimera Squad, players must choose which faction to investigate. Besides their short descriptions, these factions have very different playstyles and strengths.
Sacred Coil is a great example of this. Their units are mostly machines, making Patchwork an incredible choice when fighting them since she deals bonus damage against robots. Gray Phoenix enemies are tough and deadly but have limited mobility, allowing Agents like Torgue or Shelter to easily manipulate the battlefield to your will.
8 Always Bring Blueblood Or Godmother For Damage
Losing soldiers to high-damage aliens is common in the XCOM franchise, even though Chimera Squad removed permadeath. Enemies can’t deal damage if they’re dead, however, so bringing Agents that can dish out lots of damage is paramount.
Godmother is a character most will start with that has a powerful shotgun and strong damage-based skills as she levels. If you want someone more oriented for further ranges, Blueblood is also a fantastic pick. Whoever you choose, make sure you upgrade their weapons first to keep their damage competitive.
7 Always Train Your Agents
While you lack the sheer manpower that XCOM had in previous titles, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t Agents that have downtime. Agents that are not assigned to your APC should be either assisting your base or training.
Like the Training Center in XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, Agents may be assigned to improve their skills. Based on what choice you select, Agents can increase their base attributes, remove scars, or even learn new skills. Rotate Agents frequently so they all have a chance to train.
6 Frequent The Scavenger Market
XCOM might have reclaimed Earth but that doesn’t mean that local enforcement agencies have access to Plasma weapons and power armor. Like previous games, players still need to research and create new tiers of items.
This takes time, and like most XCOM games, time is not on your side. Thankfully, you can visit the Scavenger Market when they’re available to buy items well beyond your current research. Even when you’re far into Chimera Squad, still visit them on occasion to purchase Epic weapons that grant new skills.
5 Remember That Buffs Are Game-Changing
Changes to turn order have resulted in many players focusing on killing enemies first in the turn order. While this is a solid strategy, it isn’t always feasible. Enemies might live with a small chunk of health, or your shot might miss entirely. That is why buffs are so important in Chimera Squad.
Agents like Cherub can grant a massive damage boost to the team while characters like Patchwork can mark enemies for easier hits. Bringing characters with buffs and debuffs can allow for damage output that is impossible otherwise.
4 Use At Least One Crowd Control Agent
Crowd control refers to using skills and strategies to control the flow of battle. For example, Torque’s Tongue Pull and Bind control a target as it prevents them from moving, making it a form of crowd control. Players will want at least one Agent that can do this competently and effectively.
Torque is a solid choice if you want to control one enemy while still damaging opponents with poison. For those who want to seriously control the map, Shelter is unrivaled in his ability to shift turn order and character placement.
3 Always Bring Terminal
No other character in Chimera Squad can turn a bad situation into an advantageous one so quickly. Skilled players will likely avoid using her since they keep their Agents safe, but those who struggle with keeping their team alive should consider using Terminal.
Terminal’s Safeguard ability is easily the strongest early-game ability in Chimera Squad, granting 20 defense while healing 4 HP and cleansing negative status effects. This ability can be used every turn at virtually any range, making Medkits obsolete. With a few levels under her belt, Terminal can also use Pin Down to force the enemy’s intuitive down. She can even grant allies an action with the Cooperation ability.
2 Utilize Equipment Whenever Possible
Two actions are all characters get on their turn in XCOM. Moving, shooting, or using an ability all cost an action. Equipment used to follow this rule as well, but Chimera Squad has changed this. Now, any equipment can be used without ending your turn or costing an action point.
This change has resulted in virtually every grenade in XCOM having a use now. Throwing a Smoke Grenade, healing yourself with a Medkit, or using Overdrive Serum to increase your speed are all free to do. Every squad member should bring some sort of equipment. In general, Smoke Grenades and Cease Fire Grenades are must-haves.
1 Synergize Abilities At All Times
Agents should be working together to set up incredible combos that would be impossible to do by themselves. Using the right Agent for the right job is one thing, but using the right squad for the right strategy goes much further. Buffs and map control are the two largest factors for most combos.
Take Zephyr for instance. Her fists deal great damage and can disorient targets. She can go on Overwatch to punch nearby targets, but that requires enemies to get close. Torque can be used to pull enemies towards her and, if Zephyr is nearby, can create an opening for massive damage. Consider combinations like this when you are deciding who should be in your squad.
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