XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 332 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 272 out of 332
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 332
  3. Negative: 34 out of 332

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  1. op8
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    The bar has been lifted.
    XCOM 2 was great, now with WotC it's an epic masterpiece.
    A no-brainer 9.5/10 (only because nothing can ever be truly 10/10).
  2. NinerJonny
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    Wow...takes XCOM2 to an even higher level then it already was. This 'upgrade' will keep me playing this game for a looooooonnnnngggg time. Fabulous job, folks...thank you...seriously.
  3. 2fatbear
    Nov 26, 2017
    10
    When I played XCom 2 I was worried at how modders could change enough the game to make it worth playing again (and having surprises and not knowing what would come ahead). Was expecting something like Long Run was for XCom 1. But then the makers came with this addon that seems almost like another game (some are calling it XCom 2.5) with the introduction of a few very well thought elements.When I played XCom 2 I was worried at how modders could change enough the game to make it worth playing again (and having surprises and not knowing what would come ahead). Was expecting something like Long Run was for XCom 1. But then the makers came with this addon that seems almost like another game (some are calling it XCom 2.5) with the introduction of a few very well thought elements. The Choosen are great! The missions are way improved, it is a new game. I only was a bit disappointed with the last mission, its too much like the first one. But hey, they have to save some ideas for XCom 3!… Expand
  4. Tautologen
    Sep 4, 2017
    10
    I´m biased, I loved the first two games to death, flaws and all. XCOM 2 was a bit too visually ridiculous for my taste, but since I plowed 200 hours (some of it LW) into it I was obviously ready to overlook it. WOTC goes some way to correct this, introducing dark and abandoned sewers and lost cities, but it also introduces even more psychedelic artistry and marvel-esque characters. ThisI´m biased, I loved the first two games to death, flaws and all. XCOM 2 was a bit too visually ridiculous for my taste, but since I plowed 200 hours (some of it LW) into it I was obviously ready to overlook it. WOTC goes some way to correct this, introducing dark and abandoned sewers and lost cities, but it also introduces even more psychedelic artistry and marvel-esque characters. This doesn´t matter that much though, since what have been the sole reason to play xcom all along have been the gameplay on the tactical maps in conjunction with the research and construction in between the skirmishes. I´m not exactly sure WOTC so much improves as reinvents, but since I already loved the gameplay, making the game feel fresh and surprising again is enough for me. I would probably recommend that new players start with xcom 1 with DLC before jumping into WOTC. This feels like an expansion created for people who have put lots of time into the old games and wants a reason to go back to them. This is the xcom game that I want to play, but I have been very much schooled into thinking this way by the former games.… Expand
  5. Hohum
    Sep 7, 2017
    10
    The icing, on what was already a delicious cake. WotC adds a whole lot of new layers to the existing XCOM 2 experience and tries to deal with the issue of late-game repetition, resulting in a rounder and more rewarding game.

    Many encounters are made more challenging by the appearance of a Chosen, and they're a constant thorn in your side until dealt with. The Chosen work in much the    The icing, on what was already a delicious cake. WotC adds a whole lot of new layers to the existing XCOM 2 experience and tries to deal with the issue of late-game repetition, resulting in a rounder and more rewarding game.

    Many encounters are made more challenging by the appearance of a Chosen, and they're a constant thorn in your side until dealt with. The Chosen work in much the same way as the Avatar Project - forcing the player to choose between trying to take them on earlier and potentially suffer heavy casualties, versus leaving them alone until the later game, by which point it may be too late.

    As mentioned, the addition of some new enemy types, map layouts and game modes will keep most XCOM fans happy for a long while.    … Expand
  6. Mxm0
    Jan 17, 2018
    10
    Age 34

    Fav Games - Skyrim, Witcher 3, Mass Effect Trilogy, Stellaris, Sins of a Solar Empire, Company of Heroes 2, Divinity Original Sin 1+2 *Immersion and/or Strategy for me* Xcom 2 was already a good game, worthy of 88-90 on metacritic. With all the DLC and WotC it is now one of the very best strategy games ever made (I've played just a few of them..) It is seriously fantastic    Age 34

    Fav Games - Skyrim, Witcher 3, Mass Effect Trilogy, Stellaris, Sins of a Solar Empire, Company of Heroes 2, Divinity Original Sin 1+2 *Immersion and/or Strategy for me*

    Xcom 2 was already a good game, worthy of 88-90 on metacritic. With all the DLC and WotC it is now one of the very best strategy games ever made (I've played just a few of them..) It is seriously fantastic and has so much content, so many good ideas. I'm a bit disappointed in the 7.7 user review here.. This game is now atleast as good as D:OS2 but marked harshly...

    But I believe it's all due to one thing. THE GODDAMN DIFFICULTY LEVEL!!!

    It's BIGGEST, WORST, UNACCEPTABLE MISTAKE FIRAXIS. Most people are not strategy game veterans like myself and my mates that love this game. They get hammered by Xcom's four difficulty settings. Please change the first three firaxis, people are disliking your game because your difficulty settings don't match their expectations and they are getting frustrated, this would have earned you several more points on metacritic. No one wants to select rookie difficulty, do an analysis, it's a psychological thing.

    Rookie - This is really normal difficulty in any other game - you don't have an easy mode!
    Veteran - This is the second mode, this is really hard mode
    Commander - This is insane difficulty, for someone who has over 100 hours in the game
    Legend - Only for lock-ins playing the game with a rock band controller, full back xcom tattoo and a whip setting on the bench, for when they kill their soldiers    … Expand
  7. thatboisuper
    Sep 13, 2017
    10
    Great expansion. Dont listen to the few reviewers saying this isnt worth the price. This expansion completely changes the game. If youre an xcom fan try it for yourself. Thats all i can say.
  8. 7zebras
    Sep 19, 2017
    10
    Did you like the original? If so, you HAVE to get this DLC. They improved everything in the game. Imagine everything you always wanted in the original just got added. New weapons, new bosses, new soldier classes, new enemies, and the cream of the crop, the new ability point system. Did you ever want a sniper with all the pistol and rifle skills? You can have it now. I will admitDid you like the original? If so, you HAVE to get this DLC. They improved everything in the game. Imagine everything you always wanted in the original just got added. New weapons, new bosses, new soldier classes, new enemies, and the cream of the crop, the new ability point system. Did you ever want a sniper with all the pistol and rifle skills? You can have it now. I will admit that it does lock up and reset itself at times and that is massively annoying given how long it takes to reboot the game and load your last save. Whatever. The improvements make up for it.… Expand
  9. id0815
    Sep 22, 2017
    10
    One Word, Excellent! for me. :-) One Word, Excellent! for me. :-) One Word, Excellent! for me. :-) One Word, Excellent! for me. :-) One Word, Excellent! for me. :-)
  10. gentlebenno
    Jan 27, 2022
    10
    There's nothing quite like needing that one critical shot, and you tune up the alien and the green blood is spraying everywhere. It's a wonderful feeling. I love this game.
  11. Turin_18
    Aug 10, 2020
    10
    Juego perfecto en su genero, muy personalizable, con muchisimos mod, historia profunda, varios modos de juego, muy divertido.
  12. julian_apostate
    Jul 10, 2021
    10
    Play it. I don't care how old it is, nor what games you usually play.

    Shut up and play it, you'll love it.

    PS: I'm an old fart so my opinion may be skewed, but I feel like anything I would give a 10/10 would end up being a 6/10 for the mass market. So its at least okay.
  13. Woolee
    Sep 29, 2021
    10
    Fav Games - Skyrim, Witcher 3, Mass Effect Trilogy, Stellaris, Sins of a Solar Empire, Company of Heroes 2, Divinity Original Sin 1+2 *Immersion and/or Strategy for me* Xcom 2 was already a good game, worthy of 88-90 on metacritic. With all the DLC and WotC it is now o
  14. archangel1
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    It's one of the funniest games ever.

    This is the most immersive expansion pack that complements the deficiencies of the existing XCOM 2.

    Numerous supported mods make it even more fun.
    Numerous supported mods make it even more fun.
  15. aecsuter
    Feb 10, 2023
    10
    Jogo excelente. Muito divertido, e a expansão trouxe quase que um jogo novo. Vale testar novas jogabilidade vom os mods tbm!
    Recomendo demais!
  16. socokid
    Aug 30, 2017
    9
    War of the Chosen "merely" makes every aspect of XCOM 2, a great game itself, even better. It also comes with a LOT of additional content and game play that actually works well within the same base system.

    Just think "XCOM 2" with more to do and think about, without missing any of the things that were great with XCOM 2.
  17. sherbz
    Sep 4, 2017
    9
    WOTC is a superb "dlc". I use that in brackets because there is so much content its practically a new game. It reinvents what was an already superb title and things look very good on the horizon if they are using this as the base idea for XCOM3. It has a few elements of Shadows of Mordor and the nemesis system as the chosen hunt you down, which is backed up by narrative as they refer toWOTC is a superb "dlc". I use that in brackets because there is so much content its practically a new game. It reinvents what was an already superb title and things look very good on the horizon if they are using this as the base idea for XCOM3. It has a few elements of Shadows of Mordor and the nemesis system as the chosen hunt you down, which is backed up by narrative as they refer to other game elements that you have been doing in the meantime. All this adds to a much grander narrative that fleshes out the middle part of the game. Which if the original had any faults, aside from new alien types and the odd boost to your technology, it could turn into a bit of a grind fest as you relentlessy ground out victory after victory in the same 3 or 4 mission types (albeit an excellent one). Now theres all sorts you can be doing. Variety really is the spice of life.

    All that said, I do think the asking price was a bit steep for what was supposed to be a "dlc". But i feel it justifies its price, although i am going to knock a mark off as unless you are a fan of the game, then you might want to wait for a sale before you pick it up. Which is a shame, as what you get for your cash is really rather good.    … Expand
  18. Hack
    Dec 14, 2017
    9
    I've only just recently gotten into the XCOM series after my friend gifted me the first game, after putting 41 hours into that I knew I needed the second game so I grabbed the deluxe edition plus War of the Chosen as I wanted to experience everything the game had to offer. I finished the game today after putting 80 hours into it, so it was definitely money well spent.

    Overall I much    I've only just recently gotten into the XCOM series after my friend gifted me the first game, after putting 41 hours into that I knew I needed the second game so I grabbed the deluxe edition plus War of the Chosen as I wanted to experience everything the game had to offer. I finished the game today after putting 80 hours into it, so it was definitely money well spent.

    Overall I much preferred the sequel, it was improved in almost every way, with big additions, features and more subtle changes that made for a very enjoyable experience. It really felt like the devs learned a lot from the first game, and implemented a lot of fixes and changes the community wanted. One big area of improvement are the cut-scenes, they're very high quality this time around, and they run smoothly as they're videos, and not rendered in engine like in XCOM 1 (30fps videos look fine, 30fps in engine does not), they really helped to tell the story which was interesting, the voice work was also fantastic.

    There is one area where XCOM 2 sadly falls short and that's performance, the game is not optimised well at all, you will find countless people complaining about this issue so please don't think it's just me. Any form of explosions will cause big drops in frame rate, as will anything that causes debris to spawn. Also certain mission/mob types also tank the frame rate, it's just not good enough. The game also "freezes" quite often while it calculates, something that never happened in the first game, the issue gets worse the further you get into the game as abilities and enemies get more complex. It really did hurt the game for me, so much so it went from a weak 9 into a strong 8. That being said I still obviously enjoyed it a lot and highly recommend it, just be aware it does have technical problems if you're bothered by that sort of thing.    … Expand
  19. ustag_
    Sep 22, 2017
    9
    This expansion makes XCOM2 harder and more unforgiving, giving also so much content with the new factions and the choosen messing around.

    the new training system, the soldiers which buddy together and get special bound abilities make the strategic dimension of this game even larger than before. New Enemies make the game harder, your soldiers will die. a lot. to be mentioned the    This expansion makes XCOM2 harder and more unforgiving, giving also so much content with the new factions and the choosen messing around.

    the new training system, the soldiers which buddy together and get special bound abilities make the strategic dimension of this game even larger than before.

    New Enemies make the game harder, your soldiers will die. a lot.

    to be mentioned the new options, when you start a new campaign, to double the avatar project meter and the mission timers, since the game gets harder, i really suggest to do so.

    nice compatibility with the precedent must-have expansion Shen's Last Gift and the one of the Vahlen superaliens. you can choose to have a simpler experience by adding the extra content (sparks, weapons and the three alien kings) without having the dedicated missions.

    that's good, after all, since the experience would be extra hard if not made so.

    All and all, a phenomenal must buy game and expansion.    … Expand
  20. HansV
    Sep 13, 2017
    9
    Very good game. I played it on veteran iron man and made it through, just.
    Cant wait for xcom 3.
    But please give the characters more personality, and make some of the blood real red. thx
  21. ikkan
    Sep 25, 2017
    9
    Very addictive game. This expansion utilizes the same base story from X-Com 2, but adds 3 new soldier classes (it's more like 3 heroes, as you can't train more of then), 3 bosses (The Chosen) that attacks you on missions that are on their turf on the map, a lot of new missions and mechanics. Like the TheWaffle said, the new content, along with the old, is presented too fast and you getVery addictive game. This expansion utilizes the same base story from X-Com 2, but adds 3 new soldier classes (it's more like 3 heroes, as you can't train more of then), 3 bosses (The Chosen) that attacks you on missions that are on their turf on the map, a lot of new missions and mechanics. Like the TheWaffle said, the new content, along with the old, is presented too fast and you get overwhelmed by the information, which may be hard for new players. All in all is one of my favorite games of all time, you can easily spend a great amount of time playing it.… Expand
  22. GarethB
    Nov 2, 2018
    9
    This elevates the base game with a host of new features and enemies that further enhance an already amazing game!
  23. SilverOrlov
    Jun 17, 2020
    9
    I decided to write a separate reviews on the game in general and an DLC about the chosen ones.
    So, about the chosen ones: An excellent additional test of your skills for the main game, which is organically inscribed in the main game, without distortions of balance and adding, in a way, three mini-bosses. The plot justification of these chosen ones, their characters, their strongholds with    I decided to write a separate reviews on the game in general and an DLC about the chosen ones.
    So, about the chosen ones: An excellent additional test of your skills for the main game, which is organically inscribed in the main game, without distortions of balance and adding, in a way, three mini-bosses. The plot justification of these chosen ones, their characters, their strongholds with "last battles", everything is just wonderful. This DLC gets from me a "good" rating, as I am still disappointed that the percentage randomness still does not take into account logic and context in 2020 year(the shotgun comes close to the enemy with 80% of the hit, and you still miss).    … Expand
  24. Lucky_Nike
    Oct 28, 2022
    9
    With mods game is super 9, otherwise score 8 is more appropriate.

    I have finished game 5x. Twice without mods, 4x with "tired" mechanic and once without "tired" mechanics include quality of life mods, 3x speed upgame and this deserved 9. Its turn based strategy game, which has its rules and few wtf moments, which you have to get through to learn mechanics. Learning curve is therefore    With mods game is super 9, otherwise score 8 is more appropriate.

    I have finished game 5x. Twice without mods, 4x with "tired" mechanic and once without "tired" mechanics include quality of life mods, 3x speed upgame and this deserved 9.

    Its turn based strategy game, which has its rules and few wtf moments, which you have to get through to learn mechanics. Learning curve is therefore rather steep and mistakes are unforgiving. Start of the game is very hard. Later, when your soldiers gain levels and when you get better armor, game starts to be much less stressful and much more "arcade fun" and that makes smile on your face, when your sharpshooter one hit kill robot across whole map, or when ranger smashes all attackers with blade when he is in front line. Specialist heals and gives defense bonuses and made my soldiers "invincible" many times. There are few more types: psio has most abilities, reapers make game nice tactic battle etc..

    Strongest side of game is imo fact, you are commander and your soldiers are counting on your commander skills, so you want them to not only finish mission, but you also want them return home uninjured and alive. That wants you to be better in the game. Its fun and you see on yourself progress in that matter. Actually in last game I have lost only two soldiers, otherwise be prepared to loose much more of them.

    Game has some for me strange mechanics when enemy can pull you through wall, but you can not shoot them, sometimes robots can go through wall or appear from nowhere. It happens like 3x per game, so ironman, is not for me, nevertheless I was able to finish game without loading game though.

    Graphics is pretty and thanks to customization menu, you can make soldiers be indentified in game by colors - blue is ranger, red is sniper etc.

    I was using all mods for speed up game and quality of life. Without those game is frustrating and makes you wander what you can sell, which soldiers can be bond, who is intelligent most etc. Without mods its a mess and very frustrating.

    I have also removed "tired" mechanics in 5th playthrough in .ini file and game is much more fun and better. With "tired" I have enjoyed game only once, its only prolonging game and make game rather tedious and slower in its pace.

    Super fun game with mods 9/10 especially 3x speed game, otherwise its good for experience 8/10. I would even consider give 9, but "Lost" in the game is just killing it.

    Good luck Commander!

    OLED + 110" screen, surround.    … Expand
  25. Soullex
    Nov 29, 2022
    9
    Üff bu ne böyle aman ya rabbi..............................................
  26. RogueV
    Dec 5, 2019
    9
    They could have added 20% more content than this and called it XCOM 3 and I would have heaped praise on it. The fact that an expansion does so much to augment the experience, and does it all so right, I have no words. If you enjoyed XCOM at all you're in for a treat. If you've never played it, this is the right place to hop on, because WOTC really takes XCOM into a place where it can beThey could have added 20% more content than this and called it XCOM 3 and I would have heaped praise on it. The fact that an expansion does so much to augment the experience, and does it all so right, I have no words. If you enjoyed XCOM at all you're in for a treat. If you've never played it, this is the right place to hop on, because WOTC really takes XCOM into a place where it can be talked about with the all time greats in gaming like Age of Empires and The Witcher 3.… Expand
  27. Nerevarinho
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    Would reload savegame again.
    ..................…...........................
  28. MadJim61
    Feb 2, 2020
    9
    I enjoyed XCom 2 when it came out, but felt that the game finished a bit too quickly. I had to move swiftly to the endgame before I'd finished a lot of research, to stop Advent completing the Avatar project. I waited until WOTC was on sale at Steam before giving it a try, and (as others have said), it really re-invents the game. Now more challenging, more varied and more enjoyable. ThereI enjoyed XCom 2 when it came out, but felt that the game finished a bit too quickly. I had to move swiftly to the endgame before I'd finished a lot of research, to stop Advent completing the Avatar project. I waited until WOTC was on sale at Steam before giving it a try, and (as others have said), it really re-invents the game. Now more challenging, more varied and more enjoyable. There are still a few niggles that stopped me giving it a straight 10: missions are a bit repetitive; dialogue even worse; and there are some odd annoyances -- such as Dark Events that threaten you with increased Chosen activity even after you've eliminated them all. But, overall, it's a lot of fun. If you're too slow (and too old in my case) for real-time strategy and games that rely entirely on quick reactions, this is for you. it's a game that makes you think and has enough depth to make it more than just blasting aliens. Highly recommended.… Expand
  29. Zski
    Oct 30, 2022
    9
    This is an expansion done right. Originally priced at $40, this DLC literally doubled the content of the original game and added and entirely new campaign that is equally as long as the first. Beyond that, it added tons of cool new features including new classes, new cosmetics, new mission types, new enemy types, and other cool features like creating propaganda photos. This was somethingThis is an expansion done right. Originally priced at $40, this DLC literally doubled the content of the original game and added and entirely new campaign that is equally as long as the first. Beyond that, it added tons of cool new features including new classes, new cosmetics, new mission types, new enemy types, and other cool features like creating propaganda photos. This was something closer to XCOM 2.5 more so than a DLC. It completely revised the campaign structure into a whole new overarching gameplay element and plot. I still highly recommend playing the original first because it’s fantastic, and because you really should experience the vanilla game to get an understanding of the fundamentals as this game is far more challenging and punishing. I gave the vanilla game a 10/10, I am giving this expansion a 9/10 because it breathes so much life on the already incredible vanilla game. With that being said, I love it because it’s more XCOM 2. I found the campaign to be a little worse, instead of the arms race against the aliens, now there are a lot of characters and story arcs thrown in. Some people may prefer that, but I liked feeling like humanity’s last hope was in your hands instead of a Hollywood story. I personally think this style of a campaign just makes it feel like any other game.… Expand
  30. rodericrinehart
    Jan 2, 2018
    8
    Basically XCOM 3, which is a great thing. I've really been enjoying the new mechanics, maps, and chosen. Just like Civilization xpacs, this really updates the entire game and genuinely is almost XCOM 3. It still has some minor performance issues (even on my 1080ti), and the hit percentages thing is even worse now because of the random pop-ins of super-powerful aliens that are nearlyBasically XCOM 3, which is a great thing. I've really been enjoying the new mechanics, maps, and chosen. Just like Civilization xpacs, this really updates the entire game and genuinely is almost XCOM 3. It still has some minor performance issues (even on my 1080ti), and the hit percentages thing is even worse now because of the random pop-ins of super-powerful aliens that are nearly impossible to beat.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PC Game of 2017
49
#49 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017
35
#35 Most Shared PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 16, 2017
    90
    War of the Chosen introduces tons of new mechanics along with various improvements. It refreshes the original game so thoroughly that the campaign is truly worth replaying and the whole package deserves to be called XCOM 2.5. [11/2017, p.36]
  2. 4P.de
    Oct 18, 2017
    85
    An enormous expansion that adds a lot of interesting new features, but also takes the turn based combat to its limit.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 12, 2017
    90
    In an age of small DLCs to see a full old school expansion is a really refreshing sight. War of the Chosen enriches the original experience on a whole new level and it's a must for fans of the XCOM series.
    Read full review
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