XCOM 2 is Getting 3 Mods at Launch

We previously reported that Long War Studios, developers of the wonderful XCOM: The Long War mod for XCOM Enemy Unknown, were working on mods for XCOM 2. Now, thanks to Firaxis' panel at PAX, and later website update, we know just what these mods are.

The first of the three mods will be the addition of submachine guns, which seem to function similar to those in the original Long War. There will be an SMG for each of the three weapon types found in XCOM 2; conventional, magnetic, and beam. Like in the original mod, they sacrifice damage and long-ranged accuracy for increased mobility, letting your operatives move farther in one turn. Thanks to the new stealth system, the SMGs will also now be giving troops bonus concealment compared to traditional assault rifles.

The second mod will be a whole new enemy type known as the muton centurion (Pictured above), who seems to be filling in the role of the muton elite from Enemy Unknown. The centurions are stronger versions of the base mutons, with the ability to buff their extraterrestrial comrades. They also look quite distinctive in their red armor and helmet, making them appear much more like an actual soldier than the somewhat gorilla-esque normal mutons.

The third and final mod looks like the most exciting, allowing you to assign any troop you want as a "leader". Once you unlock the ability to train leaders through the Guerilla Tactics school, you can assign your troops as leaders. The leader follows a new upgrade path that presumably functions to buff your other operatives. Only one Leader can be in a squad at any time though, so you'll have to pick and choose leaders carefully.

All of these mods will be available via the steam workshop when XCOM 2 launches on February 5th.