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XCOM: Enemy Unknown Guide

2012 · Turn-based tactics

Game guides

Find the guide you need
GuideWhat you will find
An armored soldier stands beside a hovering SHIV in an Enemy Unknown publisher screenshot.Cover and actionsUnderstand blue moves, dashing, cover direction and the actions available to your squad.
The hologlobe displays mission locations on the Enemy Unknown strategic map.Soldier classesCompare the four soldier classes and build a squad with complementary jobs.
A scientist stands near an illuminated chamber inside XCOM headquarters.Satellites and basePlan satellite production, launch capacity and air coverage before the Council report.
The tactical movement grid shows a soldier's available route in Enemy Unknown.Alien capturePrepare a live capture and approach a weakened alien with the correct equipment.
An armored soldier stands beside a hovering SHIV in an Enemy Unknown publisher screenshot.CharactersIdentify the important characters, recruitable allies and roles in XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

At a glance

Three useful starting points
FocusWhat to know
Move before committingA blue move leaves an action available; scouting with a dash can strand a soldier.
Plan satellite coverageSatellite production and uplink capacity must both be ready before launch.
Prepare live captureBring an Arc Thrower after arranging Alien Containment and the necessary research.

Characters Character guide →

Key characters and their roles
CharacterRoleAt a glance
The CommanderPlayer roleDirects research, base construction, missions and battlefield orders.
Central Officer BradfordOperationsCoordinates reports and tactical communications.
Dr. VahlenResearchLeads alien research and advises on live capture.
Dr. ShenEngineeringOversees equipment, construction and base facilities.
Council spokespersonOversightReports Council judgments and special mission requests.

Quick answers

Unlocks, routes and useful answers
TopicGo straight to
Satellites and baseProduction and capacity are separate →
Alien capturePrepare the facility and tool →

Pictures All pictures →

An armored soldier stands beside a hovering SHIV in an Enemy Unknown publisher screenshot.
An armored soldier stands beside a hovering SHIV in an Enemy Unknown publisher screenshot.
The hologlobe displays mission locations on the Enemy Unknown strategic map.
The hologlobe displays mission locations on the Enemy Unknown strategic map.
A scientist stands near an illuminated chamber inside XCOM headquarters.
A scientist stands near an illuminated chamber inside XCOM headquarters.
The tactical movement grid shows a soldier's available route in Enemy Unknown.
The tactical movement grid shows a soldier's available route in Enemy Unknown.
References
Guide references
ReferenceWebsite
XCOM: Enemy Unknown: game and edition overviewstore.steampowered.com