XCOM: Enemy Unknown alien capture guide: Arc Thrower and containment
Prepare a live capture and approach a weakened alien with the correct equipment.
Edition covered
The 2012 Enemy Unknown campaign. Enemy Within adds Meld, MEC troops, gene modifications and other systems outside these guides. Publisher screenshots are from Enemy Unknown; Long War and XCOM 2 use different rules.
Prepare the facility and tool
Follow the early research objectives to unlock capture equipment. Complete Alien Containment and equip an Arc Thrower before deployment; ordinary weapons cannot perform a stun capture.
| Requirement | Purpose | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Alien Containment | Houses live specimens | Construction finished |
| Arc Thrower research | Unlocks the tool | Research completed |
| Built Arc Thrower | Enables stun | Assigned in the loadout |
| Weakened target | Improves prospects | Target survives your damage |
| Short-range position | Allows the attempt | Chance and nearby threats |
Weaken the target carefully
The Arc Thrower operates at short range and displays a chance of success. Reduce the alien's health with controlled damage and inspect the chance before committing.
| Problem | Likely issue | Response |
|---|---|---|
| No stun action | Equipment or range | Inspect loadout and distance |
| Target killed | Excess damage | Use a more controlled attack next time |
| Low chance | Target too healthy | Read the chance before committing |
| Soldier exposed | Unsafe approach | Control other threats first |
Make the approach safe
Remove other threats or position allies to support the capture soldier. Crossing an exposed area to stun one target can cost more than the research reward is worth.
Check research after returning
A successful stun is part of the research process. After the mission, inspect the available interrogation or research options rather than assuming every additional capture produces the same benefit.
A successful stun is part of the research process. After the mission, inspect the available interrogation or research options rather than assuming every additional capture produces the same benefit.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| XCOM: Enemy Unknown publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Enemy Unknown manual | store.steampowered.com |
| Arc Thrower research and use | www.ufopaedia.org |
| Alien Containment requirements | ufopaedia.org |