XCOM 2
XCOM 2

Cover System & Line of Sight — XCOM 2 Guide

Learn XCOM 2's cover system and line of sight mechanics. Minimize damage and set up ambushes by mastering battlefield positioning and destructible cover.

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Cover System & Line of Sight

Understanding and manipulating XCOM 2's cover system and line of sight (LoS) is paramount to survival and mission success. Unlike previous XCOM titles, environmental destruction is far more prevalent, meaning your carefully chosen cover can disappear in a hail of plasma fire. Mastering these mechanics will allow you to minimize damage, set up devastating ambushes, and control the battlefield.

Understanding Cover Types

There are two primary types of cover in XCOM 2, each offering different levels of protection:

  • Half Cover: Indicated by a single shield icon when hovering over a tile. This provides a +20 Defense bonus to your soldier. Examples include small walls, cars, and low barricades. While better than nothing, Half Cover is often insufficient against multiple enemies or high-accuracy threats.
  • Full Cover: Indicated by a double shield icon. This provides a substantial +40 Defense bonus. Examples include large walls, robust structures, and certain environmental objects. Always prioritize Full Cover when available, especially for soldiers who will be exposed to enemy fire.

It's crucial to remember that cover only applies to the direction facing the enemy. An Advent Trooper flanking your soldier will negate their cover bonus entirely, leading to a much higher chance to hit.

Line of Sight (LoS) Mechanics

Line of Sight dictates whether your soldiers can see and shoot at enemies, and vice-versa. XCOM 2 uses a realistic LoS system:

  • Clear LoS: If there's a direct, unobstructed path between your soldier and an enemy, you have clear LoS. This is indicated by a solid yellow line when targeting.
  • Partial LoS: Sometimes, an enemy might be partially obscured by an object, but still targetable. This often results in a lower hit chance due to the obstruction.
  • No LoS: If an enemy is completely behind cover or out of range, you will not have LoS. This is indicated by a red "X" over the enemy icon.

Key considerations for LoS:

  • Elevation: High ground provides significant tactical advantages. Soldiers on elevated positions (e.g., rooftops, watchtowers) often gain a bonus to aim and can see over obstacles that would block LoS for units on lower ground. This is especially potent with Sharpshooters.
  • Environmental Destruction: Be aware that cover can be destroyed. A Sectopod's heavy cannon or a Muton's grenade can obliterate even Full Cover, exposing your soldiers. Plan your movements to account for this, always having a secondary cover option or an escape route.
  • Flanking: Moving a soldier to a position where they have LoS on an enemy's side or rear, bypassing their cover, is called flanking. Flanking grants a significant aim bonus and negates the enemy's cover defense, making it a primary offensive strategy.

Actionable Strategies for Cover & LoS

  1. Always End in Cover: Unless performing a specific ability like a Ranger's Run & Gun flank, always ensure your soldiers end their turn in at least Half Cover, preferably Full Cover. An exposed soldier is a dead soldier.
  2. The "Blue Move, Yellow Move" Principle:
    • Blue Move (First Action): Use your first action point to move to a position that provides LoS on potential enemy pods or allows you to set up a flank.
    • Yellow Move (Second Action): Use your second action point to move into strong cover after taking your shot or using an ability. This allows you to react to new threats or consolidate your position.
  3. Scout Aggressively but Safely: Use your Ranger's Phantom ability or a Specialist's Gremlin to scout ahead without revealing your main squad. This allows you to identify enemy positions and plan your engagements from advantageous cover.
  4. Utilize Overwatch Traps: Position multiple soldiers in Full Cover with Overwatch active, then use a Grenadier or Specialist to destroy enemy cover or flush them out. As enemies move, they will trigger your Overwatch shots, often leading to multiple kills before they can act.
  5. Grenade for Cover Destruction: Don't hesitate to use Grenadiers to destroy enemy cover. A well-placed frag grenade can turn a heavily entrenched enemy into an easy target for your other soldiers. This is particularly effective against enemies behind Full Cover.
  6. Mind the "Fog of War": The unexplored areas of the map are shrouded in the Fog of War. Moving into these areas can reveal new enemy pods, potentially triggering multiple activations. Advance cautiously, using your first soldier to reveal, and the rest to take advantageous positions.
  7. High Ground Advantage: Always seek out high ground. A Sharpshooter with Squadsight on a rooftop can provide invaluable support, picking off enemies from a distance while remaining relatively safe.
  8. Environmental Awareness: Pay attention to destructible environments. Thin walls, vehicles, and even some trees can be destroyed. Use this to your advantage to create new LoS or destroy enemy cover, but also be aware that your own cover can be compromised.