XCOM 2
XCOM 2

Explosives & Environmental Destruction

Utilize explosives and environmental destruction in XCOM 2. Shape the battlefield, expose enemies, and create escape routes for tactical victories.

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Explosives & Environmental Destruction

XCOM 2's tactical layer isn't just about shooting aliens; it's about shaping the battlefield to your advantage. Environmental destruction, primarily facilitated by explosives, is a critical tool in any Commander's arsenal. Mastering its use can turn unwinnable situations into decisive victories, expose entrenched enemies, and create vital escape routes.

Understanding Explosive Mechanics

Explosives in XCOM 2 deal damage in an area-of-effect (AoE) and, crucially, destroy terrain. This destruction isn't just cosmetic; it removes cover, creates new sightlines, and can even cause enemies to fall to their death if the floor beneath them is destroyed. The damage dealt by explosives is generally fixed and ignores enemy armor, making them excellent for softening up heavily armored targets or finishing off multiple weakened foes.

Key Explosive Items & Their Uses

  • Frag Grenade: Your bread-and-butter explosive. Available from the start, it deals moderate damage in a small radius and can destroy most light cover (fences, thin walls, cars). Excellent for flushing out enemies from high cover or dealing guaranteed damage to a clustered group.
  • Incendiary Grenade: Deals less initial damage than a Frag Grenade but sets the affected area on fire, causing continuous damage over several turns to anyone caught in the blaze. Also destroys cover and can panic organic enemies. Particularly effective against robotic units (MECs, Sectopods) as they are vulnerable to burning. Research "Incendiary Grenades" in the Proving Ground after researching "Advanced Grenades."
  • Flashbang Grenade: While not directly destructive, Flashbangs are crucial for controlling the battlefield. They disorient organic enemies, reducing their aim and mobility, and can break mind control. They also disrupt certain alien abilities like the Viper's Tongue Pull. Essential for managing dangerous pods or buying time.
  • Plasma Grenade: The upgraded version of the Frag Grenade, available after researching "Plasma Grenades" in the Proving Ground. Deals significantly more damage and has a larger radius, capable of destroying heavier cover and even some structural elements. A must-have for later-game missions.
  • Proximity Mine: A deployable explosive that detonates when an enemy moves within its radius. Excellent for setting traps, covering flanks, or denying specific areas to the enemy. Research "Proximity Mines" in the Proving Ground.
  • Blaster Launcher: A heavy weapon carried by Grenadiers (or SPARKs with the appropriate upgrade). Fires a powerful rocket that deals massive damage in a large radius and destroys almost any terrain. Its unique feature is that it can be guided after firing, allowing you to hit targets around corners or behind heavy cover. Requires "Blaster Launcher" research in the Proving Ground.
  • Shredder Gun (SPARK): While not a throwable explosive, the SPARK unit's Shredder Gun ability functions similarly by destroying cover in a cone, making it a valuable tool for environmental manipulation.

Strategic Applications of Environmental Destruction

  1. Flushing Out Enemies:
    • Actionable Step: If an enemy is hunkered down behind full cover, preventing your soldiers from getting a clean shot, use a Frag or Plasma Grenade to destroy their cover.
    • Example: A Sectoid is hiding behind a concrete barrier. Throw a Frag Grenade at the barrier to destroy it, leaving the Sectoid exposed for follow-up attacks.
  2. Creating Flanking Opportunities:
    • Actionable Step: Destroy walls or floors to create new lines of sight and flanking angles that were previously unavailable.
    • Example: An enemy pod is behind a building. Instead of moving your entire squad around, have a Grenadier blast a hole in the wall with a Plasma Grenade, allowing your Sharpshooter to take a critical shot.
  3. Dealing with Elevated Threats:
    • Actionable Step: Use explosives to destroy the floor beneath elevated enemies, causing them to fall and take damage, often leaving them disoriented or exposed.
    • Example: An ADVENT Trooper is on a rooftop. Target the roof tile directly beneath them with a Frag Grenade. They will fall to the ground, taking damage and losing their high ground advantage.
  4. Area Denial and Chokepoints:
    • Actionable Step: Deploy Proximity Mines or use Incendiary Grenades in narrow corridors or expected enemy patrol paths to control their movement.
    • Example: You've activated a large pod and need to retreat. Place a Proximity Mine at the entrance to a building you're exiting to deter pursuit or deal damage as they follow.
  5. Softening Up Armored Targets:
    • Actionable Step: While explosives don't shred armor, their guaranteed damage bypasses it. Use them to chip away at the health of heavily armored units like MECs, Gatekeepers, or Sectopods before engaging with conventional weapons.
    • Example: A Sectopod has 5 armor. A Plasma Grenade will deal its full damage directly to the Sectopod's health, regardless of its armor value.
  6. Breaking Line of Sight (Defensive Use):
    • Actionable Step: In desperate situations, blowing up a piece of cover near your soldiers can create a crater or rubble pile that acts as new, albeit often low, cover, or simply block enemy line of sight.
    • Example: Your soldier is exposed. Throw a grenade at a nearby car to destroy it, creating a smoke cloud and rubble that might break line of sight for an enemy overwatch.

Tips for Effective Explosive Use

  • Grenadiers are your best friends: Equip your Grenadiers with the "Volatile Mix" and "Salvo" abilities to maximize their explosive damage and utility. "Heavy Ordnance" allows them to carry an extra heavy weapon.
  • Mind the collateral: Be careful not to destroy cover your own soldiers are using, or accidentally damage valuable mission objectives.
  • Combo with other abilities: Use explosives to expose enemies, then follow up with a Sharpshooter's "Kill Zone" or a Ranger's "Run and Gun" flank.
  • Scout first: Use a Reaper's "Shadow" ability or a Specialist's "Scanning Protocol" to identify enemy clusters before committing to an explosive attack.
  • Don't be afraid to use them: Explosives are a finite resource per mission, but they are incredibly powerful. Don't hoard them for a "perfect" moment; often, using them to eliminate a threat early can prevent more damage to your squad.