Mission Objectives

Mission Objectives: Blacksite Data Core Retrieval

The primary goal of this critical mission is to Retrieve the Blacksite Data Core. This objective is central to XCOM's efforts against ADVENT, providing vital intelligence for future operations. Success hinges on a combination of stealth, tactical precision, and efficient extraction under pressure.

Mission Walkthrough and Tactical Advice

Upon insertion, your squad will typically find themselves on the perimeter of a heavily fortified ADVENT Blacksite facility. The exact layout can vary, but the core principles remain consistent: infiltrate, secure the data, and exfiltrate.

1. Infiltration and Initial Approach:
   • Stealth is Key (Initially): While not always possible to maintain throughout, try to keep your squad concealed for as long as possible. This allows you to scout enemy patrols and set up advantageous ambushes. Use high ground and environmental cover to your advantage.
   • Scout Ahead: A Ranger with Phantom or a Specialist with a Gremlin can be invaluable for safely revealing enemy positions without breaking concealment for the main squad.
   • Environmental Hazards: Be mindful of destructible cover, exploding barrels, and potential environmental traps that ADVENT might use. Conversely, these can be turned against the enemy.
2. Locating the Data Core:
   • The Blacksite Data Core is usually located deep within the facility, often in a central, heavily guarded chamber. Follow the mission objective markers, but always proceed with caution.
   • Expect multiple pods of ADVENT forces patrolling the interior. These can include standard Troopers, Sectoids, and potentially more dangerous units like Mutons or even Andromedons on later Blacksite missions.
3. Securing the Data Core:
   • Once you reach the Data Core, a Specialist or any soldier can interact with it to begin the download. This action will immediately trigger a turn timer for extraction and often alert all remaining enemies on the map, including calling in reinforcements.
   • Prepare for the Onslaught: Before interacting with the core, position your soldiers defensively. Set up overwatch traps, deploy turrets if you have a Specialist with the appropriate ability, and ensure your heavy hitters are ready for immediate action.
4. Extraction Under Fire:
   • The extraction zone will be marked once the data core is secured. It's crucial to have a clear path to this zone, as the turn timer will be unforgiving.
   • Reinforcements: Expect continuous waves of ADVENT reinforcements to drop in, often from the edges of the map or designated drop zones. These can include a mix of Troopers, Officers, and potentially more elite units. Prioritize eliminating threats that block your extraction route or pose an immediate danger to your squad.
   • Managing the Turn Timer: Don't get bogged down in prolonged firefights. Your priority shifts from eliminating all enemies to reaching the extraction point. Use abilities like 'Run and Gun' or 'Conceal' to move soldiers quickly. Smoke grenades or Mimic Beacons can buy precious turns.

Recommended Squad Composition and Loadouts

A balanced squad is crucial for Blacksite missions. Consider the following:

• Specialist (1-2): Essential for hacking the Data Core and providing crucial healing or offensive Gremlin attacks. Combat Protocol is excellent for guaranteed damage, and Medical Protocol can save a downed soldier.
• Ranger (1-2): Excellent for flanking, high damage output, and potentially scouting with Phantom. The Bladestorm ability can be a lifesaver against melee attackers or when enemies rush your position.
• Sharpshooter (1): Provides long-range support and can pick off high-priority targets from a safe distance. Deadeye and Kill Zone are powerful abilities for clearing enemy pods.
• Grenadier (1-2): Indispensable for destroying cover, dealing area-of-effect damage, and shredding armor. Volatile Mix and Salvo are highly recommended.

Recommended Gear:

• Mimic Beacons: Absolutely vital for drawing enemy fire during the extraction phase, buying your squad precious turns.
• Flashbangs: Excellent for disorienting Sectoids, Stun Lancers, and other dangerous enemies, reducing their accuracy and disabling special abilities.
• Medkits: Always bring at least one per Specialist, if not more.
• Advanced Explosives: Plasma Grenades or Alien Grenades for maximum cover destruction and damage.

Common Enemy Types Encountered

Expect several ADVENT forces within Blacksite facilities:

• ADVENT Trooper: The most common enemy, often found in large numbers.
• ADVENT Officer: Can mark targets, increasing damage taken, and call in reinforcements. Prioritize these.
• Sectoid: Psionically gifted, capable of mind control and reanimating corpses. Flashbangs are highly effective against them.
• Stun Lancer: Aggressive melee units that can disorient or knock out your soldiers. Overwatch traps are effective.
• Muton: Heavily armored, powerful melee and ranged attacks. Can counterattack. Grenadiers are excellent for shredding their armor.
• Andromedon: (Later Blacksite missions) Extremely tough, armored units that reanimate as a robotic shell after being defeated once. Focus fire to take them down quickly.

Key Takeaways and Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't Overextend: While stealth is good, don't rush into unknown territory and activate multiple enemy pods simultaneously.
• Manage the Turn Timer: Once the core is activated, every turn counts. Plan your moves to maximize distance towards the extraction zone while still dealing with immediate threats.
• Conserve Abilities: Save powerful abilities like Salvo, Run and Gun, or Combat Protocol for critical moments, especially during the extraction sprint.
• Use High Ground: Provides an aim bonus and often better sightlines.
• Exploit Environmental Cover: Always ensure your soldiers are in full cover when possible.

By carefully planning your infiltration, preparing for the core activation, and executing a swift extraction, you can successfully retrieve the Blacksite Data Core and strike a significant blow against ADVENT.