XCOM 2
XCOM 2

Alien Rulers (Alien Hunters DLC)

Conquer the Alien Rulers in XCOM 2's Alien Hunters DLC. Learn tactics for facing these unpredictable enemies that act after every soldier turn.

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Alien Rulers (Alien Hunters DLC)

The Alien Hunters DLC introduces a formidable challenge in the form of Alien Rulers: unique, powerful alien variants that appear after you complete the "Hunter's Axe" mission. These Rulers do not follow standard turn-based combat rules; instead, they take an action after every single action your soldiers perform, making them incredibly dangerous. Defeating them yields unique armor and weapons, but be warned: they are relentless.

Initiating the Alien Rulers Encounter

To begin your hunt for the Alien Rulers, you must first undertake the "Hunter's Axe" mission. This mission will appear on the Geoscape as a Council mission. It is highly recommended to prepare thoroughly before attempting this, as it serves as an introduction to the Rulers' unique combat mechanics.

  • Mission Name: Hunter's Axe
  • Location: Typically a Lost City or similar ruin.
  • Objective: Investigate an ADVENT research facility and retrieve a specific artifact.
  • Key Event: At the end of this mission, you will encounter the first Alien Ruler, the Viper King.

Understanding Alien Ruler Mechanics

Alien Rulers operate under a unique "Ruler Reaction" system. This means:

  • Reaction after every action: Any action taken by one of your soldiers (moving, shooting, reloading, using an ability, throwing a grenade) will trigger a reaction from the Alien Ruler. This includes free actions like reloading with a Repeater or using a Battle Scanner.
  • Limited Reactions per turn: While they react frequently, Rulers typically have a limited number of full actions per turn cycle (usually 2-3). After exhausting these, they will still react but might only perform minor movements or taunts.
  • Escape Mechanic: If a Ruler takes too much damage in a single encounter, or if they are unable to reach your soldiers, they will escape the battlefield. They will then reappear in a future mission, retaining any damage they previously sustained. This makes them a persistent threat until eliminated.

Strategies for Engaging Alien Rulers

Facing an Alien Ruler requires a significant shift in your tactical approach. Standard XCOM tactics often lead to disastrous results.

Squad Composition

Prioritize high-damage output and control. Consider the following:

  • Rangers: With 'Rapid Fire' and 'Run and Gun', Rangers can deliver burst damage. The 'Hunter's Axe' (obtained from the first Ruler) is also incredibly effective.
  • Specialists: 'Haywire Protocol' can stun or disorient mechanical units accompanying the Ruler. 'Medical Protocol' is crucial for healing the inevitable damage.
  • Sharpshooters: 'Serial' or 'Fan Fire' can deal significant damage. Position them for clear shots.
  • Grenadiers: 'Salvo' and 'Volatile Mix' are excellent for shredding armor and dealing area-of-effect damage, especially if the Ruler is accompanied by other enemies.
  • Psi Operatives: 'Null Lance' for high damage, 'Stasis' to temporarily remove the Ruler from play, and 'Mind Control' for turning their allies against them.

Key Tactics

  • Alpha Strike: The most effective strategy is to deal as much damage as possible in a single turn. Use abilities like 'Rapid Fire', 'Fan Fire', 'Salvo', and 'Null Lance' consecutively.
  • Stasis/Disorient: Abilities that apply 'Stasis' (Psi Operative) or 'Disorient' (flashbangs, Specialist's 'Combat Protocol' on mechanicals) are invaluable. 'Stasis' completely negates the Ruler's reaction for one turn, allowing your entire squad to act freely. 'Disorient' can prevent them from using certain abilities or reduce their aim.
  • Frost Bomb: This unique grenade, obtained from the Alien Hunters DLC, freezes the Ruler for a turn, preventing all actions and reactions. This is a game-changer and should be saved for critical moments.
  • Overwatch Trap (Limited Use): While Rulers react to every action, they do not react to Overwatch shots. Setting up an Overwatch trap can be effective if you can guarantee hits, but be cautious of their movement.
  • Exploit Weaknesses: Each Ruler has specific vulnerabilities. For example, the Viper King is susceptible to fire, while the Archon King is vulnerable to being disoriented.
  • Focus Fire: Do not spread your damage. Concentrate all available firepower on the Ruler until it is defeated or escapes.
  • Environmental Awareness: Use cover wisely. Rulers often have abilities that bypass cover, so positioning is still important but less of a guarantee of safety.

The Alien Rulers and Their Rewards

There are three primary Alien Rulers, each with unique abilities and dropping powerful gear upon defeat:

1. Viper King

  • Appearance: First encountered during the "Hunter's Axe" mission.
  • Abilities:
    • Bind: Grapples a soldier, dealing damage and preventing them from acting.
    • Tongue Pull: Pulls a distant soldier into melee range.
    • Frost Breath: Area-of-effect attack that can freeze multiple soldiers.
    • Thick Skin: Reduces incoming damage.
  • Reward: Upon defeat, drops the Hunter's Axe (melee weapon) and the Serpent Suit (armor with Grapple and Frost Breath abilities).

2. Archon King

  • Appearance: Typically appears after the Viper King has been defeated or escaped multiple times.
  • Abilities:
    • Blazing Pinions: Calls down a fiery bombardment on an area.
    • Devastate: Powerful melee attack.
    • Flight: Can fly to gain tactical advantage.
    • Lightning Reflexes: Can dodge the first Overwatch shot.
  • Reward: Upon defeat, drops the Bolt Caster (heavy rifle) and the Icarus Armor (armor with jetpack flight and a powerful melee attack).

3. Berserker Queen

  • Appearance: Usually the final Ruler to appear, after the Viper King and Archon King have been dealt with.
  • Abilities:
    • Quake: Area-of-effect ground pound that disorients and damages nearby soldiers.
    • Rage: Becomes stronger and faster as it takes damage.
    • Charge: Charges at a distant soldier, dealing heavy damage.
    • Immunity to Stun/Disorient: Cannot be stunned or disoriented by conventional means.
  • Reward: Upon defeat, drops the Shadowkeeper (pistol with 'Shadowfall' ability) and the R.A.G.E. Suit (armor with a powerful melee attack and immunity to certain status effects).

Post-Ruler Defeat

Once a Ruler is defeated, you will automatically acquire their unique weapon and armor. These items are powerful additions to your arsenal and can significantly aid in future missions, especially against other Rulers or challenging ADVENT forces. Remember to equip them on appropriate soldiers to maximize their effectiveness.