Part 11

Map Assessment: Before moving, assess the map layout, available cover, and potential engagement areas. Decide whether to approach from the outside or inside buildings, or which routes to take in areas like trainyards. This limits the number of enemy squads you might encounter simultaneously and ensures your soldiers are ready to fire.

Controlled Exploration: Move as a cohesive group, especially when underpowered or with a small squad. Ensure each soldier ends their turn in cover and can support allies. Consider using the 'overwatch' ability or leaving soldiers with a free action point for immediate engagement or repositioning if they encounter enemies.

Cover and Support: If good cover is scarce, consider using smoke grenades or deploying SHIVs and MECs. Avoid dashing unless against overwatch, as it's generally too risky.

Meld Acquisition: Meld is timed based on its distance from your starting position. Look for its spinning motion, which can sometimes be seen through the fog of war. Meld is usually found in active areas of the map, not corners. While important, focus on eliminating enemies first, as Meld becomes more plentiful later.

Combat Engagement: When encountering enemies, aim to deal as much damage as possible. Use grenades and rockets to soften targets before finishing them with direct fire, especially if they won't die in one shot. If enemies retreat or find cover, use suppression or smoke abilities to reduce their effectiveness.

Enemy Types (Early Game): Sectoids are generally easy to defeat in one hit unless playing on 'Impossible' difficulty, where grenades are recommended for softening them up first.