The short answer is no, the original Long War 2 (LW2) mod for XCOM 2 is not compatible with XCOM 2: War of the Chosen (WotC). These are, for all intents and purposes, treated as different games by the modding community.
However, there’s good news! A dedicated mod, Long War of the Chosen (LWOTC), has been specifically created to bring the Long War experience to the WotC expansion. This mod has been meticulously built from the ground up to integrate with the features and mechanics introduced in War of the Chosen, creating a unique and expansive gameplay experience.
Diving Deep: Why LW2 Doesn’t Play Nice with WotC
To understand why Long War 2 and War of the Chosen don’t mesh, it’s important to recognize that WotC isn’t just a simple DLC. It’s a substantial overhaul of the base game, introducing new mechanics, classes, enemies (the Chosen themselves), and a completely revamped strategic layer.
LW2 was designed to fundamentally change the base XCOM 2 experience. It alters almost every aspect of the game, from squad sizes and class specializations to the global campaign map and research trees. Simply put, the systems they both overhaul are too fundamentally intertwined and contradictory to allow them to function together without severe conflicts and game-breaking bugs.
The .exe files being different for both versions of the game means that mods need to be specifically designed and built for each one separately. A mod designed to work on base XCOM 2 will almost certainly not work on WotC and vice versa.
Enter Long War of the Chosen: A New Era of XCOM
Long War of the Chosen is the answer for players yearning for the deep strategic complexity and expanded campaign of Long War within the WotC framework. LWOTC is a separate mod entirely, developed with the goal of integrating all the Long War elements into the War of the Chosen version of the game.
This version retains the core tenets of the Long War philosophy – a longer, more challenging campaign with deeper strategic and tactical options – while also incorporating the new features introduced in WotC. Expect the Chosen to make an appearance, adding another layer of challenge and intrigue to the Long War experience.
Key Differences Between LW2 and LWOTC
While both mods share a common goal of expanding and enhancing the XCOM 2 experience, there are some key differences to be aware of:
- Platform: LW2 is built for base XCOM 2, while LWOTC is designed exclusively for XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
- WotC Integration: LWOTC takes full advantage of WotC’s new mechanics, including the Chosen, Fatigue, Bonds, and Hero Classes.
- Balance and Design: While both are challenging, LWOTC is balanced around the WotC features, resulting in a slightly different gameplay feel.
Getting Started with Long War of the Chosen
If you’re ready to embark on the Long War of the Chosen journey, here’s what you need:
- XCOM 2: Obviously, you need the base game.
- XCOM 2: War of the Chosen: The expansion is a must.
- The LWOTC Mod: Download it from the Steam Workshop (usually the easiest way to install and manage mods).
- The Alternative Mod Launcher: Use the AML to manage all of your mods and avoid conflicting between mods, which can cause the game to crash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long War and War of the Chosen
Here are some frequently asked questions about XCOM 2, Long War, and War of the Chosen to help you navigate this complex modding landscape:
Is it essential to play XCOM 2 before diving into War of the Chosen?
While not strictly essential, it is highly recommended to play the base XCOM 2 campaign before jumping into War of the Chosen. Understanding the core mechanics and story will make your experience with WotC much more enjoyable.
Can I use other mods with Long War of the Chosen?
Yes, but with caution. LWOTC is a massive overhaul, and many smaller mods may not be compatible or may cause unexpected issues. It’s best to check the LWOTC community forums for recommended mods and compatibility lists.
Is Long War of the Chosen harder than vanilla War of the Chosen?
Yes, significantly harder. Long War mods are known for their increased difficulty and strategic depth. Expect a longer campaign, more challenging enemies, and a greater emphasis on resource management.
What classes should I prioritize in Long War of the Chosen?
LWOTC adds new classes and reworks existing ones. There is no singular “best” class, it is always dependent on the specific mission that is undertaken and the type of enemy that is going to be fought against. A balanced squad composition is key.
How does infiltration work in Long War of the Chosen?
Infiltration is a core mechanic of Long War. You send squads to infiltrate missions, increasing your chances of success and reducing enemy numbers. It adds a strategic layer to mission selection and squad management.
Is Long War of the Chosen a complete overhaul of the game?
Yes, it is. It changes nearly every aspect of the game, from the strategic layer to the tactical combat. Expect a completely different experience compared to vanilla XCOM 2 or WotC.
Does Long War of the Chosen include the Chosen from War of the Chosen?
Yes, the Chosen are fully integrated into the Long War of the Chosen campaign. They add an extra layer of challenge and require strategic planning to defeat.
What is the max squad size in Long War of the Chosen?
The maximum squad size in Long War of the Chosen is dependent on the mission that the squad is undertaking. Some covert missions, for example, will limit the number of troops that can be taken to a maximum of 4, whereas other missions can allow for a squad size of up to 10.
Does time matter in Long War of the Chosen?
Absolutely. Time is a crucial resource in Long War of the Chosen. The aliens have a doomsday clock, and you need to manage your resources and complete objectives efficiently to prevent them from achieving their goals.
Is Long War of the Chosen worth playing?
If you’re looking for a deeply challenging and strategically rewarding XCOM 2 experience, then absolutely! LWOTC is considered by many to be the definitive XCOM 2 experience, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay and a level of depth that is unmatched by the vanilla game.
Where can I find support and resources for Long War of the Chosen?
The best place to find support is the LWOTC community on Steam, Reddit, and other XCOM forums. These communities are full of experienced players who can offer advice, tips, and troubleshooting assistance.
Will there ever be an XCOM 3 with Long War built-in?
While there’s no official word on XCOM 3 incorporating Long War elements directly, the popularity and influence of the Long War mods have undoubtedly shaped the direction of the XCOM franchise. Only time will tell what the future holds. According to the GB Times, Firaxis confirmed that XCOM 3 is still happening.
In conclusion, while Long War 2 and War of the Chosen are incompatible, Long War of the Chosen offers the best of both worlds, combining the strategic depth of Long War with the engaging features of WotC. Dive in and prepare for a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience!
