Engineer (Long War)

2016-12-08T21:16:21Z

Eclecticbibliophile: Corrected information about Mayhem applying to Engineer Weapons; included consideration of the Shredder Ammo item in places it was ignored; added another sample build.

[[File: Class Engineer (Long War).png|left|frame|64px|Engineer]]
<div style="float:right">{{Header (Long War)}}<br clear=right>__TOC__</div>
The '''Engineer''' is a unique class that has no equivalent in vanilla XCOM, though they borrow some elements from the Grenadier Heavy and Support classes. Engineers are specialized in the use of grenades, with their starting '''Grenadier''' ability giving them two uses of each damaging grenade item they carry, and a bonus to grenade throwing range, and have several more perks to improve grenades further. Engineers also have access to perks improving their ability to destroy cover, and improving their use of the arc thrower.

:'''Primary Weapons''': Carbines, Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, SMGs, Shotguns.
:'''Secondary Weapon''': Pistols, Machine pistols, Sawed-off shotgun.
:'''Class-Limited items''': Armor Piercing Ammo, Shredder Ammo.
<br clear=both>
== Abilities ==
{{Class Tree (Long War)|
|Specialist1={{Grenadier (Long War) |text=1}}
|SpecialistE1=''No other bonuses.''
|LCorporal1={{Holo-Targeting (Long War) |text=1}}
|LCorporal2={{Smoke Grenade (Long War) |text=1}}
|LCorporal3={{Sapper (Long War) |text=1}}
|LCorporalE1='''+1 Aim.'''
|LCorporalE2=''No others bonuses.''
|LCorporalE3=''No others bonuses.''
|Corporal1={{Ranger (Long War) |text=1}}
|Corporal2={{Smoke And Mirrors (Long War) |text=1}}
|Corporal3={{HEAT Warheads (Long War) |text=1}}
|CorporalE1='''+2 Aim.'''
|CorporalE2=''No other bonuses.''
|CorporalE3=''No other bonuses.''
|Sergeant1={{Will To Survive (Long War) |text=1}}
|Sergeant2={{Repair (Long War) |text=1}}
|Sergeant3={{Suppression (Long War) |text=1}}
|SergeantE1='''+3 Will.'''
|SergeantE2=''No other bonuses.''
|SergeantE3=''No other bonuses.''
|TechSgt1={{Battle Scanner (Long War) |text=1}}
|TechSgt2={{Dense Smoke (Long War) |text=1}}
|TechSgt3={{Mayhem (Long War) |text=1}}
|TechSgtE1=''No other bonuses.''
|TechSgtE2=''No other bonuses.''
|TechSgtE3=''No other bonuses.''
|GunSgt1={{Extra Conditioning (Long War) |text=1}}
|GunSgt2={{Packmaster (Long War) |text=1}}
|GunSgt3={{HEAT Ammo (Long War) |text=1}}
|GunSgtE1='''+3 Aim, +3 Will, +1 Mobility.'''
|GunSgtE2=''No other bonuses.''
|GunSgtE3=''No other bonuses.''
|MSgt1={{Tandem Warheads (Long War) |text=1}}
|MSgt2={{Fire Rocket (Long War) |text=1}}
|MSgt3={{Bombard (Long War) |text=1}}
|MSgtE1=''No other bonuses.''
|MSgtE2=''No other bonuses.''
|MSgtE3=''No other bonuses.''
}}

== Stat Progression ==
{| class="wikitable"
!Rank!!{{Health (Long War)}}/level!!{{Health (Long War)}}total!!{{Aim (Long War)}}/level!!{{Aim (Long War)}}total!!{{Will (Long War)}}/level*!!{{Will (Long War)}}total*
|-
|Specialist|| 1 || 1 || 3 || 3|| 5(6)||5(-6)
|-
|Lance Corporal|| 0 || 1 || 2 || 5|| 5(6)||10(-12)
|-
|Corporal|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 8|| 3(4)||13(-16)
|-
|Sergeant|| 0 || 2 || 2 || 10|| 3(4)||16(-20)
|-
|Tech Sergeant|| 1 || 3 || 3 || 12|| 3(4)||19(-24)
|-
|Gunnery Sergeant|| 0 || 3 || 2 || 15|| 3(4)||22(-28)
|-
|Master Sergeant|| 1 || 4 || 3 || 18|| 3(4)||25(-32)
|}

* Note that, even without Hidden Potential turned on, there is a chance of gaining 1 extra will per level (shown in parentheses above). Psionic soldiers can also gain 1-6 extra will per psi level (<code>1 + rand(6)</code>).

== Tactical Advice ==
'''Role''': Offensive Support / Defensive Support

Engineers are a class largely based around items and special abilities. Their starting '''Grenadier''' perk allows them doubled offensive grenades and a throw range bonus, and they can boost their offensive grenades further with '''Sapper''' and '''Bombardier'''. With perks such as '''Smoke Grenade''', '''Dense Smoke''' and '''Smoke and Mirrors''', Engineers can also become extremely proficient with defensive grenades, such as smoke grenades, ghost grenades and flashbangs, since the range bonus from Grenadier and Bombardier applies (Bombardier even works with Battlescanners, which are also available as a perk). Engineers can also enjoy triple uses of the Arc Thrower with the '''Repair''' perk. Unfortunately, all of these roles compete for your limited item slots.

As Engineers are mostly brought along for their consumable items, and therefore don't need high aim, they are great candidates to be your primary '''Psionic''' troopers or '''Officers'''.

If you choose the '''Fire Rocket''' perk, note that you will be unable to select a sidearm any more. Also bear in mind that Rocket and Shredder Rocket items are restricted to the [[Rocketeer (Long War)|Rocketeer]] class, so an Engineer with a rocket launcher can only ever have the one rocket. On the other hand, with Sapper that one rocket will blow a very big hole in any cover you fire it at. When carrying the Shredder Ammo item, the Engineer's rocket will simultaneously destroy cover and apply the Shredded condition.

On the downside, Engineers have the worst aim progression of all classes, so should you manage to exhaust your special abilities Engineers are lacking in offensive ability. Their dependence on items means Engineers are hard pressed to spare an item slot for a defensive item such as Chitin Plating, which, since they need to be near the front to throw their grenades at enemies, can leave them a little lacking in defense.

===Briefing===

The '''Engineer''' is perhaps the most flexible class in XCOM. Every class build will depend heavily on the player’s preference but where the '''Infantry''' has two defined roles – the Aggressive approach and the Defensive one, the '''Engineer''' has at least 5 – Capture, Utility with Repair, Disabling with Arc Rifle, Damage grenades and Support grenades. The possibilities for hybrid builds are also quite a few. The '''Engineer''' brings a unique perk to the table – '''Repair'''. Unlike '''Disabling Shot''', this perk cannot be replicated by any craftable equipment. There is a perk that can somewhat substitute it – the '''Packmaster''', but its efficiency when augmenting the Arc Thrower is definitely lower.

The Engineer is so versatile that you’d wish you could take multiple perks from the same rank.

===Perks===
'''Lance Corporal'''

{{Holo-Targeting (Long War)|align=left}}Holo can greatly reduce the Engineer’s weakness, brought by the class’s lackluster aim, by augmenting the rest of the squad’s firepower. Keep in mind that multiple instances of '''Holo-Targeting''' do not stack, so it may be counterproductive to pick it up on too many soldiers.

{{Smoke Grenade (Long War)|align=left}}Key defensive tool, especially in combination with '''Suppression'''. This support grenade can be useful in basically every mission. In later months, the smoke grenade can put your squad in a sticky situation - if the defense of your entire squad is amplified and especially if they are sticking closer to each other, aliens and Exalt are more prone to use grenades. With the vastly expanded range of small items in Long War you will often find yourselves starved on item slots. A perk that removes the need to sacrifice a weapon slot for a specific grenade is a welcome addition to any squad. With this perk your soldier can take an action after throwing a smoke grenade which greatly increases the flexibility of that soldier. Later in the campaign, with '''Smoke & Mirrors''', '''Packmaster''' and '''Dense Smoke''', you can carry enough '''Smoke Grenades''' to cover your squad in almost every engagement in a mission.

{{Sapper (Long War)|align=left}}The defining '''Engineer''' perk - it makes cover evaporate, and gives +1 damage to grenades. Without this perk '''Engineers''' cannot reliably destroy cover made from alien alloys and they will sometimes struggle with conventional cover. If you are raiding an alien vessel and you do not possess this perk, consider using AP grenades instead of HE ones. '''Sapper''' provides a decent boost to grenade damage, making your '''Engineers''' that much more deadly.

'''Corporal'''

{{HEAT Warheads (Long War)|align=left}}Armored unites in Long War are infinitely deadlier than they were in vanilla. This perk could be the difference between surviving a swam of seekers or wiping your squad. That said, '''Engineers''' do not use '''HEAT Warheads''' as efficiently as a '''Rocketeer''', since grenades cannot hit flying targets unless creative use of terrain is employed. This is a small issue and while you should keep it in mind, do not let it discourage you from picking HEAT. The rocket that can be obtained further down the line is also augmented by this perk.

{{Smoke And Mirrors (Long War)|align=left}}Support grenades greatly increase your squad’s survivability and its ability to incapacitate aliens. An extra charge of all support grenades in your '''Engineer’s''' inventory is almost doubles their usefulness, even if you do not choose to use the '''Battle Scanner''' later on. However, it does not have synergy with '''Sapper''', as it does not apply to destructive grenades.

{{Ranger (Long War)|align=left}}The low aim of the '''Engineer''' can make this perk less valuable when using an assault rifle, but it can improve the efficiency of the carbine and the shotgun. However, the '''Engineer''' does not have access to perks that provide critical damage or chance, so '''Ranger’s''' power less than with other soldiers. A build that uses the '''Arc Rifle''' as its primary weapon and a heavy pistol sidearm will benefit from '''Ranger''', however.

'''Sergeant'''

{{Will To Survive (Long War)|align=left}}This perk can greatly increase the survivability of a close quarters '''Engineer''', especially when in high cover. A potential of 3 Damage Reduction is not something that should be passed on lightly and the extra Will is a nice addition to an already solid perk.

{{Suppression (Long War)|align=left}}The ability to prevent aliens from employing long range grenades and other AOE abilities cannot be emphasized enough. However, this class lacks access to '''Lock N' Load''' or large magazine weapons to continue suppressing, and picking up the '''Hi Cap Mags''' item will greatly reduce the effectiveness of a grenade specialist.

{{Repair (Long War)|align=left}}Another class-defining perk, making the '''Engineer''' the only class that can make multiple capture attempts per mission - up to 4 with '''Packmaster'''. Also allows the '''Engineer''' to function as a medic for MECs and SHIVs. Capturing aliens is much more important than in Vanilla. The greatly expanded range of alien abilities makes the capturing game much more dangerous than before. The Arc Thrower has been also heavily nerfed. The maximum chance to capture an alien without the improvement project from the Foundry is 54% and even with the project that number rises only up to 57%. The Arc Thrower weighs twice as normal items so bringing multiple instances of this item is ill-advised in most situations. There are, however, quite a few number of ways that can keep an alien lockdown, so it is possible to use the Arc Thrower on the same alien more than once, if a capture has failed.

'''Tech Sergeant'''

{{Dense Smoke (Long War)|align=left}}The increased defense of the smoke grenade allows your soldiers to survive situations that would otherwise spiral out of control, such as being caught in the open by a bad activation or unfortunate cover destruction. '''Dense Smoke''' gives almost the same defense as High Cover and reduces their chance to be crit.

{{Battle Scanner (Long War)|align=left}}As the war progresses and the MECs start rolling in you might find yourself less willing to field Scouts. At that point the '''Engineers''' could very well take over scanner duty. Extra battle scanners allow for a faster clear of big maps with small number of enemies, thus improving Meld harvesting efficiency. In all situations, not having to sacrifice equipment slots to counteract seekers, is a welcome addition to any squad.

{{ Mayhem (Long War)|align=left}}A key perk for the pure Grenade build. The '''Arc Rifle''' also gains the +4 damage bonus from '''Mayhem''' that is applied to strike rifles, making it much more useful when not Disabling. "'''Mayhem''' allows the soldier to do two points of chip damage on '''Suppression''', but the '''Engineer''' is not a class that is optimized for a '''Suppression''' build. The '''Engineer''' can gain '''Shredder Ammo''' via an item, and thus the value of damaging '''Suppression''' is greatly increased, though still limited.

'''Gunnery Sergeant'''

{{Extra Conditioning (Long War)|align=left}}With the low aim of the Engineer, many players prefer to use them in close quarters. With the addition of extra will, mobility and up to +4 armor, this perk can greatly improve your soldier’s survivability. The extra aim bonus makes the perk worthwhile even if you have something different than close combat in mind.

{{HEAT Ammo (Long War)|align=left}}An unintuitive perk for the '''Engineer''', as they are not a primarily shooting class. Adds to the chip damage against robotic enemies with '''Mayhem Suppression'''. With an '''Arc Rifle''', the guaranteed damage to robotic units can make the '''Engineer''' able to finish off Drones or Seekers when not Disabling larger enemies.

{{Packmaster (Long War)|align=left}}'''Packmaster''' greatly increases slot value and grenade efficiency. It also improves the Arc Thrower charges by 1. If you don’t need weapon firepower from your '''Engineer''' and can keep him safe, this perk could greatly improve his usefulness on the battlefield.

'''Master Sergeant'''

{{Fire Rocket (Long War)|align=left}}An '''Engineer’s''' rocket will be very unreliable when used without proper preparation, but with '''HEAT Warheads''' and '''Mayhem''' the rocket will still pack a decent punch. The rocket will also apply Shred when carrying Shredder Ammo.

{{Bombard (Long War)|align=left}}This is one of the perks that allow the '''Engineer''' to shine as a grenade specialist. No other regular soldier has access to it and without it the Medic would probably take over the role of the only support grenade specialist in the game. The boost to grenade range is truly humongous.

{{Tandem Warheads (Long War)|align=left}}The alternate perk that allow the '''Engineer''' to shine as a grenade specialist. If you're willing to expose your '''Engineer''' to danger and close the distance, they will rival '''Rocketeers''' for damage and cover destruction.

==Sample Builds==
===Explosive Grenades Specialist===
{{Class Build (Long War)|
|LCL={{ Sapper (Long War)}}
|CPL={{ HEAT Warheads (Long War)}}
|SGT={{ Repair (Long War)}}
|TSG={{ Mayhem (Long War)}}
|GSG={{ Packmaster (Long War)}}
|MSG={{ Tandem Warheads (Long War)}}
|Boost= +3 Aim; + 3 Will; + 1 Mobility
|Strength=AOE Damage, Cover destruction
|Weakness=Flyers, Single target damage
|Battles=Heavy & Swarming abductions; Big UFOs; Data Recovery
|Loadout=Shotgun; Pistol; HE/AP/Alien grenades
|Power Ranks=LCL for cover destruction, TSG and MSG for damage
|Description=This soldier specializes in dealing explosive damage. Often, this Engineer will simply provide cover destruction with Alien or HE grenades for his squad. Occasionally, clumped enemies will present an opportunity for a damage grenade, particularly Chryssalids, Berserkers, Seekers, and Drones. For these situations, AP grenades are preferred, but Alien grenades can be used in a pinch. Combine with a shredder rocket beforehand for deadly effect. Once explosive reserves have been depleted the shotgun will remain effective at close range. This is not the most mobile or durable soldier, but will still be able to take a hit or two and move at a decent rate. Employ mainly when facing at least 15 enemies, especially when there will likely be lots of melee enemies (terror missions) or plenty of destructible cover.
|Strategic Analysis=The explosives specialist provides two primary functions, cover destruction and AOE damage, and does excellently in these roles. The Repair skill is also incredibly useful once alien captures become a priority. However, it falls off late game mainly due to the fact that high-level Rocketeers are able do more damage, target flyers, and shred when necessary. They remain relevant for cover destruction, particularly after tactical rigging is acquired (allowing them to carry a staggering 9 grenades), however, a Toolbox engineer performs this roll nearly as well and provides far more utility. Thus, this build makes a good candidate to become Shoguns, who can be built to be one of the two best cover-destruction units in the game.
}}

===Support Grenades Specialist===
{{Class Build (Long War)
|LCL={{ Smoke Grenade (Long War)}}
|CPL={{ Smoke And Mirrors (Long War)}}
|SGT={{ Suppression (Long War)}}
|TSG={{ Dense Smoke (Long War)}}
|GSG={{ Packmaster (Long War)}}
|MSG={{ Bombard (Long War)}}
|Boost= +1 Aim
|Strength=Crowd Control
|Weakness=Damage, Cover destruction
|Battles=Light & Moderate Abductions; Small & Medium UFOs; Covert Extraction
|Loadout=Shotgun; Pistol; Flashbang, Chem Grenade (Psi-flashbang, Ghostgrenade, Chem Grenade if Psion)
|Power Ranks=None; build comes online immediately at LCL, and gains a bit more crowd control capability with every rank. TSG is a solid rank thanks to dense smoke.
|Description=This soldier handles very well before resources are depleted. Employ this soldier when fighting less than 20 enemies. Once this soldier depletes all grenades, overall usefulness will drop substantially. For a very long mission such as a base assault, this build can bring enough smoke grenades to cover your squad in every dangerous engagement.
|Strategic Analysis=Support grenades are useful at every phase of the game, and so is the support grenadier. However, lacking the Repair perk can become a big problem mid-game when captures become important. Forgoing Suppression weakens the build significantly, because it is the only unlimited form of enemy neutralization the Support Grenadier has. If using this build, having at least two engineers of a different build in your roster is advised for use in the mid-game. One final note: Medics can take the exact same build, albeit with Field Medic instead of Grenadier. Medics also have the option of taking Combat Drugs instead of Dense Smoke. If you would like support grenadiers in your roster, consider which of these two classes will better suit your needs and playstyle.
}}

===Toolbox Engineer===
{{Class Build (Long War)
|LCL={{ Sapper (Long War)}}
|CPL={{ Smoke And Mirrors (Long War)}}
|SGT={{ Repair (Long War)}}
|TSG={{ Battle Scanner (Long War)}}
|GSG={{ Packmaster (Long War)}}
|MSG={{ Bombard (Long War)}}
|Boost=N/A
|Strength=Versatility: Intel, Cover destruction, Support grenades, Captures
|Weakness=Lacks specialization (except Battle Scanners)
|Battles=Any
|Loadout=Carbine or SMG; Pistol; Any
|Power Ranks=LCL for cover destruction, TSG for intel
|Description=This is a strong hybrid build that allows the soldier to provide an incredible amount of utility, making them useful on almost any mission type. They can provide excellent cover destruction, get 3 support or damage grenades per backpack slot, and bring 4 arc thrower charges instead of just one. They excel at acquiring intel, as they get 4 battle scanners without a backpack slot upon reaching GSGT. However, intel is the only thing this engineer truly excels at. Support Grenadiers provide better smoke and crowd control, and Explosives Specialists provide slightly better cover destruction thanks to Tandem Warheads. Employ this build when you need to be ready with consumables for a variety of different situations, but cannot justify the squad slots to bring multiple engineers.
|Strategic Analysis=This build is useful throughout the game, but falls off slightly when captures are no longer necessary. Take Suppression instead of Repair if this concerns you, but be prepared to have shortages of alien captives and weapons unless you have other engineers with the Repair perk.
}}

===Covert Operative===
{{Class Build (Long War)
|LCL={{ Sapper (Long War)}}
|CPL={{ Smoke And Mirrors (Long War)}}
|SGT={{ Will To Survive (Long War)}}
|TSG={{ Battle Scanner (Long War)}}
|GSG={{ Packmaster (Long War)}}
|MSG={{ Bombard (Long War)}}
|Boost= +3 Will
|Strength=See "Toolbox Engineer" above
|Weakness=See "Toolbox Engineer" above
|Battles=Covert Operative
|Loadout=A laser pistol and whatever grenades you deem necessary
|Power Ranks=LCL for cover destruction
|Description=The Engineer's ability to carry vast amounts of support items, particularly grenades, makes them surprisingly effective as Covert Operatives. Relying on their explosive payload to wreak devastation on EXALT, the restriction to just a pistol is far less damaging to them than to any other class. Use this build to soften up enemy groups before your main squad engages, clean up wounded, tear down cover, or supply additional support effects to augment your team. While this is a great boon to your squad during a Data Recovery operation, this build can be a very real liability during Covert Extraction missions, where Run 'n' Gun, Lightning Reflexes, Sprinter, and Concealment save lives; be prepared to lose this operative (along with the mission) during a Covert Extraction with unfortunate Comm Array placement.
|Strategic Analysis=This build is almost identical to the Toolbox Engineer, except without the Repair skill. Consider taking Repair instead of Will To Survive if you want this build to be more useful outside of covert operations.
}}

===Bullet Wizard Engineer===
{{Class Build (Long War)
|LCL={{ Holo-Targeting (Long War)}}
|CPL={{ Ranger (Long War)}}
|SGT={{ Suppression (Long War)}}
|TSG={{ Mayhem (Long War)}}
|GSG={{ Extra Conditioning (Long War)}}
|MSG={{ Fire Rocket (Long War)}}
|Boost= +5 Aim; +3 Will; +1 Mobility
|Strength=Increases damage output from the rest of the squad
|Weakness=Limited utility
|Battles=Small & Medium UFOs
|Loadout=Carbine; Shredder Ammo; HE/AP/Alien grenades
|Power Ranks=TSG for Mayhem Suppression
|Description=This soldier is entirely focused on increasing the accuracy and damage of the rest of the squad, without relying on consumables. Applying Holo-Shred-Suppression to priority targets is their primary role, while the Rocket serves as an emergency button. This makes them ideal for training missions, where they can cover for a lack of competent Gunner and Rocketeer simultaneously.
|Strategic Analysis=This build is meant for the mid to late game, acting as a babysitter for lower ranking troops. Using an item slot to carry Shredder Ammo and lacking grenade related perks other than Grenadier seriously limits their ability to fill typical Engineer roles. Gunners make better use of Holo-Shred-Suppression, and Rocketeers make better use of explosives, meaning you likely won't want more than one or two soldiers using this build on your roster. Adding Psionic abilities will greatly expand this soldier's options, making them even better at compensating for an otherwise low level squad.
}}

==See also==
{{Soldiers (Long War) Navbar}}
[[Category: Long War]]
[[Category:Soldiers (Long War)]]

UFOpaedia - User contributions [en]

Engineer (Long War)