Alien Deployment (Long War) - Revision history

Eudaimonleon: /* Soldier and Terror Pods */ clarifying ambiguity

2025-07-15T14:53:03Z

Soldier and Terror Pods: clarifying ambiguity

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 15 July 2025
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	====Soldier and Terror Pods====		====Soldier and Terror Pods====

	The following tables display the pod leader chances to appear in Soldier Pods and Terror Pods, as well as their associated '''Support''' alien type and '''Navigator'''. Reminder that the '''Adjutant''' is always the same as the leader alien type. If multiple Navigator and Support Alien types are available for a given leader, one is picked at random and applied to all Support or Navigator aliens in a pod. The dates listed are the latest possible date to ~~apply~~ the table. The true determination is based on the amount of [[Alien_Research_(Long_War)\|Alien Research]]. Namely, for every 28 points of '''Alien Research''' (which, at minimum, is guaranteed to increase by 1 every day), a counter called [[Alien Research (Long War)#iMonth\|iMonth]] increases by 1.		The following tables display the pod leader chances to appear in Soldier Pods and Terror Pods, as well as their associated '''Support''' alien type and '''Navigator'''. Reminder that the '''Adjutant''' is always the same as the leader alien type. If multiple Navigator and Support Alien types are available for a given leader, one is picked at random and applied to all Support or Navigator aliens in a pod. The dates listed are the latest possible date to start applying the table. The true determination is based on the amount of [[Alien_Research_(Long_War)\|Alien Research]]. Namely, for every 28 points of '''Alien Research''' (which, at minimum, is guaranteed to increase by 1 every day), a counter called [[Alien Research (Long War)#iMonth\|iMonth]] increases by 1.

	:iMonth = [[Alien Research (Long War)\|Alien Research]] / 28		:iMonth = [[Alien Research (Long War)\|Alien Research]] / 28

J2Greene: correct description for Command Pod Call for Reinforcements

2025-04-18T18:13:21Z

correct description for Command Pod Call for Reinforcements

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 18 April 2025
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	* '''Terror''' Pods: Terror pods are a special type of pod that only appear in [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]], [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]], [[Threat (Long War)#Trap UFOs\|Trap UFOs]], [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|Alien Base Assault]], and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Retaliation\|Retaliation]] missions. They tend to have a greater probability of being higher-mobility aliens, and are the only pod which can contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Chryssalid\|Chryssalids]]. EXALT also make an appearance in later months.		* '''Terror''' Pods: Terror pods are a special type of pod that only appear in [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]], [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]], [[Threat (Long War)#Trap UFOs\|Trap UFOs]], [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|Alien Base Assault]], and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Retaliation\|Retaliation]] missions. They tend to have a greater probability of being higher-mobility aliens, and are the only pod which can contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Chryssalid\|Chryssalids]]. EXALT also make an appearance in later months.

	* '''Command''' Pods: UFOs additionally have a special pod called the Command Pod which contains a fixed number of aliens based on UFO type. [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Outsider\|Outsiders]] are the most common type, though [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid_Commander\|Sectoid Commanders]] replace them on larger UFOs after XCOM [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|assaults]] its first [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|alien base]], and Ethereals start appearing after the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Ethereal Device]] is recovered. [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] may also appear in very early months in place of Outsiders on [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]]. Be warned: if a Command Pod ~~spots XCOM and activates~~, it will ~~immediately call~~ for ~~reinforcements~~, causing all remaining alien forces on the map to start moving towards its current location; this makes an early engagement against the Command Pod an incredibly risky affair.		* '''Command''' Pods: UFOs additionally have a special pod called the Command Pod which contains a fixed number of aliens based on UFO type. [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Outsider\|Outsiders]] are the most common type, though [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid_Commander\|Sectoid Commanders]] replace them on larger UFOs after XCOM [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|assaults]] its first [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|alien base]], and Ethereals start appearing after the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Ethereal Device]] is recovered. [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] may also appear in very early months in place of Outsiders on [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]].<br>Be warned: a Command Pod, once activated, if allowed to take a turn, will issue a Call for Reinforcements, causing all remaining alien forces on the map to start moving towards its current location; this makes an early engagement against the Command Pod an incredibly risky affair. Wiping out the Command Pod before it can take a turn prevents this.

	* '''EXALT''' Pods: While EXALT have a chance of appearing in Terror Pods, they appear most often in [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]]. A typical [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Extraction\|Covert Extraction]] contains one jumbo pod of 3-15 EXALT (with pod sizes growing as the campaign progresses), as well as several smaller pods of 1-3 EXALT. If XCOM activates any pod and fails to kill them immediately, the remaining pods will begin slowly converging on XCOMs location. In contrast, [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Data_Recovery\|Data Recovery]] contains several pods of 4-6 EXALT who behave as most pods do. All Covert Operations include drop ins or spawns of lone EXALT operatives who may or may not appear in cover and may or may not overwatch.		* '''EXALT''' Pods: While EXALT have a chance of appearing in Terror Pods, they appear most often in [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]]. A typical [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Extraction\|Covert Extraction]] contains one jumbo pod of 3-15 EXALT (with pod sizes growing as the campaign progresses), as well as several smaller pods of 1-3 EXALT. If XCOM activates any pod and fails to kill them immediately, the remaining pods will begin slowly converging on XCOMs location. In contrast, [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Data_Recovery\|Data Recovery]] contains several pods of 4-6 EXALT who behave as most pods do. All Covert Operations include drop ins or spawns of lone EXALT operatives who may or may not appear in cover and may or may not overwatch.

DjinnFor: /* Navigator */

2024-06-21T00:18:32Z

Navigator

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	====Navigator====		====Navigator====

	Each supporting alien appearing in spots 3 through 8 has a 30% chance to be a ''Navigator''. Up to 2 Navigators can appear in a pod, so once two are rolled, no more attempts are made. Navigators are not any more likely to have bonuses or upgrades than ''Generic'' supports, but they are sometimes of a different type than the generic support aliens. For example, a Sectoid leader is usually supported by Sectoids, but may also be accompanied by Drones, which are the Navigator. Some alien leader types have more than one Navigator alien type; in those cases, the Navigator alien type is rolled randomly per pod, and both Navigator aliens generated within that pod will be of that type. For instance, in the Sectoid example above, the Navigator alien type for a Sectoid leader pod is either Sectoids or Drones; thus, if one or two Navigators are rolled, they are either Sectoids (~~making them~~ functionally identical to the ~~other generic~~ support ~~Sectoids~~) or Drones. Furthermore, at high Alien Research, the available Navigators for certain alien leaders change. This includes Sectoids, Floaters, Mutons, and Heavy Floaters.		Each supporting alien appearing in spots 3 through 8 has a 30% chance to be a ''Navigator''. Up to 2 Navigators can appear in a pod, so once two are rolled, no more attempts are made. Navigators are not any more likely to have bonuses or upgrades than ''Generic'' supports, but they are sometimes of a different type than the generic support aliens. For example, a Sectoid leader is usually supported by Sectoids, but may also be accompanied by Drones, which are the Navigator. Some alien leader types have more than one Navigator alien type; in those cases, the Navigator alien type is rolled randomly per pod, and both Navigator aliens generated within that pod will be of that type. For instance, in the Sectoid example above, the Navigator alien type for a Sectoid leader pod is either Sectoids or Drones; thus, if one or two Navigators are rolled, they are either Sectoids (which is functionally identical to not having any Navigators at all, due to Sectoid being the normal support alien type in Sectoid pods) or Drones. Furthermore, at high Alien Research, the available Navigators for certain alien leaders change. This includes Sectoids, Floaters, Mutons, and Heavy Floaters.

	====Adjutant====		====Adjutant====

DjinnFor: /* Pods */

2024-06-21T00:15:47Z

Pods

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:15, 21 June 2024
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	===Pods===		===Pods===
	Pods are ~~typically comprised~~ of ~~one '''Squad Leader''' (often possessed with noticeably more stats~~ and ~~perks) & several regular troopers whose [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)\|type]]~~ is ~~related to~~ the ~~leader~~ and ~~who have~~ a ~~chance~~ to ~~receive various upgrades dependent upon~~ [[~~Alien_Research_~~(~~Long_War~~)\|~~Alien Research~~]]. ~~Later in~~ the ~~game~~, ~~[[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Bosses\|bosses]] with noticeably larger models and massive HP pools make an appearance in certain missions~~.		Pods are a mechanic inherited from the vanilla game: they are groups of aliens which move together and activate together in the fog of war. Before a pod is spotted, it may stay still or patrol as a group, producing an audio cue which XCOM soldiers will hear between turns. Once an alien spots an XCOM operative on either XCOM or the aliens turn, the pod activates and the aliens take a "scramble" action, which is a single AP action that typically involves moving to the nearest bit of cover, but may also involve overwatching if the unit is of a type that does not need cover (or taking a single shot if the [[Second Wave (Long War)\|Itchy Trigger Tentacle Second Wave option]] is enabled). Thereafter, members of the pod act as individual aliens, taking individual turns according to their AI script.

	Pod composition is dependent upon the leader, with leaders tending to contain supporting troopers of the same or lesser type. For instance, [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Mechtoid\|Mechtoid]] pods tend to contain several [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid\|Sectoids]], whose [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Mind_Merge\|Mind Merge]] ability can empower the Mechtoid with a powerful [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Psi Shield\|Psi Shield]], while [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Cyberdisc\|Cyberdisc]] pods tend to contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Drone\|Drones]] which focus on repairing damage dealt to the Cyberdisc; conversely, pods led by [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Floater\|Floaters~~]] or [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid\|Sectoids~~]] only contain units of the same type as the leader.		Pods are comprised of one '''Squad Leader''' (often possessed with noticeably more stats and perks) & several regular troopers whose [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)\|type]] is related to the leader and who have a chance to receive various upgrades dependent upon [[Alien_Research_(Long_War)\|Alien Research]]. Later in the game, [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Bosses\|bosses]] with noticeably larger models and massive HP pools make an appearance in certain missions.

			Pod composition is dependent upon the leader, with leaders tending to contain supporting troopers of the same or lesser type. For instance, [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Mechtoid\|Mechtoid]] pods tend to contain several [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid\|Sectoids]], whose [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Mind_Merge\|Mind Merge]] ability can empower the Mechtoid with a powerful [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Psi Shield\|Psi Shield]], while [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Cyberdisc\|Cyberdisc]] pods tend to contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Drone\|Drones]] which focus on repairing damage dealt to the Cyberdisc; conversely, pods led by [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Floater\|Floaters]] only contain units of the same type as the leader.

	The quantity of aliens in a pod is dependent upon overall [[Alien_Research_(Long_War)\|Alien Research]] as well as the total number of aliens on mission; pods are rolled randomly and random numbers of aliens are added to said pods until all available units have been assigned. Quantity and quality of aliens in individual pods are not dependent at all on [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Alien Resources]], despite rumors to the contrary; the sole exception is that high resources can add [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)#Extra_Aliens\|0-3 extra total aliens to abduction missions]].		The quantity of aliens in a pod is dependent upon overall [[Alien_Research_(Long_War)\|Alien Research]] as well as the total number of aliens on mission; pods are rolled randomly and random numbers of aliens are added to said pods until all available units have been assigned. Quantity and quality of aliens in individual pods are not dependent at all on [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Alien Resources]], despite rumors to the contrary; the sole exception is that high resources can add [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)#Extra_Aliens\|0-3 extra total aliens to abduction missions]].
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	====Pod Types====		====Pod Types====
	Pods come in three basic types: Soldier Pods, Terror Pods & Command Pods. Soldier pods pull from a pool of most aliens and comprise the vast majority of pods encountered on all missions; Terror Pods pull from a slightly different pool and show up on Terror missions and some large UFOs. Command Pods only appear in UFOs and have relatively rigid compositions. Lastly, for [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]], Exalt have special mechanics which govern the quantity and size of their pods.		Pods come in three basic types: Soldier Pods, Terror Pods & Command Pods. Soldier pods pull from a pool of most aliens and comprise the vast majority of pods encountered on all missions; Terror Pods pull from a slightly different pool and show up on Terror missions and some large UFOs or landed UFOs. Command Pods only appear in UFOs and have relatively rigid compositions. Lastly, for [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]], Exalt have special mechanics which govern the quantity and size of their pods.

	* '''Soldier''' Pods: Soldier Pods are the most common type of pod, appearing as the majority pod type in every mission except [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]] & [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]].		* '''Soldier''' Pods: Soldier Pods are the most common type of pod, appearing as the majority pod type in every mission except [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]] & [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]].

	* '''Terror''' Pods: Terror pods are a special type of pod that only appear in [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]], [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]], [[Threat (Long War)#Trap UFOs\|Trap UFOs]], [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|Alien Base Assault]], and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Retaliation\|Retaliation]] missions. They tend to have a greater probability of being higher-mobility aliens, and are the only pod which ~~contains~~ [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Chryssalid\|Chryssalids]]. EXALT also make an appearance in later months.		* '''Terror''' Pods: Terror pods are a special type of pod that only appear in [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]], [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]], [[Threat (Long War)#Trap UFOs\|Trap UFOs]], [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|Alien Base Assault]], and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Retaliation\|Retaliation]] missions. They tend to have a greater probability of being higher-mobility aliens, and are the only pod which can contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Chryssalid\|Chryssalids]]. EXALT also make an appearance in later months.

	* '''Command''' Pods: UFOs additionally have a special pod called the Command Pod which contains a fixed number of aliens based on UFO type. [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Outsider\|Outsiders]] are the most common type, though [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid_Commander\|Sectoid Commanders]] replace them on larger UFOs after XCOM [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|assaults]] its first [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|alien base]], and Ethereals start appearing after the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Ethereal Device]] is recovered. [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] may also appear in very early months in place of Outsiders on [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]]. Be warned: if a Command Pod spots XCOM and activates, it will immediately call for reinforcements, causing all remaining alien forces on the map to start moving towards its current location; this makes an early engagement against the Command Pod an incredibly risky affair.		* '''Command''' Pods: UFOs additionally have a special pod called the Command Pod which contains a fixed number of aliens based on UFO type. [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Outsider\|Outsiders]] are the most common type, though [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid_Commander\|Sectoid Commanders]] replace them on larger UFOs after XCOM [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|assaults]] its first [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|alien base]], and Ethereals start appearing after the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Ethereal Device]] is recovered. [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] may also appear in very early months in place of Outsiders on [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]]. Be warned: if a Command Pod spots XCOM and activates, it will immediately call for reinforcements, causing all remaining alien forces on the map to start moving towards its current location; this makes an early engagement against the Command Pod an incredibly risky affair.
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	# Finally, each pod gets a balanced share of the total alien pool, so that all pods have a difference of at most 1 alien between them.		# Finally, each pod gets a balanced share of the total alien pool, so that all pods have a difference of at most 1 alien between them.

	''For example: Let's say 16 aliens are present in 1 terror and 4 soldier pods (5 total) for a given mission, and pod sizes are currently Small (i.e. 2-4 aliens). As a result, there there could be as few as 2 aliens per pod (requiring 8 pods to fit all 16 aliens) or as much as 4 aliens per pod (requiring 4 pods to fit all 16 aliens). The game picks a random number of pods to use between 4 and 8 (i.e. 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8), with equal chance of each result (in this example, 1 in 5 chance of each outcome). Because the original mission allows for ~~only~~ 5 pods, this means a roll of 5, 6, 7 or 8 would cause 5 pods to be used (this would occur 4/5ths of the time). Conversely, a roll of 4 (which would only occur 1/5th of the time) would cause 4 pods to be used, with a random pod (one of the 4 soldier pods or the terror pod) discarded. With 4 pods used, each would have 4 aliens; with 5 pods used, 1 would have 4 aliens and the remainder would have 3.''		''For example: Let's say 16 aliens are present in 1 terror and 4 soldier pods (5 total) for a given mission, and pod sizes are currently Small (i.e. 2-4 aliens). As a result, there there could be as few as 2 aliens per pod (requiring 8 pods to fit all 16 aliens) or as much as 4 aliens per pod (requiring 4 pods to fit all 16 aliens). The game picks a random number of pods to use between 4 and 8 (i.e. 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8), with equal chance of each result (in this example, 1 in 5 chance of each outcome). Because the original mission allows for a maximum of 5 pods, this means a roll of 5, 6, 7 or 8 would cause 5 pods to be used (this would occur 4/5ths of the time). Conversely, a roll of 4 (which would only occur 1/5th of the time) would cause 4 pods to be used, with a random pod (one of the 4 soldier pods or the terror pod) discarded. With 4 pods used, each would have 4 aliens; with 5 pods used, 1 would have 4 aliens and the remainder would have 3.''

	===Pod Composition===		===Pod Composition===

DjinnFor: /* Pod Size */

2024-06-21T00:04:46Z

Pod Size

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:04, 21 June 2024
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	* Medium (AR > 120): 3-6 aliens per pod		* Medium (AR > 120): 3-6 aliens per pod
	* Large (AR > 240): 4-8 aliens per pod		* Large (AR > 240): 4-8 aliens per pod

			Precisely how many aliens appear in each pod is a function of the overall number of aliens the mission calls for vs the number of pods available for that mission, with the game balancing aliens roughly evenly between all pods to the best it can.

	While increases in pod sizes do not necessarily lead to more aliens on missions, extra aliens rolled that can't fit into any available pod are discarded (see [[Alien Deployment (Long War)#Overflow and Pruning\|Overflow and Pruning]], below). This has the largest effect during early Trap UFOs or Landed Large UFOs, which typically call for way more aliens than can fit in their Small Pods. To partially compensate, such missions typically get an extra pod or two to work with. Larger pod sizes ''typically'' means the same amount of aliens overall, just compacted into less pods - though later Trap UFOs and Landed Larges do have more aliens, as they stop discarding them due to having larger pods to work with.		While increases in pod sizes do not necessarily lead to more aliens on missions, extra aliens rolled that can't fit into any available pod are discarded (see [[Alien Deployment (Long War)#Overflow and Pruning\|Overflow and Pruning]], below). This has the largest effect during early Trap UFOs or Landed Large UFOs, which typically call for way more aliens than can fit in their Small Pods. To partially compensate, such missions typically get an extra pod or two to work with. Larger pod sizes ''typically'' means the same amount of aliens overall, just compacted into less pods - though later Trap UFOs and Landed Larges do have more aliens, as they stop discarding them due to having larger pods to work with.

DjinnFor: /* Air Operations */

2024-06-16T08:38:17Z

Air Operations

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:38, 16 June 2024
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	The Aliens conduct various [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)\|UFO missions]] in the air to achieve their nefarious ends and support their invasion effort. Missions are planned monthly, at the start of the month, and take into consideration [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Alien Resources]] and the [[Threat_(Long_War)\|Threat Level]] the aliens perceive XCOM to represent. Damaging, shooting down, destroying and/or raiding UFOs is one of few means of denying & depriving the aliens of resources; ironically, doing so also increases threat, so XCOM always finds itself caught between protecting countries from a surge in alien resources and protecting itself from a surge in perceived threat.		The Aliens conduct various [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)\|UFO missions]] in the air to achieve their nefarious ends and support their invasion effort. Missions are planned monthly, at the start of the month, and take into consideration [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Alien Resources]] and the [[Threat_(Long_War)\|Threat Level]] the aliens perceive XCOM to represent. Damaging, shooting down, destroying and/or raiding UFOs is one of few means of denying & depriving the aliens of resources; ironically, doing so also increases threat, so XCOM always finds itself caught between protecting countries from a surge in alien resources and protecting itself from a surge in perceived threat.

	The Aliens primary strategy is to invade and take over the globe; they perform this by capturing countries, tending to focus on those adjacent to their existing holdings first before expanding outward to other continents. This tendency is governed primarily by an RNG that is biased towards focusing efforts on the highest [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] countries (see [[Alien Deployment (Long War)#Strategic Target\|Strategic Target]], below, though there is always a possibility of another target being chosen. [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Bomb\|Bombing runs]] and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Terrorize_Populace\|Terror missions]] are used to spread [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] to targeted countries to allow the aliens a window to infiltrate and control the local leadership and then install a [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|base]]; with enough [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|resources]], however, the aliens will attempt [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Infiltrate\|Infiltration]] missions to capture countries directly regardless of panic levels.		The Aliens primary strategy is to invade and take over the globe; they perform this by capturing countries, tending to focus on those adjacent to their existing holdings first before expanding outward to other continents. This tendency is governed primarily by an RNG that is biased towards focusing efforts on the highest [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] countries (see [[Alien Deployment (Long War)#Strategic Target\|Strategic Target]], below), though there is always a possibility of another target being chosen. [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Bomb\|Bombing runs]] and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Terrorize_Populace\|Terror missions]] are used to spread [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] to targeted countries to allow the aliens a window to infiltrate and control the local leadership and then install a [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|base]]; with enough [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|resources]], however, the aliens will attempt [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Infiltrate\|Infiltration]] missions to capture countries directly regardless of panic levels.

	The Aliens will attempt to [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] out and then [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] down satellites to deny XCOM their primary means of engaging UFOs, with the RNG biased towards protecting their own bases from being raided before striking at XCOM-controlled airspace to deny XCOM air superiority. The Aliens' available intelligence on XCOM satellites is abstracted somewhat: they will spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] missions - representing satellites they've located through other means - to strike at XCOM satellites directly; conversely, they'll spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] missions to try and locate satellites, spawning an additional [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] mission over and above their monthly supply if the mission is successful. Where they are Scouting or Hunting is completely random, though they will always run the designated missions in countries with a Satellite over them.		The Aliens will attempt to [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] out and then [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] down satellites to deny XCOM their primary means of engaging UFOs, with the RNG biased towards protecting their own bases from being raided before striking at XCOM-controlled airspace to deny XCOM air superiority. The Aliens' available intelligence on XCOM satellites is abstracted somewhat: they will spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] missions - representing satellites they've located through other means - to strike at XCOM satellites directly; conversely, they'll spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] missions to try and locate satellites, spawning an additional [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] mission over and above their monthly supply if the mission is successful. Where they are Scouting or Hunting is completely random, though they will always run the designated missions in countries with a Satellite over them.

DjinnFor: /* Alien Bases */

2024-06-16T08:36:27Z

Alien Bases

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	#They provide the Aliens with a steady supply of [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Resources]], which allows them to run more dangerous [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)\|air operations]] more frequently & using more powerful [[UFOs_(Long_War)\|UFOs]].		#They provide the Aliens with a steady supply of [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Resources]], which allows them to run more dangerous [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)\|air operations]] more frequently & using more powerful [[UFOs_(Long_War)\|UFOs]].

	To rob the aliens of these benefits, these bases [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|can be assaulted]], though locating them requires progressing far enough through the main research path to research [[Research_(Long_War)#Xenology\|Alien Operations]] and unlock production of the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Skeleton Key]] (as per vanilla), as well as installing an [[Air Combat (Long War)#Aircraft\|Satellite]] over the target country. However, unlike vanilla, multiple bases can be assaulted per playthrough (one for each country that leaves the XCOM project); in fact, doing so returns the country to the fold and allows it to resume its funding and make requests.		To rob the aliens of these benefits, these bases [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|can be assaulted]], though locating them requires progressing far enough through the main research path to research [[Research_(Long_War)#Xenology\|Alien Operations]] and unlock production of the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Skeleton Key]] (as per vanilla), as well as installing a [[Air Combat (Long War)#Aircraft\|Satellite]] over the target country. However, unlike vanilla, multiple bases can be assaulted per playthrough (one for each country that leaves the XCOM project); in fact, doing so returns the country to the fold and allows it to resume its funding and make requests.

	===Strategic Target===		===Strategic Target===

DjinnFor: /* Strategic Target */

2024-06-11T18:10:11Z

Strategic Target

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	===Strategic Target===		===Strategic Target===

	For some [[Alien Missions (Long War)\|UFO sorties]], including UFOs conducting [[Alien Missions (Long War)#Terrorize\|Terror attacks]], [[Alien Missions (Long War)#Bomb\|Bombing campaigns]], and [[Alien Missions (Long War)#Infiltrate\|~~Infilatration~~ missions]] the aliens select a "strategic target" from among those countries that are geographically adjacent to existing alien bases, prioritizing those with the highest panic.		For some [[Alien Missions (Long War)\|UFO sorties]], including UFOs conducting [[Alien Missions (Long War)#Terrorize\|Terror attacks]], [[Alien Missions (Long War)#Bomb\|Bombing campaigns]], and [[Alien Missions (Long War)#Infiltrate\|Infiltration missions]] the aliens select a "strategic target" from among those countries that are geographically adjacent to existing alien bases, prioritizing those with the highest panic.

	[[File:Council Adjacency Diagram (Long War).png]]		[[File:Council Adjacency Diagram (Long War).png]]

DjinnFor: /* Command Pods */

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Command Pods

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	! colspan=4 \| Command Pods		! colspan=4 \| Command Pods
	\|-		\|-
	! rowspan=2 \| Command Pod<br>Leaders		! rowspan=2 \| Command Pod<br>Leaders (#1)
	! colspan=3 \| Supporting Aliens		! colspan=3 \| Supporting Aliens (#2 to #6)
	\|-		\|-
	! Generic		! Generic (#2 to #6)
	! Adjutant<br>10% per alien, Max 1		! Adjutant (#4 to #6)<br>10% per alien, Max 1
	! Navigators<br>30% per alien, Max 2		! Navigators (#3 to #6)<br>30% per alien, Max 2
	\|-		\|-
	\| Outsider		\| Outsider

DjinnFor: /* Battlescape */

2024-06-10T19:18:37Z

Battlescape

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	While a particular type may not be too threatening by itself, the various alien types tend to synergize well; for instance, [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Thin Man\|Thin Men]] are good at pinning XCOM down into a long range war of attrition using their [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Acid Spit\|Acid Spit]], good aim, & [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Suppression\|Suppression]] - this can allow the high mobility [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Floater\|Floaters]], a flying enemy type, to close in and flank XCOM. That said, aliens coordinate poorly at the tactical level, taking actions in isolation without considering any synergy with other units and without formulating any kind of cohesive tactical plan. Each alien evaluates the current state of the battlefield as its turn comes up, chooses an action based on it's AI routine (which varies from alien to alien depending on their capabilities and tendencies), and then executes it. It does not consider what other allies could do on their turn and attempt to synergize, nor does it consider the capabilities of XCOM & attempt to counter them. In short, aliens have a numerical and technological advantage but they're predictable and can be beaten with superior tactics.		While a particular type may not be too threatening by itself, the various alien types tend to synergize well; for instance, [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Thin Man\|Thin Men]] are good at pinning XCOM down into a long range war of attrition using their [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Acid Spit\|Acid Spit]], good aim, & [[Abilities_List_(Long_War)#Suppression\|Suppression]] - this can allow the high mobility [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Floater\|Floaters]], a flying enemy type, to close in and flank XCOM. That said, aliens coordinate poorly at the tactical level, taking actions in isolation without considering any synergy with other units and without formulating any kind of cohesive tactical plan. Each alien evaluates the current state of the battlefield as its turn comes up, chooses an action based on it's AI routine (which varies from alien to alien depending on their capabilities and tendencies), and then executes it. It does not consider what other allies could do on their turn and attempt to synergize, nor does it consider the capabilities of XCOM & attempt to counter them. In short, aliens have a numerical and technological advantage but they're predictable and can be beaten with superior tactics.

	Aliens typically deploy in '''Pods''', or groups of 2-8 aliens which become activated in unison if any individual member spots an XCOM operative. ~~Some select missions may~~ involve "drop ins", or enemies that spawn mid-mission. Drop ins always spawn behind cover and overwatching, and are automatically activated. Drop ins are ~~almost~~ always [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]], though other alien types are possible ~~depending on~~ the ~~mission~~.		Aliens typically deploy in '''Pods''', or groups of 2-8 aliens which become activated in unison if any individual member spots an XCOM operative. Certain [[Council_Missions_(Long_War)\|Council Missions]] involve "drop ins", or enemies that spawn mid-mission. Drop ins always spawn behind cover and overwatching, and are automatically activated. Drop ins are always [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] in the early months, though other alien types are possible [[Council_Missions_(Long_War)#Enemy_Forces\|as the campaign progresses]].

	===Pods===		===Pods===

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	* '''Terror''' Pods: Terror pods are a special type of pod that only appear in [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]], [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]], [[Threat (Long War)#Trap UFOs\|Trap UFOs]], [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|Alien Base Assault]], and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Retaliation\|Retaliation]] missions. They tend to have a greater probability of being higher-mobility aliens, and are the only pod which can contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Chryssalid\|Chryssalids]]. EXALT also make an appearance in later months.		* '''Terror''' Pods: Terror pods are a special type of pod that only appear in [[Missions_(Long_War)#Terror_Site\|Terror Sites]], [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]], [[Threat (Long War)#Trap UFOs\|Trap UFOs]], [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|Alien Base Assault]], and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Retaliation\|Retaliation]] missions. They tend to have a greater probability of being higher-mobility aliens, and are the only pod which can contain [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Chryssalid\|Chryssalids]]. EXALT also make an appearance in later months.

	* '''Command''' Pods: UFOs additionally have a special pod called the Command Pod which contains a fixed number of aliens based on UFO type. [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Outsider\|Outsiders]] are the most common type, though [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid_Commander\|Sectoid Commanders]] replace them on larger UFOs after XCOM [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|assaults]] its first [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|alien base]], and Ethereals start appearing after the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Ethereal Device]] is recovered. [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] may also appear in very early months in place of Outsiders on [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]]. Be warned: if a Command Pod ~~spots XCOM and activates~~, it will ~~immediately call~~ for ~~reinforcements~~, causing all remaining alien forces on the map to start moving towards its current location; this makes an early engagement against the Command Pod an incredibly risky affair.		* '''Command''' Pods: UFOs additionally have a special pod called the Command Pod which contains a fixed number of aliens based on UFO type. [[Alien Life Forms (Long War)#Outsider\|Outsiders]] are the most common type, though [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Sectoid_Commander\|Sectoid Commanders]] replace them on larger UFOs after XCOM [[Missions_(Long_War)#Alien_Base_Assault\|assaults]] its first [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|alien base]], and Ethereals start appearing after the [[Alien Artifacts (Long War)#Story related items\|Ethereal Device]] is recovered. [[Alien_Life_Forms_(Long_War)#Thin_Man\|Thin Men]] may also appear in very early months in place of Outsiders on [[UFOs_(Long_War)#Large_UFOs\|Large UFOs]].<br>Be warned: a Command Pod, once activated, if allowed to take a turn, will issue a Call for Reinforcements, causing all remaining alien forces on the map to start moving towards its current location; this makes an early engagement against the Command Pod an incredibly risky affair. Wiping out the Command Pod before it can take a turn prevents this.

	* '''EXALT''' Pods: While EXALT have a chance of appearing in Terror Pods, they appear most often in [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]]. A typical [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Extraction\|Covert Extraction]] contains one jumbo pod of 3-15 EXALT (with pod sizes growing as the campaign progresses), as well as several smaller pods of 1-3 EXALT. If XCOM activates any pod and fails to kill them immediately, the remaining pods will begin slowly converging on XCOMs location. In contrast, [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Data_Recovery\|Data Recovery]] contains several pods of 4-6 EXALT who behave as most pods do. All Covert Operations include drop ins or spawns of lone EXALT operatives who may or may not appear in cover and may or may not overwatch.		* '''EXALT''' Pods: While EXALT have a chance of appearing in Terror Pods, they appear most often in [[Covert_Operations_(Long_War)\|Covert Operations]]. A typical [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Extraction\|Covert Extraction]] contains one jumbo pod of 3-15 EXALT (with pod sizes growing as the campaign progresses), as well as several smaller pods of 1-3 EXALT. If XCOM activates any pod and fails to kill them immediately, the remaining pods will begin slowly converging on XCOMs location. In contrast, [[Missions_(Long_War)#Covert_Data_Recovery\|Data Recovery]] contains several pods of 4-6 EXALT who behave as most pods do. All Covert Operations include drop ins or spawns of lone EXALT operatives who may or may not appear in cover and may or may not overwatch.

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	The Aliens conduct various [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)\|UFO missions]] in the air to achieve their nefarious ends and support their invasion effort. Missions are planned monthly, at the start of the month, and take into consideration [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Alien Resources]] and the [[Threat_(Long_War)\|Threat Level]] the aliens perceive XCOM to represent. Damaging, shooting down, destroying and/or raiding UFOs is one of few means of denying & depriving the aliens of resources; ironically, doing so also increases threat, so XCOM always finds itself caught between protecting countries from a surge in alien resources and protecting itself from a surge in perceived threat.		The Aliens conduct various [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)\|UFO missions]] in the air to achieve their nefarious ends and support their invasion effort. Missions are planned monthly, at the start of the month, and take into consideration [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|Alien Resources]] and the [[Threat_(Long_War)\|Threat Level]] the aliens perceive XCOM to represent. Damaging, shooting down, destroying and/or raiding UFOs is one of few means of denying & depriving the aliens of resources; ironically, doing so also increases threat, so XCOM always finds itself caught between protecting countries from a surge in alien resources and protecting itself from a surge in perceived threat.

	The Aliens primary strategy is to invade and take over the globe; they perform this by capturing countries, tending to focus on those adjacent to their existing holdings first before expanding outward to other continents. This tendency is governed primarily by an RNG that is biased towards focusing efforts on the highest [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] countries (see [[Alien Deployment (Long War)#Strategic Target\|Strategic Target]], below, though there is always a possibility of another target being chosen. [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Bomb\|Bombing runs]] and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Terrorize_Populace\|Terror missions]] are used to spread [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] to targeted countries to allow the aliens a window to infiltrate and control the local leadership and then install a [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|base]]; with enough [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|resources]], however, the aliens will attempt [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Infiltrate\|Infiltration]] missions to capture countries directly regardless of panic levels.		The Aliens primary strategy is to invade and take over the globe; they perform this by capturing countries, tending to focus on those adjacent to their existing holdings first before expanding outward to other continents. This tendency is governed primarily by an RNG that is biased towards focusing efforts on the highest [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] countries (see [[Alien Deployment (Long War)#Strategic Target\|Strategic Target]], below), though there is always a possibility of another target being chosen. [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Bomb\|Bombing runs]] and [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Terrorize_Populace\|Terror missions]] are used to spread [[Panic_(Long_War)\|Panic]] to targeted countries to allow the aliens a window to infiltrate and control the local leadership and then install a [[Alien_Deployment_(Long_War)#Alien_Bases\|base]]; with enough [[Alien_Resources_(Long_War)\|resources]], however, the aliens will attempt [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Infiltrate\|Infiltration]] missions to capture countries directly regardless of panic levels.

	The Aliens will attempt to [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] out and then [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] down satellites to deny XCOM their primary means of engaging UFOs, with the RNG biased towards protecting their own bases from being raided before striking at XCOM-controlled airspace to deny XCOM air superiority. The Aliens' available intelligence on XCOM satellites is abstracted somewhat: they will spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] missions - representing satellites they've located through other means - to strike at XCOM satellites directly; conversely, they'll spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] missions to try and locate satellites, spawning an additional [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] mission over and above their monthly supply if the mission is successful. Where they are Scouting or Hunting is completely random, though they will always run the designated missions in countries with a Satellite over them.		The Aliens will attempt to [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] out and then [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] down satellites to deny XCOM their primary means of engaging UFOs, with the RNG biased towards protecting their own bases from being raided before striking at XCOM-controlled airspace to deny XCOM air superiority. The Aliens' available intelligence on XCOM satellites is abstracted somewhat: they will spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] missions - representing satellites they've located through other means - to strike at XCOM satellites directly; conversely, they'll spend their monthly [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Scout\|Scout]] missions to try and locate satellites, spawning an additional [[Alien_Missions_(Long_War)#Hunt\|Hunt]] mission over and above their monthly supply if the mission is successful. Where they are Scouting or Hunting is completely random, though they will always run the designated missions in countries with a Satellite over them.