Impossible Difficulty (EU2012) - Revision history

Parogen: /* Two shot hypothesis */ include regular sectoid numbers

2025-05-07T15:19:06Z

Two shot hypothesis: include regular sectoid numbers

Parogen: enemy within hq

2025-05-04T19:08:23Z

enemy within hq

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:08, 4 May 2025
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	* Holding off on Xeno-Biology research before building March Uplink retains 4 Sectoid corpses for their Grey Market value, which is more than what 5 Weapon Fragments would be worth, in case it is needed. It's also just better to sell corpses over the other items.		* Holding off on Xeno-Biology research before building March Uplink retains 4 Sectoid corpses for their Grey Market value, which is more than what 5 Weapon Fragments would be worth, in case it is needed. It's also just better to sell corpses over the other items.
	* Going for Experimental Warfare research during March allows Phoenix Cannons for April. Only one ship equipped with Phoenix Cannon is needed to beat a Large Scout. On the other hand, if there are extra funds in March, switching to Xeno-Biology research (and building Alien Containment) right after starting March Uplink will have the possibility to complete Arc Thrower research before April's UFO to start captures. Two ships with Avalanche Missiles is needed to beat a Large Scout.		* Going for Experimental Warfare research during March allows Phoenix Cannons for April. Only one ship equipped with Phoenix Cannon is needed to beat a Large Scout. On the other hand, if there are extra funds in March, switching to Xeno-Biology research (and building Alien Containment) right after starting March Uplink will have the possibility to complete Arc Thrower research before April's UFO to start captures. Two ships with Avalanche Missiles is needed to beat a Large Scout.

			== Enemy Within ==

			=== HQ ===

			Due to the increased research times, it may not be such a good idea to go for Experimental Warfare research in March just for Phoenix Cannons. Without any additional Scientist rewards from Council missions or requests, Beam Weapons would come too late for May.

			The reduced Uplink cost in EW, while clearly intended to offset Meld buildings, also means there is a lower barrier to building Alien Containment in March compared to EU.

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==

Parogen: /* Two shot hypothesis */

2025-04-30T08:12:08Z

Two shot hypothesis

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:12, 30 April 2025
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	The simple difference is this, an [[Assault Rifle (EU2012)\|Assault Rifle]]'s damage ignoring crits has a 66% chance of lethal against a Classic Sectoid if it lands. On Impossible, it's 33% chance of lethal, 66% chance of requiring two shots. There is a similar correlation, Squaddie weapons do 3-5 damage and against Classic 4HP Floaters and Thin Men, 66% for lethal. On Impossible, it's 100% of requiring two shots, ignoring crits. When you go further to Mutons, Beam Weapons again require at least two shots ignoring crits. Why does Impossible look more balanced and the difficulty curve is more steady? It is possibly the intended difficulty. In comparison, Classic looks strange as to why there is a sudden jump from mostly one shot aliens in the first two months to two shot Mutons in the third month, though they are provided more resources, due to it being Classic difficulty, to handle that spike.		The simple difference is this, an [[Assault Rifle (EU2012)\|Assault Rifle]]'s damage ignoring crits has a 66% chance of lethal against a Classic Sectoid if it lands. On Impossible, it's 33% chance of lethal, 66% chance of requiring two shots. There is a similar correlation, Squaddie weapons do 3-5 damage and against Classic 4HP Floaters and Thin Men, 66% for lethal. On Impossible, it's 100% of requiring two shots, ignoring crits. When you go further to Mutons, Beam Weapons again require at least two shots ignoring crits. Why does Impossible look more balanced and the difficulty curve is more steady? It is possibly the intended difficulty. In comparison, Classic looks strange as to why there is a sudden jump from mostly one shot aliens in the first two months to two shot Mutons in the third month, though they are provided more resources, due to it being Classic difficulty, to handle that spike.

	The following is the chance of lethal considering 1-4 65 Aim shots at a full HP Classic(3HP) vs Impossible(4HP) Sectoid, that are all either Flanked, at low/high Cover, or Overwatch shots. Included are Mind Merged Sectoid shots at a 4HP soldier.		The following is the chance of lethal considering 1-4 65 Aim shots at a full HP Classic(3HP) vs Impossible(4HP) Sectoid, that are all either Flanked, at low/high Cover, or Overwatch shots. Included in grey are Mind Merged Sectoid shots at a 4HP soldier.

	{\| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"		{\| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"

Parogen: /* Abduction choice & Satellite placement */ removed 'credit approach'. was only included due to old page containing base rush idea about sacrificing march, but now i think it just puts the wrong idea in people's head.

2025-04-30T08:08:31Z

Abduction choice & Satellite placement: removed 'credit approach'. was only included due to old page containing base rush idea about sacrificing march, but now i think it just puts the wrong idea in people's head.

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:08, 30 April 2025
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	You can usually save all four countries during March (North America) with the Investment approach mixed with Panic approach, and with enough loot from the first Abduction/UFO. However, the Uplink after in April will provide only 3 Satellite slots, leaving one country behind. The only way to potentially save all countries is to get lucky in March or April with Panic reductions from Council or Terror missions, then lean more towards the Panic approach. Later in the game when Engineers are no longer necessary or Panic is not a concern, switch to the Research approach.		You can usually save all four countries during March (North America) with the Investment approach mixed with Panic approach, and with enough loot from the first Abduction/UFO. However, the Uplink after in April will provide only 3 Satellite slots, leaving one country behind. The only way to potentially save all countries is to get lucky in March or April with Panic reductions from Council or Terror missions, then lean more towards the Panic approach. Later in the game when Engineers are no longer necessary or Panic is not a concern, switch to the Research approach.

	Often it's a balance between ~~several~~ approaches depending on the situation.		Often it's a balance between competing approaches depending on the situation.

	==== Panic approach ====		==== Panic approach ====
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	==== Scientist/Research approach ====		==== Scientist/Research approach ====

	* Choose Scientist Abduction reward, if unavailable choose ~~Engineers~~ or ignore countries of the following		* Choose Scientist Abduction reward, if unavailable choose credits or ignore countries of the following
	* Deploy on countries that provide Scientists and/or in a continent with implied research benefit (South America or Europe)		* Deploy on countries that provide Scientists and/or in a continent with implied research benefit (South America or Europe)

	~~==== Credit/Tactical approach ====~~

	* Choose credit Abduction reward, if unavailable choose Scientists or ignore countries of the following
	* Deploy on countries that provide the most credits and/or in a continent with implied tactical benefit (Asia or North America)

	=== Cancelling Workshops & Satellites ===		=== Cancelling Workshops & Satellites ===

Parogen: /* Engineers vs. Scientists vs. Credits */

2025-04-30T00:10:00Z

Engineers vs. Scientists vs. Credits

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:10, 30 April 2025
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	Unless you chose Europe as the starting continent for their continent bonus, Expert Knowledge, the 4 Engineers act as an investment and outvalue the §200. This is due to Workshop building/maintenance costs, excavation costs, Access Lift building/maintenance costs and Power building/maintenance costs adding up well over that amount over a few months. The only time you should really pick credits to build Workshops is when you know what you are doing with Europe, or when other factors offset the immediate cost of a Workshop, i.e. you were able to build a Thermo Generator early and therefore power/excavation is momentarily "free"/cheap, or later in the game the value of the rebate on Alloys/Elerium is considered more valuable.		Unless you chose Europe as the starting continent for their continent bonus, Expert Knowledge, the 4 Engineers act as an investment and outvalue the §200. This is due to Workshop building/maintenance costs, excavation costs, Access Lift building/maintenance costs and Power building/maintenance costs adding up well over that amount over a few months. The only time you should really pick credits to build Workshops is when you know what you are doing with Europe, or when other factors offset the immediate cost of a Workshop, i.e. you were able to build a Thermo Generator early and therefore power/excavation is momentarily "free"/cheap, or later in the game the value of the rebate on Alloys/Elerium is considered more valuable.

	It's the same idea for Scientists and their Labs, but in exchange for research instead of implied credits. If, in the mid game, you think you'll have enough Engineers for next month's Workshop, consider Scientists. The research is somewhat useful in terms of keeping up for Firestorm research, if HQ is still your primary concern and not combat.		It's the same idea for Scientists and their Labs, but in exchange for research instead of implied credits. If, in the mid game, you think you'll have enough Engineers for next month's Workshop, consider Scientists or credits if there is plenty of income/power/space for Labs. The research is somewhat useful in terms of keeping up for Firestorm research, if HQ is still your primary concern and not combat.

	=== Abduction choice & Satellite placement ===		=== Abduction choice & Satellite placement ===

Parogen: /* Engineers vs. Scientists vs. Credits */

2025-04-29T22:00:01Z

Engineers vs. Scientists vs. Credits

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:00, 29 April 2025
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	=== Engineers vs. Scientists vs. Credits ===		=== Engineers vs. Scientists vs. Credits ===

	Unless you chose Europe as the starting continent for their continent bonus, Expert Knowledge, the 4 Engineers act as an investment and outvalue the §200. This is due to Workshop building/maintenance costs, excavation costs, Access Lift building/maintenance costs and Power building/maintenance costs adding up well over that amount over a few months. The only time you should really pick credits is when you know what you are doing with Europe, or ~~really late~~ in the game ~~when Engineers don't matter anymore and~~ the ~~game also doesn't give you Scientists~~.		Unless you chose Europe as the starting continent for their continent bonus, Expert Knowledge, the 4 Engineers act as an investment and outvalue the §200. This is due to Workshop building/maintenance costs, excavation costs, Access Lift building/maintenance costs and Power building/maintenance costs adding up well over that amount over a few months. The only time you should really pick credits to build Workshops is when you know what you are doing with Europe, or when other factors offset the immediate cost of a Workshop, i.e. you were able to build a Thermo Generator early and therefore power/excavation is momentarily "free"/cheap, or later in the game the value of the rebate on Alloys/Elerium is considered more valuable.

	It's the same idea for Scientists and their Labs, but in exchange for research instead of implied credits. If, in the mid game, you think you'll have enough Engineers for next month's Workshop, ~~then~~ consider Scientists. The research is somewhat useful in terms of keeping up for Firestorm research, if HQ is still your primary concern and not ~~Combat~~.		It's the same idea for Scientists and their Labs, but in exchange for research instead of implied credits. If, in the mid game, you think you'll have enough Engineers for next month's Workshop, consider Scientists. The research is somewhat useful in terms of keeping up for Firestorm research, if HQ is still your primary concern and not combat.

	=== Abduction choice & Satellite placement ===		=== Abduction choice & Satellite placement ===

Parogen: /* Two shot hypothesis */

2025-04-29T19:38:24Z

Two shot hypothesis

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:38, 29 April 2025
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	* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving three shots in full cover from a Mind Merged Sectoid is already a coin flip. Their numbers (M: 75 Aim, +25 Crit) included for context.		* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving three shots in full cover from a Mind Merged Sectoid is already a coin flip. Their numbers (M: 75 Aim, +25 Crit) included for context.

	The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].		The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be infinitely available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].

	== There's just more enemies ==		== There's just more enemies ==

Parogen: /* Two shot hypothesis */

2025-04-23T20:51:04Z

Two shot hypothesis

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:51, 23 April 2025
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	* There is a much higher lethality chance in Classic but another way to look at it is this: there is about a 10-15% chance difference between Classic and Impossible for shooting at low cover and Overwatching. This is the hard data that what may have worked in Classic will give the aliens a 10-15% higher chance of living and firing back. Shooting at cover or gambling on an overwatch trap are all bad plays. From Sectoids on, the aliens only get tankier.		* There is a much higher lethality chance in Classic but another way to look at it is this: there is about a 10-15% chance difference between Classic and Impossible for shooting at low cover and Overwatching. This is the hard data that what may have worked in Classic will give the aliens a 10-15% higher chance of living and firing back. Shooting at cover or gambling on an overwatch trap are all bad plays. From Sectoids on, the aliens only get tankier.
	* The amount of reserve shots for a particular play will dictate whether it's a good play or not. Impossible roughly requires one more shot than Classic to have even a similar lethality chance within the given chart.		* The amount of reserve shots for a particular play will dictate whether it's a good play or not. Impossible roughly requires one more shot than Classic to have even a similar lethality chance within the given chart.
	* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving three shots in full cover from a Mind Merged Sectoid is already a coin flip. Their numbers (M) included for context.		* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving three shots in full cover from a Mind Merged Sectoid is already a coin flip. Their numbers (M: 75 Aim, +25 Crit) included for context.

	The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].		The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].

Parogen: /* Two shot hypothesis */

2025-04-23T16:34:42Z

Two shot hypothesis

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 23 April 2025
Line 3:		Line 3:
	The simple difference is this, an [[Assault Rifle (EU2012)\|Assault Rifle]]'s damage ignoring crits has a 66% chance of lethal against a Classic Sectoid if it lands. On Impossible, it's 33% chance of lethal, 66% chance of requiring two shots. There is a similar correlation, Squaddie weapons do 3-5 damage and against Classic 4HP Floaters and Thin Men, 66% for lethal. On Impossible, it's 100% of requiring two shots, ignoring crits. When you go further to Mutons, Beam Weapons again require at least two shots ignoring crits. Why does Impossible look more balanced and the difficulty curve is more steady? It is possibly the intended difficulty. In comparison, Classic looks strange as to why there is a sudden jump from mostly one shot aliens in the first two months to two shot Mutons in the third month, though they are provided more resources, due to it being Classic difficulty, to handle that spike.		The simple difference is this, an [[Assault Rifle (EU2012)\|Assault Rifle]]'s damage ignoring crits has a 66% chance of lethal against a Classic Sectoid if it lands. On Impossible, it's 33% chance of lethal, 66% chance of requiring two shots. There is a similar correlation, Squaddie weapons do 3-5 damage and against Classic 4HP Floaters and Thin Men, 66% for lethal. On Impossible, it's 100% of requiring two shots, ignoring crits. When you go further to Mutons, Beam Weapons again require at least two shots ignoring crits. Why does Impossible look more balanced and the difficulty curve is more steady? It is possibly the intended difficulty. In comparison, Classic looks strange as to why there is a sudden jump from mostly one shot aliens in the first two months to two shot Mutons in the third month, though they are provided more resources, due to it being Classic difficulty, to handle that spike.

	The following is the chance of lethal considering 1-4 65 Aim shots at a full HP Classic(3HP) vs Impossible(4HP) Sectoid, that are all either Flanked, at low/high Cover, or Overwatch shots.		The following is the chance of lethal considering 1-4 65 Aim shots at a full HP Classic(3HP) vs Impossible(4HP) Sectoid, that are all either Flanked, at low/high Cover, or Overwatch shots. Included are Mind Merged Sectoid shots at a 4HP soldier.

	{\| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"		{\| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"
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	\|-		\|-
	! Shot type		! Shot type
	! colspan="2" \| Flanked(+50 Crit)		! colspan="3" \| Flanked(+50 Crit)
	! colspan="2" \| Low Cover(20 Defence)		! colspan="3" \| Low Cover(20 Defence)
	! colspan="2" \| High Cover(40 Defence)		! colspan="3" \| High Cover(40 Defence)
	! colspan="2" \| Overwatch(.7 penalty)		! colspan="3" \| Overwatch(.7 penalty, 0 Crit)
	\|-		\|-
	! # of 65 Aim shots!!C!!I!!C!!I!!C!!I!!C!!I		! # of 65 Aim shots!!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
			!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
			!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
			!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1\|\|56.33%\|\|47.67%\|\|31.5%\|\|18%\|\|17.5%\|\|10%\|\|30.33%\|\|15.17%		\| 1\|\|56.33%\|\|47.67%
			\| style="color:grey" \|67.5%\|\|31.5%\|\|18%
			\| style="color:grey" \|31.17%\|\|17.5%\|\|10%
			\| style="color:grey" \|19.83%\|\|30.33%\|\|15.17%
			\| style="color:grey" \|17.5%
	\|-		\|-
	\| 2\|\|81.68%\|\|75.62%\|\|54.9%\|\|40.05%\|\|32.5%\|\|21.25%\|\|53.77%\|\|37.23%		\| 2\|\|81.68%\|\|75.62%
			\| style="color:grey" \|90%\|\|54.9%\|\|40.05%
			\| style="color:grey" \|58.3%\|\|32.5%\|\|21.25%
			\| style="color:grey" \|38.03%\|\|53.77%\|\|37.23%
			\| style="color:grey" \|42.44%
	\|-		\|-
	\| 3\|\|92.53%\|\|89.34%\|\|71.11%\|\|58.86%\|\|45.16%\|\|32.5%\|\|70.30%\|\|56.78%		\| 3\|\|92.53%\|\|89.34%
			\| style="color:grey" \|97.03%\|\|71.11%\|\|58.86%
			\| style="color:grey" \|76.41%\|\|45.16%\|\|32.5%
			\| style="color:grey" \|53.31%\|\|70.30%\|\|56.78%
			\| style="color:grey" \|65.59%
	\|-		\|-
	\| 4\|\|97.01%\|\|95.53%\|\|81.87%\|\|72.88%\|\|55.70%\|\|43.05%\|\|81.36%\|\|71.54%		\| 4\|\|97.01%\|\|95.53%
			\| style="color:grey" \|99.14%\|\|81.87%\|\|72.88%
			\| style="color:grey" \|87.21%\|\|55.70%\|\|43.05%
			\| style="color:grey" \|65.49%\|\|81.36%\|\|71.54%
			\| style="color:grey" \|79.91%
	\|}		\|}

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	* There is a much higher lethality chance in Classic but another way to look at it is this: there is about a 10-15% chance difference between Classic and Impossible for shooting at low cover and Overwatching. This is the hard data that what may have worked in Classic will give the aliens a 10-15% higher chance of living and firing back. Shooting at cover or gambling on an overwatch trap are all bad plays. From Sectoids on, the aliens only get tankier.		* There is a much higher lethality chance in Classic but another way to look at it is this: there is about a 10-15% chance difference between Classic and Impossible for shooting at low cover and Overwatching. This is the hard data that what may have worked in Classic will give the aliens a 10-15% higher chance of living and firing back. Shooting at cover or gambling on an overwatch trap are all bad plays. From Sectoids on, the aliens only get tankier.
	* The amount of reserve shots for a particular play will dictate whether it's a good play or not. Impossible roughly requires one more shot than Classic to have even a similar lethality chance within the given chart.		* The amount of reserve shots for a particular play will dictate whether it's a good play or not. Impossible roughly requires one more shot than Classic to have even a similar lethality chance within the given chart.
	* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving ~~four~~ shots in full cover is already ~~nearing~~ a coin flip~~; Not to mention that~~ for ~~Sectoids, these numbers are inaccurate. They have 75 Aim and Mind Merge crit chance boost. Three shots may be significant enough~~.		* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving three shots in full cover from a Mind Merged Sectoid is already a coin flip. Their numbers (M) included for context.

	The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].		The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].

Parogen at 00:06, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T00:06:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:06, 20 April 2025
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	This may be one of the bigger contributors to the steepness of Impossible, with stat changes or reduced resources being a bit overstated. Had the first Impossible mission been 6 Sectoids, a player might get away with using 1 Grenade for 1 Sectoid of each pod, kill it, take one shot from the remaining Sectoid of each pod, and Hunker down until it moves to low cover to gamble a 72% lethal 4 man focus fire. If not, one might still win the gamble 4 against 1 behind high cover with enough retries.		This may be one of the bigger contributors to the steepness of Impossible, with stat changes or reduced resources being a bit overstated. Had the first Impossible mission been 6 Sectoids, a player might get away with using 1 Grenade for 1 Sectoid of each pod, kill it, take one shot from the remaining Sectoid of each pod, and Hunker down until it moves to low cover to gamble a 72% lethal 4 man focus fire. If not, one might still win the gamble 4 against 1 behind high cover with enough retries.

	It is crucial to understand that cumulative shots stack up lethality chance. '''More aliens means more shots at soldiers means increased lethality chance'''. It can not be stressed enough that the game revolves around this, reducing their ~~hit~~ chance as well as possible or not giving them a shot at all, and not exactly around your own hit chances. Soldiers will always be outnumbered every mission, and so there is always the threat of taking one too many non-1%s. This will remain constant throughout Impossible with the scale only gradually tipping as the game goes on.		It is crucial to understand that cumulative shots stack up lethality chance. '''More aliens means more shots at soldiers means increased lethality chance'''. It can not be stressed enough that the game revolves around this, reducing their lethality chance as well as possible or not giving them a shot at all, and not exactly around your own hit chances. Soldiers will always be outnumbered every mission, and so there is always the threat of taking one too many non-1%s. This will remain constant throughout Impossible with the scale only gradually tipping as the game goes on.

	== Patience ==		== Patience ==
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	=== Tips ===		=== Tips ===

	* Holding off on Xeno-Biology research before building March Uplink retains 4 Sectoid corpses for their Grey Market value, which is more than what 5 Weapon Fragments would be worth, in case ~~you need~~ it. It's also just better to sell corpses over the other items.		* Holding off on Xeno-Biology research before building March Uplink retains 4 Sectoid corpses for their Grey Market value, which is more than what 5 Weapon Fragments would be worth, in case it is needed. It's also just better to sell corpses over the other items.
	* Going for Experimental Warfare research during March allows ~~you to buy~~ Phoenix Cannons for April. ~~You only need~~ one ship equipped with Phoenix Cannon to beat a Large Scout.		* Going for Experimental Warfare research during March allows Phoenix Cannons for April. Only one ship equipped with Phoenix Cannon is needed to beat a Large Scout. On the other hand, if there are extra funds in March, switching to Xeno-Biology research (and building Alien Containment) right after starting March Uplink will have the possibility to complete Arc Thrower research before April's UFO to start captures. Two ships with Avalanche Missiles is needed to beat a Large Scout.

	== See Also ==		== See Also ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 23 April 2025
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	The simple difference is this, an [[Assault Rifle (EU2012)\|Assault Rifle]]'s damage ignoring crits has a 66% chance of lethal against a Classic Sectoid if it lands. On Impossible, it's 33% chance of lethal, 66% chance of requiring two shots. There is a similar correlation, Squaddie weapons do 3-5 damage and against Classic 4HP Floaters and Thin Men, 66% for lethal. On Impossible, it's 100% of requiring two shots, ignoring crits. When you go further to Mutons, Beam Weapons again require at least two shots ignoring crits. Why does Impossible look more balanced and the difficulty curve is more steady? It is possibly the intended difficulty. In comparison, Classic looks strange as to why there is a sudden jump from mostly one shot aliens in the first two months to two shot Mutons in the third month, though they are provided more resources, due to it being Classic difficulty, to handle that spike.		The simple difference is this, an [[Assault Rifle (EU2012)\|Assault Rifle]]'s damage ignoring crits has a 66% chance of lethal against a Classic Sectoid if it lands. On Impossible, it's 33% chance of lethal, 66% chance of requiring two shots. There is a similar correlation, Squaddie weapons do 3-5 damage and against Classic 4HP Floaters and Thin Men, 66% for lethal. On Impossible, it's 100% of requiring two shots, ignoring crits. When you go further to Mutons, Beam Weapons again require at least two shots ignoring crits. Why does Impossible look more balanced and the difficulty curve is more steady? It is possibly the intended difficulty. In comparison, Classic looks strange as to why there is a sudden jump from mostly one shot aliens in the first two months to two shot Mutons in the third month, though they are provided more resources, due to it being Classic difficulty, to handle that spike.

	The following is the chance of lethal considering 1-4 65 Aim shots at a full HP Classic(3HP) vs Impossible(4HP) Sectoid, that are all either Flanked, at low/high Cover, or Overwatch shots.		The following is the chance of lethal considering 1-4 65 Aim shots at a full HP Classic(3HP) vs Impossible(4HP) Sectoid, that are all either Flanked, at low/high Cover, or Overwatch shots. Included are Mind Merged Sectoid shots at a 4HP soldier.

	{\| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"		{\| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="margin:auto;text-align:center"
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	\|-		\|-
	! Shot type		! Shot type
	! colspan="2" \| Flanked(+50 Crit)		! colspan="3" \| Flanked(+50 Crit)
	! colspan="2" \| Low Cover(20 Defence)		! colspan="3" \| Low Cover(20 Defence)
	! colspan="2" \| High Cover(40 Defence)		! colspan="3" \| High Cover(40 Defence)
	! colspan="2" \| Overwatch(.7 penalty)		! colspan="3" \| Overwatch(.7 penalty, 0 Crit)
	\|-		\|-
	! # of 65 Aim shots!!C!!I!!C!!I!!C!!I!!C!!I		! # of 65 Aim shots!!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
			!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
			!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
			!C!!I
			! style="color:grey" \|M
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1\|\|56.33%\|\|47.67%\|\|31.5%\|\|18%\|\|17.5%\|\|10%\|\|30.33%\|\|15.17%		\| 1\|\|56.33%\|\|47.67%
			\| style="color:grey" \|67.5%\|\|31.5%\|\|18%
			\| style="color:grey" \|31.17%\|\|17.5%\|\|10%
			\| style="color:grey" \|19.83%\|\|30.33%\|\|15.17%
			\| style="color:grey" \|17.5%
	\|-		\|-
	\| 2\|\|81.68%\|\|75.62%\|\|54.9%\|\|40.05%\|\|32.5%\|\|21.25%\|\|53.77%\|\|37.23%		\| 2\|\|81.68%\|\|75.62%
			\| style="color:grey" \|90%\|\|54.9%\|\|40.05%
			\| style="color:grey" \|58.3%\|\|32.5%\|\|21.25%
			\| style="color:grey" \|38.03%\|\|53.77%\|\|37.23%
			\| style="color:grey" \|42.44%
	\|-		\|-
	\| 3\|\|92.53%\|\|89.34%\|\|71.11%\|\|58.86%\|\|45.16%\|\|32.5%\|\|70.30%\|\|56.78%		\| 3\|\|92.53%\|\|89.34%
			\| style="color:grey" \|97.03%\|\|71.11%\|\|58.86%
			\| style="color:grey" \|76.41%\|\|45.16%\|\|32.5%
			\| style="color:grey" \|53.31%\|\|70.30%\|\|56.78%
			\| style="color:grey" \|65.59%
	\|-		\|-
	\| 4\|\|97.01%\|\|95.53%\|\|81.87%\|\|72.88%\|\|55.70%\|\|43.05%\|\|81.36%\|\|71.54%		\| 4\|\|97.01%\|\|95.53%
			\| style="color:grey" \|99.14%\|\|81.87%\|\|72.88%
			\| style="color:grey" \|87.21%\|\|55.70%\|\|43.05%
			\| style="color:grey" \|65.49%\|\|81.36%\|\|71.54%
			\| style="color:grey" \|79.91%
	\|}		\|}

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	* There is a much higher lethality chance in Classic but another way to look at it is this: there is about a 10-15% chance difference between Classic and Impossible for shooting at low cover and Overwatching. This is the hard data that what may have worked in Classic will give the aliens a 10-15% higher chance of living and firing back. Shooting at cover or gambling on an overwatch trap are all bad plays. From Sectoids on, the aliens only get tankier.		* There is a much higher lethality chance in Classic but another way to look at it is this: there is about a 10-15% chance difference between Classic and Impossible for shooting at low cover and Overwatching. This is the hard data that what may have worked in Classic will give the aliens a 10-15% higher chance of living and firing back. Shooting at cover or gambling on an overwatch trap are all bad plays. From Sectoids on, the aliens only get tankier.
	* The amount of reserve shots for a particular play will dictate whether it's a good play or not. Impossible roughly requires one more shot than Classic to have even a similar lethality chance within the given chart.		* The amount of reserve shots for a particular play will dictate whether it's a good play or not. Impossible roughly requires one more shot than Classic to have even a similar lethality chance within the given chart.
	* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving ~~four~~ shots in full cover is already ~~nearing~~ a coin flip~~; Not to mention that~~ for ~~Sectoids, these numbers are inaccurate. They have 75 Aim and Mind Merge crit chance boost. Three shots may be significant enough~~.		* Instead of chance for lethal, consider the reverse: all but the four shots at a flanked 4HP Sectoid have less than a 90% chance of success, meaning there is a 10-85% chance, depending on the play, for the Sectoid to survive another turn. This is not taking into account all other active aliens and the amount of shots they will fire in return. Consider the concept that aliens outnumber soldiers, not just for the first mission but every mission, and this chart, receiving three shots in full cover from a Mind Merged Sectoid is already a coin flip. Their numbers (M) included for context.

	The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].		The point being, knowledge of the game mechanics and other tactics must be exhausted before considering the naive option of just pressing Fire. '''Every shot an alien takes at a soldier that is not Hunkered down in full cover is frankly almost always a misplay.''' The qualifier "almost always" being made only because of certain "bad" maps where high cover and avoiding LoS may not be available, such as in corridor maps: [[StreetHurricane (EU2012)\|Street Hurricane]], [[TrainStation (EU2012)\|Train Station]] (cover is easily destroyed), [[HighwayBridge (EU2012)\|Highway Bridge]].