XCOM Tips

[Windigo]

Use two snipers, one heavy, a medic, an assault, and a regular red shirt.

I still struggle with snipers...they never seem to be in the right place at the right time...in other posts I've read about how valuable they are....I need to figure it out!

when you get the laser sniper rifle... you'll love them

and don't take low percentage shots!  unless you absolutely have to in order to save the world! Put them on overwatch instead

[LongBlade]

Use two snipers, one heavy, a medic, an assault, and a regular red shirt.

I still struggle with snipers...they never seem to be in the right place at the right time...in other posts I've read about how valuable they are....I need to figure it out!

They are best not moved every turn. Typically I'll move one with the other on overwatch until I get them both into a situation I'm happy with. Then move your assault troopers forward for a couple of turns with them sitting still. Then when the forward team is safe, you can move the snipers up without worry.

Like Greybriar said, it's all about patience. I cannot overstate how important it is to not move every person every turn.

[Greybriar]

Be very patient. I found that I died a lot more when got in a hurry. Whenever possible let the enemy come to you.

I could be incorrect here.. but most pairs of enemies I've seen don't move at all until you spot them.  Still.. I use tons of overwatch, just to be safe.

You are correct. But if you go charging off and run into them like a bull in a china shop you will most likely end up dead.

[Windigo]

I play my SHIV like a rabbit to the hounds... stirs up trouble and draws them into my killing zone

[Nefaro]

I could be incorrect here.. but most pairs of enemies I've seen don't move at all until you spot them.  Still.. I use tons of overwatch, just to be safe.

You are correct. But if you go charging off and run into them like a bull in a china shop you will most likely end up dead.

Yes, indeed.  Gotta stop from going too far when you spot a group of them, so that you don't accidentally activate a second group.  ;D

[Nefaro]

I play my SHIV like a rabbit to the hounds... stirs up trouble and draws them into my killing zone

How much does a new SHIV cost whenever you lose one in a mission?  Or does it cost repairs??  I dunno... I've not even studied one since I figure rookies were so cheap.

[eyebiter]

Snipers provide better cover fire once they have Squadsight, which allows them to engage targets in any ally's sight radius.

Have an Assault class with Lightning Reflexes move forward to scout, and spot targets for the rest of the team.

[SgtRock]

Don't research weapons (Beam, etc.) early on, other wise you will face harder enemies (discs, etc) sooner, instead research aliens & armor. Spend you funds wisely, Sats, Troop training, and don't forget to station fighters over seas. Research weapons only after you have a large group of experienced soldiers (16-18) and training to eliminate rookie replacements.

   

[Windigo]

I play my SHIV like a rabbit to the hounds... stirs up trouble and draws them into my killing zone

How much does a new SHIV cost whenever you lose one in a mission?  Or does it cost repairs??  I dunno... I've not even studied one since I figure rookies were so cheap.

will have to look .... having a hover SHIV means you can scout roof tops without exposing a live member