Embarking on a mission in XCOM: Chimera Squad? You'll want to ensure your squad is well-equipped and upgraded to tackle the alien threats and Chimera abominations that lurk in the streets of City 31. This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading your squad members, focusing on their abilities, weapons, and armor.
Understanding the Upgrade System
Upgrading your squad members in XCOM: Chimera Squad is a twofold process. First, you'll need to research the necessary upgrades in the Research tab. Once researched, you can then apply these upgrades to your squad members using the Upgrade tab in their individual profiles.
Researching Upgrades
To access the Research tab, you'll need to have a certain amount of Influence and Science. Influence can be gained by completing cases and managing your relationship with City 31's factions, while Science is earned through research projects and successful missions. Here are some key upgrades to research:
- Advanced Grenades: Improves the damage and radius of your squad's grenades.
- Armor Upgrade: Increases the armor of your squad members, making them harder to take down.
- Improved Medkits: Enhances the healing and duration of your squad's medkits.
- Advanced Weapons: Unlocks more powerful weapons for your squad to use.
Upgrading Squad Members
Once you've researched the necessary upgrades, it's time to apply them to your squad members. Head to the Upgrade tab in their individual profiles to see what upgrades are available. Here's what you can upgrade:
Abilities
Each squad member has unique abilities that can be upgraded to provide additional benefits. For example, upgrading Hack allows your hacker to disable more enemy weapons, while upgrading Sprint increases your soldier's movement speed.
Weapons
Upgrading your squad members' weapons can significantly improve their lethality. Advanced weapons deal more damage and have better accuracy, making them invaluable in combat. Keep in mind that upgrading weapons requires a certain amount of Influence.
Armor
Upgrading your squad members' armor is crucial for their survival. Higher armor ratings mean your squad can take more hits before being incapacitated. You can also upgrade armor to provide additional benefits, such as increased movement speed or resistance to certain damage types.
Upgrading Your Base
In addition to upgrading your squad members, you can also upgrade your base to provide additional benefits. Head to the Base tab to see what upgrades are available. Some key upgrades include:
- Increased Workshops: Allows you to produce more items and equipment for your squad.
- Improved Barracks: Increases the number of squad members you can have and their maximum level.
- Advanced Research: Speeds up research projects and increases the amount of Science earned.
Maximizing Your Squad's Potential
To make the most of your squad's upgrades, consider the following tips:
- Focus on upgrading your squad members' abilities and weapons before their armor. This will provide the most significant boost to their combat effectiveness.
- Prioritize upgrades that synergize with your squad's playstyle. For example, if you prefer a stealthy approach, focus on upgrades that improve your squad's movement and concealment.
- Don't forget to upgrade your base. A well-upgraded base can significantly improve your squad's capabilities and provide additional resources.
Upgrading your squad members is an ongoing process in XCOM: Chimera Squad. By regularly researching and applying upgrades, you'll ensure your squad is always ready to face the challenges that City 31 throws at you. Good luck, Commander!