Mastering Strategic Scans in XCOM 2

Strategic scanning plays a pivotal role in XCOM 2’s geoscape management. It unlocks vital intel, resources, and mission opportunities that shape your campaign’s success. Without proper planning, players often face frustrating interruptions or miss valuable rewards.

This guide helps optimize scanning efficiency. Learn to balance exploration with base priorities while avoiding common pitfalls. Discover how soldiers benefit from well-timed scans and mission preparation.

Advanced tactics include integrating Battle Scanners and tracking Avatar Project progress. Every decision on the map impacts your resistance efforts. Let’s dive into techniques that turn scanning into a strategic advantage.

Understanding Scanning in XCOM 2

Effective geoscape management begins with mastering the scanning mechanics. Each action on the map influences your resistance’s growth, from uncovering Intel caches to recruiting skilled soldiers. Prioritizing the right area can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

What Does Scanning Computers Do?

Scans reveal hidden opportunities across the globe. Resources like Supplies and Intel appear frequently, while rare rewards include weapon upgrades or new recruits. Time spent scanning also advances the game’s timeline, triggering critical events.

Look for flashing icons—a sign of high-value targets. Guerrilla Ops offer tactical missions, while Supply Raids replenish your stockpiles. Retaliation Strikes demand immediate attention to protect allied regions.

Types of Scans Available

Not all scans are equal. Some focus on immediate gains, like Intel drops in a specific area. Others, like region contacts, unlock long-term strategic benefits. Balancing these choices ensures steady progress against the Alien threat.

UI indicators help prioritize scans. Timers show limited availability, while threat levels warn of impending attacks. Hidden mechanics, such as Dark Events, activate based on your scanning pace. Plan carefully to stay ahead.

How to Scan Computers in XCOM 2

Navigating the geoscape efficiently is crucial for gaining an edge in your campaign. Each area holds hidden rewards, from Intel caches to rare weapon upgrades. Prioritizing scans ensures your soldiers stay equipped for upcoming battles.

Initiating and Managing Scans

On PC, hover over a region and click to start scanning. Console players use the joystick to highlight zones and press the confirm button. The progress wheel shows time remaining, while flashing icons signal urgent opportunities.

Interruptions like Alien Activity or Retaliation Strikes pause scans. Weigh risks—abandoning a scan mid-progress forfeits partial rewards. Always check mission timers before committing.

UI Indicators and Tactical Tips

Battle Scanners cost 1 action point but preserve concealment. Use them to scout ahead before deploying soldiers. The geoscape’s color-coded alerts help prioritize high-value targets:

• Yellow: Limited-time rewards
• Red: Immediate threats
• Blue: Intel or resource drops

Balance scan duration with mission prep. A full turn spent scanning delays squad readiness, but skipping scans risks resource shortages.

Optimizing Your Scanning Strategy

Strategic decisions shape your resistance’s growth and survival. Every choice on the geoscape demands careful evaluation—whether chasing Intel or deploying soldiers to missions. The right balance keeps your base thriving while countering Alien threats.

Prioritizing Scans vs. Missions

Flashing icons are a sign of urgent rewards, but not all deserve immediate attention. Weigh these factors:

• Resource value: Intel caches vs. mission Supplies/XP.
• Time sensitivity: Guerrilla Ops expire in 3 days.
• Long-term gains: Region contacts prevent costly re-investments.

Ignoring missions risks losing allies. Skipping scans starves your base of upgrades. Assess each area’s potential before committing.

Managing Interruptions and Emergencies

Alien Activity often cuts scans short. Aborting mid-turn wastes partial rewards, but evacuation preserves soldiers. Follow this protocol:

• Prioritize Medical Bay recoveries over GTS training during crises.
• Triage Intel shortages by targeting high-yield zones first.
• Delay non-urgent scans if a Supply Raid appears.

Adaptability ensures your squad stays battle-ready. Plan for disruptions, and your strategy will thrive under pressure.

Advanced Tips for Efficient Scanning

Elevate your tactical edge with advanced scanning techniques in XCOM 2. Beyond basic resource gathering, these methods optimize your map control and squad effectiveness. Veterans leverage every turn to pressure the Alien threat while strengthening their resistance.

Using Battle Scanners for Recon

Battle Scanners cost 1 action point but provide critical intelligence. Throw them behind cover to reveal enemy positions without breaking concealment. This creates ambush opportunities for soldiers with squadsight weapons.

• Arc throws over obstacles expose hidden patrols
• Combine with sniper teams for long-range elimination
• Scout facility layouts before breaching doors

Timing Scans with Avatar Project Progress

Coordinate geoscape activities with the doom clock. When the counter reaches 75%, prioritize facility assaults. This creates breathing room for Black Market visits or Intel farming in liberated areas.

Psionic Operatives enhance late-game scanning. Their remote viewing ability pairs with scanner intel to pinpoint high-value targets. Always maintain one soldier trained in this specialty for endgame flexibility.

Conclusion

Mastering geoscape operations ensures your soldiers stay ahead of the Alien threat. Prioritize high-yield zones on the map while adapting strategies for different difficulty levels.

Balance urgent missions with resource gathering in key areas. Use Battle Scanners for tactical advantages, and never ignore critical path objectives. Every decision impacts your campaign’s success.

Stay flexible—adjust your approach based on mission timers and enemy activity. Implement these techniques to dominate the battlefield and secure victory.