InXCOM 2, particularly with the popularLong War 2mod, the process of liberating a region is a major strategic objective that significantly impacts your control over the world map. Unlike the base game’s more linear approach to regional control, Long War 2 introduces a layered and complex system that requires several missions, proper resistance management, and tactical planning to successfully liberate a region from ADVENT control. Understanding how to initiate, advance, and complete a region liberation is essential for expanding your influence and gaining access to critical resources and bonuses.
Understanding Regional Control in Long War 2
Long War 2 changes how players interact with regions in XCOM 2. Each region on the geoscape can be infiltrated, occupied, and eventually liberated from ADVENT control. The goal of liberation is to drive out enemy forces and fully secure the area for the resistance movement, which grants access to more income, faster contact times with adjacent regions, and reduced infiltration difficulty for missions originating from that area.
Benefits of Liberating a Region
- Greatly increased monthly income from the liberated region
- Complete removal of ADVENT vigilance and strength in the area
- Access to unique resistance bonuses
- Strategic foothold for global operations and retaliation prevention
The liberation mechanic rewards patient, well-executed campaigns that build up resistance strength and reduce enemy control over time.
Initiating a Liberation Chain
Start with Resistance Management
To begin liberating a region, you must first have a resistance presence established. Send a soldier as an advisor to the haven and assign rebels to missions such as intel gathering. You’ll also need to manage vigilance and strength in the region two key values that determine how aggressively ADVENT responds to your actions.
Trigger the First Mission
The liberation chain always begins with aFind a Leadmission. This becomes available once you gather enough intel and conduct successful operations in the area. Completing this mission will unlock the rest of the liberation chain. Be ready to respond quickly and allocate infiltration resources as needed.
The Liberation Chain Explained
To fully liberate a region, you must complete a specific sequence of missions. Each one weakens ADVENT’s hold and brings you closer to full control.
Mission 1: Find a Lead
This mission provides the critical data to begin liberation. It’s usually a moderate-difficulty mission with a Recover Item or Extract VIP objective. Success will trigger the liberation chain and reveal the next step.
Mission 2: Jailbreak or Rescue
This mission involves rescuing resistance members or VIPs who can aid your cause. You’ll need to break into a secure facility and extract key personnel. Completing this mission increases your rebel pool and unlocks new intel sources within the region.
Mission 3: Destroy Relay or Supply Line
The next step is to weaken ADVENT’s infrastructure by destroying relays or ambushing supply convoys. This puts additional pressure on ADVENT forces and reduces their operational capabilities. Expect higher enemy vigilance and response times following this mission.
Mission 4: Liberation Mission Assault Regional HQ
This is the final mission in the liberation chain and the most challenging. You’ll be tasked with assaulting the ADVENT Regional HQ in that area. The enemy will deploy a large number of reinforcements and elite troops, including MECs and Mutons. This mission requires a well-trained squad and full infiltration to succeed.
Victory here marks the full liberation of the region, instantly removing ADVENT strength and unlocking full rewards from the region.
Managing Infiltration and Squad Composition
Infiltration Mechanics
Every liberation mission must be infiltrated before launching. The more time you allow for infiltration, the easier the mission becomes. Aim for 100% infiltration or higher to ensure manageable enemy forces. Use stealthy squads for intel missions and high-firepower squads for HQ assaults.
Squad Setup Recommendations
- Specialist: Essential for hacking and healing
- Shinobi: Great for scouting and stealth objectives
- Gunner or Grenadier: Provides crowd control for tough HQ missions
- Sharpshooter: Useful for overwatch and support on open maps
Make sure your squad is balanced and equipped with upgraded gear and well-developed abilities to survive prolonged missions.
Post-Liberation Strategy
Assign New Advisor
Once a region is liberated, assign a capable soldier as an advisor to manage resistance operations. Focus on recruiting new rebels and generating supplies or intel.
Monitor Nearby ADVENT Strength
ADVENT may redirect strength to neighboring regions once one is liberated. This can trigger new retaliation strikes or increase difficulty in future missions. Balance your expansion with caution and avoid triggering too much vigilance at once.
Expand Contact Network
Liberated regions reduce the intel cost for adjacent regions. Use this to your advantage by spreading resistance efforts strategically and unlocking new mission sites with lower resource expenditure.
Tips for Successful Region Liberation
- Don’t rush make sure your squads are leveled and equipped
- Use Haven advisors to optimize intel collection and resistance strength
- Avoid running simultaneous liberation campaigns unless your roster is deep
- Rotate soldiers to avoid fatigue and injuries during long operations
- Be patient and keep track of infiltration timers to maximize success rates
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
High ADVENT Strength
If the region has too much ADVENT strength, missions will be extremely difficult. Use operations like ambushes or troop column attacks to lower the strength before attempting the liberation chain.
Retaliation Events
During the liberation process, ADVENT may retaliate with base attacks or destroy haven missions. Keep squads on standby to respond and protect your investment in the region.
Intel Shortages
Liberation missions often require intel for deployment and infiltration. Make sure you have a steady income by assigning rebels to intel tasks and completing side missions like Recover Item or Hack Workstation.
Liberating a region inXCOM 2with the Long War 2 mod is a rewarding but demanding task that requires long-term planning, effective squad management, and tactical precision. By completing a series of linked missions and gradually weakening ADVENT’s presence, you can turn contested territories into vital assets for your resistance movement. With each liberated region, your influence grows, your income increases, and your global operations become smoother. Whether you’re aiming for full global control or just trying to carve out a strong foothold, mastering the liberation process is essential for long-term success in the war against ADVENT.