Getting Started with XCOM 2 Modding

XCOM 2 modding follows the standard Workshop + community-launcher pattern with one consequential decision early: vanilla XCOM 2 vs War of the Chosen. WotC is the modern modding target.

Step 1 — Confirm War of the Chosen

Most modern XCOM 2 mods require WotC. If you only own base XCOM 2, the modern mod catalogue is largely unavailable.

WotC is a paid expansion. Worth owning specifically for the modding.

Step 2 — Install Alternative Mod Launcher (AML)

Alternative Mod Launcher is the community launcher with better mod-list handling than vanilla.

Configure AML to point at your XCOM 2 install.

Step 3 — Subscribe via Workshop

XCOM 2 Workshop and WotC Workshop (separate) host mods.

Three popular first picks:

• Long War 2 (or Long War of the Chosen) — comprehensive overhaul. Substantial commitment.
• WotC Highlander — community framework many mods depend on.
• A Better X (e.g. A Better Barracks) — series of QoL mods rebalancing specific systems.

Subscribe; XCOM 2 downloads.

Step 4 — Configure mod set in AML

AML shows installed mods with toggles. Enable mods for your next campaign. Conflict detection flags issues before launch.

Step 5 — Start a new campaign

XCOM 2 saves embed mod state. Adding or removing mods mid-campaign corrupts saves.

Discipline: pick your mod list, start a fresh campaign, finish on that list.

Step 6 — Long War commitment

Long War 2 (or Long War of the Chosen) is a 100+ hour commitment. Not a small mod. If you install it, plan a multi-month playthrough.

Common gotchas

• WotC content missing. Mod requires WotC; you don't own it.
• Mod conflicts. AML's conflict detection flags these. Disable one of the conflicting pair.
• Save corruption mid-campaign. From mid-campaign mod changes. No clean recovery.
• Performance with many mods. Long War 2 especially is heavy. Lower graphics settings if needed.

XCOM 2 modding is mature and well-tooled. The community has been doing this for nearly a decade.