
In *XCOM 2*, magnetic weapons represent a significant technological advancement, offering players a unique and powerful tool in the fight against the alien threat. These weapons utilize magnetic fields to launch projectiles with devastating force, often ignoring traditional armor defenses. To effectively use magnetic weapons, players must first research and unlock the necessary technology in the Engineering and Research labs. Once available, these weapons can be equipped to soldiers specializing in heavy or technical roles, such as Rangers or Specialists. Magnetic weapons excel in dealing high damage at close to medium range, making them ideal for aggressive tactics and flanking maneuvers. However, their effectiveness diminishes at long distances, so strategic positioning and squad coordination are crucial. Additionally, managing ammunition and considering the weapon’s unique abilities, such as shredding armor or stunning enemies, can maximize their impact on the battlefield. Mastering magnetic weapons requires a blend of tactical planning, resource management, and an understanding of their strengths and limitations, ultimately enhancing the player’s ability to turn the tide against the alien occupation.
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What You'll Learn
- Magnetic Weapons Overview: Understand magnetic weapons' unique abilities, damage types, and strategic advantages in XCOM 2
- Weapon Upgrades: Learn how to enhance magnetic weapons via the Black Market and Engineering
- Tactical Deployment: Optimize magnetic weapons for specific missions, enemy types, and squad compositions
- Ammo Management: Master magnetic weapons' ammo mechanics and avoid running out mid-battle
- Synergy with Abilities: Pair magnetic weapons with soldier abilities for maximum combat effectiveness

Magnetic Weapons Overview: Understand magnetic weapons' unique abilities, damage types, and strategic advantages in XCOM 2
Magnetic weapons in XCOM 2 are a game-changer for commanders looking to maximize damage and control the battlefield. Unlike conventional firearms, these weapons deal magnetic damage, which ignores armor and shields entirely. This makes them devastating against heavily armored enemies like Sectopods or Advent MECs, whose defenses render traditional weapons less effective. Pairing a magnetic weapon with a soldier specializing in high aim and critical hit chances can turn the tide of even the most desperate battles.
The unique abilities of magnetic weapons extend beyond raw damage. Many come equipped with built-in effects like "Shredder," which reduces the target's armor by a significant amount. This synergizes perfectly with follow-up attacks from other squad members, allowing you to systematically dismantle even the toughest foes. Additionally, some magnetic weapons have area-of-effect capabilities, making them ideal for crowd control against weaker enemies or for flushing out concealed adversaries.
Strategically, magnetic weapons excel in scenarios where armor and shields dominate the enemy composition. They’re particularly effective in late-game missions, where alien technology and Advent reinforcements are at their peak. However, their limited ammo capacity requires careful management. Commanders should prioritize high-value targets and conserve shots for critical moments. Pairing magnetic weapons with abilities like "Reload" or "Shadowstrike" can mitigate this limitation, ensuring your soldiers remain lethal throughout the mission.
One practical tip is to equip your sharpshooters or rangers with magnetic weapons, as their high aim and mobility allow them to engage priority targets efficiently. For example, a sharpshooter with a "Gauss Rifle" can reliably take down a Sectopod in a few well-placed shots, especially when combined with abilities like "Deadeye." Conversely, avoid using magnetic weapons against enemies with low armor or health, as their specialized damage type is overkill and wastes valuable ammo.
In conclusion, magnetic weapons are not just another tool in your arsenal—they’re a strategic asset that demands thoughtful deployment. By understanding their unique damage type, built-in abilities, and situational strengths, commanders can leverage them to dominate even the most challenging encounters in XCOM 2. Master their use, and you’ll find yourself turning the tables on the alien threat with precision and power.
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Weapon Upgrades: Learn how to enhance magnetic weapons via the Black Market and Engineering
Magnetic weapons in *XCOM 2* are a game-changer, offering versatility and power that can turn the tide of battle. However, their true potential lies in upgrades, which can be accessed through the Black Market and Engineering. These enhancements not only amplify damage but also add unique abilities, making magnetic weapons indispensable in your arsenal. Here’s how to maximize their effectiveness.
The Black Market is your first stop for upgrading magnetic weapons. By trading resources like Elerium Dust and Alien Alloys, you can unlock advanced weapon mods. For instance, the Magnetic Field Disruptor increases damage against robotic enemies, while the Shredder Round improves armor penetration. Prioritize mods that align with your tactical needs—if you frequently face MECs or Sectopods, focus on anti-robot enhancements. Keep an eye on the Black Market’s rotating inventory, as rare mods like the Magnetic Pulse Generator can temporarily disable enemy shields, providing a critical edge in combat.
Once you’ve acquired mods, Engineering takes over to integrate them into your weapons. Upgrading requires a combination of resources and time, so plan ahead. For example, enhancing a Magnetic Rifle to Mk2 status demands 20 Elerium Cores and 48 hours of research. However, the payoff is significant: increased damage, range, and critical hit chance. Pair these upgrades with soldier abilities like Ranger’s Banish for maximum synergy. Remember, each upgrade tier unlocks new mod slots, allowing you to stack abilities and customize weapons for specific missions.
While upgrading magnetic weapons is powerful, it’s not without risks. Over-reliance on a single weapon type can leave you vulnerable if resources run low. Diversify your arsenal by investing in conventional and beam weapons as backups. Additionally, balance resource allocation—upgrading every magnetic weapon early can deplete your supplies, hindering other critical projects like facility expansions or soldier training. A strategic approach ensures you reap the benefits without compromising your campaign’s overall progress.
In conclusion, enhancing magnetic weapons through the Black Market and Engineering is a high-reward strategy in *XCOM 2*. By carefully selecting mods, managing resources, and timing upgrades, you can create a dominant force on the battlefield. Master this process, and your squad will be equipped to handle any threat the Advent or aliens throw their way.
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Tactical Deployment: Optimize magnetic weapons for specific missions, enemy types, and squad compositions
Magnetic weapons in *XCOM 2* are a game-changer, but their effectiveness hinges on strategic deployment tailored to mission parameters. Unlike conventional firearms, magnetic weapons excel in specific scenarios, such as neutralizing robotic enemies or exploiting environmental hazards. To maximize their potential, consider the mission type: are you infiltrating a heavily fortified ADVENT facility, or engaging in a guerrilla ambush in the wilderness? Each scenario demands a unique approach to weapon selection and squad composition.
For instance, when facing mechanized foes like ADVENT MECs or Sectopods, magnetic weapons become indispensable. The Shredstorm Cannon, with its area-of-effect damage, can cripple multiple robotic targets in one shot, while the Gauss Rifle’s precision makes it ideal for targeting weak points. Pair these weapons with soldiers specializing in high aim and mobility, such as Sharpshooters or Rangers, to ensure accurate and efficient takedowns. Conversely, against organic enemies like ADVENT Troopers, magnetic weapons may be less effective, so reserve them for high-priority robotic threats.
Squad composition plays a critical role in optimizing magnetic weapons. A Grenadier equipped with a Grenade Launcher can create magnetic fields using the Magnetic Pulse ability, enhancing the damage output of magnetic weapons by pulling enemies into clusters. Combine this with a Specialist’s Combat Protocol to boost squad health and a Psi Operative’s mind control abilities to neutralize key threats. This synergy ensures that magnetic weapons are deployed in situations where their strengths are amplified, rather than wasted on suboptimal targets.
Environmental factors further refine the tactical use of magnetic weapons. Missions with elevated platforms or hazardous terrain, such as water or explosive barrels, provide opportunities to exploit magnetic weapons’ ability to pull enemies into harmful areas. For example, using a Mag Throw charge to drag a MEC unit into a pool of water not only deals magnetic damage but also inflicts additional shock damage. Always scout the battlefield for such opportunities and plan your squad’s positioning to capitalize on them.
Finally, consider the mission’s objectives and time constraints. If the goal is to extract a VIP or secure a timer-based objective, prioritize magnetic weapons for quick, high-damage strikes against robotic defenders. However, if the mission requires stealth or minimal collateral damage, magnetic weapons’ loud, explosive nature may be a liability. Balance their raw power with the need for subtlety, and adjust your strategy accordingly. By aligning magnetic weapons with mission specifics, enemy types, and squad roles, you transform them from mere tools into decisive tactical assets.
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Ammo Management: Master magnetic weapons' ammo mechanics and avoid running out mid-battle
Magnetic weapons in *XCOM 2* redefine ammo management by introducing a unique mechanic: they consume magnetic weapons ammo, a shared resource across all equipped magnetic weapons. Unlike traditional weapons with individual ammo counts, this system demands strategic planning to avoid depletion mid-mission. Understanding how this mechanic works is the first step to mastering these powerful tools.
Consider the following scenario: your squad’s Sharpshooter, equipped with a Gauss Rifle, expends half their magnetic ammo in the first two turns. Meanwhile, your Grenadier, armed with a Mag-Thrower, hasn’t fired yet. The shared pool means the Grenadier’s ammo reserve is now halved, potentially limiting their ability to deploy high-damage abilities later. This interdependence highlights the need for coordinated ammo usage across your squad. Prioritize targets and plan shots to maximize damage while conserving ammo, especially in prolonged missions.
A practical strategy is to monitor ammo levels after every engagement. If a soldier is about to deplete the shared pool, consider switching to a conventional weapon or repositioning to avoid unnecessary shots. For example, if a Ranger with a Gauss Rifle has one shot left, hold fire unless the target is high-priority. Alternatively, equip soldiers with a mix of magnetic and non-magnetic weapons to provide flexibility. This hybrid approach ensures you’re not entirely reliant on a single ammo type, reducing the risk of running dry.
Critically, magnetic weapons excel in specific situations, such as against robotic enemies or when precision is required. Leverage their strengths while minimizing overuse. For instance, use the Mag-Thrower’s fragmentation ability to clear groups of Advent troops, but avoid spamming it in open areas where conventional grenades suffice. By treating magnetic ammo as a finite, high-value resource, you’ll maintain firepower throughout the mission without compromising your squad’s effectiveness.
Finally, mission preparation is key. Before deployment, assess the likely enemy composition and terrain. If robotic units or heavy armor are expected, allocate magnetic weapons strategically and bring additional ammo supplies if possible. Conversely, if the mission favors close-quarters combat, prioritize conventional weapons to preserve magnetic ammo for critical moments. This proactive approach ensures you’re always one step ahead, turning ammo management from a liability into a tactical advantage.
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Synergy with Abilities: Pair magnetic weapons with soldier abilities for maximum combat effectiveness
Magnetic weapons in *XCOM 2* excel at disrupting enemy positioning, but their true potential lies in synergy with soldier abilities. Consider the Grenadier’s Banish ability, which deals damage and pushes targets back. Pairing this with a magnetic weapon’s Disabling Strike (a perk that reduces enemy aim and mobility) creates a devastating combo. The initial magnetic weapon shot weakens the target, making them more vulnerable to the Grenadier’s follow-up Banish. This not only maximizes damage but also neutralizes threats by isolating or exposing them to further attacks.
For a more tactical approach, combine magnetic weapons with the Ranger’s Blade Storm. A well-placed magnetic shot can pull an enemy into melee range, setting up an immediate Blade Storm execution. This is particularly effective against isolated or flanked targets, as the magnetic pull negates their ability to retreat. Ensure the Ranger has the Close & Personal perk to boost their melee damage, turning this combo into a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can cripple even heavily armored foes.
Support classes like the Specialist can amplify magnetic weapons’ utility through Combat Protocol. Activating this ability grants a squadmate an extra action, allowing them to follow up a magnetic weapon’s pull with a precise shot or ability. For instance, a Sharpshooter with Kill Zone can exploit the repositioned enemy, ensuring they’re caught in a deadly crossfire. This synergy turns magnetic weapons into force multipliers, enhancing the team’s overall efficiency.
Finally, don’t overlook the Psi Operative’s Soul Spark when paired with magnetic weapons. Pulling an enemy into a vulnerable position with a magnetic shot sets up a perfect Soul Spark execution, dealing massive damage and potentially mind-controlling the target. This combo requires careful positioning but can turn the tide of battle by eliminating a key enemy or gaining a temporary ally. Always prioritize targets with high health or abilities for maximum impact.
By strategically pairing magnetic weapons with soldier abilities, you transform them from mere tools into linchpins of your combat strategy. Each class brings unique strengths to the table, and leveraging these synergies ensures magnetic weapons contribute to both offensive and tactical objectives. Experiment with these combinations to discover how they can elevate your squad’s performance in even the most challenging missions.
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Frequently asked questions
Magnetic weapons in XCOM 2 are a type of advanced weaponry that uses magnetic fields to propel projectiles, offering higher damage and unique abilities. Unlike conventional weapons, they often have special effects like shredding armor or dealing additional damage to robotic enemies, making them highly effective against specific targets.
Magnetic weapons are typically unlocked through research in the Proving Ground. You’ll need to progress through the tech tree, complete specific research projects, and gather the required resources like Elerium and Magnetic Weapons parts to unlock and manufacture them.
Classes like the Sharpshooter and Ranger benefit significantly from magnetic weapons due to their high damage output and versatility. Sharpshooters can use magnetic rifles for long-range precision, while Rangers can utilize magnetic shotguns or blades for close-quarters combat.
While magnetic weapons are powerful, their effectiveness varies by enemy type. They excel against robotic or armored enemies due to their armor-shredding capabilities but may be less effective against certain alien species with adaptive shields or biological defenses. Always consider the enemy composition before equipping them.

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