Bishop99999999 said:
Sigh...I've tried to get into X-COM twice now, and both times I'm just overwhelmed. I really want to like it, but does anyone have any good advice for just starting a new campaign?
There are a few basic steps in the start that is a good idea to follow. Research is very important, make sure you assign your scientists to a research project. Also consider hiring a few more from the start. Research is how you progress in the game, and should be your main priority.
In the early game your objective is to intercept any UFOs you spot with the fighter craft, and clear the landing/crash sites with the transport ship. You don't have much fancy gear in the early stages, but it's usually worthwhile to purchase and equip some normal grenades. Also get some stun rods, they are very handy for close-up fights.
Before you send your transport ship to a landing zone, make sure its loaded up with your squad members and that they are equipped properly with weapons, ammunition and grenades.
In the tactical battles keep the turn-based system in mind. When you end a turn try to make sure your team is positioned so they can support each other, don't have people wandering alone. A common mistake is to try to spend all movement points each turn, sometimes it's better to end a turn early. If a squad member has movement to spare he can use it to fire during the alien turn in case something pops up. When possible try to end the turn behind cover or have your men kneel, they are harder to hit that way.
The aliens are meant to be very tough, you may not be able to kill all aliens everytime. Sometimes it's better to kill a few aliens, grab their stuff and fly away. The stuff you loot can be researched and used later.
The battles are much harder during the night due to sighting mechanics. Try to time your landings so you fight during the day. If you need to fight during night time make sure all squad members carry flares, you can use those to light up a small part of the map.
