OpenTube

Can I beat XCOM 2 using only Rookies?!

The Drifter's Broadcast

97,579 views

Episode 31 of my XCOM challenge run series. My attempt at an XCOM 2 WOTC challenge run, using only Rookies in combat.

Become a Patron or YouTube Member for great perks, including early access to videos like this one:
Patreon: Patreon: thedriftersbroadcast
YouTube Membership: @thedriftersbroadcast

Watch these challenge runs in full on my second channel. The Drifter's Archives: @thedriftersarchives

Twitch: Twitch: thedriftersbroadcast

Download the XCOM 2 TDB Community Character Pool
Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SGBb...
Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zpEh...

XCOM 2 Challenge Run Playlist: Can I beat XCOM 2 WOTC using only SPARKs???

All music featured is listed in the end credits of the video.

Free sound effects from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com and https://mixkit.co/

Regular Mod List:
[WOTC] Configurable Posthumous Chosen Covert Action Risks
[WotC] Revival Protocol Fixes
[WOTC] New Promotion Screen by Default
Evac All - WotC
X2WOTCCommunityHighlander v1.24.0
Defense Matrix Sabotage Fix
[WOTC] Cost-Based Ability Colors
[WotC] Instant Loot
[WOTC] SPARK Repair Fix
Dont Unequip
[WOTC] Commander Avatar Restoration
Stop Wasting My Time - WotC
Reward Decks Refresher
[WotC] Mod Config Menu
Missing Packages Fix + Resource
[WotC] Gotcha Again
[WotC] Numeric Health Display
[WOTC] Detailed Soldier Lists
[WOTC] Less Overwatch Lock Ups!
[WOTC] Extended Personnel Info
Insider Knowledge Fix
(WOTC) Starting Soldiers
[WOTC] Alien Hunters Community Highlander v1.24.0
[WOTC] Faster Reload Animations
(WOTC) Zip Mode Combat Protocol Camera Fix
[WOTC] No Enemy Intro
Immersive Strategy Layer
Hush Little Chosen
Narrative Control
Missing Packages Fix - Parcels and Maps Edition

20 Comments

@blake7756 1 year ago

30 mins in
“I’m playing this very carefully and methodically as opposed to my usual”
“I’m really surprised how well these first missions have been going!”

drifter not being super aggressive pays off

@OtakuReborn 1 year ago

Honestly, the fact that the Rookie squad made it to the final chamber by itself is pretty impressive. Within the ruleset you applied, I don't know if there's much else you could have exploited with Rookies beyond waiting for covert ops to buff stats more. Maybe still having the frost bomb, bolt caster, or the serpent armor could have made a small difference around the sides, and as you said, just better RNG in general, but that may as well be the same as the enemy missing all of their shots and you landing all of yours.

@stevengull6703 1 year ago

I love how no matter how many runs its been, how many years its been, or how many clutch saves he makes, drifter will NEVER forget the grenadier run and NEVER forgive Niam Leeson for it.

@Maddog1977 1 year ago

Thanks for all the Xcom 2 love!!! I found your channel recently in my recommended section and was instantly drawn to watch your longform type videos.

@PuppyShooter 1 year ago

This game managed to sent me in a state of rage where I walked for miles just to blow off the steam without breaking any object in my house,and I wasn't even doing a challenge run like this one. Only rookies for the entire game is both brave and reckless in not so equal measures,and you good sir have my deepest respect for getting as far as you have regardless of the outcome. Also my sub is yours.

@ProphetOfSarge 1 year ago

My boy Sarge coming in for 1 suicide mission is such a Sarge thing to do, that’s my Storm 2

@brentramsten249 1 year ago

"i dont think ive ever allowed a specter to clone two people before"
i was confident in my first beta strike run... so much so that i started skulljacking right away. i then fought MULTIPLE pods of only spectres with conventional only weapons.
i had killed no less than 13 specters by the end of that fight, and each of my soldiers made it out with no more than 3 hp (out of a minimum of 8).
still cant believe i didnt lose any soldiers

@Josh10Force 1 year ago

The time has finally arrived, the run idea that should spark fear in the hearts of man. I will continue holding out hope for an eventual RPGO random class only run because there isn't enough rng in XCOM, having any control over what your soldiers are good at is obviously far too much control. For extra spice you can even make soldiers have varied stats as well, upping the random XCOM BS factor to truly staggering heights, a truly random run (well close enough).

@twinodoom 1 year ago

1:02:23 The Queen's ground smash attack uses an AoE that can sometimes hit from a floor above her if the target is close enough. It's separate from her primary melee attack and has a cooldown, so the roof is still the safest location from her.

@xtxownage 1 year ago

Ah, a true challenge. That blurb about recruitment reminds me of EW impossible ironman, where the cost of soldiers sets you so far back that you permanently get conventional locked. Unlike xcom 2 though, surviving long enough eventually brings the cost of equipment to pennies.

If there’s one thing I wish came back from oldcom, it’s probably the expendability of soldiers. RNG is hard to deal when just replacing soldiers in general is such a painful cost. No wonder people quit runs after losing one team.

@SuperCosmicSpaceMagnet 1 year ago

Thanks so much for the video! It's a wonderful story, not just of the horrible meatgrinder but also of your personal experiences and growth throughout. The vods were pretty painful to listen to at times, especially towards the end, and it's clear you weren't in a good headspace - it's wonderful that you still felt you could make a video and tell the story about it. Must've been very uncomfortable to edit. Well done for getting through it!

@tomaszgraczykowski3187 1 year ago (edited)

Honestly I think the success of the rookies here shows that defense-in-depth might be a more viable strategy in this game than you give it credit for. Mission timers not withstanding lol

@SirBinding 1 year ago

Do you need a therapist

@Skerkrov 1 year ago

12 Rookies and a dream what can go wrong? (So the meme finally became a reality i fell old...)

@bomric0017 1 year ago

It's been funny watching this channel forever and seeing Repeaters go from 'useless trash' to "all hail our savior!"

@kindatim 1 year ago

The madman done did it, holy shit

@365autorifle8 1 year ago

The full wipe starting from 1:56:46 is definitely one of those times in which knowing how to keep your cool and when to take a quick break, really helps. This is one of those games that really punishes you for not doin' either of the 2 above. Rip all those involved though. :(

@Alastair_Ulven 1 year ago (edited)

Hey early member viewing. Anyway lets see how this goes. Honestly the fact that it was just attrition that got you in the end really says something. It is also sorta poetic that the same thing happened to the skirmishers. Just running out of steam. GG Drifter. Also it is telling that you might have actually won if you didn't have to deal with all of the chosen.

@DarkCT 1 year ago (edited)

...honestly? I consider this an impressive run. you did such an amazing job throwing away one of the most key mechanics the game has. you did an amazing job. I would recommend the covert ops restriction be lifted if you try that again.

I definately understand the Xcom 2 break after this one, even though I love it when you make Xcom 2 stuff.