InXCOM 2, battlefield versatility can make the difference between survival and defeat. One of the most valuable ways to enhance your squad’s tactical flexibility is through the use ofExperimental Grenades. Developed in the Proving Ground, these grenades provide unique effects that go far beyond the standard frag or flashbang. With a well-stocked arsenal of specialized explosives, players can disrupt enemy tactics, apply debilitating status effects, and shape the flow of combat to their advantage. Learning how to craft and deploy these tools effectively is key for any commander seeking to dominate the alien threat.
Unlocking Experimental Grenades
Using the Proving Ground
To begin creating Experimental Grenades, you must first build theProving Groundfacility in your Avenger base. This room allows the research and production of various prototype technologies, including experimental armor, weapons, and grenades. After construction, assign an engineer to speed up the process and queue up a project called ‘Experimental Grenade.’
Randomized Results
Each Experimental Grenade project yields one random grenade type. Unlike weapons or armor that are sometimes fixed, you cannot directly choose which grenade you receive this adds an element of chance and replayability. However, all of them have distinct strategic uses and can be extremely powerful in the right scenarios.
Resource Requirements
Each grenade project typically costs:
- 35 Supplies
- 5 Alien Alloys
- 5 Elerium Crystals
The cost is relatively low compared to other Proving Ground projects, making grenades a cost-effective way to enhance your squad’s offensive and utility potential.
Types of Experimental Grenades
Gas Grenade
The Gas Grenade deals poison damage over time and can bypass armor. It is particularly effective against clustered enemies or large pods. Poisoned enemies suffer penalties to Aim and Mobility, weakening them while your squad remains at a safe distance.
- Deals initial damage on impact
- Applies poison over several turns
- Great for softening up heavily armored targets
EMP Bomb
The EMP Bomb is a non-lethal explosive that deals heavy damage to mechanical enemies. It also disables robotic units for a few turns, which is crucial against dangerous foes like Sectopods, Andromedons, or Turrets.
- Massive damage to robotic targets
- Applies stunned status to mechs
- No effect on organic enemies
Mimic Beacon (Grenade Slot Alternative)
While technically not a grenade, the Mimic Beacon often occupies the same role in a soldier’s utility slot. It deploys a decoy that draws enemy fire, saving your soldiers from lethal shots and buying time.
- Used to manipulate AI targeting
- Ideal in high-risk missions
- Works best when enemies are unaware of its low HP
Acid Grenade
The Acid Grenade is designed to destroy armor and deal ongoing acid damage. Like the Gas Grenade, it continues to affect enemies after the initial explosion. Its greatest utility is in stripping away armor before launching a major attack.
- Reduces enemy armor effectiveness
- Damages mechanical and organic units
- Ideal for preparing high-damage follow-up attacks
Incendiary Grenade
The Incendiary Grenade sets enemies ablaze, dealing fire damage over time and preventing them from using certain abilities. Fire also causes panic in weaker units and can block enemy routes through environmental hazards.
- Burns enemies across a wide area
- Effective crowd control
- Can damage terrain and destroy cover
Strategic Use of Experimental Grenades
Planning Squad Composition
When planning your squad for a mission, consider which Experimental Grenade suits the upcoming challenges. If you anticipate heavily armored enemies, bring an Acid or Gas Grenade. If facing mechanized units, EMP Bombs are the clear choice.
Synergy with Classes
- Grenadiers: The Demolition subclass benefits most from grenades, especially with the Heavy Ordnance ability which grants an extra use of grenade-type items.
- Specialists: Useful for deploying Mimic Beacons when paired with healing duties.
- Sharpshooters: Can stay back while grenade-equipped teammates disrupt the battlefield.
Disabling Enemies
Many Experimental Grenades offer disabling effects poison, fire, or stun that can stop enemies from using abilities, moving, or shooting. Use this to your advantage in turn-based planning, especially in missions where time is critical.
Environmental Destruction
Grenades like Acid and Incendiary can destroy cover, opening up enemies to gunfire. Use them strategically to remove defensive positions or collapse buildings, forcing foes out of hiding.
Tips for Crafting the Right Arsenal
Duplicate Crafting
Because results are random, you may need to craft Experimental Grenades multiple times to obtain all types. There’s no penalty for duplicates, but managing resources becomes important if you’re aiming for variety.
Balance Grenade Use
While grenades are powerful, relying on them too much can destroy lootable corpses and items. Use them when the tactical advantage outweighs potential salvage loss.
Upgrade with Grenade Launchers
Grenadiers can enhance grenade range and AoE size by equipping a Grenade Launcher. This allows Experimental Grenades to affect more enemies or hit targets from greater distances.
Late Game Considerations
Facing Alien Rulers
Against Alien Rulers like the Viper King or Berserker Queen, Experimental Grenades can be a game-changer. Stuns or burning can temporarily suppress their actions, giving you precious time to reposition and retaliate.
Legend Difficulty Utility
On harder difficulties, every tactical edge counts. Poisoning or stunning a difficult pod can save your run. Experimental Grenades become essential tools rather than luxury items.
InXCOM 2, survival often comes down to tactical adaptation, and Experimental Grenades offer some of the most dynamic tools for turning the tide of battle. Whether you’re burning enemies out of cover, disabling mechanized foes with EMPs, or weakening enemy armor with acid, the right grenade in the right moment can reshape an entire encounter. Smart commanders will invest in the Proving Ground early, stockpile these valuable tools, and learn to deploy them with precision. With the strategic use of Experimental Grenades, your XCOM squad will be better equipped to handle the escalating alien threat across any campaign.