Hey folks, as a strategy game enthusiast who's spent countless hours in the XCOM universe, I still vividly recall the buzz around War of the Chosen back in 2017. When those trailers started rolling out, showing off the new factions, I was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. Fast forward to 2025, and this expansion has only grown in my heart, especially with the Templars. Seriously, their reveal trailer had me hooked—I couldn't wait to dive into the chaos! 😄
Now, let's talk about the star of the show for me: the Templar faction. These rogue warriors are absolute beasts on the battlefield, wielding blades like extensions of their souls. I remember my first mission with a Templar; it felt like poetry in motion. They attack an enemy unit and zip straight to cover afterward—perfect for those high-risk assassinations. And oh, the thrill when they kill someone and gain focus! It builds up, making them stronger with each strike. In one intense playthrough, my Templar wiped out a whole squad of aliens solo, all thanks to accumulating focus and unleashing the 'Volt' ability. With enough focus, Volt doesn't just hit one target—it can chain to multiple foes, turning the tide in a flash. It's so satisfying to see them evolve from stealthy killers to unstoppable forces. 
Honestly, playing as a Templar in 2025 still gives me that adrenaline rush—it's like controlling a superhero in a warzone.
But War of the Chosen isn't just about the Templars; it brought three incredible factions to life, each with their own quirks and philosophies. The Reapers? Masters of stealth, slipping through shadows undetected, while the Skirmishers bring raw mobility with grappling hooks for quick escapes. As a player, I adored how each faction forced me to rethink my strategies—no more cookie-cutter approaches! Here's a quick rundown of their unique traits based on my experiences:
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Reapers: All about stealth and recon. They can stay hidden longer, making them ideal for scouting missions. I've lost count of how many times a Reaper saved my squad by spotting ambushes early.
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Skirmishers: Agile fighters with versatile attacks. Their ability to reposition mid-fight kept battles dynamic and unpredictable. 😊
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Templars: Focus-driven melee experts. Building up focus through kills adds a layer of strategy that's both challenging and rewarding.
Each faction introduced new hero class soldiers, too, which felt like adding legendary warriors to my team. And let's not forget the new environments and mission objectives—like those tense urban raids that had my heart pounding. Over the years since 2017, the game has evolved beautifully. By 2025, it's still a staple in my gaming rotation, with community mods and updates keeping it fresh. Personally, I've bonded with the Templars the most; their blend of aggression and finesse mirrors my own playstyle. But that's just me—every session feels personal and immersive.
Reflecting on it all, War of the Chosen transformed XCOM 2 from a great game to an unforgettable journey. The factions, especially the Templars, added so much depth that I find myself replaying missions just for the thrill. What about you? If you've battled aliens in this expansion, which faction truly resonated with your inner commander?