XCOM: Enemy Unknown classes and abilities guide

Heavy Class

Heavies are great for one main reason: rocket launchers. Not only do launchers have incredible range, they can blow away cover, have a large splash radius, and deal heavy, assured damage. Unfortunately, Heavies burn through ammo quickly and can’t move very far.

Heavy is the only class that can equip the LMG, too. Though not very accurate, this weapon deals high damage. We had one Heavy in our squad.

Squaddie Ability

Fire Rocket: Fire a rocket using an equipped launcher. This ability cannot be used after moving, no more than once per mission.

Corporal Abilities (choose one)

Bullet Swarm: Firing the primary weapon as the first action no longer ends the turn.
Holo-Targeting: Shootingat or suppressing enemies also confers +10 Aim to any allies’ attacks on those enemies.

Sergeant Abilities (choose one)

Shredder Rocket: Fire a rocket that causes all enemies hit to take +33% damage from all sources for the next 4 turns. The rocket’s blast is weaker than a standard rocket’s.
Suppression: Can fire a special shot that grants reaction fire at a single target. The target also suffers a -30 Aim penalty.

Lieutenant Abilities (choose one)

HEAT Ammo: Confers +100% damage against robotic enemies.
Rapid Reaction:Confers a second reaction shot, if on Overwatch and the first reaction shot is a hit.

Captain Abilities (choose one)

Grenadier: Allows 2 grenades in a single inventory slot.
Danger Zone: Increases area of effect on Suppression and all rocket attacks by 2 tiles.

Major Ability

Will to Survive: Reduces normal damage taken by 2 if in cover and not flanked.

Colonel Abilities (choose one)

Rocketeer: Allows 1 additional standard rocket to be fired per battle.
Mayhem: Confers additional damage based on weapon tech level to Suppression and all area-effect abilities.