In XCOM 2, tactical choices often determine the outcome of each mission. Among the most versatile and impactful tools at a player’s disposal is the Grenade Launcher. Assigned to the Grenadier class, this device enhances explosive capabilities in a way that dramatically alters the battlefield. Whether you’re blowing up enemy cover, dealing area damage, or applying status effects, the Grenade Launcher plays a vital role in both offense and utility. Understanding how it functions, what upgrades exist, and how to use it effectively is essential for any commander looking to survive the alien threat.
Grenade Launcher Basics
What the Grenade Launcher Does
The Grenade Launcher is the default secondary weapon for the Grenadier class in XCOM 2. Unlike throwing a grenade by hand, using the launcher increases both the range and the blast radius. This allows your soldier to strike from a safe distance while hitting multiple enemies or destroying wide areas of cover. The launcher also supports all types of grenades frag, incendiary, flashbang, acid, and more making it adaptable to a variety of tactical needs.
Advantages Over Manual Grenade Throws
- Extended range lets you stay out of danger zones.
- Larger area of effect increases damage potential.
- Better line-of-sight targeting on enemies behind cover or elevation.
- Compatible with upgraded grenade types for status effects or armor shredding.
How to Acquire and Upgrade the Grenade Launcher
Basic Grenade Launcher
Once a soldier is promoted to Grenadier, they receive the basic Grenade Launcher automatically. This version is useful in early missions and allows use of one grenade per action. At this stage, it’s recommended to bring standard frag grenades or flashbangs to disable key targets such as Sectoids or Advent Captains.
Advanced Grenade Launcher
As your research progresses, the Proving Grounds unlock new tools, including the Advanced Grenade Launcher. This upgrade increases both the launch range and the explosion radius even further. It’s typically available after acquiring Magnetic Weapons and can be built using supplies and alloys.
Plasma Grenade Launcher (Grenade Launcher Mk.III)
The final version is unlocked in the late game once you’ve developed Plasma Weapons and the related Proving Grounds project. This launcher boosts range and radius to their maximum values, making it ideal for dealing with heavily armored enemies or clustered foes. Combining it with Plasma or Acid Grenades results in devastating area attacks capable of turning the tide of battle.
Synergy with Grenadier Class Abilities
Key Skills That Enhance Grenade Use
- Launch Grenade Allows the Grenade Launcher to be used. Granted automatically.
- Heavy Ordnance Grants a second use of the grenade equipped in the launcher slot.
- Volatile Mix Increases grenade damage by +2, making every explosion deadlier.
- Saturation Fire Targets all enemies in a cone, synergizing with environmental destruction caused by grenades.
When combined, these skills allow a Grenadier to not only weaken enemies before engagement but also alter terrain to favor the squad. Destroying cover, clearing obstructions, and dealing AoE damage can leave enemies exposed for sharpshooters or Rangers to finish them off.
Ammo and Item Loadout
The Grenade Launcher occupies a dedicated slot, leaving the Grenadier’s main weapon and utility item slots open. Players can choose to carry ammo types like Dragon Rounds for added burn effects or Talon Rounds for improved critical hits. However, focusing on maximizing grenade damage especially when paired with Volatile Mix and upgraded launchers often proves more effective.
Types of Grenades Compatible with the Launcher
Standard Frag Grenade
Basic explosive with decent damage and cover destruction. Great for early missions and against Advent troopers. Scales well when used with Advanced or Plasma Grenade Launchers.
Acid Grenade
Deals damage over time and shreds armor, ideal against robotic or heavily armored enemies like Sectopods. Particularly effective when launched into tightly grouped enemies.
Gas Grenade
Applies poison status over an area, ideal for controlling multiple targets or disabling enemies who rely on mobility. Less useful against mechanical units.
Incendiary Grenade
Burns all units in the blast radius, causing panic and denying area movement. Effective crowd-control tool, especially in enclosed spaces or narrow corridors.
EMP Grenade
Deals heavy damage to robotic units and disables mechanical systems. Excellent in missions featuring Sectopods, Andromedons, or MECs. EMP grenades can be game-changers when launched at the right time.
Flashbang Grenade
Applies disorientation to enemies, reducing aim and disabling abilities. While it does no damage, it is extremely useful for crowd control, especially in missions with psionic or mind-controlling enemies.
Combat Strategies Using the Grenade Launcher
Opening a Fight
Using a grenade to start a fight can remove enemy cover and trigger their movement, allowing your squad to take advantage of Overwatch or suppress exposed enemies. A well-placed grenade often creates opportunities that a standard attack cannot.
Dealing with Enemy Groups
When enemies are tightly grouped, such as in reinforcement drops or patrols, the Grenade Launcher is perfect for wiping out or weakening multiple targets. Acid or incendiary types are especially useful here, spreading chaos before your team engages directly.
Breaking Line of Sight
Grenades can be used to destroy walls or obstacles, granting new angles for snipers or allowing your squad to flank. The launcher makes this easier by hitting hard-to-reach structures from a distance.
Synergizing with Other Units
Coordinate with Sharpshooters or Rangers to finish off enemies exposed by grenade blasts. Grenade launchers don’t typically kill high-HP targets outright but serve to weaken or disrupt, allowing teammates to follow up.
Countering Cover-Reliant Enemies
Enemies like Advent Officers and Archons tend to take advantage of high cover. Grenade launchers nullify this advantage, forcing them into vulnerable positions or outright removing the terrain they hide behind.
Downsides and Considerations
Limited Ammo
Each grenade launcher only holds one grenade at a time, unless upgraded with the Heavy Ordnance ability. You’ll need to be strategic with their use and prioritize targets wisely.
Environmental Risk
While blowing up terrain is often helpful, it can backfire. Destroying cover near civilians or valuable mission items (like in VIP rescues) may hurt your objectives. Think carefully before launching in tight areas.
No Critical Hits
Grenades don’t crit, meaning they may underperform against single targets with high health. They should be used in tandem with focused attacks, not as the sole source of damage.
The Grenade Launcher in XCOM 2 is one of the most impactful tools for shaping the battlefield and controlling the flow of combat. From its ability to destroy cover and apply status effects to its synergy with powerful grenadier abilities, it offers strategic flexibility that can’t be overlooked. Whether you’re dealing with clustered enemies, armored threats, or need to control the map through terrain manipulation, mastering the use of the Grenade Launcher will give you a major tactical advantage. With proper upgrades, smart grenade choices, and coordinated team tactics, this weapon becomes a key component in your campaign to save Earth from the alien menace.