XCOM 2: Metal Over Flesh dive into a gritty blend of human resilience and technological enhancement. This mod brings powerful mech suits to the soldiers’ interface, creating a tactical layer that reshapes gameplay. In a world where aliens have suppressed human freedom, these exo-armors offer a chance to stand toe-to-toe with high-grade enemy forces. Whether clad in heavy firepower or equipped with defensive shielding, players must rethink their strategies combining traditional soldier builds with armored might, and balancing mobility with protection. It’s a thrilling evolution that challenges both seasoned commanders and tactical newcomers.
What Is Metal Over Flesh
Metal Over Flesh is a popular mod for XCOM 2 designed to introduce mech suits heavy exo-armor units that soldiers can pilot into battle. Unlike standard soldier classes, these suits offer enhanced protection, new weapon systems, and unique abilities. The mod integrates seamlessly, preserving the game’s turn-based tactical depth while opening up new strategic dimensions. It has become a go-to for players seeking fresh challenges and a more futuristic feel.
Armor Types and Pilot Roles
Light Recon Mechs
Light mech suits focus on speed and agility. Pilots can move quickly across the battlefield, scout ahead, and support squads with short-range attacks. These units are less armored but excel at flanking or retrieving objectives.
Medium Support Mechs
Medium mechs strike a balance between offense and defense. Equipped with plasma-based weapons or support gadgets like healing drones, these suits provide versatile utility. They can pin down enemies or reinforce frontline troops.
Heavy Assault Mechs
The heavy-class mechs are true war machines slow but devastating. Armed with autocannons, rocket launchers, or Gaus systems, they can demolish enemy cover and survive heavy fire. Their battlefield presence often turns the tide of tough missions.
New Abilities and Systems
Metal Over Flesh adds unique mechanics beyond simple armor upgrades. Pilots gain access to powerful abilities that interact with soldier skills, opening tactical possibilities.
- Overdrive: Increases movement and action economy for a single turn.
- Fortify Plating: Temporarily boosts armor and damage resistance.
- EMP Burst: Disables nearby robotic units for several turns.
- Shield Matrix: Deploys a barrier that absorbs incoming damage.
These systems introduce fresh tactical choices. Should you charge aggressively or use EMP Burst to neutralize drones before pressing on? The answer depends on mission type and squad composition.
Integration with Soldier Progression
When soldiers pilot mech suits, their existing skills still matter. A sharpshooter in a light mech benefits from boosted aim, while a grenadier in a heavy mech packs even bigger boom with explosive shells. The mod effectively blends personal and technological progression.
Training and Loadouts
Pilots are selected through a training interface that allows commanders to assign mechs based on mission needs. Each suit can be customized with mods such as reactive plating, advanced sensors, or improved power cores. Tailoring both soldier and mech ensures optimal performance.
Gameplay Impact and Strategy
Metal Over Flesh reshapes how commanders tackle missions. Early reconnaissance, synched EMP disables, and mech-led pushes into enemy territory become core tactics. The presence of a heavy mech adds a layer of intimidation enemies break sooner, and squads can be more aggressive with cover suppression.
Choosing When to Deploy
Mech suits rely on core power, which depletes per mission. This creates a resource management layer deploy too early, and your mech might limp home; hold back too long, and you lose the edge. Balancing timed deployment with soldier survivability defines mission planning.
Synergy with Other Mods
Many players run Metal Over Flesh with other mods Rebalanced classes, new enemy types, and extended missions. The mech integration feels both thematic and mechanical, preserving balance while adding scale.
Visuals and Immersion
Mech models maintain XCOM 2’s visual style rugged, worn, and custom-painted per soldier. The HUD changes when inside the suit: power gauge, heat levels, and weapon cooldowns are displayed prominently. Cockpit animations and weapon effects add dramatic flair to each shot.
Potential Drawbacks
While mech suits are powerful, they don’t make the game trivial. Some drawbacks to consider:
- Pilots are vulnerable outside mech suits abandoning your mech is risky.
- Mechs consume rare Arkon armor resources for repairs.
- Power core depletion may force early extraction or overexposure.
- Without tactical restraint, mechs can draw overwhelming enemy focus.
Community Feedback
In forums and mod-hosting platforms, commanders praise Metal Over Flesh for adding late-game replayability. Some veterans report that their final campaign pushes became more dynamic and cinematic thanks to mech units. Others warn of early adoption, suggesting waiting until soldiers are fully trained.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing the mod is straightforward: add via Steam Workshop or copy to the XCOM 2 mods folder. Compatibility patches exist to help it work with Long War 2, Enhanced Soldier UI, or True Concealment. Be mindful of load order, as duplicate categories can cause conflicts.
XCOM 2: Metal Over Flesh adds a layer of mechanical muscle to tactical combat. Through mech suits, the mod expands player options delivering firepower, strategic depth, and a cinematic edge. Whether you pilot a recon mech to scout ahead or unleash punishment with heavy artillery, this mod reinvigorates campaigns and offers a compelling alternative to core gameplay. For commanders seeking a fresh challenge and impressive visuals without sacrificing balance, Metal Over Flesh is a standout addition to any XCOM 2 experience.