Xcom 2 Psi Operative

Among the many soldier classes inXCOM 2, the PSI Operative stands out as one of the most powerful and versatile units in the game. Unlike other classes that earn abilities by gaining combat experience, PSI Operatives unlock their potential through training in the Psi Lab. Their skills are fueled by Psionic energy, allowing them to manipulate the battlefield in ways that traditional weapons and abilities cannot match. With the right setup and strategic use, a well-developed PSI Operative can dramatically shift the tide of battle and become a core asset in your campaign.

How to Unlock the PSI Operative Class

Building the Psi Lab

The first step toward training PSI Operatives is constructing thePsi Labon the Avenger. This facility is not available at the start of the game, so you’ll need to progress a bit before it’s unlocked. Requirements include:

• Research Psionics: This becomes available after completing the Alien Biotech research and recovering an alien corpse or mind-related artifact like a Sectoid corpse.
• Build Psi Lab: Once Psionics research is complete, go to Engineering and assign a slot for the Psi Lab. It requires power, supplies, and an engineer to construct.

Once built, the Psi Lab enables you to begin training soldiers with high willpower as PSI Operatives. Note that rookies are required for training you cannot retrain existing specialized soldiers into PSI Operatives.

Training and Leveling Up a PSI Operative

Training Instead of Combat XP

PSI Operatives don’t gain abilities through missions like other classes. Instead, you select one of three available abilities for them to train while in the Psi Lab. Training takes a few in-game days per ability. The more abilities learned, the more powerful the Operative becomes.

Willpower and Training Speed

The speed at which a PSI Operative learns abilities is influenced by theirWillstat. Rookies with higher Will will train faster, making them better candidates. As such, it’s smart to scan for rookies with naturally high Will or use items and bonuses that improve this stat.

Training More Than One Operative

The Psi Lab can be upgraded with a second training station. This allows you to train a second PSI Operative simultaneously. Given the impact these soldiers can have, investing in multiple is a solid long-term strategy, especially on higher difficulties.

Core PSI Abilities Overview

Key Abilities for Battle Control

PSI Operatives inXCOM 2have access to a wide variety of powers. These are divided across three tiers, each with unique effects that can support allies or damage enemies. Here are some of the most notable:

• Stasis: Temporarily removes a target (enemy or ally) from combat. It can be used to neutralize threats or save a soldier from death.
• Inspire: Gives an ally another action point, allowing for strategic flexibility such as extra attacks or movement.
• Soulfire: Deals guaranteed damage to an enemy and ignores armor. It cannot miss and is very reliable for finishing low-health enemies.
• Void Rift: Damages all enemies in an area, with a chance of causing mental effects such as panic or mind control. Very useful for group control.
• Domination: Permanently mind-controls an enemy for the rest of the mission. It can swing difficult encounters dramatically in your favor.

Offensive and Defensive Utility

PSI Operatives aren’t limited to offense. Their abilities offer both direct damage and incredible battlefield control. You can lock down enemy elites, protect wounded allies, and grant crucial extra turns when needed. This makes them suitable for many roles in your squad from support to frontline combat control.

Best Strategies for Using PSI Operatives

Control the Strongest Threats

One of the best uses for PSI Operatives is shutting down dangerous enemies with abilities likeStasisorDomination. You can remove a MEC, Archon, or Muton from the fight for a turn, giving your squad time to reposition or eliminate other enemies. Domination is especially valuable against humanoid enemies, as it permanently turns them into an ally for the mission.

Pair with High-Damage Units

UseInspireon soldiers like Grenadiers or Sharpshooters to give them an extra shot or grenade. This ability can be used each turn once it’s off cooldown and allows for combo plays like attacking twice with a sniper or launching back-to-back explosives.

Utilize Cooldown Timing

Unlike ammo-based classes, PSI Operatives rely on cooldowns for their powers. Understanding and managing these cooldowns is key to maximizing effectiveness. Alternate between abilities each turn to ensure you always have something ready to cast.

Cover Weaknesses in Your Squad

PSI Operatives can compensate for squad gaps. If you lack a medic,Stasiscan buy time for a heal. If you don’t have strong AOE damage,Void Riftprovides an option. This makes them an excellent wildcard soldier to round out any team.

Recommended Ability Paths

Offensive Build

If you want to focus on damage and control, consider selecting these abilities:

• Null Lance
• Soulfire
• Void Rift
• Domination

This build allows you to deal heavy damage while also potentially mind-controlling an enemy each mission.

Support Build

For a more utility-based approach, focus on:

• Inspire
• Stasis
• Fortress
• Solace

These abilities help your team survive longer and act more flexibly in combat, especially on tougher missions with multiple pods.

PSI Operative Equipment

W.A.R. Suit and Heavy Weapons

Although PSI Operatives don’t rely on guns, they can still benefit from armor with utility slots. Giving them aW.A.R. Suitprovides bonus HP and a heavy weapon like a rocket launcher, adding flexibility. Since they’re not using primary weapons as much, equipping survivability gear makes sense.

PCS and Utility Items

When assigning aPersonal Combat Sim (PCS)to a PSI Operative, prioritize Will or HP. Boosting Will increases resistance to mind attacks and reduces training time. For utility items, consider Mind Shields for added protection or Medkits for backup healing in emergencies.

Pros and Cons of PSI Operatives

Advantages

• Incredible battlefield control
• Abilities cannot miss or be dodged
• Can neutralize high-threat enemies instantly
• Flexible training path allows for customized roles

Disadvantages

• Long training time; must plan in advance
• Cannot gain combat XP like other soldiers
• Vulnerable to psionic enemies without Mind Shield
• Resource-heavy to train and equip

The PSI Operative inXCOM 2is a late-game powerhouse that, when used effectively, can neutralize even the most dangerous threats with ease. Although they require upfront investment and time in the Psi Lab, their suite of versatile, high-impact abilities makes them invaluable for high-difficulty campaigns. Whether you need battlefield support, raw power, or strategic control, training one or more PSI Operatives is one of the smartest decisions you can make in a successful XCOM squad. Build your lab, choose your rookies wisely, and unlock the full potential of psionic warfare to dominate the alien threat.