In XCOM: Long War, a comprehensive overhaul mod of the base game, every tactical decision carries deeper weight. Among the many abilities that reshape combat is Covering Fire, a perk that might seem subtle at first glance but proves invaluable in the hands of a skilled strategist. Covering Fire enhances overwatch capabilities, allowing soldiers to react preemptively to enemy actions beyond mere movement. As enemy AI grows more complex and the battlefield more punishing, understanding how to maximize this ability can spell the difference between mission success and a full squad wipe. This topic explores the role, mechanics, and strategic value of Covering Fire in the demanding environment of XCOM: Long War.
Understanding Covering Fire
Covering Fire modifies the behavior of overwatch. Typically, a soldier on overwatch only fires if an enemy moves within their line of sight. With Covering Fire, however, the soldier can also fire in response to enemies that attack, reload, or use certain abilities while visible during their turn. This seemingly small change has major implications in a mod like Long War, where enemy turns can involve dozens of actions, and mistakes are severely punished.
Key Characteristics
- Activates on overwatch during enemy non-movement actions
- Usable by soldiers who qualify for specific perk trees, such as Gunners or Engineers
- Pairs well with reaction shot-enhancing equipment and abilities
Because of its expanded trigger conditions, Covering Fire helps control enemy behavior and punishes them for initiating attacks rather than merely repositioning.
Which Classes Benefit Most
Engineers
Engineers in Long War benefit greatly from Covering Fire. Positioned behind full cover and armed with accurate rifles, they can serve as reliable overwatch sentries. When outfitted with battle scanners and support grenades, their tactical utility is further amplified. Covering Fire makes them excellent defensive anchors for slower-moving squads.
Gunners
Gunners bring suppression and area denial. When combined with Covering Fire, they punish any enemy that dares return fire or attempt abilities while being suppressed. Their high ammo capacity means they can hold overwatch longer without needing to reload frequently.
Infantry
Infantry units with high aim and the ability to enter overwatch multiple times per turn can create overlapping zones of control. With Covering Fire, they become deadly counter-attackers. These soldiers can deny enemy flanks and break momentum during critical alien pushes.
Tactical Value of Covering Fire
In Long War, enemies frequently rely on coordinated attacks. Without suppressive fire or effective overwatch, even strong positions can be overwhelmed. Covering Fire shifts the dynamic forcing enemies to weigh their options more carefully.
Controlling Enemy Actions
By punishing enemy abilities rather than just movements, Covering Fire introduces a psychological element. Enemies might hesitate to throw grenades or use mind control if they risk being shot mid-action. This creates breathing room for your squad.
Maximizing Zone Control
Strategic use of Covering Fire allows you to cover chokepoints, narrow corridors, or clustered cover zones. During defensive missions such as bomb defusals or abduction defenses, overlapping overwatch zones with Covering Fire can blunt alien aggression effectively.
Synergies and Combos
Reaction Enhancing Gear
- Laser Sights: Increase critical chance on reaction shots.
- Scopes: Boost aim, helping to land shots more often.
- Overwatch Perks: Perks like Opportunist further enhance Covering Fire’s efficiency by removing aim penalties during overwatch.
Combining these tools can turn an average soldier into a potent reactive defender. Stack abilities to suppress and return fire, and you’ll establish overlapping lines that make enemy approaches extremely risky.
Battlefield Positioning
Soldiers with Covering Fire thrive in mid-field or rear-line positions. Placing them on high ground or behind full cover increases their longevity and field of vision. This ensures more actions are in line of sight, maximizing the frequency of Covering Fire triggers.
Covering Fire vs. Sentinel
A common comparison in Long War builds is between Covering Fire and Sentinel. Sentinel grants a second reaction shot if ammo allows, but only activates on movement. Covering Fire provides a more versatile engagement range. The best choice often depends on your strategy:
- Sentinel: More powerful when expecting enemies to relocate frequently.
- Covering Fire: Superior when defending static positions or during set-piece alien turns.
In missions where you’re holding a site or funneling aliens through predictable entry points, Covering Fire becomes a force multiplier.
Enemy Counterplay and Limitations
Though strong, Covering Fire has limitations. It requires line of sight and won’t activate if the soldier is disoriented, suppressed, or otherwise disabled. Enemies may also attempt to bait overwatch shots using expendable units like drones.
Mitigating These Risks
- Place overwatch soldiers in cover protected by suppression or smoke grenades.
- Pair with Scout units to detect flanking enemies before overwatch lines are compromised.
- Use disabling tools like flashbangs or arc throwers to remove dangerous enemies before they can bait shots.
Best Mission Types for Covering Fire
Some mission scenarios benefit more from Covering Fire than others. Here are the top types:
- UFO Defense: Holding alien entrances with multiple overwatch zones punishes any attempts to breach.
- Exalt Missions: On covert extractions, overwatch with Covering Fire can prevent enemy hacks or sabotage.
- Terror Site Defense: Protecting civilians becomes easier when threats are punished mid-action.
In these situations, Covering Fire reduces mission length and improves survival chances by limiting enemy offensive opportunities.
Covering Fire in XCOM: Long War is a tactical gem that adds meaningful depth to overwatch gameplay. It turns otherwise passive actions into powerful counters and forces enemies to consider every move. When integrated properly, it can act as a cornerstone for any defensive formation, synergizing well with suppression, area denial, and reactive play. For any commander looking to control the flow of battle, reduce risk to high-value soldiers, and deliver punishing deterrents to enemy aggression, Covering Fire is more than a perk it’s a battlefield philosophy.