Sectoid
A returning alien threat from the first game.
Sectoids are an alien enemy type in XCOM 2. They are one of the enemies from the first game in the series that returned for the sequel. They are encountered during turn-based combat missions, where they serve as hostile units that the player's squad must eliminate.
- Affiliation
- ADVENT / The Elders
- Notable ability
- Psi abilities (Mindspin, Psi Reanimate)
Lore & Background
Sectoids are enemies that appeared in XCOM: Enemy Unknown and returned in XCOM 2. The source does not provide any further details about their appearance, abilities, or role within the alien hierarchy. It only confirms that they are among the enemies from the first game that Firaxis brought back for the sequel. No information is given about their design, behavior, or any special powers such as phasing.
In Their Own Story
During a mission, a Sectoid is spotted among the alien forces. The squad's Ranger moves into position, while the Sharpshooter takes aim from a rooftop. The Sectoid, like other enemies in the game, is subject to the concealment system: if the squad is concealed, the Sectoid will not detect them until they attack or move too close. Once combat begins, the Sectoid can take cover behind objects, reducing the chance of being hit, and can be flanked by XCOM soldiers.
Reader's Guide
Sectoids are alien enemies encountered in XCOM 2. They are one of the enemy types that returned from XCOM: Enemy Unknown. In combat, they behave like other hostile units: they can take cover, be flanked, and are subject to the fog of war. The player's squad can use the concealment system to ambush them, gaining combat bonuses. Sectoids can be eliminated through standard tactics such as shooting, using grenades to destroy their cover, or hacking mechanical units if applicable. The source does not specify any unique abilities or weaknesses for Sectoids.
Did You Know?
- Sectoids are one of the enemies from the first game in the series that returned in XCOM 2.
- The source confirms Sectoids appeared in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 reboot.
- Sectoids are encountered during turn-based combat missions in XCOM 2.
- The source does not describe any special abilities or appearance for Sectoids in XCOM 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sectoid in XCOM 2?
Sectoids are a pale, humanoid alien species that serve as standard infantry for The Adversary. They originally appeared in the first XCOM game and returned as a recurring enemy type in the sequel.
What is a Sectoid's signature ability?
Their defining trait is phasing, which allows them to move through walls and solid terrain that would stop a normal unit. This makes them particularly threatening in narrow corridors or when they reposition behind the player's squad.
What do Sectoids look like?
They have a smooth, pale humanoid build with disproportionately large eyes and no visible mouth or other facial features. Their featureless appearance is often cited by fans as one of the more unsettling designs in the Adversary roster.
Where do you encounter Sectoids in XCOM 2?
They appear as hostile units during turn-based combat missions throughout the campaign rather than as a single scripted boss. The player's squad must eliminate them as part of regular mission objectives.
How do Sectoids fit into the Adversary's enemy lineup?
They occupy the baseline infantry slot, filling a role analogous to the player's own soldiers. Unlike more specialized alien types, the Adversary deploys them in larger numbers as a dependable frontline presence.
More in Soldiers & Aliens
Related in XCOM
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the XCOM universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record