Equipping armor in XCOM 2 is a vital step in preparing your soldiers for the challenges of the battlefield. With alien threats growing stronger and missions becoming increasingly complex, understanding how to upgrade and equip armor properly can be the difference between victory and squad wipe. The process might not be immediately intuitive for new players, especially when juggling research, engineering, and soldier loadouts. To get the most out of your combat units, it’s important to know how armor works, what types are available, and how to access and equip them effectively within the Avenger’s interface.
Accessing the Armory
How to Enter the Loadout Screen
The first step to equipping armor is accessing the Armory from the Avenger. Once there, you can view your roster of available soldiers. Select the soldier you wish to outfit, and then click on the Loadout button. This will bring up the screen where you can modify their primary weapon, secondary weapon, armor, utility items, and specialized gear.
- Go to the Avenger main screen.
- Select Armory from the top options.
- Click View Soldiers.
- Choose a soldier and hit Loadout.
Inside this loadout interface, you’ll be able to assign available armor types, but only if you’ve already researched and built them in the Engineering Bay.
Researching and Unlocking Armor
Armor Research Tree
Before new armor can be equipped, it must first be unlocked through research. This is done via the Research Lab. Early in the game, you’ll need to research Plated Armor to access mid-tier armor, and later Powered Armor for end-game protection. Armor research usually appears after recovering alien corpses or advanced materials from the field.
- Plated Armor– Unlocks Predator Armor and EXO Suit.
- Powered Armor– Unlocks Warden Armor and W.A.R. Suit.
Make sure you prioritize these tech paths if you want better survivability for your units. Each armor upgrade not only boosts HP but often allows for additional utility slots or integrated weapons like rocket launchers.
Building Armor in Engineering
Manufacturing Process
After research is complete, you need to head to the Engineering Bay to actually build the armor. Just because you’ve researched it doesn’t mean it’s automatically available. Armor types require supplies and sometimes alien materials, so make sure you have enough resources on hand.
- Access Engineering from the Avenger.
- Select Build Items.
- Navigate to the Armor tab.
- Choose the desired armor and click Build.
Some armor sets are squad-wide, meaning they automatically apply to all soldiers once crafted. Others, like specialized suits, must be built individually and assigned manually. Double-check the description to know which type you’re dealing with.
Types of Armor You Can Equip
Standard Kevlar Armor
All soldiers start with basic Kevlar Armor. It provides minimal protection and no additional perks. As your campaign progresses, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible with more effective gear.
Predator Armor
This is the first major upgrade available. It provides a significant HP boost and adds a second utility slot. Ideal for mid-game missions and great for carrying extra grenades, medkits, or support gear.
EXO Suit
EXO Suits provide decent armor and come equipped with a built-in rocket launcher. They occupy the armor slot, so they’re best used for offensive specialists or grenadiers who can take advantage of the added firepower.
Spider Suit
The Spider Suit offers mobility over defense, giving soldiers the ability to grapple onto ledges and rooftops. Best suited for snipers or scouts who need positioning rather than heavy protection.
Warden Armor
This is the late-game general-use armor. Warden Armor gives a strong HP boost and supports additional utility slots. It serves as the default armor for elite squads in high-risk missions.
W.A.R. Suit
A powered upgrade of the EXO Suit, the W.A.R. Suit includes a heavy weapon mount and superior armor stats. It’s perfect for frontline soldiers like Rangers or Grenadiers who frequently take the brunt of enemy fire.
How to Equip Armor on a Soldier
Step-by-Step Guide
Once the armor is built, go back to the Armory, select your soldier, and access their Loadout. If you’ve built a suit that requires manual assignment, it will now appear in the armor selection menu.
- Open Armory â View Soldiers â Loadout.
- Click on the armor slot near the center of the screen.
- Choose from available armor options in the list.
- Click to equip.
The new armor will immediately be visible on your soldier and will apply all the benefits associated with it, including HP boosts, utility slots, or integrated weapons.
Strategic Considerations
Choosing Armor Based on Role
Not all armor suits are ideal for every soldier. For example, snipers benefit more from Spider Suits due to mobility, while grenadiers are more effective in EXO or W.A.R. Suits because of their built-in heavy weapons. Tailor armor based on soldier class and mission type.
- Sharpshooter: Spider Suit for mobility and positioning.
- Grenadier: EXO/W.A.R. Suit for explosive damage.
- Ranger: Predator or Warden Armor for balanced durability.
- Specialist: Warden Armor with utility slot for medkits.
Armor and Customization
Equipped armor also affects cosmetic customization. Some suits have unique appearances that reflect technological advancement. You can still apply color schemes and patterns, which helps identify soldier roles quickly on the battlefield.
Common Issues and Fixes
Why Can’t I Equip New Armor?
If your armor doesn’t appear in the Loadout screen, check the following:
- Has the armor been researched?
- Did you build it in Engineering?
- Is it a single-use suit or squad-wide armor?
- Are you attempting to equip it on a soldier class that can’t wear it?
Some armor suits are restricted to certain classes or may already be in use by another soldier. Make sure to manage your inventory and keep track of suit availability.
Equipping armor in XCOM 2 isn’t just about adding defense it’s about enhancing your team’s overall performance, survivability, and tactical options. With the right armor choices, your squad can take on greater risks, survive unexpected encounters, and ultimately complete missions with fewer casualties. Always plan ahead, invest in key research paths, and tailor armor selection to match your soldiers’ strengths. Mastering the armor system is a key step toward turning the tide against the alien threat and ensuring your place in humanity’s resistance.