Here is a list of some 3rd party software that can be used to manipulate UFO:Enemy Unknown (some also work on TFTD).
- 1X-COM Specific
- 2Useful Generic File Editors
Here is a tested list for XCOM 2 console commands. I found some of these commands myself and others have been gathered from all over the net. I also created an online tool to class change and buff your Soldiers, to facilitate the process. These commands are all tested and do work on my game. All you need to do to activate the console is to start the game with “-allowconsole”. XCOM ToolBoks. A collection of mods made by bokauk. Current version is 1.6.4 Beta and all features can be activated separately Features: Save Editor; Increase Squad Size; Perk Tree Builder; Display Soldiers' XP; Configurable Ability Hot-Keys; Configurable Camera - Free rotation, Max/Min zoom etc. So you can if you want start the game with as many XCom Ability Points as you want or change how much the Abilities of each rank cost. The file is 'DefaultGameData.ini' in the folder '. XCOM 2 XCom2-WarOfTheChosen XComGame Config'. The necessary lines start at 547 and 1170 and may change with future updates. XCOM ToolBoks. A collection of mods made by bokauk. Current version is 1.6.4 Beta and all features can be activated separately Features: Save Editor; Increase Squad Size; Perk Tree Builder; Display Soldiers' XP; Configurable Ability Hot-Keys; Configurable Camera - Free rotation, Max/Min zoom etc. XCOM ToolBoks. A collection of mods made by bokauk. Current version is 1.6.4 Beta and all features can be activated separately Features: Save Editor; Increase Squad Size; Perk Tree Builder; Display Soldiers' XP; Configurable Ability Hot-Keys; Configurable Camera - Free rotation, Max/Min zoom etc.
Popular Tools
- XcomUtil, originally by Scott Jones and now being updated by BladeFireLight, can perform many useful fixes and changes to both EU and TFTD. It can also create hybrid games that mix the terrain from both games. Most changes are relatively easy using the XcuSetup.bat script. Others are harder and require you to edit text configuration files. The interface is currently being updated to a new, much improved version, making this easier to use and reliable, as well as powerful. It works with Steam distributions and DOSBox.
- UFO Extender for the Windows Gold (CE) edition of the game, fixes numerous bugs and provides a large number of useful gameplay enhancements. It also includes options to play alternate scenarios and rules for making the game harder (or easier). It works with the Steam distribution, which does include the Windows version. (Developed by Seb76 and currently being updated by Tycho)
- TFTD Extender for the Windows edition of Terror From the Deep. It provides a many of the same enhancements as UFO Extender, while correcting many of the problems and offering new options for gameplay specific to this game. (Developed by Tycho from Seb76's UFOloader)
- Bomb Bloke has a handy collection of tools on this site, for doing all sorts of customising. The Battlescape Editor is an excellent visual editor for adding, removing and changing units and items on a particular saved game, including changing the stats of weapons and other items. Also includes tools for modding uniforms, graphics/artwork, and other useful goodies.
- Combo Patch is a patch that combines the efforts of various StrategyCore members to fix a number of problems dealing with the TERRAIN, MAPS and ROUTES game resources all wrapped up into one package.
- OpenXcom is an open source clone/reverse engineered engine for UFO (TFTD support is in beta). Like the CE version, it completely bypasses the need for DOSBox by providing a native executable. Unlike the CE version though, it also provides support for Mac and Linux systems in addition to fixing all the bugs and limitations of the original game. OpenXcom has it's own mod site for mods specific to it available here.
- XCOMHack and other tools by Chris Voss (Hatfarm). XComHack is a VB program that can edit soldiers, bases, craft, diplomacy and global factors such as money. Pretty much everything that ClarkWehyr can do and easy to use. It is a Visual Basic Forms application and the source code is available to extend. This is probably the easiest to use saved game editor, as it uses a standard GUI familiar to most people. The TFTD version does not have as many features as the UFO version. There are also some more powerful utilities available here to edit & patch the UFO executable - UFO Mod and Patch Maker.
- ClarkWehr editor. This is an old soldier and base editor for XCOM and TFTD. Reportedly has some bugs. It has a GUI but it is character-mode DOS type of GUI. Also has command line switches so you can run it in batch mode. Lots of features including a Soldier Exporter (to spreadsheet).
- SDump XcomUtil also includes a utility called SDump. This is a hex dumper / patcher that is configured for XCom. Very technical and old skool but very powerful. Use with care and read the manual first. Probably only usable by old skool programmers. For many patches (eg craft, tank, weapon and alien stats) it will be easier just to modify the xcomutil.cfg file.
- There's at least one editor that allows you to change the weapons: XComEd.
You can find many more X-COM game editors, cheats and mods over at StrategyCore's Files Section.
Obscure (Not listed at StrategyCore) tools
- UE(Link Broken!) Matt Mullen's UE editor, just for editing bases and money. A very simple DOS character mode 'GUI'. This also comes with source code and is written (nicely) in C. Nice.
- UFO Classes (by Necuno) lets you manage the selection, deployment and training of soldiers via a concept of classes and levels, rather than having to micromanage soldiers based on all their specific stats. Works only with EU, not TFTD.
![Xcom 2 Save Editor Xcom 2 Save Editor](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/xcom-2-full-character-customization-600x337.jpg)
- SuperMen is a simple utility that turns your soldiers to, well, supermen.
- World.DAT editor (by Volutar) is a tool for viewing and editing of WORLD.DAT globe data (just visual poly mesh + terrain types).
- BaseFixer (by Spike) is a python script that can fix x-com EU's various radar & paying for dirt bugs. Although it has been largely obsoleted by UFO Extender and doesn't work on TFTD, it has the advantage of being usable on the DOS version of UFO. It requires a modified linker for use with XcomUtil versions beyond 9.6, available here.
- XCOMSHEL is a front end for XcomUtil created by Martin Ptacek of the Czech Republic. Compatibility with XcomUtil 9.7+ unconfirmed.
- MCD editor (by Volutar) is a tool for viewing and editing of the terrain tilesets (MCD+PCK).
User-defined Parsers
- StructLook - Structured Files Viewer by SEN. Ancient (last v.4.30 shareware/nagware from 1999, runs fine in DOS Box) tool. Very powerful - you can have arbitrarily defined bitfields, offsets relative to the end of a variable-sized table of offsets, etc.. Also limited, mainly due to restrictions DOS imposed on all the buffers it needs, and the tiny DOS console.
- DataWorkshop - an attempt to do the same under Java and use XPath query language, too. Lived to 2005 and dropped into hibernation, but it works and it's inherently multi-platform.
- ffe - flat file extractor. Reads and converts contents of a file, including from binary to readable table. Currently beta (0.3.4 - 0.3.5), thus many features you'd like to see in such a tool are absent. Not limited to 'one type of fixed sized record' files (like MCD or OBDATA.DAT), but works best on them. For example, if you try to read map files with it, you'll have a problem, mainly from differently-sized header, inability to restrict it to where it belongs and troubles with zero (0x00) character. Also, it's a reader, not writer, at best it can tell you offset and hex dump for what you want to poke. On the upside, it can filter records on output, thus can be helpful for analysis.
- Universal Game Editor (UGE). It is a hex editor which displays numbers in digits instead of hex codes. It uses templates that can store variables found in the game files, so that they can be easily edited (including variables with 1, 2, or 4 bytes, or text entries). It can be found from a variety of locations using a search engine. The program is only about 400kb and is free to use (abandoned nagware).
- Another hex editor that some folks use is Hex Workshop by www.BPSoft.com. Hex Workshop has the nice feature that you can make a 'structure library' with the meaning (field name) of each byte, turning the file into a little database. You will see some of these definitions (.HSLs) in the game file wikis. Hex Workshop is free for 30 days and then costs $50 if you want to keep using it. While it has a number of nice features, it does have some drawbacks. Examples: 1) Its display field can't be more than 64 characters wide (unlike EDIT), so you can't do a 'one row equals one record' display for e.g. SOLDIER.DAT (reclength 68) or UNITREF.DAT (reclength 124). Related to this, 2) although it's a 'modern' Windows app, you can't e.g. go to some tiny font and see a lot more in your data display window (even though you probably have 1600x1200 screen rez as a L33T gamer).
- Construct parsing library for Python. It's still programming, but straightforward and clean enough that at this point source text is not far from pure structure descriptions. If you are planning to write an editor, consider the benefits of using this.
Disassembling Viewers
- Hiew (Hacker's View) by SEN. Even 'demo' version is more than powerful enough for DOS software, it just doesn't allow convenient things like macros.
- HT is a file editor/viewer/analyzer for executables.
- Mikael 'Fluff' Klasson makes HexIt. Useful for guessing what the game engine is trying to do and deducing game mechanics (or bugs). HexIt is freeware, though there is a suggested donation if you find it useful.
Hex Editors
There are many. Windows user go here, Linux users here. Some of those tried by Ufopaedia users are here:
- MS-Edit MS-Edit is a simple text editor that can be used to manipulate binary data. While a very old program dating back to the days of MS-DOS, recent versions of Windows up to XP still come bundled this program. It offers a binary mode that, while very unconventional, can be used to manipulate binary data in files. With knowledge of the game file structures and the nuances of how MS-Edit works, you can go right to the source and exact changes as you see fit in practically any game file.
- HexIt by Mikael Klasson is a free and powerful hex editor. Donation suggested if you use it a lot. It also has a decompiler view if you want to try to figure out what the executable is doing.
- Frhed is a free, open source hex editor that works well.
- HxD : This is a very simple but powerful HexEditing tool. You can get the freeware version here: [1].
Drivers, Extenders and Runtimes (for DOS[Box])
- GUS Patches are needed to get Gravis Ultrasound emulation working in DOSBox. For more info see GUS Music in Dosbox
- PythonD is a Python runtime for DOS. Certain mods (particularly BaseFixer above) require it to function. For help setting it up in DOSBox, see this thread.
- CWSDPMI (like DOS4GW) is a DOS extender which grants a minimal protected memory environment. To put is simple, some programs, like PythonD, require it to run.
Xcom 2 Save Game Editor
- DOS32A is a free, open source replacement for the DOS4GW extender included with most DOS games, including UFO & TFTD. It is designed to be a fully compatible drop-in replacement for DOS4GW and has often been attributed to improved performance and stability. You can install it by (optionally) backing up the original DOS4GW, copying the 'DOS32A.exe' executable to the UFO or TFTD game folder then renaming it to 'DOS4GW'. More info here. Note: DOS32A has not been tested extensively with either Xcom game, use at your own risk!
- DJGPP is a complete 32-bit C/C++ development environment (and runtime?) for DOS PCs with an Intel 80386 or higher processor. Could be useful for developing DOS-based Xcom mods. It's completely free and open source.
Retrieved from 'https://www.ufopaedia.org/index.php?title=Game_Editors&oldid=84320'
XCOM Enemy Unknown seemed on the surface to be a game about leading a rag-tag band of hardnuts as they battled wave after wave of invading aliens, but it was really, underneath all that, a game about managing failure. It was about fighting infinite aggression with finite resources, and about making do as best you could in a war in which every loss was both permanent and costly.
XCOM 2 offers more of the same - and that's fabulous news, especially as it's available on consoles as well as PC. If anything, Firaxis has sweetened the deal by making the whole thing even less forgiving. The turn-based battles that your squad finds itself in are now enlivened with timers, and played out across procedurally-scrambled maps, while the story sees your enemies entrenched and evolved, with new units to surprise you on the battlefield, and new means of bringing your carefully-crafted plans to ruin.
All of which means that the pleasures to be had in turning the tides have never been sweeter, whether you're limping towards your first victory in a skirmish or cobbling together the ideal base to streamline your production of enhanced tech. This is a hard game, in other words, but you wouldn't want it any other way. And there are plenty of things you can do to tilt the odds in your favour.
To help you along the way, we've put together a guide that should prove pretty handy, whether you're a newcomer to the series or a veteran of the earlier wars.
XCOM 2 guides
On this page
XCOM 2 - new player tips
A handful of useful new player tips for getting ahead of the game from the start.
A handful of useful new player tips for getting ahead of the game from the start.
Other pages:
XCOM 2 - choosing the best Soldier Abilities
A look at all of the Abilities available to your squad members, with tips for each character.
A look at all of the Abilities available to your squad members, with tips for each character.
XCOM 2 - the best early research and how to unlock it
An overview of the different paths available to you in XCOM 2's Research systems.
An overview of the different paths available to you in XCOM 2's Research systems.
XCOM 2 - how to build the best base
The approaches you can take to build a base that suits your playstyle.
The approaches you can take to build a base that suits your playstyle.
XCOM 2 - how to unlock the Psi Operative
The fastest possible route to unlocking the Psi Operative Soldier in XCOM 2.
The fastest possible route to unlocking the Psi Operative Soldier in XCOM 2.
XCOM 2 - how to unlock Hero characters
Our guide to unlocking all of the known, massively overpowered Hero characters in XCOM 2.
Our guide to unlocking all of the known, massively overpowered Hero characters in XCOM 2.
XCOM 2 - cheats
All of the handiest console command cheats you could possibly need.
All of the handiest console command cheats you could possibly need.
XCOM 2 Ironman mode tips and tricks
Here's how to survive and thrive with just a single save.
Here's how to survive and thrive with just a single save.
If you need help specifically with XCOM 2's expansion, our XCOM 2: War of the Chosen guide and tips can explain everything you need to know, from how to beat The Chosen Assassin, Warlock and Hunter and the new The Lost, Spectre and Advent units. Combat them by learning about each new faction with our Reaper abilities and skill tree, Skirmisher abilities and skill tree and Templar abilities and skill tree pages, as well as learning about the Resistance Ring, Ability Points, Fatigue system and Bonds. Good luck, Commander!
XCOM 2 tips and tricks
XCOM 2 enables you to do a whole host of cool and wonderful things with soldier loadouts, battlefield tactics, base building, character customisation and many more of its complex and versatile systems. The key to success lies in experimentation. Discovering an effective new strategy or a particularly deadly combination of Soldier Abilities is one of the many joys of the game and you'll no doubt find your own favourites during play.
However, to set you on the path towards halting the Avatar Project - or at least to not being steamrolled by the alien forces within the first hour of play - consider these tips as an early survival guide.
Beware the Sectoids
Far more dangerous than they ever were in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the new Sectoids have benefitted from human/alien hybridisation, giving them a more imposing form and a great deal more hit points than their predecessors had. The Sectoids' ability detrimental mind effects can incapacitate your soldiers for a turn or, worse, take over their minds entirely, turning a previously valuable ally into a deadly adversary. To make matters worse, they can also reanimate previously terminated foes as powerful Psi Zombies. In all cases, focus your attacks on the Sectoid, rather than their Psionic puppet, as taking out the alien will immediately dispel their hold over their victim.
Use the environment for both defence and offense
Taking up positions of defensive cover is imperative for survival, but in many cases the environment can also be used to your offensive tactical advantage, too. Look to destroy cars, turrets and power generators that the alien forces might be using as their own cover. After enough damage has been dealt, these hazardous cover options will explode - either instantly or on the next alien turn - dealing damage to any alien that hasn't fled from the scene of their volatile cover.
Stay on top of engineer staffing
Your helpful ally and resident mechanical whizz, Chief Engineer Shen, will often pop-up to inform you that you have unassigned engineering staff who could be put to good use. Assigning engineers to staffing facilities, building items or clearing out debris aboard the Avenger is certainly essential for maximising your initially meagre staff resources.
Equally as important, but less immediately apparent, is that having engineers assigned to facilities that aren't currently producing anything is just as wasteful. If you're lucky enough not to have any soldiers convalescing at the Advanced Warfare Centre, then you don't need to assign an engineer there to increase the healing rate, for example. This engineer can likely be put to good use elsewhere, particularly in the early stages of the game when you have limited staff resources. Good battlefield management begins with good base management.
Play aggressively but don't overstretch yourself
Pretty basic stuff, but relevant to both returning XCOM veterans and newcomers alike. Many of the missions in XCOM 2 have some form of turn timer, such as those dictating the window for hacking an open data point, or extracting a valuable civilian asset, for example. This lends a degree of urgency that was missing from XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and often means it's necessary to progress through the level toward the target just a little bit quicker than feels strictly comfortable.
Ensure, however, that you remain vigilant and don't overstretch your squad, particularly when moving into fog of war territory, otherwise you can quickly find yourself under siege. Maximise the advantages of Concealment - the brief period at the start of many missions where your presence is undetected by the enemy troops - by setting up ambushes or positioning your squad effectively. Be sure to also make judicious use of Battle Scanners and Soldier Abilities that reveal the environment, as well as concealed enemies. As ever with XCOM, forewarned is forearmed.
Xcom 2 Edit Soldier Stats
Visit the Black Market
Once revealed, the Black Market is your go-to destination for raising quick cash by selling unwanted loot and resources - just be careful not to leave yourself short longer term. The hot goods change on a regular basis, so check back in every now and then to see what's selling for a premium as the in-game months roll by.
The Black Market is also incredibly useful for picking up various perks that can speed up research projects, which is particularly useful when you want to gain access to something that Dr Tygan is telling you will otherwise take weeks of research.
Stalling the Avatar Project
Once you get into the meat of an XCOM 2 campaign, your actions on the world map are dictated by a big, red progress bar at the top of the screen. You'll need to disrupt the alien's progress towards their Avatar Project by completing story objectives, or destroying facilities. If you don't and that bar is filled, it's game over.
Well, actually, that's not quite true. Once the progress bar is maxed out, you're given an additional 20 days to slow the Avatar Project, as the progress bar is replaced with an even-more-threatening timer. If this runs out, you've lost the game, but if you do manage to hit a facility, the timer will stop and everything goes back to normal. Next time the progress bar is filled, the exact same thing will happen.
This means that it's entirely possible to take advantage of this timer, to give yourself a little more breathing room in the campaign. Let the progress bar fill and hold off on hitting a facility until the timer is almost done and you can gain weeks of extra research/construction time. Especially useful on the higher difficulty settings.
How to approach the Alien Hunters DLC
The thing you need to know about the Alien Hunters DLC is that it will inevitably lead to your campaign being much easier and much more difficult to complete.
If you start a new game with this DLC enabled, you'll be given the option to investigate a crashed ranger on the world map, fairly early on in your campaign. Do this, and you'll discover a cache of unique weapons that you'll want to immediately equip in favour of your soldiers' starting gear. This stuff is great: a super powerful, single-shot bolt caster, a pair of axes and a frost bomb. You'll want to be using this for the rest of your playthrough.
However, once you've got your hands on this gear, you'll then be prompted to embark on a new mission, tracking down an old friend from XCOM: Enemy Unknown. From this point onwards, you can expect three alien bosses to appear at any point during your campaign. Killing them allows you to upgrade your unique weapons and unlock powerful armour sets, but oh my goodness gracious me, are these some tough units to fight.
Xcom 2 Save Game Editor
Codman service manual. Not only can they appear, out of nowhere, whilst you're already fighting a group of aliens, but they will also respond to every action you make. This is crucial to understand. After every individual movement you make, they will react with an action of their own. It's absolutely vital that you make good use of the frost bomb to buy yourself some extra time and use any free actions (like throwing an axe) that you have at your disposal.
Xcom 2 Save Editor
These bosses will be some of the toughest fights you experience during your campaign, but if you make it through them, you'll be incredibly well equipped for whatever else is to come.
Thanks to Chris Bratt for additional reporting on this guide.