From: Roger Wong <rogerw@bigfoot.com>
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Subject: X-COM Apocalypse Internet FAQ v0.99 [1 of 1]
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 1997 06:18:11 +0100

[X-COM3-FAQ-v99.txt]
                            The X-COM Apocalypse
                                Internet FAQ
                                    v0.99

                             September 27, 1997
              Copyright 1997 Roger Wong. All Rights Reserved.
                              xcom3@bigfoot.com

                              Visit the website:
                   http://www.khan.org/~roger/games/xcom3


DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this strategy guide is to aid the public with strategies and
tactics for use in the game X-COM Apocalypse, by Mythos Games Ltd., and
MicroProse Ltd.  In no way should this strategy guide promote your killing
yourself, killing others, or killing in any other fashion.
     Roger Wong claims NO responsibility regarding any illegal activity
concerning this strategy guide, or indirectly related to this strategy
guide.

TRADEMARK INFORMATION
X-COM and X-COM Apocalypse are trademarks of MicroProse Ltd., and are so
acknowledged. All other trademarks are the property of their respective
holders.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This article is Copyright 1997 by Roger Wong. All rights reserved.
You are granted the following rights:

I.  To make copies of this work in original form, so long as
      (a) the copies are exact and complete;
      (b) the copies include the copyright notice and these paragraphs
          in their entirety;
      (c) the copies give obvious credit to the author, Roger Wong;
      (d) the copies are in electronic form.
II. To distribute this work, or copies made under the provisions
    above, so long as
      (a) this is the original work and not a derivative form;
      (b) you do not charge a fee for copying or for distribution;
      (c) you ensure that the distributed form includes the copyright
          notice, this paragraph, the disclaimer of warranty in
          their entirety and credit to the author;
      (d) the distributed form is not in an electronic magazine or
          within computer software (prior explicit permission may be
          obtained from Roger Wong);
      (e) the distributed form is the NEWEST version of the article to
          the best of the knowledge of the distributor;
      (f) the distributed form is electronic.

        You may not distribute this work by any non-electronic media,
including but not limited to books, newsletters, magazines, manuals,
catalogs, and speech.  You may not distribute this work in electronic
magazines or within computer software without prior written explicit
permission.  These rights are temporary and revocable upon written, oral,
or other notice by Roger Wong. This copyright notice shall be governed by
the laws of the state of Texas.
        If you would like additional rights beyond those granted above,
write to the author at "rogerw@bigfoot.com" on the Internet.


                             Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
 1.1 FOREWORD
 1.2 ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE FAQ
 1.3 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 1.4 GETTING THE APOCALYPSE FAQ
   1.4.1 Email
   1.4.2 World-wide Web
   1.4.3 Usenet Newsgroups
 1.5 NOTIFICATION OF UPDATES AND REVISIONS
 1.6 CONTRIBUTING TO THE APOCALYPSE FAQ
 1.7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS
 1.8 ACCURATE INFORMATION


2. QUICK HELP
 2.1 X-COM APOCALYPSE IS ALL ABOUT SEX
 2.2 QUICK AND DIRTY CITYSCAPE SOLUTIONS
   2.2.1 Help, I want the cheat keys!
   2.2.2 Help, It's the first week and I don't know what to do!
   2.2.3 Help, I want more money!
   2.2.4 Help, I want more ammo!
   2.2.5 Help, I can't research X, Y, or Z!
   2.2.6 Help, I failed to research UFO type XYZ and now I'm stuck!
   2.2.7 Help, the aliens are spreading all over my city!
   2.2.8 Help, my bases keep getting raided!
 2.3 QUICK AND DIRTY VEHICLE COMBAT SOLUTIONS
   2.3.1 Help, I'm clueless when fighting UFOs!
   2.3.2 Help, I can only launch two vehicles at a time!
   2.3.3 Help, I can't capture any UFOs!
   2.3.4 Help, my ships get destroyed in the alien dimension!
   2.3.5 Help, my armored tank blew up with only one shot!
 2.4 QUICK AND DIRTY TACTICAL COMBAT SOLUTIONS
   2.4.1 Help, my Agents can't survive a single battle!
   2.4.2 Help, my Agents are doing their own thing!
   2.4.3 Help, my medi-kits don't work!
   2.4.4 Help, my armor keeps melting!
   2.4.5 Help, I can't capture any cargo or aliens!
   2.4.6 Help, I want to capture a live XYZ for bio-research!
   2.4.7 Help, poppers and brainsuckers in turn-based combat kill me!
   2.4.8 Help, my combat keeps slowing to a crawl!
   2.4.9 Help, there are too many aliens in the alien dimension buildings!
 2.5 QUICK AND DIRTY DIPLOMATIC SOLUTIONS
   2.5.1 Help, XYZ Corp is so hostile, they think aliens are their
   friends!
   2.5.2 Help, I don't want to read all 200 pages of the manual!
   2.5.3 Help, Transtellar refuses to ferry my scientists!
 2.6 OTHER QUICK AND DIRTY SOLUTIONS
   2.6.1 Help, my base storage is filled up with 65536 widgets!


3. MONEY AND POLITICS
 3.1 THE COMMODITIES MARKET
   3.1.1 Pricing and Availability
 3.2 FUNDING
 3.3 CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
   3.3.1 Bribes
   3.3.2 Drawbacks of Hostilities
   3.3.3 Advantages of Alliances


4. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 4.1 QUANTUM PHYSICS RESEARCH TREE
   4.1.1 Things You Can Research By Just Finding Them
   4.1.2 Things You Can Make Out Of LEGO(tm)
   4.1.3 Things That Make Scientists Earn Their Pay
 4.2 BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TREE
   4.2.1 Things You Can Research By Just Finding Them
   4.2.2 Things That Stink Up the Lab for Days
   4.2.3 Things They Don't Teach in High School (And Probably Never Will)


5. CITYSCAPE COMBAT
 5.1 DESTROYING BUILDINGS
   5.1.1 Manual Control
 5.2 DESTROYING VEHICLES
   5.2.1 Swarm Combat
   5.2.2 Attacking UFOs
   5.2.3 Attacking Mega-Primus vehicles
 5.3 EFFECTS OF VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
   5.3.1 Disruptor Shields
   5.3.2 Cloaking Field
   5.3.3 Teleporter


6. TACTICAL COMBAT
 6.1 REAL-TIME COMBAT TACTICS
   6.1.1 When to Use RT Combat
   6.1.2 Agent Equipment
   6.1.3 Combat Maneuvers
 6.2 TURN-BASED COMBAT TACTICS
   6.2.1 When to Use TB Combat
   6.2.2 Agent Equipment
   6.2.3 Combat Maneuvers


7. X-COM BASE LOGISTICS
 7.1 MULTIPLE BASES
   7.1.1 Choosing a Base
   7.1.2 Internal Layout
 7.2 DEFENSE
   7.2.1 Against Hostile Agents
   7.2.2 Against Air Attack


8. THE ALIEN DIMENSION
 8.1 HOW TO ENTER ALIEN BUILDINGS
 8.2 GENERAL RULES IN THE ALIEN BUILDINGS


9. AGENTS GUIDE
 9.1 X-COM AGENTS
   9.1.1 Humans
   9.1.2 Sectoid Hybrids
   9.1.3 Androids
 9.2 HOSTILE AGENTS
   9.2.1 Anthropods
   9.2.2 Brainsuckers
   9.2.3 Hyperworms
   9.2.4 Megaspawns
   9.2.5 Micronoids
   9.2.6 Multiworms
   9.2.7 Poppers
   9.2.8 Psimorphs
   9.2.9 Queenspawn
   9.2.10 Skeletoids
   9.2.11 Spitters
   9.2.12 Megapol Officers
   9.2.13 Cult Members
   9.2.14 Gang Members
   9.2.15 Rent-a-Cops


10. VEHICLE GUIDE
 10.1 X-COM VEHICLES
   10.1.1 Phoenix Hovercar
   10.1.2 Hoverbike
   10.1.3 Valkyrie Interceptor
   10.1.4 Hawk Air Warrior
   10.1.5 Dimension Probe
   10.1.6 Biotrans
   10.1.7 Explorer
   10.1.8 Retaliator
   10.1.9 Annihilator
   10.1.10 Stormdog
   10.1.11 Wolfhound APC
   10.1.12 Blazer Turbo Bike
   10.1.13 Griffon AFV
 10.2 ALIEN VEHICLES
   10.2.1 Alien Probe
   10.2.2 Alien Scout
   10.2.3 Alien Transporter
   10.2.4 Alien Fast Attack Ship
   10.2.5 Alien Destroyer
   10.2.6 Alien Assault Ship
   10.2.7 Alien Bomber
   10.2.8 Alien Escort
   10.2.9 Alien Battleship
   10.2.10 Alien Mothership


11. EQUIPMENT GUIDE
 11.1 VEHICLE WEAPONS
   11.1.1 Bolter 4000 Laser Gun
   11.1.2 Lancer 7000 Laser Gun
   11.1.3 Rendor Plasma Gun
   11.1.4 Lineage Plasma Cannon
   11.1.5 Plasma Multi-System
   11.1.6 Light Disruptor Beam
   11.1.7 Medium Disruptor Beam
   11.1.8 Heavy Disruptor Beam
   11.1.9 40mm Auto Cannon
   11.1.10 Janitor Missile Array
   11.1.11 Justice Missile Launcher
   11.1.12 Prophet Missile Array
   11.1.13 Retribution Missile Launcher
   11.1.14 Disruptor Bomb Launcher
   11.1.15 Stasis Bomb Launcher
   11.1.16 Disruptor Multi-Bomb Launcher
   11.1.17 Laser Defense Array
   11.1.18 Plasma Defense Array
   11.1.19 40mm Auto Cannon Turret
   11.1.20 Airguard Anti-Air Cannon
   11.1.21 GLM Array
   11.1.22 Plasma Turret Cannon
   11.1.23 GLM Air Defense
   11.1.24 Rumble Cannon
 11.2 VEHICLE ENGINES
   11.2.1 SD Standard
   11.2.2 SD Deluxe
   11.2.3 SD Sports
   11.2.4 SD Turbo
   11.2.5 SD Elite
   11.2.6 SD Special
   11.2.7 Metro Roadhog
   11.2.8 Metro Roadgrav
   11.2.9 Metro Turbograv
   11.2.10 Metro Powergrav
   11.2.11 Metro Multipower Plus
 11.3 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
   11.3.1 Light Weapons Control
   11.3.2 Medium Weapons Control
   11.3.3 Heavy Weapons Control
   11.3.4 Cargo Module
   11.3.5 Passenger Module
   11.3.6 Bio-Transport Module
   11.3.7 Missile Evasion Matrix
   11.3.8 Small Disruption Shield
   11.3.9 Large Disruption Shield
   11.3.10 Cloaking Field
   11.3.11 Teleporter
 11.4 PERSONAL WEAPONS
   11.4.1 Megapol Lawpistol
   11.4.2 Megapol Plasma Gun
   11.4.3 Marsec M4000 Machine Gun
   11.4.4 Megapol Laser Sniper Gun
   11.4.5 Megapol Auto Cannon
   11.4.6 Marsec Heavy Launcher
   11.4.7 Marsec MiniLauncher
   11.4.8 Toxigun
   11.4.9 Disruptor Gun
   11.4.10 Devastator Cannon
   11.4.11 Brainsucker Launcher
   11.4.12 Entropy Launcher
   11.4.13 Dimension Missile Launcher
   11.4.14 Power Sword
   11.4.15 Mind Bender
   11.4.16 Megapol Stun Grapple
   11.4.17 Megapol AP Grenade
   11.4.18 Megapol Stun Grenade
   11.4.19 Megapol Smoke Grenade
   11.4.20 Diablo Incendiary Grenade
   11.4.21 Marsec Proximity Mine
   11.4.22 Marsec High Explosive
   11.4.23 Boomeroid
   11.4.24 Vortex Mine
   11.4.25 Alien Gas Grenade
 11.5 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
   11.5.1 Personal Disruptor Shield
   11.5.2 Personal Teleporter
   11.5.3 Personal Cloaking Field
   11.5.4 Medi-kit
   11.5.5 Motion Scanner
   11.5.6 Psiclone
   11.5.7 Elerium Pod
   11.5.8 Megapol Armor
   11.5.9 Marsec Armor
   11.5.10 X-COM Armor
 11.6 ALIEN BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS
   11.6.1 Megaspawn Disruptor
   11.6.2 Megaspawn Launcher
   11.6.3 Spitter Vomit
   11.6.4 Multiworm Vomit
   11.6.5 Alien Egg Vomit
   11.6.6 Hyperworm Bite
   11.6.7 Queenspawn Vomit
   11.6.8 Popper Bomb


12. INTERNAL GAMEPLAY MECHANICS
 12.1 EFFECTS OF DIFFICULTY LEVELS
 12.2 VEHICULAR COMBAT
 12.3 TACTICAL COMBAT
   12.3.1 Map Generation
   12.3.2 Weapons Accuracy
   12.3.3 Grenade Accuracy
   12.3.4 Damage
     12.3.4.1 Bullets/Energy Beams
     12.3.4.2 Stun Weapons
     12.3.4.3 Explosives
   12.3.5 Psionic Skills
 12.4 AGENTS
   12.4.1 Stats & Improvements
   12.4.2 Promotions and Medals
   12.4.3 Healing
   12.4.4 Morale
   12.4.5 Encumbrance
   12.4.6 Movement
 12.5 SCORING
 12.6 FUNDING


13. BUGS, UPDATES, AND PATCHES


14. THIRD PARTY SUPPORT
 14.1 INTERNET WEBSITES
 14.2 UTILITIES AND PROGRAMS


15. CLOSING STATEMENT


16. APPENDICES
 16.1 TABLES
   16.1.1 Agent Weapons
   16.1.2 Vehicle Weapons
   16.1.3 UFOs
   16.1.4 UFO Crew Complements
   16.1.5 Aliens Beamed Down by UFOs
   16.1.6 Aliens in Alien Buildings
   16.1.7 Hostile Unit Statistics
   16.1.8 Workshop Profit Ratings
   16.1.9 Complete Commodities Market Pricing Guide


17. REFERENCES


18. REVISION HISTORY



1.   INTRODUCTION

1.1  FOREWORD
The Apocalypse FAQ started out as a few pages of game notes hurriedly
scribbled into a small, green, spiral-bound notebook. Later additions
include the answers to questions asked by the Internet's newsgroup
community.
     This FAQ represents a significant investment of effort that could
probably have been put to better use elsewhere. I only ask that you treat
it with respect. Please don't cannibalize parts for your web page or charge
money for other people to view it. If you are a publisher or editor, I
implore you to take the time to arrange for reprints or translation rights.
     Now, let the FAQ begin!


1.2  ABOUT THE APOCALYPSE FAQ
Welcome to v1.0 of the X-COM Apocalypse Internet FAQ. Version 1.0 is a
first release. X-COM Apocalypse is the name of the game. Internet is the
method of distribution. FAQs are (F)requently (A)sked (Q)uestions. For
legal reasons, I wish to make it absolutely clear that the X-Com Apocalypse
Internet FAQ is not supported by or associated with Mythos Games and
Microprose.


1.3  ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roger Wong is a freelance writer and computer consultant. With an honors
degree in computer engineering from Brunel University in England, his
computer interests include security & privacy, electronic payment
protocols, computer graphics, website design, game design, and electronic
music.
    In his time away from dandruff-causing computer screens, Roger is an
avid cyclist, a budding watercolor artist, and a frequent traveler. He
enjoys photographing the landscape gardens of England, and often invites
gorgeous Norwegian women over for nude picnics.
     Other Internet strategy guides by Roger Wong include The Unofficial
C&C Strategy FAQ and The Red Alert Internet Strategy Guide.
     Away from his native home of Ft. Worth, Texas, Roger lives in the
hilly countryside outside Oxford, England. He has no children, no wife, no
mortgage and tries very hard to keep it that way.


1.4  GETTING THE APOCALYPSE FAQ

1.4.1     Email
To receive the latest plain text version of this guide via email, send an
email message to NerveGas-xcom3faq@inconnect.com.

     This service is completely automated.

     If you subscribe to an email provider such as Juno that restricts you
from receiving large email messages, you may be unable to use this service.
Please try the world-wide web.


1.4.2     World-wide Web
For the latest plain text, HTML, and Microsoft Word versions of this FAQ,
visit:
     http://www.khan.org/~roger/games/xcom3


1.4.3     Usenet Newsgroups
This FAQ is posted to comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic at irregular
intervals.


1.5  NOTIFICATION OF UPDATES AND REVISIONS
To be notified of updates to this FAQ, send an email message to
xcom3@bigfoot.com and place the following phrase in your subject header:

     XCOM3 Update


1.6  CONTRIBUTING TO THE APOCALYPSE FAQ
If you have something to add to the FAQ, please send email to
xcom3@bigfoot.com, explaining what your addition is. It will be reviewed,
and if accepted, added to the next FAQ version.  In the email, please
supply your name and email address.
     Please note that all submissions to the FAQ become property of the
author (Roger Wong) and that they may or may not be acknowledged.  By
submitting to the FAQ, you grant permission for use of your submission in
any future publications of the FAQ in any media.  The author reserves the
right to omit information from a submission or delete the submission
entirely.


1.7  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS
I want to thank game designer Julian Gollop. He graciously provided the
data structures and algorithms upon which much of this FAQ is based. The
editors of Gamespot and PC Gamer UK deserve credit for funding my X-COM
Apocalypse research. You, my readers, make it worth my while. My sister,
Sherry, provided me with a steady stream of food and clean laundry during
her summer break from college. Heaven knows I can't take care of myself.
Finally, my deepest thanks goes to my mom, without whom I would not be
possible.


1.8  ACCURATE INFORMATION
All attempts have been made to make the information in this strategy guide
as accurate as possible. If any information in this strategy guide is
incorrect, please let me know at xcom3@bigfoot.com.
     Future updates, add-ons, bug fixes, and Internet address changes may
render parts of this strategy guide obsolete. The information in this
strategy guide is accurate as of version 1.00 of X-COM Apocalypse.
     I have duplicated some information in the different sections as a
reading aid. I hope it reduces the time you spend flipping back and forth
between pages. If you have further time-saving suggestions, please send
them to xcom3@bigfoot.com.


2.   QUICK HELP

2.1  X-COM APOCALYPSE IS ALL ABOUT SEX
Many of the answers to your game play questions are listed below. Skim
through the headings to see if any of them fit your circumstances.
     If your question is not listed here, or if you wish for more
information, please see the remaining chapters of this FAQ for detailed
explanations of these concepts.


2.2  QUICK AND DIRTY CITYSCAPE SOLUTIONS

2.2.1     Help, I want the cheat keys!
There aren't any. If you really want to cheat, search the Internet for a
game editor.


2.2.2     Help, It's the first week and I don't know what to do!
There isn't one correct way to begin, but the following worked for me:

Try building the following:
     an extra set of physics and biology labs,
     living quarters for your scientists.

And then buy the following:
     as many hoverbikes as you can,
     janitor missile launchers for your hoverbikes. Equip them.

To succesfully attack UFOs:
Scramble all your hoverbikes and hovercars at once. With this combined
force, attack each UFO one by one, starting with the UFO closest to you.

To prevent aliens from infiltrating in your city:
When you spot UFOs hovering and beaming aliens into a building, send five
or six agents in a vehicle to that building and investigate.

Equip your agents with the following:
     1 medi-kit
     2 stun grenades
     2 AP grenades
     2 machineguns, law pistols, or autocannons

In combat, do the following:
     Play in real-time so you can fire two weapons at once,
     Use snap-shots or aimed shots. Never use auto-fire,
     Kneel, or better yet, crawl to improve your accuracy,
     Stay in front of a corridor or doorway and wait for the aliens to walk
into your line of fire.

When out of combat:
     research any alien-equipment-you-have-but-you-don't-know-what-it-is,
     research alien bodies and corpses.

     (Note: If you don't bring back any alien bodies or equipment from
combat, check the vehicle in which you sent your agents. To bring back
equipment, the vehicle must be equipped with a Cargo Module. To bring back
alien bodies, it must be equipped with a Bio-Transport Module. If you do
not have a Bio-Transport Module, you must research and manufacture one
yourself.)


2.2.3     Help, I want more money!
To increase your government funding:
     score lots of points at the end of the week,
     avoid purposefully destroying parts of the city.

To increase your raw funds:
     sell vehicles for which you have no use,
     sell items for which you have no use,
     raid Cult of Sirius temples for psiclone over and over again,
     sell the psiclone you capture from the temple raids,
     manufacture and sell items from your workshops.


2.2.4     Help, I want more ammo!
Since ammunition can be tight during the first few weeks of the game, you
should follow a few short rules:
     don't use auto-fire,
     avoid long-range firefights,
     research ammunition-free weapons as soon as possible,
     arm your agents with weapons such as the machine gun and plasma
pistols that have high bullet counts per clip.


2.2.5     Help, I can't research X, Y, or Z!
Whether or not you can research a particular item depends on both finding a
particular object and upon previous research done in a related field. Check
the research tree for more details.


2.2.6     Help, I failed to research UFO type XYZ and now I'm stuck!
After the first few weeks have passed, the aliens stop sending their
smaller UFOs. If this happens before you've had a chance to capture one of
the small UFO types, you may wait weeks without ever seeing one again.
     Since X-COM vehicle research depends entirely upon the capture of
alien UFO technology, a missing link in the chain can really set you back.
     When all is said and done, the best course of action is to restart the
game and make it a point to capture all the UFO types the second time
around.
     If you choose to wait it out, you could spend several game weeks
waiting for a UFO type that may never come again.


2.2.7     Help, the aliens are spreading all over my city!
When you spot UFOs hovering and beaming aliens into a building, send your
agents to that building and investigate. By the time you receive an
official alert, the aliens will have already established themselves.
     Destroy UFOs in the air before they beam any aliens down.


2.2.8     Help, my bases keep getting raided!
Be nicer to your neighbors. Install security stations around your entry
portal and vehicle repair bay. Buy bases with entrances you can easily
cover with security stations.


2.3  QUICK AND DIRTY VEHICLE COMBAT SOLUTIONS

2.3.1     Help, I'm clueless when fighting UFOs!
Scramble all your hoverbikes and hovercars at once. With this combined
force, attack each UFO one by one.
     Some UFOs contain troops, while others are just escorts. Go for the
troop carriers first. They are usually slower and less numerous than the
escort ships.
     Missile launchers are only useful against the slower UFOs. Against
faster UFOs, missiles will run out of fuel before they hit. Use beam
weapons against the fast UFO types.


2.3.2     Help, I can only launch two vehicles at a time!
This is because your base only has two vehicle launching bays. You could
buy a new base with more bays, but it will cost money.
     Better yet, place all your fighting vehicles in the Transtellar
spaceport. There are so many vehicle bays there that once you send the
scramble command, they will all launch at once.


2.3.3     Help, I can't capture any UFOs!
Only a crewed flying vehicle can capture a UFO. To capture large UFOs, you
must first defeat the shipwrecked alien crew.


2.3.4     Help, my ships get destroyed in the alien dimension!
The Dimension Probe is only meant as an experiment. Send it back home as
soon as it reaches the alien dimension.
     There are a few things that you can do to prevent alien UFOs from
destroying your troop carrying ships in the alien dimension.
     On the way in, escort your troop carrier with a couple of Retaliator
or Annihilator craft. Your escorts will force the aliens to divide their
fire. Use a disruptor shield-laden Biotrans as a troop carrier. The X-COM
Biotrans craft is both fast and durable.
     On the way out, wait for a clean flight path before leaving the
destroyed alien building. If you wish, switch to overhead mode and manually
select flight waypoints that will steer your craft clear of enemy UFOs.
     To solve all your entry and exit problems forever, send a flotilla of
advanced X-COM craft and destroy every last UFO in the alien dimension.


2.3.5     Help, my armored tank blew up with only one shot!
It is unfortunate that the road is not as heavily armored as your tank. All
road vehicles, tanks included, will blow up if the road underneath is
destroyed.


2.4  QUICK AND DIRTY TACTICAL COMBAT SOLUTIONS

2.4.1     Help, my Agents can't survive a single battle!
Take it easy. A laid-back approach to combat may work better for you.
     Wear armor. Keep your agents together so they can cover one another.
If you wait in one spot long enough, the aliens will come to you. Stake out
a door or corridor through which the aliens absolutely have to come
through. Lying prone or kneeling will increase your bullet accuracy while
making you a harder target for the aliens to hit.


2.4.2     Help, my Agents are doing their own thing!
If you put your agents into aggressive attack mode, they will stand still
even when under fire.


2.4.3     Help, my medi-kits don't work!
Medi-kits can only be used to heal the agents carrying them. They can't be
used to heal other agents or aliens.
    To use a medi-kit, place it into the hand of an agent, click on it, and
select the body part that's lit up in red.


2.4.4     Help, my armor keeps melting!
You've been hit by the dread entropy gun. The entropy enzyme will consume
your armor, your equipment, and if any is still left, your agent.
     Personal shields will absorb 100% of the enzyme damage. However, if
you don't have personal shields and you're playing in real-time, there is
still hope. Try the following advice from Scott Silvey:

     "If you see a missile on the way and your guy isn't right
      next to cover, hit pause. Drop all your good equipment
      except armor and wait for the missile to hit. Wait a
      moment, then pause again. Strip off all the armor, drop
      it, and get your guy the hell out of there.

      By stripping your armor and dropping the equipment, you
      save them. Sometimes when you strip the armor, the entropy
      enzyme will chew on your agent instead -- but sometimes it
      doesn't, and you can get away with little or no damage."


2.4.5     Help, I can't capture any cargo or aliens!
Check your agent-carrying vehicle. Only vehicles equipped with cargo or bio-
transport modules may carry cargo or aliens back to base. Agents sent
without vehicles can not carry cargo or aliens back to base.


2.4.6     Help, I want to capture a live XYZ for bio-research!
Anthropods, Brainsuckers, Hyperworms, Multiworms, Skeletoids, and Spitters
can be stunned with a single stun gas grenade.
     Megaspawn and Psimorphs are difficult to stun because of their vast
amount of health. Knock their health down with a few shots of regular
ordnance to make them easier to stun with either gas and grapple.
     Queenspawn: It is difficult to approach the Queenspawn without being
injured, so throw stun grenades at a distance. Wait until the gas from one
begins to dissipate before throwing the next.
     Micronoid Aggregate: Micronoids are completely immune to stun gas. Use
the stun grappler instead.


2.4.7     Help, poppers and brainsuckers in turn-based combat kill me!
Pick up brainsucker pods and put them into your backpack to prevent them
from hatching.
     Wear flying suits to lift your units off the ground. Poppers can only
track ground-based units.
     Use real-time combat for popper and brainsucker rich combat
environments.


2.4.8     Help, my combat keeps slowing to a crawl!
When the game draws a lot of transparent items such as smoke, fire, or
explosions, the CPU will be bogged with calculations. To speed the game
again, you merely need to reduce the required calculations.
     You may either wait for the smoke and fire to subside, or you can tell
the computer to only show you a "slice" of the display. To do this, click
the button on the left side of the screen to toggle your display between
the full-level views and the single-level view.


2.4.9     Help, there are too many aliens in the alien dimension buildings!
Alien buildings receive reinforcements at a rate of about one every 20
seconds. If you have the means, destroy the orange reinforcement pads with
copious amounts of alien explosives. Otherwise, finish your objectives
quickly and don't loiter.


2.5  QUICK AND DIRTY DIPLOMATIC SOLUTIONS

2.5.1     Help, XYZ Corp is so hostile, they think aliens are their
friends!
Kind words seem to have more effect when you back them up with a big stick.
If you attack the buildings of uncooperative organizations, they will
sometimes see the light and come forth with a peace settlement. Pay what
they ask to restore relations to neutral.


2.5.2     Help, I don't want to read all 200 pages of the manual!
Much of the information in the manual is duplicated in the FAQ. So, if you
did not read the manual, and you missed such tidbits as
     right-clicking on grenades makes them explode on contact,
     vehicles can be controlled manually,
     what happens when corporations get angry,
don't worry, because you'll learn about them as you read this FAQ.


2.5.3     Help, Transtellar refuses to ferry my scientists!
There's no way around this. If you're not on friendly terms with
Transtellar, you will never be able to move scientists around the city.


2.6  OTHER QUICK AND DIRTY SOLUTIONS

2.6.1     Help, my base storage is filled up with 65536 widgets!
This is the "65536 widgets" bug. Others have reported it, but no one is
exactly sure what causes it. I myself have not witnessed it, but Rob
Fermier has, and this is his advice:

     "I had the 65536 problem too, and found a work around.
      Mine occurred when Transtellar went hostile to me as
      a result of a mission. The problem went away when I
      reloaded to a previous save game and gave money to
      Transtellar before the battle."


3.   MONEY AND POLITICS

3.1  THE COMMODITIES MARKET
When a corporation wishes to buy or sell items, it does so on the
commodities market. Refer to the Appendix for a full list of market items.


3.1.1     Pricing and Availability
The commodities market always contains a stock level for each item. When
you buy and sell items, the stock levels will naturally rise and fall.
     At the beginning of each week, the stock levels and prices of the
items undergo adjustments as follows:

a. Mega-Primus Produced Items
Stock Levels
The new stock levels are determined by the formula below. However, the
stock level will never rise or fall beyond the maximum and minimum stock
levels given for each item. Refer to the Appendix for a full list of these
minimum and maximum stock levels.

Average_Stock_Level = (Min_Stock + Max_Stock) / 2
New_Stock_Level = Random (Average_Stock_Level + Current_Stock_Level)

Pricing
If the new stock levels are higher than the average stock level, the
current price will fall by up to 3%. If the new stock levels are lower, the
current price can rise by up to 3%.
     A price will never fall lower than half, or rise more than double the
original market price. Refer to the Appendix for the original market price
of an items.

b. X-COM and Alien Produced Items
Stock Levels
At the start of each new week, it may appear as if the X-COM or alien
produced items you sell have been bought up by other organizations. How
much inventory disappears is determined as follows:
    40% chance of nothing being bought.
    30% chance of 1/5th the stock being bought.
    30% chance of 1/3rd the stock being bought.

Pricing
The price of X-COM or alien produced items can only fall. How much a price
falls depends on how much you sell. According to the game code, the price
drops are calculated as follows:

If more than half of Max_Stock is sold, the price falls 3% to 5%.
If more than Max_Stock is sold, the price falls 5% to 10%.
If more than twice Max_Stock is sold, the price falls 5% to 15%.

     Under no circumstances will the price fall past 50% of an item's
original market price. Please refer to the appendix for the Max_Stock
values and original market prices of X-COM and alien produced items.


3.2  FUNDING
Your initial starting funds are determined by the difficulty level you
choose at the beginning of the game.

   Difficulty            Weekly
        Level   Funds    Income
       Novice  140000     92000
     Beginner  130000     89000
       Medium  120000     86000
         Hard  110000     83000
   Superhuman  100000     80000

     If you do well enough during the week to have a high score, the
government increases your income.

   Weekly      Income
    Score    Increase
      401       5.00%
      801       6.25%
     1601       8.33%
     3201      12.50%
     6401      20.00%
    12801      25.00%

     However, if you do poorly, your income can be reduced, or even
terminated. X-COM funding will also be terminated if the government becomes
hostile for any reason. The decision to terminate is irrevocable.

   Weekly      Income
    Score    Decrease
       -1       6.66%
     -401      10.00%
     -801      20.00%
    -1600      25.00%
    -2401   terminate

     The government itself earns money each week from income tax. Every
building you destroy puts people out of jobs, and reduces the government's
income. If the government is low on funds, it will never give more than
half its current balance to X-COM as income.


3.3  CORPORATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
All your neighbors expect a bit of consideration for their property. If you
want to keep them civil, you'll have to refrain from executing any
Hollywood-style demolition exercises inside other peoples' buildings. Aim
high instead of low when firing at UFOs.
     As you increase the difficulty level of your game, you will find it
more difficult to hold stable diplomatic relations with your neighbors.


3.3.1     Bribes
There's nothing wrong with a bribe now and again to keep an organization
off your back. In face of such benevolence, most organizations will become
more friendly towards X-COM. The amount you have to pay depends on the size
of the organization you are bribing, and the difficulty level at which you
are playing.
     If you've pissed an organization off to such a degree that it refuses
your bribes, getting back on good terms will require some iron-fisted
management. You'll have to beat them into submission by raiding and
destroying their buildings. Eventually, they'll offer a settlement.
     Organizations that have been infiltrated by aliens will refuse to have
anything to do with you. Check the UFOpeadia to see whether an organization
is under the influence of aliens or just being plain stubborn.


3.3.2     Drawbacks of Hostilities
Aside from the frequent raids on X-COM property, hostilities with Mega-
Primus organizations have additional ill-effects:

Organization        Consequence
Any manufacturer    You will be unable to buy their goods.
Megapol             Police patrol vehicles will attack you.
Mutant Alliance     You will be unable to recruit Hybrids.
S.E.L.F.            You will be unable to recruit Androids.
Senate              Funding will be terminated.
Transtellar         You will be unable to transport goods or any new
                    scientists that you hire.


3.3.3     Advantages of Alliances
Allying is a good way of keeping important organizations friendly. On the
whole, allied organizations are more tolerant of your activities and are
less likely to take offense if you accidentally level their new corporate
headquarters.
     Apart from this, allying has little other effect on the game. Any
improvements you may think you see in such things as the recruitment pool
or the commodities market are coincidence.


4.   RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

4.1  QUANTUM PHYSICS RESEARCH TREE

4.1.1     Things You Can Research By Just Finding Them
All UFO types
Alien Control System
Alien Energy Source
Alien Propulsion System
Boomeroid
Dimension Launcher
Dimension Launcher Missile
Disruptor Gun
Light Disruptor Beam
Personal Cloaking Field
Personal Shield
Personal Teleporter
Vortex Mine


4.1.2     Things You Can Make Out Of LEGO(tm)
Advanced Quantum Lab - Energy Source or Control System or Propulsion System
Advanced Workshop - Dimension Probe
Advanced Control System - Disruptor Bomb
Cloaking Field - Large Disruption Shield
Devastator Cannon - Disruptor Gun
Disruptor Bomb - Light Disruptor Beam
Disruptor Multi-Bomb - Light Disruptor Beam
Heavy Disruptor Beam - Medium Disruptor Beam
Large Disruption Shield - Heavy Disruptor Beam
Medium Disruptor Beam - Light Disruptor Beam
Small Disruption Shield - Medium Disruptor Beam
Stasis Bomb - Light Disruptor Beam
Teleporter - Light Disruptor Beam


4.1.3     Things That Make Scientists Earn Their Pay
Advanced Security System - Disruptor Bomb & Medium Disruptor Beam
Annihilator - Retaliator & UFO Type 9
Bio Transport - Dimension Probe & UFO Type 3
Dimension Probe - Energy Source & Control System & Propulsion System
Explorer - Biotrans & UFO Type 5
Retaliator - Explorer & UFO Type 6
X-COM Armor - Disruptor Gun & Small Disruption Shield & Personal Shield


4.2  BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH TREE

4.2.1     Things You Can Research By Just Finding Them
Any Alien
Brainsucker Launcher
Entropy Launcher
Entropy Pod


4.2.2     Things That Stink Up the Lab for Days
Advanced Biolab - Any Alien

The Alien Genetic Structure - Multiworm Egg Autopsy, Multiworm Autopsy,
Hyperworm Autopsy

The Alien Life Cycle - Brainsucker Pods, Brainsucker, Brainsucker Autopsy,
Multiworm Egg, Multiworm, Hyperworm, Chrysalis, Chrysalis Autopsy

The Real Alien Threat - Anthropod & Anthropod Autopsy & Spitter & Spitter
Autopsy & Skeletoid & Skeletoid Autopsy & Popper & Popper Autopsy &
Megaspawn & Megaspawn Autopsy & Micronoid & Micronoid Autopsy & Psimorph &
Psimorph Autopsy


4.2.3     Things They Don't Teach in High School (And Probably Never Will)
Biological Warfare - The Alien Genetic Structure
Toxin B - Biological Warfare & The Alien Life Cycle
Toxin C - Toxin B & The Real Alien Threat
Alien Gas - Toxin C & Queenspawn & Queenspawn Autopsy


5.   CITYSCAPE COMBAT

5.1  DESTROYING BUILDINGS
Every city block you deliberately destroy will hurt your score. If you need
to teach a hostile organization a lesson, however, you may have no other
choice.
     Some structurally weak buildings collapse after a single shot. Others
may take longer to destroy.


5.1.1     Manual Control
Manual control is the best way to destroy a building. With full control of
the weapons, you can aim at the supporting structures and quickly level a
building. On manual control, you can also open fire outside of the
organizations patrol range, and fire away without fear of retaliation from
any defending vehicles.
     To invoke manual control, select the vehicle you wish to control and
press "M". "PAGE UP" and "PAGE DOWN" control your speed, "HOME" and "END"
control your altitude. To fire your weapons at a spot you target with your
cursor, press the left mouse button. The right mouse button will adjust
your heading.


5.2  DESTROYING VEHICLES

5.2.1     Swarm Combat
Hovercars and hoverbikes are cost-efficient fighters. Since they cost so
little, you can deploy them in large numbers. Because they weigh next to
nothing, they are very maneuverable and can survive from one battle to the
next.
     Plasma cannons, lasers, and janitor missiles are very effective when
deployed in large numbers. Go with the janitor missiles and lasers when
fighting slow vehicles and small UFOs, but switch to plasma cannons if
you're going after fast vehicles or heavily armored UFOs.


5.2.2     Attacking UFOs
The weapons you choose depend on the UFO type. The larger UFOs have thick
armor that are impervious to some of the wimpy XCOM weapons. The minimum
strength guns you should use to shoot down these chaps are the plasma
cannons.
     Other, smaller UFOs can outrun missiles. Beam weapons are a good
choice for these swift opponents.


5.2.3     Attacking Mega-Primus vehicles
Hoverbikes are tough customers. They never stand still long enough to give
them a good smacking. Even your Hovercar will feel like King Kong swatting
at little model airplanes. If you want satisfaction against enemy bikers,
use your own hoverbikes to take them down.
     The other vehicles are easily destroyed by your regular swarm tactics.


5.3  EFFECTS OF VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

5.3.1     Disruptor Shields
Shields absorb damage that would otherwise strike the vehicles armor. Small
shields can absorb 200 points of damage while large shields absorb 400
points. Shields can be added together for more protection. However, when
the last point of shielding is gone, all the shields will disintegrate.


5.3.2     Cloaking Field
Cloaking fields make a vehicle both more difficult to see, and a more
difficult target to hit.


5.3.3     Teleporter
A vehicle with a teleporter can instantly transport itself to a random part
of the map.


6.   TACTICAL COMBAT

6.1  REAL-TIME COMBAT TACTICS

6.1.1     When to Use RT Combat
During base defense missions to make best use of your security stations.
During combat missions where you want the firepower advantage of shooting
two weapons at the same time.


6.1.2     Agent Equipment


6.1.3     Combat Maneuvers


6.2  TURN-BASED COMBAT TACTICS

6.2.1     When to Use TB Combat
During XCOM raids in which you wish to capture psiclone.


6.2.2     Agent Equipment


6.2.3     Combat Maneuvers


7.   X-COM BASE LOGISTICS

7.1  MULTIPLE BASES

7.1.1     Choosing a Base
If you're worried about money, choose a base according to its internal
layout, not by its cover. The large buildings come with large price tags
that don't necessarily translate into square footage.
     If you're worried about base attacks, you're better off with a
warehouse than a slum. If you're lucky enough to grab a base with three or
four vehicle ports, grab it - they'll come in handy when you respond to UFO
threats.


7.1.2     Internal Layout
Many people choose to divide their workload amongst different bases. For
example, they put their workshops into one base, and their labs into
another.
     If you're going to use security stations, situate them by the entry
portal so they can shoot the bad guys as soon as they invade. Vehicle
repair bays are also a type of entry portal. If you have any repair bays,
place them by the entry portal and cordon off that section of base with a
string of security stations.


7.2  DEFENSE

7.2.1     Against Hostile Agents
Let security stations rip them to shreds. Situate them by the entry portal
so they can shoot the bad guys as soon as they invade. Vehicle repair bays
are also a type of entry portal. If you have any repair bays, place them by
the entry portal and cordon off that section of base with a string of
security stations.


7.2.2     Against Air Attack
Every base has a single grid square with a stick figure in it. This figure
represents your agents. If the roof collapses on this stick figure during
an attack, all your agents and scientists inside will die.
     So, what can you do about this? For starters, you can house your men
inside a hardened building such as a two-story warehouse. They can absorb
more damage than slum housing. Slums are prone to catastrophic collapse.
You'll lose ALL your base that way.
     The best thing to do is kill the UFOs before they reach your X-COM
base. But if you can't get there in time, see above.


8.   THE ALIEN DIMENSION

8.1  HOW TO ENTER ALIEN BUILDINGS
You can not enter an alien building until you've researched it back at the
lab.
     Escort your main troop vessel with other vehicles to draw UFO fire
away from your men. Retaliators are good for this.
     Once you destroy an alien building, don't launch back home
immediately. Wait for a lull in the UFO patrol pattern to make your escape.


8.2  GENERAL RULES IN THE ALIEN BUILDINGS
Don't loiter! New aliens arrive through orange teleporter gates every 10
seconds or so. Get in and get out.
     When asked to destroy objects, you don't have to destroy all the itty-
bitty pods and mushrooms. Only the largest objects are marked for X-COM
destruction. The exception is the Alien farm, in which all the white cubes
must be destroyed.
     You can destroy the orange teleporters with vortex bombs.


9.   AGENTS GUIDE

9.1  X-COM AGENTS

9.1.1     Humans
Humans seem wimpy, but their physical skills improve quickly through combat
and training. The have little psionic ability to speak of.

Choose your human recruits from those with the highest amounts of strength
and speed.

All human attributes have a base value to which a random value is added.
The random value will vary from a minimum of 0 to a maximum stated below.

 Time Units: 70 + 15
     Health: 40 + 10
    Stamina: 80 + 40
   Accuracy: 65 + 20
  Reactions: 10 + 30
   Strength: 40 + 15
    Bravery: 20 + 50
 Psi-energy: 5 + 15
 Psi-attack: 5 + 15
Psi-defense: 15 + 15


9.1.2     Sectoid Hybrids
Hybrids have great psionic talents, but are not as strong or fast as
humans. Their psi-abilities improve through both combat and training. Their
physical abilities, however, improve better through combat.

Choose the hybrid recruits with the highest speed, strength, psi-power, and
psi-attack, in that order.

All hybrid attributes have a base value to which a random value is added.
This random value will vary from a minimum of 0 to a maximum stated below.

 Time Units: 60 + 15
     Health: 30 + 10
    Stamina: 70 + 30
   Accuracy: 60 + 20
  Reactions: 15 + 30
   Strength: 30 + 10
    Bravery: 20 + 30
 Psi-energy: 30 + 15
 Psi-attack: 25 + 15
Psi-defense: 25 + 15

If the Mutant Alliance organization is angry with you, you will be unable
to recruit Sectoid Hybrids.


9.1.3     Androids
Androids have great physical attributes, but are limited by their
programming. Unlike their human or hybrid counterparts, their accuracy and
reactions improve only in minuscule increments. Furthermore, only through
combat will they ever show improvement; it is impossible to train an
android.

Because Androids are unable to train, from the outset you should recruit
the androids with the highest accuracy and reactions.

All android attributes have a base value to which a random value is added.
This random value will vary from a minimum of 0 to a maximum stated below.

 Time Units: 60 + 20
     Health: 70 + 20
    Stamina:  120 + 50
   Accuracy: 50 + 20
  Reactions: 15 + 25
   Strength: 55 + 30
    Bravery: 60 + 40
 Psi-energy: 0 + 0
 Psi-attack: 0 + 0
Psi-defense: 100 + 0

If the S.E.L.F. organization is angry with you, you will be unable to
recruit Androids.


9.2  HOSTILE AGENTS
The threat rating is a subjective measure of how likely an alien is to maim
or kill an X-COM agent.


9.2.1     Anthropods
Threat: Very Dangerous
Nickname: Barney

Common foot soldiers for the aliens, they carry a wide variety of weapons.
In the early missions, the majority will be armed with brainsucker
launchers. As the alien forces gain more technology, they will come packing
boomeroids, devastator cannons, vortex bombs, and other advanced weaponry.

They make "Growl" noises.


9.2.2     Brainsuckers
Threat: Medium (TB) Mostly Harmless (RT)

The brainsucker will try to attach itself to the face of the nearest X-COM
agent. After a window of about three seconds, the brainsucker will proceed
to suck the brains out of its victim, replacing it with an alien organism
that takes over the body of the X-COM agent. Regrettably, the brainsucking
process is irreversible.

In real-time combat, if there is no one available that can shoot the
brainsucker off of an agent, prime and drop a gas grenade. If none are
available, drop an explosive grenade.

In turn-based combat, you will have to depend on your agents' reaction fire
to protect yourself from brainsuckers.

Brainsuckers have been known to leap 50 feet in the air just to suck on an
X-COM agent's face.


9.2.3     Hyperworms
Threat: Dangerous

Hyperworms are agile, land-based piranhas that emerge from the bellies of
multiworms. They can not fly. Due to the unusual softness of their bodies,
explosives do double the normal damage.

They make "slither, slither" noises.


9.2.4     Megaspawns
Threat: Very Dangerous

Megaspawns are large, hairy beasts armed with disruptor cannon and missile
launchers. Fortunately, they will not fire their missiles if they are
within their own  blast radius.

They make "ker-thump, ker-thump" and "ROOOAAARR" noises.


9.2.5     Micronoids
Threat: Medium

Since Micronoids are just puddles of ooze, projectile weapons aren't nearly
as effective as you expect them to be. They are absolutely immune to stun
grenades, so use stun grapples if you want to take one alive.

Micronoids have no weapons, but have psi-ability, and will try to mind
control your agents when they can.

The Micronoids don't seem to make any kind of noise at all.


9.2.6     Multiworms
Threat: Mostly Harmless

Slow and ungainly, each Multiworm carries inside it a brood of five
hyperworms. Like the human cockroach, it will give birth to these
hyperworms during its throes of death. It spits a green, acidic ooze.


9.2.7     Poppers
Nickname: Purple Chickens
Threat: Very Dangerous(TB) Dangerous (RT)

Poppers are suicide squads. Though fast, they lack finesse and will happily
charge straight into a group of X-COM agents. Once one or two squares away,
they explode.

In turn-based combat, for the most part, you will depend on your agents'
reaction fire to protect yourself from poppers. Some TB players use
cleverly-placed proximity mines to kill poppers that would otherwise charge
down a corridor.

In real-time combat, you can simply direct all your weapons fire at the
incoming poppers as they runs toward you.

They can make "pitter patter" noises, but they usually just go "BOOM".


9.2.8     Psimorphs
Nickname: Marshmallow Puffs
Threat: Medium

Psimorphs have psionic skills that surpass those of your agents. Once you
find them, however, it's not too difficult to fill their balloon-like
bodies with lead.

We think they make "banshee wailing" noises.


9.2.9     Queenspawn
Threat: Mostly Harmless

There is only one Queenspawn in the game. She fires an extremely strong
acid ooze that your agents would do well to avoid. Fortunately for them,
the Queenspawn has lost the ability to move.

Capture the Queenspawn with a string stun gas grenades, throwing one as
soon as the other begins to dissipate.


9.2.10    Skeletoids
Threat: Dangerous

The aliens use Skeletoids as elite troopers. They are more heavily armored
than Anthropods, and can fly to boot. They too carry a wide variety of
weaponry.

They make "rattling bone" noises.


9.2.11    Spitters
Threat: Harmless
Dressed in pink with no where to go, these headless wonders wander around
spitting green acid ooze at your agents.

They make "phlegm-filled throat" noises.


9.2.12    Megapol Officers
Threat: Dangerous
Just two things. One, they are as heavily armed as you. Two, do you really
want to piss off Megapol?

</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
9.2.13    Cult Members
Threat: Dangerous

Every temple is stocked with rocket launchers and autocannons. Could be
worse -- they don't sell you flowers at the spaceport.


9.2.14    Gang Members
Threat: Dangerous

Gang members sleep with their rocket launchers.


9.2.15    Rent-a-Cops
Threat: You Gotta Be Joking

The in-house security for places like Sanctuary Clinic and the Electric
Company, these guys aren't paid enough to risk their lives.


10.  VEHICLE GUIDE

10.1 X-COM VEHICLES

10.1.1    Phoenix Hovercar
 Top Speed: Engine
    Health: 70
     Armor: 24
Passengers: 4
      Cost: $12,000
     Use the hovercars for UFO combat once you've researched and installed
small shields.


10.1.2    Hoverbike
Top Speed: Engine + 4
    Health: 25
     Armor: 6
Passengers: 2
      Cost: $5,000
     A great vehicle for intercepting the slower UFOs, hoverbikes only cost
$5000 each. Buy as many as you can, and fit them with janitor missiles,
lasers, or plasma cannons.


10.1.3    Valkyrie Interceptor
 Top Speed: Engine
    Health: 280
     Armor: 36
Passengers: 8
      Cost: $75,000
     The Valkyrie costs over 70,000, yet only offers the same number of
weapon bays as the phoenix hovercar. It does withstand more punishment in
battle, but at the same time, it also makes a big, juicy target. If you
wish, sell your original Valkyrie to buy hovercars.


10.1.4    Hawk Air Warrior
 Top Speed: Engine
    Health: 460
     Armor: 46
Passengers: 10
      Cost: $100,000


10.1.5    Dimension Probe
 Top Speed: 19
    Health: 80
     Armor: 48
Passengers: 0
     You'll build this once, and never ever use it again.


10.1.6    Biotrans
 Top Speed: 15
    Health: 600
     Armor: 47
Passengers: 4
     A versatile craft that can hold an enormous amount of equipment. Strip
its normal complement of cargo and containment bays and refit the Biotrans
with shielding. It's also has one of the highest profit ratios of any X-COM
produced item. Make them in your workshop and sell them for loads of dosh.


10.1.7    Explorer
 Top Speed: 16
    Health: 400
     Armor: 50
Passengers: 8
     The Biotrans does it better.


10.1.8    Retaliator
 Top Speed: 15
    Health: 450
     Armor: 66
Passengers: 4
     A serious shift in philosophy. This is where you get to use all that
nifty out-of-this-world gear you've been researching for the past several
days.


10.1.9    Annihilator
 Top Speed: 18
    Health: 700
     Armor: 78
Passengers: 8
     Each has enough room for two mediums and one heavy disruptor beam.
Awesome firepower.


10.1.10   Stormdog
 Top Speed: Engine
    Health: 45
     Armor: 18
Passengers: 4
      Cost: $6,000
     Slow and ungainly, it's useless. If you have it, ditch it.


10.1.11   Wolfhound APC
 Top Speed: Engine
    Health: 550
     Armor: 168
Passengers: 14
      Cost: $9,000
     Nope. This one isn't worth much either. Sell it.


10.1.12   Blazer Turbo Bike
 Top Speed: Engine + 4
    Health: 20
     Armor: 6
Passengers: 1
      Cost: $2,000
     Hoverbikes will take your further.


10.1.13   Griffon AFV
 Top Speed: Engine
    Health: 700
     Armor: 192
Passengers: 4
      Cost: $16,000
     Fun for a short-while. You see, it's huge armor protects the tank, not
the road. If the road goes poof, so does the vehicle. Might have been very
useful if it weren't for the brain-dead combat routine.


10.2 ALIEN VEHICLES

10.2.1    Alien Probe
 Top Speed: 14
    Health: 80
     Armor: 12
     Score: 50


10.2.2    Alien Scout
 Top Speed: 12
    Health: 120
     Armor: 27
     Score: 100


10.2.3    Alien Transporter
 Top Speed: 8
    Health: 400
     Armor: 36
     Score: 150
     This is an important ship you must CAPTURE for research.


10.2.4    Alien Fast Attack Ship
 Top Speed: 20
    Health: 80
     Armor: 57
     Score: 200


10.2.5    Alien Destroyer
 Top Speed: 12
    Health: 600
     Armor: 84
     Score: 250
     This is an important ship you must CAPTURE for research.


10.2.6    Alien Assault Ship
 Top Speed: 8
    Health: 850
     Armor: 48
     Score: 300
     This is an important ship you must CAPTURE for research.


10.2.7    Alien Bomber
 Top Speed: 14
    Health: 700
     Armor: 83
     Score: 300


10.2.8    Alien Escort
 Top Speed: 16
    Health: 500
     Armor: 120
     Score: 250


10.2.9    Alien Battleship
 Top Speed: 12
    Health: 80
     Armor: 102
     Score: 500
     This is an important ship you must CAPTURE for research.


10.2.10   Alien Mothership
 Top Speed: 8
    Health: 2800
     Armor: 85
     Score: 700



11.  EQUIPMENT GUIDE

11.1 VEHICLE WEAPONS

11.1.1    Bolter 4000 Laser Gun


11.1.2    Lancer 7000 Laser Gun


11.1.3    Rendor Plasma Gun


11.1.4    Lineage Plasma Cannon
The best weapon against UFOs, but its huge elerium chamber will really
drain your reserves. This makes it a valuable weapon you should put into
vehicles that won't be easily destroyed.


11.1.5    Plasma Multi-System


11.1.6    Light Disruptor Beam


11.1.7    Medium Disruptor Beam


11.1.8    Heavy Disruptor Beam


11.1.9    40mm Auto Cannon
Ditch it. Lasers are better.


11.1.10   Janitor Missile Array
A good early weapon for hoverbikes and hovercars.


11.1.11   Justice Missile Launcher


11.1.12   Prophet Missile Array
Suffers from ammo shortages. Another good weapon for hoverbikes and
hovercars.


11.1.13   Retribution Missile Launcher


11.1.14   Disruptor Bomb Launcher


11.1.15   Stasis Bomb Launcher


11.1.16   Disruptor Multi-Bomb Launcher


11.1.17   Laser Defense Array
Utterly useless.


11.1.18   Plasma Defense Array
More expensive than the laser defense array, but still utterly useless.


11.1.19   40mm Auto Cannon Turret


11.1.20   Airguard Anti-Air Cannon


11.1.21   GLM Array


11.1.22   Plasma Turret Cannon


11.1.23   GLM Air Defense


11.1.24   Rumble Cannon
Unlimited ammo. Great weapon. Shame about the tank.


11.2 VEHICLE ENGINES

11.2.1    SD Standard


11.2.2    SD Deluxe


11.2.3    SD Sports


11.2.4    SD Turbo


11.2.5    SD Elite


11.2.6    SD Special


11.2.7    Metro Roadhog


11.2.8    Metro Roadgrav


11.2.9    Metro Turbograv


11.2.10   Metro Powergrav


11.2.11   Metro Multipower Plus


11.3 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

11.3.1    Light Weapons Control
Doesn't make that much of a difference. If your target moves, it doesn't
matter HOW accurately you hit thin air.


11.3.2    Medium Weapons Control
Doesn't make that much of a difference. If your target moves, it doesn't
matter HOW accurately you hit thin air.


11.3.3    Heavy Weapons Control
Doesn't make that much of a difference. If your target moves, it doesn't
matter HOW accurately you hit thin air.


11.3.4    Cargo Module


11.3.5    Passenger Module


11.3.6    Bio-Transport Module


11.3.7    Missile Evasion Matrix


11.3.8    Small Disruption Shield
Load up on these! They really prolong the life of your combat vehicles.
Shields absorb damage that would otherwise strike the vehicles armor. Small
shields can absorb 200 points of damage. Shields can be added together for
more protection. However, when the last point of shielding is gone, all the
shields will disintegrate.


11.3.9    Large Disruption Shield
Load up on these! They really prolong the life of your combat vehicles.
Shields absorb damage that would otherwise strike the vehicles armor. Large
shields can absorb 400 points of damage. Shields can be added together for
more protection. However, when the last point of shielding is gone, all the
shields will disintegrate.


11.3.10   Cloaking Field


11.3.11   Teleporter


11.4 PERSONAL WEAPONS

11.4.1    Megapol Lawpistol


11.4.2    Megapol Plasma Gun
The plasma gun is an ace weapon. It has a high damage rating, a large ammo
clip, and a fast firing rate. Suffers from ammo shortage, but the only
weapons that come close in terms of effectiveness are the devastator cannon
and toxigun.


11.4.3    Marsec M4000 Machine Gun


11.4.4    Megapol Laser Sniper Gun


11.4.5    Megapol Auto Cannon
At lower skill levels, you'll get more mileage from the lighter weapons.
However, its one of the few X-COM weapons that can punch through the tough
armor you'll encounter at the hard skill levels.


11.4.6    Marsec Heavy Launcher
Launcher rockets have built in homing devices.


11.4.7    Marsec MiniLauncher
Minilauncher rockets have built in homing devices.


11.4.8    Toxigun
Toxiguns can circumvent alien shields, making them the best tools to rid
the world of the alien scourge. Toxi-B is good, Toxi-C is even better.


11.4.9    Disruptor Gun
It has a slow rate of fire and is rather inaccurate. Like the autocannon,
it comes in handy against the heavily armored aliens.


11.4.10   Devastator Cannon
This is the most powerful beam weapon in the game. Fairly accurate even on
full auto.


11.4.11   Brainsucker Launcher


11.4.12   Entropy Launcher


11.4.13   Dimension Missile Launcher


11.4.14   Power Sword


11.4.15   Mind Bender


11.4.16   Megapol Stun Grapple


11.4.17   Megapol AP Grenade


11.4.18   Megapol Stun Grenade


11.4.19   Megapol Smoke Grenade


11.4.20   Diablo Incendiary Grenade


11.4.21   Marsec Proximity Mine


11.4.22   Marsec High Explosive


11.4.23   Boomeroid


11.4.24   Vortex Mine


11.4.25   Alien Gas Grenade


11.5 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

11.5.1    Personal Disruptor Shield
Will protect your agent from explosive decompression and the other nasty
side effects of getting shot. You don't have to hold them in your hands;
placing them into your backpack is good enough.


11.5.2    Personal Teleporter
These have to be held in the hand to do any good. Try carrying two. Use one
to pop into an alien concentration, and use the other to pop out once they
fire explosives at you. The aliens will end up killing themselves.


11.5.3    Personal Cloaking Field
Carried in the hand, it will make your agents *much* harder to hit and to
see.


11.5.4    Medi-kit
Medi-kits can not be used to heal other agents or aliens. Only the holder
can use a medi-kit.


11.5.5    Motion Scanner


11.5.6    Psiclone
Sell it.


11.5.7    Elerium Pod
Sell it.


11.5.8    Megapol Armor


11.5.9    Marsec Armor
The torso unit has an integral flight control system. No other armor piece
is required to fly.


11.5.10   X-COM Armor
Good stuff.


11.6 ALIEN BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS

11.6.1    Megaspawn Disruptor


11.6.2    Megaspawn Launcher


11.6.3    Spitter Vomit


11.6.4    Multiworm Vomit


11.6.5    Alien Egg Vomit


11.6.6    Hyperworm Bite


11.6.7    Queenspawn Vomit


11.6.8    Popper Bomb


12.  INTERNAL GAMEPLAY MECHANICS

12.1 EFFECTS OF DIFFICULTY LEVELS
The harder the difficulty:
     the higher an organization is infiltrated when aliens are left in a
building,
     the more money it takes to bribe organizations,
     the sooner the aliens get better weapons and equipment,
     the tougher enemy units become in combat,
     the less money you receive at the start of the game,
     the less frequently alerts are generated.

12.2 VEHICULAR COMBAT
When a vehicle is hit by a weapon:
     (1) Subtract the weapon damage from the shields. If shields fall to
zero, apply the remaining damage to (2)
     (2) Divide the vehicle armor by 6.
     (3) Subtract the weapon damage from the armor value.
     (4) Apply the remaining damage to the vehicle's constitution.
Note: No damage is ever done to the vehicle's armor.


12.3 TACTICAL COMBAT

12.3.1    Map Generation
Mega-Primus buildings are built to randomly selected patterns every
mission. UFO map layouts are the same for each mission. Buildings in the
Alien Dimension are completely random apart from the critical areas.

     Each tactical map square is 1.5 meters on each side.

12.3.2    Weapons Accuracy
A unit's basic accuracy is adjusted by the modifiers below, then added
together with the weapons accuracy to give a final rating.

Modifier                 Adjustment
Unit is stationary       +20% unit accuracy
Unit is walking          -25% unit accuracy
Unit is kneeling         +20% unit accuracy
Unit is prone            +40% unit accuracy
Unit is flying           -15% unit accuracy
Weapon on full-auto      -50% unit accuracy
Weapon on aimed-shot     +100% unit accuracy

Critical hits in either arm will severely affect shooting accuracy.


12.3.3    Grenade Accuracy
The unit's accuracy rating is adjusted by the modifiers below.

Modifier                 Adjustment
Unit is stationary       +10% unit accuracy
Unit is walking          -12.5% unit accuracy

Critical hits in either arm will severely affect throwing accuracy.


12.3.4    Damage
When a unit is hit by a weapon:
     (1) Subtract the weapon damage from the shields. If shields fall to
         zero, apply the remaining damage to (2)
     (2) Find out what part of the body is hit
     (3) Adjust the damage according to the damage matrix table.
     (4) Absorb as many points of damage as there are armor points for that
         part of the body. Apply the remaining damage to (6) (aliens have
         the same armor value all over).
     (5) Damage the armor. If armor rating falls to zero, destroy armor.
         Armor damage = (weapon damage * 3) / armor points
     (6) Subtract the remaining damage from the unit's health.
     (7) If the damage down is greater than 1/8 of maximum health, test for
         a critical wound. Percent chance of a critical wound is:
         (100 * damage) / maximum health


12.3.4.1  Bullets/Energy Beams
The damage of these weapons can vary by up to 50% of the written damage
rating. Thus, a bullet from a machine gun can be worth anywhere from 11-32
points of damage.


12.3.4.2  Stun Weapons
If the stun damage from a weapon exceeds the health of a unit, the unit
will become unconscious. Stun damage does not hurt armor. A stunned unit
recovers one point of stun damage each second.


12.3.4.3  Explosives
An explosion does full damage only at its center. Its strength decreases
linearly as you move away from the center until it hits zero strength at
the edge of the blast radius.

1/8th of explosive damage is applied as stun damage.


12.3.5    Psionic Skills
The success of a psionic attack is a percentage calculated as follows:

                     100*attack*(100-defense)
success rate = --------------------------------------
                 attack*(100-defense) + 100*defense

           psiattack rating * 40
attack = ---------------------------
          initiation cost of action

defense = psidefense rating

Mind control costs 32 psi to initiate, stun costs 16 psi, panic costs 10
psi, and probe costs 8 psi.
     All of these psionic attacks place a further drain on a unit's psi-
energy in the form of a maintenance cost.


12.4 AGENTS

12.4.1    Stats & Improvements
Only human and hybrid units can improve stats through training.
     Every four hours, an agent has some chance of improving some physical
stats by one point. This percentage is equal to (100 - value of stat).
Thus, it becomes increasingly difficult to improve high stats through
training.
     Every four hours, an agent has some chance of improving some psionic
stats. However, an agent can only increase psionic stats to three times
their original levels. Furthermore, the amount of improvement depends on
the unit's psi-energy. Humans that start with low psi-energy will therefore
show almost no improvement even after hundreds of hours.
     The chance that a skill will increase is a percentage calculated as:
     100 - (3 * current_value - starting_value)
     Psi-attack will increase by 1/20th of psi-energy. Psi-defense will
increase by 1/20th of psi-energy. Psi-energy will increase by 1 point.


12.4.2    Promotions and Medals

Promotion Eligibility:
Rank           Prerequisite
Rookie         None
Squaddie       Must earn over 8 combat rating points
Squad Leader   (Rookies + Squaddies) / (Squad Leaders + 1) is more than 4
Sergeant       Squad leaders / (Sergeant + 1) is more than 2
Captain        Sergeants / (Captains + 1) is more than 2
Colonel        Captains / (Colonels + 1) is more than 2
Commander      No commander, and more than one Colonel

Up to five units may be promoted after any given mission. The units with
the highest combat rating are selected for promotion.
     Rank isn't just for fun. It actually affects the morale of units.


12.4.3    Healing
Medi-kits will heal critical wounds and add 5 to the health of a unit. Back
at the base, medical bays will restore 0.8 health points every hour, but
only after the patients get a good night's rest.


12.4.4    Morale
A unit's morale goes up when bad guys die, and goes down when the good guys
die, or if it is injured itself. The blow to a unit's morale score is
cushioned by a high bravery score. Morale is affected more by the death of
a highly ranked unit than it is by a lower ranked unit.
     Highly ranked units aren't affected by morale as badly as the lower
ranked units.
     When hurt, a unit's morale will decrease according to this formula:

     decrease = (damage * 50)     (15 - bravery)
                -------------- * ---------------
                  max_health           10
                --------------------------------
                               10

     If a unit has less than 30 morale points left, he/she/it may panic. A
panicked unit will either run away, freeze, or go completely bezerk.


12.4.5    Encumbrance
It's possible for a unit to carry weight up to four times its strength.
However, as a unit becomes more encumbered, it will lose time units and
speed at an ever-increasing rate.


12.4.6    Movement
In real-time games, movement is measured by its speed rating. Each frame of
the game is 1/36 of a second. In that time, a unit can move as many steps
as its speed. Each square is divided into 80 steps, so a unit with a speed
of 10 would take 8 frames (8/36ths of a second) to cross a square.
     Running takes place at full speed, walking at half speed, and crawling
at 1/3rd speed.
     Turning 45 degrees requires one frame. (1/36th of a second)
     Changing posture from kneeling to standing requires 8 frames.
     Throwing takes 22 frames.
     Aiming takes 6 frames.
     Firing takes 4 frames.
     Reloading depends on the firing rate of the weapon.
     Doors open in 12 frames.

In turn-based games, movement ability is dictated by a unit's remaining
time units.
Movement Type                   TU Cost
Running                         2
Walking                         4
Crawling                        6
Changing Posture                10% of maximum TUs
Turning 45 degrees              1
Firing:                         
 Aimed                          (36/Fire Rate)% of maximum TUs
 Snap Shot                      (18/Fire Rate)% of maximum TUs
 Automatic                      (9/Fire Rate)% of maximum TUs
Picking up object               10% of maximum TUs
Using motion scanner            10% of maximum TUs
Throwing                        20% of maximum TUs
Psionic attack                  10% of maximum TUs
Using medi-kit                  37.5% of maximum TUs
Teleporting                     55% of maximum TUs


12.5 SCORING
In combat, you gain points for killing enemy units and finding equipment
and lose points for losing agents and X-COM equipment.
     Enemy units each have a point value listed in the appendix. You don't
get credit for kills caused by bleeding.
     You lose double the points from your Combat Rating for getting an
agent brainsucked. Its points are added to your Casualty Penalty. Getting
killed the normal way just adds points (10 per agent) to your Casualty
Penalty.
     Leadership bonus is (100 - Casualty penalty * 3)% of (Combat rating -
freindly fire + stunned hostiles).
     Your total score is Combat Rating + Leadership Bonus - Casualty
Penalty + Live Aliens Captured + Equipment Captured - Equipment Lost

In the cityscape, you get points for completing research, shooting down
UFOs, and destroying alien buildings. You lose 30 points for each alien
alert in the city, points equal to 1/4 the value of any UFO that escapes
through a dimension gate, the point value of any X-COM craft that is
destroyed, and up to 20 points for a deliberately destroyed city block.

Your cityscape and combat scores are tallied at the end of the week to
determine the adjustments that are made to your funding.


13.  BUGS, UPDATES, AND PATCHES
None yet!


14.  THIRD PARTY SUPPORT

14.1 INTERNET WEBSITES
Apocalypse Central
     Maintainer: Leo Radvinsky
     URL: http://www.gametemple.com/x-com/
Message boards, on-line UFOpedia, cheating programs.

Roger's X-COM Apocalypse FAQ Distribution Center
     Maintainer: Roger Wong
     URL: http://www.khan.org/~roger/games/xcom3/
The home of this FAQ.

Gamespot's Guide to X-COM Apocalypse
     Maintainer: Spotmedia Communications
     URL: http://www.gamespot.com/features/xcom
A shortened, HTML version of this FAQ with illustrations and diagrams.


14.2 UTILITIES AND PROGRAMS
APOCUTIL
     for MS-DOS
     Author: Scott Jones
     URL: http://members.aol.com/stones/xcomutil/
Randomizes the effects of each weapon on each alien to make the game more
difficult and more interesting.

XeD
     For MS-DOS
     Author: Larze & Fds0ft
     URL: http://www.gametemple.com/x-com/
Edits agent statistics, equipment stores, internal base layouts, funds,
graphics, etc.


15.  CLOSING STATEMENT
That's that. Read a good book every now and again, and don't get hurt!


16.  APPENDICES

16.1 TABLES

16.1.1    Agent Weapons

Accuracy
--------
Grenade accuracy depends on the accuracy of the unit.

The accuracy of guided weapons such as missile launchers are misleading.
If the target is equipped with a personal cloaking device, accuracy is
reduced by an unknown, but significant, amount.

Ammo
----
Weapons that recharge over time have a + sign next to their ammunition
counter.

Blast Radius
------------
Explosion damage decreases linearly until it reaches 0 at the very edge of
the blast radius. i.e.- To an object three squares away, a Vortex Mine will
do 85 points of damage according to the formula:
 [Damage - ((Damage / Blast_Radius ) * Distance)].

Score
-----
When two scores are listed, the first score refers to the weapon, and the
second refers to the ammunition clip.

                                             Rate                    
                                               of             Blast  
Name                Type        Ammo  Acc.   Fire   Damage    Radius Score
AP Grenade          Explosive     --    --     --     48        4      1
Stun Grenade        Stun          --    --     --     80        7      1
Smoke Grenade       Smoke         --    --     --     90        8      1
Incendiary Grenade  Incend.       --    --     --     80        6      1
Proximity Mine      Explosive     --    --     --     75        8      2
High Explosive      Explosive     --    --     --     90        6      2
Boomeroid           Explosive     --    --     --     70        7      7
Vortex Mine         Explosive     --    --     --    150        7      8
Alien Gas Grenade   Gas           --    --     --     80        8      4

M4000 Machine Gun   AP            36   30%   3.00  11 - 32      --    2/0
Lawpistol           AP            16   45%   2.00  12 - 36      --    2/0
Plasma Gun          Plasma        42   55%   1.20  18 - 53      --    4/1
Laser Sniper Gun    Laser         30   95%   0.85  13 - 39      --    3/0
Disruptor Gun       Disruptor    +28   30%   1.12  21 - 63      --     4
Devastator Cannon   Disruptor    +34   75%   0.90  35 - 105     --     10
Toxigun A-clip      Toxin A       16   40%   4.50  25 - 75      --    4/2
Toxigun B-clip      Toxin B       16   40%   4.50  33 - 98      --    4/2
Toxigun C-clip      Toxin C       16   40%   4.50  43 - 128     --    4/2

Auto Cannon AP      AP            24   40%   1.05  20 - 60      --    3/0
Auto Cannon HE      Explosive     24   40%   1.05     33        8     3/0
Auto Cannon IN      Incend.       24   40%   1.05     37        7     3/0

Mini Launcher HE    Explosive      5   30%   0.55     40        8     4/1
Mini Launcher IN    Incend.        5   30%   0.55     40        8     4/1
Heavy Launcher HE   Explosive      1   10%   0.45     90        8     4/1
Heavy Launcher IN   Incend.        1   10%   0.45     90        8     4/1
Dimension Launcher  Explosive      1   85%   0.37    110        8     10/8
Entropy Launcher    Entropy        3    --   0.36   9 - 27      --    7/7

Power Sword         Plasma       +15   95%   1.02  38 - 113     --     2
Stun Grapple        Stun          +5   75%   0.81  45 - 135     --     1
Mind Bender         --            --    --     --     --        --     5



16.1.2    Vehicle Weapons
Accuracy
--------
Refers to the probability of hitting a target spot. If a target moves out
of a targeted spot, it's not the weapon's fault.

Range
-----
Weapons fire will fizzle after covering the given range in meters. One city
square is equal to 16 meters.

Firing Arc
----------
Vehicle-mounted weapons point forward. The firing arc is in degrees.

Turn Rate
---------
Weapons with a turn rate home in on their targets.

Name                   Ammo  Acc.  Rate  Speed  Range  Firing  Turn Damage
                                   of                  Arc     Rate
                                   Fire
Bolter 4000 Laser Gun  --    45%   3.0   38     200    90      --   12
Lancer 7000 Laser Gun  --    40%   3.0   38     300    90      --   16
Rendor Plasma Gun      70    36%   3.0   38     250    90      --   20
Lineage Plasma Cannon  110   34%   3.0   38     400    90      --   25
Plasma Multi-system    30    38%   6.0   38     175    180     --   14
Light Disruptor Beam   --    50%   2.4   28     150    180     --   20
Medium Disruptor Beam  --    40%   2.1   30     300    180     --   40
Heavy Disruptor Beam   --    30%   1.8   32     600    180     --   80
40mm Auto Cannon       300   30%   6.0   20     175    90      --   10
Janitor Missile        24    24%   1.0   16     250    135     24   22
Prophet Missile        26    24%   0.9   18     350    270     32   26
Justice Missile        1     26%   0.5   10     1000   135     12   50
Retribution Missile    1     22%   0.4   10     1150   135     10   68
Disruptor Bomb         32    18%   0.4   16     450    270     34   94
Stasis Bomb            5     20%   0.4   24     250    270     34   --
Disruptor Multi-Bomb   12    16%   0.3   12     250    270     24   98
Multi-Bomb Fragment    --    --    --    22     --     --      28   65
Laser Defense Array    --    12%   9.0   38     64     360     --   8
Plasma Defense Array   --    8%    9.0   38     84     360     --   12

40mm AC Turret         500   30%   6.0   20     150    360     --   14
Airguard AA Cannon     600   28%   2.0   15     180    360     --   16
GLM Array              12    24%   1.5   17     225    360     12   26
Plasma Turret Cannon   130   15%   4.5   38     400    360     --   30
GLM Air Defense        16    25%   1.05  17     325    360     14   28
Rumble Cannon          --    25%   5.1   20     250    90      --   34


16.1.3    UFOs
Armor
-----
The stated rating is an overall value. It is divided equally between the
six sides of the vehicle (top, bottom, left, right, front, back).

Weapons
-------
Items with a + sign denote optional devices that only appear at advanced
game stages.

Type              Armor  Health  Speed  Score   Weapons
Probe             12     80      14     50      Light Disruptor Beam
Scout             27     120     12     100     Light Disruptor Beam
                                                +Small Disruption Shield
Transporter       36     400     8      150     Light Disruptor Beam
                                                +Small Disruption Shield
Fast Attack Ship  57     80      20     200     Medium Disruptor Beam
                                                +Small Disruption Shield
Destroyer         84     600     12     250     Disruptor Bomb Launcher
                                                +Small Disruption shield
                                                +Teleporter
Assault Ship      48     850     8      300     Medium Disruptor Beam
                                                +Small Disruption Shield
                                                +Cloaking Field
                                                +Teleporter
Bomber            84     700     14     300     Light Disruptor Beam
                                                Disruptor Multi-Bomb
                                                +Large Disruption Shield
                                                +Teleporter
                                                +Cloaking Field
Escort            120    500     16     250     Stasis Bomb Launcher
                                                +Large Disruption Shield
                                                +Cloaking Field
                                                +Teleporter
Battleship        102    80      12     500     Heavy Disruptor Beam
                                                Disruptor Bomb Launcher
                                                +Large Disruption Shield
                                                +Teleporter
Mothership        84     2800    8      700     Heavy Disruptor Beam
                                                Disruptor Multi-Bomb
                                                Stasis Bomb Launcher
                                                +Large Disruption Shield
                                                +Teleporter
Overspawn         102    1800    4      400     Smelly Feet
                                                Bad Breath
                                                Unclipped Toenails


16.1.4    UFO Crew Complements
Because aliens can die during crash landings or flee the battlefield, you
may encounter less aliens than stated here.

                  Alien Egg
                    | Anthropod
                    |   | Brainsucker
                    |   |   | Chrysalis
                    |   |   |   | Hyperworm
                    |   |   |   |   | Megaspawn
                    |   |   |   |   |   | Micronoid
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   | Multiworm
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Popper
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Psimorph
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Skeletoid
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Spitter
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Transporter         2   4   -   2   2   -   -   -   1   -   -   4
Fast Attack Ship    -   6   2   -   -   -   -   -   1   -   -   2
Destroyer           -   8   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   3   3
Assault Ship        -   6   -   2   -   -   -   -   4   -   2   4
Bomber              -   3   -   -   -   -   -   -   2   -   7   -
Escort              -   3   -   -   -   1   -   -   2   -   7   -
Battleship          -   8   -   -   -   3   3   -   5   1   5   5
Mothership          -   4   -   -   -   2   3   -   5   2   9   -


16.1.5    Aliens Beamed Down by UFOs
Due to the alien life cycle, the nature of an alien infestation will change
over time. Aliens may spread to other buildings, new aliens may hatch from
eggs and chrysalises, or the aliens may simply die of old age.

                  Alien Egg
                    | Anthropod
                    |   | Brainsucker
                    |   |   | Multiworm
                    |   |   |   | Popper
                    |   |   |   |   | Skeletoid
                    |   |   |   |   |   | Spitter
                    |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Probe               -   1   1   -   -   -   2
Scout               3   1   2   2   -   -   5
Transporter         5   5   3   3   1   -   3
Fast Attack Ship    -   3   -   1   3   3   -
Destroyer           5   8   4   1   -   4   -
Assault Ship        5   6   5   2   2   5   2
Bomber              -   5   -   -   -   -   3
Escort              4   -   -   -   4   3   2
Battleship          5   4   -   -   2   5   4
Mothership          5   4   -   -   5   6   4


16.1.6    Aliens in Alien Buildings
Anthropods, skeletoids, and spitters are beamed into each building as
reinforcements. The type selection is random, but the timing is precise.

                  Alien Arrival Rate (every X seconds)
                    |   Alien Egg
                    |     | Anthropod
                    |     |   | Hyperworm
                    |     |   |   | Megaspawn
                    |     |   |   |   | Micronoid
                    |     |   |   |   |   | Multiworm
                    |     |   |   |   |   |   | Popper
                    |     |   |   |   |   |   |   | Psimorph
                    |     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Skeletoid
                    |     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Spitter
                    |     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   | Queenspawn
                    |     |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
Sleeping Chamber    40    -   6   6   -   2   -   -   -   6   2   -
Food Chamber        35    -  12   -   -   -   -   -   2   6   -   -
Alien Farm          12    -   6   -   -   -   3   6   2  12   -   -
Maintenance Factory 30    -   6   -   2   -   2   6   -   6   -   -
Incubator Chamber   20    -   6   -   -   -   4   -   -  12   2   -
Control Chamber     10    -  12   -   -   -   2   -   -  12   2   -
Spawning Chamber    18    6   6   -   3   -   -   -   2   6   -   1
Organic Factory     20    -  12   -   -   -   1   -   2  12   2   -
Megapod Chamber     10    -  12   -   2   -   -   -   2  12   2   -
Dimension Gate       5    -   0   -   6   -   2   -   6  18   -   -


16.1.7    Hostile Unit Statistics
TU/Speed
--------
Time Units and speed are given for turn-based and real-time combat.

Type                                TU/           Psi    Psi    Psi        
            Health  Armor    Acc  Speed  Brave  Power  Attck    Def   Score
Alien Egg       80      5     40   30/0      -      -      -    100       4
Anthropod       60      5    100   56/7     80      -      -     40      10
Brainsucker     20      5    100  90/11      -      -      -    100       4
Chrysalis       86     12      -   30/0      -      -      -    100       3
Hyperworm       44      7     70  82/10      -      -      -     90       5
Megaspawn      260     31     50   50/4    100      -      -    100      30
Micronoid       80      0     40   30/3      -     75     65     85      15
Multiworm      340      6     50   45/5      -      -      -     75       8
Popper          35      7      - 110/13      -      -      -    100       8
Psimorph       420     10     70   36/4     80    170     85     80      30
Queenspawn     600     30     60   45/0      -      -      -     90      50
Skeletoid       34     14     70  86/10     70      -      -     55      14
Spitter         65      7     38   56/7     80      -      -    100       8

Cultist      40-50     15  60-80 60-75/  40-80   5-20  20-45  20-60      10
                                    7-9
Gang Member  40-50     20  60-80 60-75/  40-80   5-20   5-20  15-45      10
                                    7-9
Megapol      40-50     20  55-75 60-75/  40-80   5-20   5-20  15-35      10
                                    7-9
Rent-a-Cop   40-50     18  60-80 60-75/  40-80   5-20   5-20  20-50      10
                                    7-9


16.1.8    Workshop Profit Ratings

Labor Cost
----------
Engineers are paid $4.76 an hour. Labor costs assume an average engineer
rating of 85. Labor cost is calculated as ((LaborHours / 85) * $4.76).

To reduce the cost of labor, hire engineers with the highest ratings.

Total Cost
----------
The total cost of each item includes costs for both labor and for
manufacture.

Market Price
------------
This is the initial market price. The price will drop as more items of this
type are sold.

Profit hours
------------
The most profitable items have the highest Profit Hour ratings. These
include the Stasis Bomb, Biotrans, Toxigun, and X-COM Body Shield.

Item                   Labor Labor   Mfr.   Total Market            Profit
                       Hours  Cost   Cost    Cost  Price   Profit    hours
Alien Gas Grenade       1000    56    250     306    600      294     .294
Toxigun                 3000   168   1200    1368   2780     1412     .470
Toxigun A-clip           800    44    200     244    500      256     .320
Toxigun B-Clip           900    50    300     350    700      350     .438
Toxigun C-Clip          1000    56    400     456    900      444     .444
Disruptor Gun           7000   392    600     992   2100     1108     .158
Devastator Cannon      12000   672   1200    1872   4500     2630     .219
Dimension Launcher      5500   308   1200    1508   3100     1592     .289
Dimension Missile       4000   224    400     624   1300      676     .169
Boomeroid               3000   168    230     398    840      442     .147
Vortex Mine             5000   280    250     530   1130      600     .120

Personal Shield        14000   782   2000    2782   5770     2988     .213
Personal Teleporter    25000  1400   6000    7400  18200    10800     .432
Personal Cloak Field   18000  1006   3000    4006   8300     4294     .238
X-COM Leg Shields       3400   190   1200    1390   2830     1440     .423
X-COM Body Shield       3800   212   1500    1712   3480     1770     .465
X-COM Arm Shields       3400   190   1200    1390   2830     1440     .423
X-COM Head Shield       3800   212   1500    1712   3480     1770     .465

Adv. Control System    15000   840   4000    4840   8000     3160     .210
Bio-Transport Module    4000   224    700     924    950       26     .006
Small Shield           20000  1120   5000    6120  12500     6380     .319
Large Shield           30000  1680   8000    9680  19800    10120     .337
Cloaking Field         35000  1960   6000    7960  16450     8490     .242
Teleporter             45000  2520  11000   13520  27700    14180     .315

Light Disruptor Beam   12000   672   2000    2672   5600     2928     .244
Med. Disruptor Beam    20000  1120   4000    5120  10500     5380     .269
Heavy Disruptor Beam   35000  1960   8000    9960  20500    10540     .301
Disruptor Launcher      8000   448   3000    3448   7000     3552     .444
Disruptor Bomb          4000   224   1500    1724   3500     1776     .444
Stasis Bomb Launcher    6000   336   2000    2336   4760     2424     .404
Stasis Bomb             2000   112   1200    1312   2650     1338     .669
Multi Launcher         10000   560   4000    4560   9260     4700     .470
Disruptor Multi-Bomb    5000   280   1800    2080   4230     2150     .430

Dimension Probe        25000  1400   6000    7400  10000     2600     .104
Biotrans               35000  1960  12000   13960  34000    20040     .572
Explorer               55000  3080  22000   25080  44000    18920     .344
Retaliator             75000  4200  35000   39200  70000    30800     .410
Annihilator           100000  5600  50000   55600 100000    44400     .444


16.1.9    Complete Commodities Market Pricing Guide

Price
-----
Initial starting price. The actual market price will vary according to
supply and demand.

Stocks (Minimum, Maximum)
-----
These hard-coded stock values are used to determine weekly stock levels.

Week
-----
The week in which the item is first available for sale. If no week number
is given, the item must be found or manufactured by X-COM.


                                       Min.    Max.        
Item                            Price Stocks  Stocks Week  Manufacturer

Phoenix Hovercar                12000   4       15     1   Marsec
Hoverbike                        5000   4       20     1   Marsec
Valkyrie Interceptor            75000   2       8      1   Marsec
Hawk Air Warrior               100000   2       6      2   Marsec
Stormdog                         6000   5       20     1   Marsec
Wolfhound APC                    9000   3       7      1   Marsec
Blaser Turbo Bike                2000   4       8      1   General Metro
Griffon AFV                     16000   3       8      1   Marsec
Dimension Probe                 10000   -       2      -   X-COM
Biotrans                        34000   -       2      -   X-COM
Explorer                        44000   -       2      -   X-COM
Retaliator                      70000   -       2      -   X-COM
Annihilator                    100000   -       2      -   X-COM
                                                           
Bolter 4000 Laser Gun            1000   4       15     1   Megapol
Lancer 7000 Laser Gun            1500   4       12     1   Megapol
Rendor Plasma Gun                2500   3       8      1   Marsec
Lineage Plasma Cannon            6000   3       12     3   Marsec
Plasma Multi-System              5000   4       14     2   Marsec
40mm Auto Cannon                  500   7       24     1   Megapol
Janitor Missile Array            1200   6       22     1   Megapol
Justice Missile Array             800   4       12     1   Megapol
Prophet Missile Array            1500   5       16     1   Marsec
Retribution Missile Launcher     1100   4       14     1   Marsec
Laser Defense Array              1700   5       15     1   Megapol
Plasma Defense Array             2300   4       11     3   Marsec
Light Disruptor Beam             5600   -       5      -   X-COM
Medium Disruptor Beam           10500   -       10     -   X-COM
Heavy Disruptor Beam            20500   -       15     -   X-COM
Disruptor Bomb Launcher          7000   -       8      -   X-COM
Stasis Bomb Launcher             4760   -       10     -   X-COM
Disruptor Multi-Bomb Launcher    9260   -       14     -   X-COM
                                                           
40mm Auto Cannon Turret           300   4       15     1   Megapol
Airguard Anti-Air Cannon          400   4       13     1   Marsec
GLM Array                         600   3       8      1   Marsec
                                                           
Plasma Turret Cannon             1800   2       5      1   Marsec
GLM Air Defense                  2100   2       6      1   Marsec
Rumble Cannon                    1000   3       8      1   Megapol
                                                           
Fusion Powerfuel                   10  200     1200    1   
Elerium-115                        20  180     800     1   Solmine
Multi-cannon Round                  5  400     1500    1   Megapol
Janitor Missile                   110   50     260     1   Megapol
Justice Missile                   330   10      60     1   Megapol
Prophet Missile                   200   40     200     1   Marsec
Retribution Missile               420   5       30     1   Marsec
Repeater 40mm Cannon Round          6  400     1200    1   Megapol
Airguard 52mm Cannon Round          8  400     1400    1   Marsec
Ground Launched Missile           100   40     200     1   Marsec
Air Defense Missile               180   35      50     1   Marsec
Disruptor Bomb                   3500   -       25     -   X-COM
Stasis Bomb                      2650   -       20     -   X-COM
Disruptor Multi-Bomb             4230   -       30     -   X-COM
                                                           
SD Standard                      1000   4       10     1   Superdynamics
SD Deluxe                        1500   4       9      1   Superdynamics
SD Sports                        2000   3       8      1   Superdynamics
SD Turbo                         3500   3       7      1   Superdynamics
SD Elite                         5000   2       6      1   Superdynamics
SD Special                       7000   2       5      1   Superdynamics
                                                           
Metro Roadhog                     400   4       12     1   General Metro
Metro Roadgrav                    600   3       11     1   General Metro
Metro Turbograv                   900   2       10     1   General Metro
Metro Powergrav                  1200   2       9      1   General Metro
Metro Multipower Plus            1600   2       8      1   General Metro
                                                           
Cargo Module                      300   4       12     1   Superdynamics
Passenger Module                  400   4       12     1   General Metro
Bio-Transport Module              950   -       4      -   X-COM
Light Weapons Control            1000   3       5      1   Cyberweb
Medium Weapons Control           3000   2       4      1   Cyberweb
Heavy Weapons Control            6000   1       2      3   Cyberweb
Advanced Control System          8000   -       6      -   X-COM
Missile Evasion Matrix           4000   2       4      2   Cyberweb
Small Disruption Shield         12500   -       10     -   X-COM
Large Disruption Shield         19800   -       15     -   X-COM
Cloaking Field                  16450   -       17     -   X-COM
Teleporter                      27700   -       20     -   X-COM
                                                           
AP Grenade                         70   20      50     1   Megapol
Stun Grenade                       50   20      60     1   Megapol
Smoke Grenade                      30   25      60     1   Megapol
Incendiary Grenade                 60   10      30     1   Diablo
Proximity Mine                    300   10      30     2   Marsec
High Explosive                    800   8       16     1   Marsec
Lawpistol                         300   15      50     1   Megapol
Lawpistol Clip                     10   20      80     1   Megapol
M4000 Machine Gun                 800   9       24     1   Marsec
M4000 Machine Gun Clip             20   40      70     1   Marsec
Laser Sniper Gun                  900   5       15     1   Megapol
Laser Pod                          40   30      55     1   Megapol
Autocannon                       1200   3       8      1   Megapol
Autocannon AP Clip                 30   20      40     1   Megapol
Autocannon HE Clip                 40   20      40     1   Megapol
Autocannon IN Clip                 30   20      40     1   Megapol
Plasma Gun                       1600   3       6      2   Megapol
Plasma Gun Pod                     50   15      40     2   Megapol
Heavy Launcher                    800   2       4      2   Marsec
Heavy Launcher HE Missile          40   5       20     2   Marsec
Heavy Launcher IN Missile          40   5       20     2   Marsec
Heavy Launcher AG Missile         700   -       15     -   Marsec
Minilauncher                      900   2       6      3   Marsec
Minilauncher HE Missile            35   10      30     3   Marsec
Minilauncher IN Missile            35   10      30     3   Marsec
Minilauncher AG Missile           900   -       30     -   Marsec
Stun Grapple                      400   5       20     1   Megapol
Powersword                        400   1       5      3   Marsec
Mind Bender                      1200   3       12     1   Marsec
Medi-kit                          250   4       14     1   Nanotech
Motion Scanner                    900   2       6      1   Marsec
Alien Gas Grenade                 600   -       15     -   X-COM
Toxigun                          2780   -       8      -   X-COM
Toxigun A-Clip                    500   -       16     -   X-COM
Toxigun B-Clip                    700   -       16     -   X-COM
Toxigun C-Clip                    900   -       16     -   X-COM
Disruptor Gun                    2100   -       10     -   X-COM
Devastator Cannon                4500   -       20     -   X-COM
Boomeroid                         840   -       15     -   X-COM
Brainsucker Launcher              200   -       6      -   X-COM
Brainsucker Pod                   200   -       4      -   X-COM
Entropy Launcher                  300   -       4      -   X-COM
Entropy Pod                       100   -       10     -   X-COM
Dimension Missile Launcher       3100   -       25     -   X-COM
Dimension Missile                1300   -       30     -   X-COM
Vortex Mine                      1130   -       25     -   X-COM
Personal Disruptor Shield        5770   -       30     -   X-COM
Personal Teleporter             18200   -       40     -   X-COM
Personal Cloaking field          8300   -       30     -   X-COM
Megapol Leg Armor                 400   8       24     1   Megapol
Megapol Body Armor                400   8       24     1   Megapol
Megapol Left Arm Armor            300   8       24     1   Megapol
Megapol Right Arm Armor           300   8       24     1   Megapol
Megapol Helmet                    400   8       24     1   Megapol
Marsec Leg Unit                   600   2       15     2   Marsec
Marsec Body Unit                 1200   2       15     2   Marsec
Marsec Left Arm Unit              600   2       15     2   Marsec
Marsec Right Arm Unit             600   2       15     2   Marsec
Marsec Head Unit                  700   2       15     2   Marsec
X-COM Leg Shield                 2830   -       20     -   X-COM
X-COM Body Shield                3480   -       20     -   X-COM
X-COM Left Arm Shield            2830   -       20     -   X-COM
X-COM Right Arm Shield           2830   -       20     -   X-COM
X-COM Head Shield                3480   -       20     -   X-COM
Psiclone                         4500   -       40     -   Psyke
Elerium Pod                      3000   -       40     -   Solmine


17.  REFERENCES
Fermier, R. XCOM3 storage problems. Usenet posts. July, 1997.
Tokumura, C. Contact explosives. Usenet posts. July, 1997.
Sens. Early vehicle combat. Usenet posts. August, 1997.
Sens. Weapons comparisons. Usenet posts. August, 1997.
Sens. Cult raid tactics. Usenet posts. July, 1997.
Sens. Weapons control systems. Usenet posts. July, 1997.
Silvey, S. Ineffective weapons systems. Usenet posts. August, 1997.</pre><pre id="faqspan-3">
Silvey, S. Entropy avoidance. Usenet posts. August, 1997.
Wilhelm, S. Early base defense. Usenet posts. August, 1997



18.  REVISION HISTORY

A.   version 0.99. September 27, 1997. First release.