Which S.H.I.V?

[Ge15t]

At some point I aim to get them all to suit any combat need, but for my first one which is the most bang for my buck?

[P-47 Thunderbolt]

Hover SHIV.

[Stardustfire]

MEC :)

[King Whiff]

iv never really found shivs that usefull in honesty. If you have EW id focus on Mecs over shiv & gene. mecs are pretty good id recommened augementing an assualt and a sniper/heavy. very good abilities.

[kknd]

Basic SHIV is cheap and gets the job done, especially with a few foundry upgrades. The Alloy SHIV is probly the best allrounder, with lots of health and it can be used as low cover. The Hover SHIV basically trades the cover for flight.

The key to effective SHIV's is an up to date weapon and the foundry projects. Heck, one of them gives SHIV's infinite regeneration at 2hp a turn. All hail das uber panzer!

[zwelgje]

In my humble opinion, it depends on the abilities and size of the rest of your squad.
E.g. A basic SHIV is great if you have squadsize 5 or 6, and a sniper with squadsight. But if it takes up one squad place out of 4, it is not really value for money.
Also keep in mind that SHIV's don't level up. Even if they seem a good fit at first, they do take away a spot for a soldier which can upgrade. That soldier will be more valuable in later mission....

[PureH]

The 1st shiv I get is the alloy and Then wait for the hover shiv and get that and some times I send them both in Butttttt Not any more..... mainly just mecs untill i work for that achiviment for a squad of mecs and shivs. and I only get shivs when i have a squad of 6

[shard]

IF YOU HAVE A SNIPER WITH SQUADSIGHT AND LOW PROFILE KEEP AN ALLOY SHIV WITH THE SNIPER AT ALL TIMES FOR COVER/PROTECTION

[markdb92]

good advice shard but you need some brave soul to find targets for him

[dZaEnRtOe]

thats what rookies are for.

Do shivs count as line of sight for squadsight? cani use them to spot targets like a regular squad member?

[MattStriker]

One important thing to remember about S.H.I.V.s: They're immune to psionics. On certain missions (late-game big UFOs or the final mission, for example) that's a huge plus.

And yes, they count as squadsight spotters. Which is pretty much my favorite use for them. With all the foundry upgrades they tank reasonably well, pack a nice punch and uncover lots of targets.

[di eshor ribly]

not to mention theyre cheap and easily replaceable. lost your colonel psi ops ultimate badarse? too bad. lost your favorite hover-shiv? build a new one.

[King Crimson]

To be honest, none of them! But if you insist on using one, I'd say the hover shiv will do fine.

[DashThrowing]

Hover SHIV. It's pretty much always in full cover, Flying makes it super-hard to hit, and Suppression in the air makes shots nearly 1% for almost any alien. They are very vulnerable to Psi Lance and Rift, so be careful.

[KaosReigns]

My vote is in with none of em. Cleared the entire game never even using 1 S.H.I.V. (PS3 Version)

[DashThrowing]

I'd like to say that SHIVs are good replacements for your elite soldiers so you don't have to sacrifice a Rookie. They can take quite a beating, too.