Suggested difficulty for a first play through?

[Traditional Dumpling Experience]

I know this is subjective but I'd like some advice. I really like a challenge but within reason if you know what I mean. How does commander compare to veteran for a first playthrough?

[Mook]

Commander if you played and know a bit about how to win in Xcom EW.

Veteran if you are new to the series, also play the tutorial as well.

[Dorok]

I felt Veteran first play in XCOM2 quite harder than Normal first play in XCOM EU. But there's a problem of discovery and learning curve, in XCOM2 you are very much on your own with the global management and in my opinion many elements aren't very clear.

In XCOM EU you had on option to get guided to a solid approach, something that hasn't XCOM2. And this element change hugely the difficulty, if you are late in the global management you don't pay the price in the global management but more in combats.

I think it's why I felt XCOM2 harder at Veteran.

After to have finish a campaign I think it is probably not harder.

[Yaldabaoth]

I had a slump midway through veteran on first playthrough when enemies became more powerful and I didn't have new armor. I guess I made a few bad decisions in research order or production but in the endgame when I had everything it was way too easy. You should start with Commander I guess. Just aim for magnetic weapons right away.

[Kel'Thuzad]

I would say Veteran is right for a first playthrough, even if you're familiar with XCOM. Honestly, it's difficult enough and I find it even needs a few community mods to fix some of the balancing issues. Otherwise you're forever reloading saves..
Don't play Ironman with the game in its current buggy state, or you'll get caught out by a glitch with no back up saves.

[The Met4l God]

I just picked Rookie. Maybe I'm just a bad strategist, but it has given me some difficulties (especially on "timed" missions after May/June). After I finally finish this playthrough, I'll give it a go on Veteran and just step my way up (may be too long/tedious for some people to play the game multiple times over).

[L3TUC3]

I started on rookie because I'm a lily-livered coward who can't stand to lose. I did enable Iron Man though.

Still got my ass handed to me in the final mission.

The thing with Xcom is that you shouldn't feel bad losing. It's part of it. Much like Dwarf Fortress, losing is fun!

[inpham0us]

Veteran if you're familiar with Xcom: EU on normal. It will be harder than normal difficulty in EU but you'll know the tactics and already understand how imporant research planning is.

If you're coming in completely fresh, I'd suggest rookie. Veteran will likely be too overwhelming.

[Exarch_Alpha]

Veteran is veteran. Legendary is legendary. Senpai.

[K'senia]

If you have played Xcom before then start with veteran for your first time. You will still have to learn the new strategies and a few new mechanics. It is challenging enough while you are still on the learning curve.

You have plenty of time to work your way up to Legendary Ironman games. Plus there are also mods that already can increase the difficulty as well.

Take your time, enjoy it.

[OptoNick]

Played all XCOMs before, started with Legend, and struggled A LOT at the beginning, but then it turned into cake walk.

So it only comes to surviving low-tech first months.

[Robert]

If you have never played a similar game or XCOM EU/EW then first play should always be on easy
Once you are confident that you know how the game works, go up a difficulty every time you start a new game
Do not go too hard too soon

[Galactic Origins]

Originally posted by Suddenly, Pasta Salad:

I know this is subjective but I'd like some advice. I really like a challenge but within reason if you know what I mean. How does commander compare to veteran for a first playthrough?

play Vet
Cmdr is tough for a 1st runthru

[Thradar]

Have you ever played XCOM before. If not, rookie. If you start out too hard the game will just frustrate you and you won't enjoy it until you understand the mechanics.

If you've played XCOM before, Veteran and work up from there.

[Halfinger]

I would say Veteran. The game plays a lot differently to XCOM and you have to unlearn as well as learn. I like to go through several play thtoughs too so this enables me to keep it a bit fresh when I increase difficulty.

[Flodge]

Rookie Ironman or Veteran with reloads...

For Ironman you'll have to play the tutorial and then restart without the tutorial though...probably more fun for you :)