XCOM2: skip all launchers

Are you p***ed at the 2k launcher and want to skip it, but don't need AML or the old launcher to load mods? Or you just want to use the console commandline arg but still launch directly from Steam? Here's how.

Edit the Steam launcher properties for the game

1) Locate the game's EXE file. You can do this from the cog icon at the top right of the library page for XCOM. Click it, go to "Manage", then "Browse Local Files".



The game install folder will pop up; from here, click into the folder called "Binaries", and then into "Win64". Click in the path bar at the top of explorer, and it will show you the full text of the path which you can copy to the clipboard.

IMPORTANT: Your install path will be DIFFERENT from the one in the picture below, because mine is in a non-standard location.

Note: If you have War of the Chosen, you will need to first navigate from the game folder into the "XCom2-WarOfTheChosen" folder, and then from there into "Binaries" and "Win64". Credit to Vad in the comments



2) Go to XCOM2's library page, find the cog icon at the top right corner and choose "Properties" in the dropdown. You should see a page pop up like this:




3) In the "Launch Options" box, put the following:

"<the path you copied from above>\XCom2.exe" -review -noRedscreens -allowconsole -nostartupmovies "%command%"

Make sure there are double-quotes around the "<path>\XCom2.exe" part.


4) You can edit the options given, eg removing -allowconsole or -nostartupmovies, or adding other options if you prefer.

(See for example, https://www.reddit.com/r/xcom2mods/wiki/launch_arguments

Other options

1) Use the Alternative Mod Launcher, this is good if you actually want to use mods. Here is a guide on it:

2K Launcher AML and Running Mods 

A Guide for XCOM 2

By: HazardHawk

Running Mods... Some people can use the 2K native launcher and run all mods Some people can use the 2K native launcher and run only some mods Some people can use the 2K native launcher and have no options to run mods...

2) Force the use of the old launcher, which can be used with command-line args. Here is a guide on that:

2K Launcher Workaround 

A Guide for XCOM 2

By: Cyan

Instructions on how to bypass the 2k Launcher and directly launch the game, without external files or configuration.

[Baka-Taske]

There are two questions:

1. I got a system message kinda: "Windows blocked some permissions for this programme"(or how is it on English, Idk). Did not launch the game before editing Steam properties. Should I accept or deny?

2. Thought I don't need to have this 2K-launcher anymore and deleted it's files. Now the game is showing an error kinda: "can't see 2K-Launcher files". So, I will need to save those files anyway, even if the launcher is not using because of properties' editing?

[Cornelius Backgammon]

Do you know how I would get this to work on steam deck? I expect maybe not but asking anyway.

[76561198391854399]

dude thanks a lot

[ThunderingRoar]

Great idea Valektra, let me just install entire new operating system real quick instead of doing a 2min fix like in this guide

[Fryzeur]

You My good Sir deserve a nice fresh beer and tasty mix plate.
Works like a charm.

[Valektra]

Or you could just play on linux. Game runs way better on it's native linux client and has no dumpster fire launcher.

[Ryan]

i love u bro

[Pedro_Guns]

This was perfect! Thank you!!

[Warrior at the Edge of Time]

@JanGerhard thanks, was able to launch AML remotely with this

[OddRobbia02]

yeah that fixed it i accidently tried to start the game with not compatible mod