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XCOM 2 Alien Hunters DLC out next week

Extra extraterrestrials.

Alien Hunters, the second DLC pack for XCOM 2, will be available from 12th May.

It'll bring a new narrative mission, some extra weapons and armour, and the armory aboard your Avenger should see a bit of an update. But the most interesting addition comes in the form of three new "Ruler" enemy types.

No word yet on whether the Viper King also has snake breasts.

Once you've completed the new mission, these Rulers will appear at random points throughout your campaign, offering a significant challenge. One of them is called the Viper King, which I think sounds ace. Although it will likely share some resemblance to its subordinates, this unit is meant to play very differently, thanks to a unique behaviour and set of abilities.

XCOM 2 is a cruel, cruel game, but it's not usually an unfair one. As a result, you'll be provided with a handful of one-of-a-kind weapons with which to kill these new opponents. This includes a single shot bolt-caster, a pistol which grants concealment after landing a killing blow, a bomb which can freeze targets and perhaps best of all, the 'Hunter's Axe', which can kill enemies at close range, or instead be thrown from a distance.

Defeating this trio of alien boss units also allows you to manufacture a trio of unique armour types. One of these, the Icarus Suit, allows you to fly around the map using giant boosters. I'm really into that idea, to be honest.

The Alien Hunters DLC costs $9.99 (no UK price yet), or will be free to download if you've already purchased the Reinforcements pack.

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