In XCOM 2, efficient resource management on the Avenger is crucial for success, particularly as the game progresses through different phases. Understanding how each resource functions and the best strategies for allocating them can significantly influence your campaign outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the resources available and how to prioritize their usage:

Resource Overview

1. Supplies:
– Functionality: Supplies are the most versatile resource in XCOM 2. They are essential for constructing and upgrading buildings, manufacturing equipment, and hiring Engineers.
– Early Game Strategy: During the early game, focus heavily on gathering Supplies, as you need them to build Engineers, excavate rooms, and unlock essential facilities. Investing in multiple Engineers is crucial since they expedite excavation processes and improve resource acquisition.
– Long-term Consideration: As your base expands, maintaining a steady influx of Supplies will allow you to keep up with the increasing demands of advanced technologies and equipment.

2. Intel:
– Functionality: Intel is critical for unlocking missions, accessing the Black Market, and making strategic decisions. It serves as a pathway to earn more resources and gear.
– Mid to Late Game Strategy: Intel becomes increasingly important as the campaign progresses. Use it wisely to unlock vital missions and make frequent purchases from the Black Market, focusing on acquiring high-priority items such as weapon upgrades or PCS chips.
– Spending Wisely: Avoid hoarding Intel excessively; instead, balance its accumulation with tactical spending to leverage its benefits effectively.

3. Alloys and Elerium:
– Functionality: These are advanced resources necessary for creating high-tech equipment and upgrading weapons, as well as constructing certain specialized facilities.
– Mid to Late Game Focus: Alloys and Elerium become essential later in the game, but they are generally less abundant than other resources. Purchase them selectively from the Black Market using Intel, ensuring that you’re only spending what you need to avoid depleting scarce resources.
– Strategic Acquisition: Keep tabs on your needs; stockpile them only when you anticipate upcoming major upgrades or construction that will require these materials.

Facility Management
– Building and upgrading facilities require careful consideration of available resources. Pivotal structures include:
– Resistance Comms: Expands your operations by allowing you to make new contacts.
– Power Supply and Elerium Conduits: Ensure you have adequate power for operational needs.
– Guerrilla Tactics School (GTS): Essential for training soldiers and enhancing their capabilities.
– Proving Ground and Psi Lab: Important for advanced tech and soldier specialization but require careful placement to optimize power consumption.
– Efficiency Tip: Position energy-hungry facilities like Psi Labs on power coils to minimize energy needs, allowing for broader operational capacity without straining your resources.

Excavation and Resource Gathering
– Assign Engineers strategically to expedite excavation for faster access to Supplies. Maximizing the number of Engineers on a single task reduces the duration of room clearances significantly, ultimately enhancing the rate at which you can develop your base.
– Strategic Excavation: Prioritize excavating rooms needed for critical facilities sooner to enable more efficient resource generation.

Selling Surplus
– Utilize the Black Market to sell surplus materials and corpses, generating necessary Supplies. However, exercise caution when selling components—ensure you are not parting with critical resources needed for future crafting.

Conclusion
In summary, your resource management strategy in XCOM 2 should evolve throughout the campaign. Early game priorities lie heavily on accumulating Supplies and Engineers to develop your base, while mid to late game focuses on strategic Intel use and the careful management of Alloys and Elerium for advanced technologies. By skillfully excavating, managing facility placements, and judiciously spending and selling resources, you can ensure your continued growth and success against the alien threat. Balancing these elements while maintaining a streamlined workflow will be key to dominating the battlefield and achieving victory.