The quality over quantity approach to push XCOM beyond their limits for brutal efficiency! The sections focus to create the strongest foundation by masterfully handling the first month!

Note: The same knowledge can be applied to lesser difficulties.

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2803040578
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3254190466
I enjoy helping others by writing about technical topics to a higher standard and provide key findings for a higher chance of success!

The guide is for everyone, but much friendlier to new players. Everything will be explained to be on the same level as those who are the most experienced. The writing will be easy to follow with plenty of screenshots for those who are too lazy to read everything!

Resuming from the second month guide:
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3411857037

1. Plated Research
2. Shadow Chamber: Blacksite Vial
3. Elerium (Obtain Insight if possible) - Any available Shadow Chamber Research overrides this
4. Codex Brain
5. Investigate Codex Brain Coordinates

1. Plated Research
2. Elerium (Can be finished before Counter Dark Event for Insight on Plasma research)
3. Plasma Rifle (Obtain Insight at least once)
4. Powered Armor (Obtain Insight at least once)
5. Any Shadow Chamber Research

The next project will officially begin Intel farming by skulljacking any Advent enemy!
The Skulljack can now be repeatedly use for every successive mission instead of just the key plot progression.

The next available room will need to have the Resist Comms facility for more contacts.
The Codex Data Coordinates will be about 6 regions away and require Radio Relays.

The 6th facility will be the Shadow Chamber.
Key mission projects will have enough time to complete but the key mission sites must be reached in time.

Note: The energy demands require the 1st Power Relay to be upgraded and staff 2 Engineers.

An Engineer needs to be temporarily staffed at the first Power Relay until the second is complete.
The additional power will allow the Laboratory to be immediately upgraded.
The double Scientists can begin working there to further accelerate all research progression!

The completion of the second Power Relay will free the staffed Engineer.
The next room that needs to be excavated is the one that contains Elerium crystals.
Such materials will be much needed for late tier research and equipment, as they are difficult to obtain in bulk quantity.

The last mission may produce a worthwhile Resist Rumor that can be delayed.
The rumor can be scanned a little to prevent disappearance and be finished later on after important excavation or construction.

This month will have two because of alternating 14 or 21 day cycles.

This month will be very difficult to get both doctors at Resist HQ.
The possibility of getting both still exists but requires excruciating amount of re-rolls.
The minimal is to roll for at least a Scientist because they will be more effective now than later.

Note: The Doctor title is used for both Scientists and Engineers in the monthly report.

The merchandise must sell Elerium crystals and preferably essential research projects.
There is a random lucky chance for another Scientist for a total of 6!
The normal run will try to rush research Elerium and Resistance Radio with the Exquisite run getting the latter.

Junk items can be sold when they are very interested, as well as several Elerium Cores when anticipating facility building or equipment production.

A massive amount of supplies (~650-900) are needed this month for Doctors and facilities.
The bare minimal is to have 12 Elerium Cores for experimental armor and ammo for a full 6-Squad. The rest can be sold off to match the supply amount that is needed now, regardless of the "Very Interested" time.

Note: More potential cores will always be gained from future loot drops.

The Avenger needs to stay at HQ as much as possible for rapid construction.
The Supply Drop will now have 2 stacks to be scanned later.

The research is available once Gauss Weapons and Plated Armor projects are completed.
The remainder of the required 40 crystals can be purchased from the Black Market.

The facility will be constructed once the Power Coil room is cleared.
The remaining Engineers will be redirected to clear the room adjacent to it for more Elerium crystals.

Another red tick will add again for this month but should not raise any concern.
The skulljacking of an Advent Officer will reduce the progress by 2 ticks in the upcoming mission.

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3410139983

The second facility will be operational shortly after the Counter Dark mission.

The Advent Forge Facility will be 2 regions away from the Resist HQ after Blacksite Vial research.
The Radio Relay must be built before making contact to expand at the lowest Intel cost.
The same process will need to be done before making contact with the Forge region.

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3411642994

The new second Advent Facility will add its second red tick with first one for its construction.
The main Avatar location will add another tick for this month.
The progression of two more key missions will reduce the Avatar progress to lower levels.

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3437422770

Stay tuned for more exciting guides on Legendary difficulty missions!

Best way to support the guide is through🎖️,👍,🌟,and 💬!

This guide was written by Laguna Queen et al. (2025) on Steam, and not to be republished without crediting the authors and gaining their permission. We can be reached through the the guide comment section below.

We have no guide sites outside of Steam and please contribute to the actual creators, not plagiarism websites!

Here are other detailed guides that are not only comprehensive but tailors different themes and challenges:

https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2793028492
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2782133378
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1871229945
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2806468945
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1996086549
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=742714265

The subscription is in the details of the top most announcement in our Church of Lina group.

To join, simply search for the group or click the link below to see the full list of written guides:
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/groups/ChurchofLina