In the tactical battlefield of XCOM 2, facing ADVENT forces means preparing for a wide variety of unit types, each with their own strengths and threats. Among them, the ADVENT Purifier is one of the most volatile enemies you can encounter. Armed with a flamethrower and protected by flame-resistant armor, the Purifier introduces a unique hazard: the infamous Purifier explosion. This explosive event doesn’t always happen but can lead to disastrous consequences if not properly anticipated. Understanding how the Purifier explosion works, what triggers it, and how to plan around it is essential for effective strategy and squad survival in XCOM 2.
What Is a Purifier in XCOM 2?
Enemy Overview
ADVENT Purifiers are heavily armored enemy soldiers introduced in the War of the Chosen expansion. They are specifically designed to counter Reaper units and infiltrators with their fire-based attacks and explosion-resistant suits. Purifiers often appear in mid-to-late campaign missions, especially in city-based maps where civilians are present.
Purifier Loadout and Behavior
A typical Purifier is equipped with:
- A flamethrower capable of hitting multiple units in a cone-shaped attack
- An Incendiary Grenade that can be launched at distance
- Flame-resistant armor that prevents burning effects
They will often move aggressively toward your units and attempt to ignite multiple squad members with their flamethrower, causing panic, disorientation, or sustained fire damage.
The Purifier Explosion Mechanic
What Triggers the Explosion?
One of the most dangerous features of a Purifier is the chance that they will explode upon death. This explosion is not guaranteed it is a chance-based event that occurs only when a Purifier is killed. The exact percentage chance is not listed in-game but can be roughly estimated at around 25% to 33%. The explosion mimics a grenade-like detonation that can damage nearby units and set the environment ablaze.
Explosion Effects
If a Purifier explodes, the blast can:
- Cause direct damage to any nearby soldiers, civilians, or enemies
- Ignite units, causing burning status and turn-based damage
- Destroy cover, exposing your units to further attacks
- Trigger secondary environmental hazards such as car explosions or fire spread
Why the Explosion Matters
The randomness of the explosion means players must always consider the potential aftermath of killing a Purifier in close quarters. Ending a turn adjacent to a dying Purifier without accounting for the possibility of an explosion can turn a strategic advantage into an immediate emergency, especially if multiple units are caught in the blast radius.
How to Deal With Purifier Explosions
Use Ranged Attacks
Since the explosion radius is limited, the safest way to deal with Purifiers is to kill them from a distance. Snipers, Grenadiers, or Rangers with ranged weapons are excellent choices for eliminating Purifiers while staying out of the danger zone.
Never Kill Them Up Close
One of the biggest mistakes players make is using melee attacks or close-range shots to finish off a Purifier. Rangers using a sword or Reapers using Claymore traps might end up in the blast radius if the unit explodes. Try to avoid engaging in close combat unless you are confident the explosion can be contained or you have Fire Immunity perks equipped.
Use the Environment
Leverage the map layout to your advantage. If a Purifier is standing near destructible objects, you can detonate them without direct confrontation. Conversely, if your own soldiers are near vehicles or explosive barrels, take care not to accidentally chain-react with a Purifier’s death.
Fire-Resistant Equipment and Abilities
Later in the game, certain armor sets and upgrades can offer resistance to environmental effects, including fire. Soldiers equipped with W.A.R. Suits, Hazmat Vests, or the Fortress ability (for Psi Operatives) will take less damage or even be immune to the burning effect caused by the explosion.
Check Enemy HP Before Finishing Hits
Before landing the final blow on a Purifier, assess whether your soldier will be caught in the blast. If the only available attack comes from a close-range source, it may be worth delaying the kill or repositioning to avoid potential damage.
Advanced Tactics and Considerations
Purifier Explosions and Mission Objectives
In missions that involve escorting VIPs or defending key targets, a random Purifier explosion can derail the objective. If you’re operating in close quarters, always consider the possibility of collateral damage. In some cases, it might be smarter to use crowd control effects such as Stasis or Flashbangs rather than killing the Purifier immediately.
Controlling Risk Through Status Effects
Abilities like Stasis, Freeze Grenades, or Disorientation can temporarily neutralize a Purifier without triggering an explosion. Keep them disabled until it’s safe to kill them at range or until your squad can reposition.
Do Purifiers Always Explode?
No. As mentioned earlier, the explosion is a probability, not a guarantee. This randomness can lead to inconsistent outcomes. In some missions, you may kill several Purifiers without a single explosion. In others, the very first one may explode, catching two of your soldiers in the blast. The unpredictable nature is what makes this mechanic so dangerous and important to account for.
Difficulty Scaling and Explosion Frequency
The chance of explosion does not change based on game difficulty, but the number of Purifiers and their weapon damage may increase as the campaign progresses. On higher difficulties like Commander or Legend, it’s even more critical to play conservatively when engaging with Purifiers.
Integrating the Purifier Threat into Your Strategy
Squad Composition
Build squads with a mix of ranged capabilities and environmental awareness. Sharpshooters are great at finishing Purifiers from a distance, while Grenadiers can eliminate them safely with grenades. Avoid sending in melee-heavy teams unless they are equipped to survive a potential explosion.
Psychological Impact on Planning
The threat of a Purifier explosion forces players to rethink the kill order. Sometimes it’s best to ignore a Purifier if they’re not posing an immediate threat and focus on more critical enemies like Mutons, Archons, or Codices. Planning your engagements with possible chain reactions in mind leads to fewer surprises and smoother mission outcomes.
Dealing with the Purifier explosion in XCOM 2 is all about understanding risk and adapting your strategy to minimize potential setbacks. Whether you’re fighting through ADVENT urban zones or defending civilians, Purifiers introduce a volatile threat that punishes careless positioning. By using ranged attacks, managing your environment, and maintaining situational awareness, you can neutralize the danger without sacrificing your soldiers. Always assume a Purifier might explode if you plan for the worst, you’ll often come out on top. Mastering this enemy type is one more step toward winning the war against ADVENT.
