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Browser-local decision aid

XCOM 2 launcher & mod preflight

Pick your store and edition to see the relevant documented check. Choices stay in this page session; this tool cannot read your install folders, Steam/Epic account, mods, save or DLC ownership.

Steam mod selection: launch from the Steam client and choose New or Original Mod Launcher for the intended edition. The Original launcher may allow a warning-flagged mod; that warning is not a safety or compatibility guarantee.

2K says War of the Chosen must be installed for its launcher choice to appear. On Steam, the Original Mod Launcher choice also requires WotC.

Do not use a direct launch to clear previously enabled mods. Before changing mods on an existing campaign, make a backup: 2K warns that removing mods can make saves, including Ironman saves, unplayable. Never enter account credentials here.

Confirm the store and selected edition first

Epic's launcher flow differs from Steam's optional launch list. 2K says Epic opens the mod launcher on launch so players can select base XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen, enable or disable mods, and start the game. WotC is selectable only when installed. A mod visible in a folder for the other edition will not appear in the current edition's list.

  1. In Epic, confirm XCOM 2 has received its latest game update and launch it from the Epic Library.
  2. Select the exact edition you intend to play; install War of the Chosen before choosing it.
  3. Check the mod's page or package notes for an explicit base-game or WotC target before copying files.
  4. Do not treat the Epic folder layout as interchangeable with a Steam Workshop subscription.

References: 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset · 2K Support: XCOM 2 Modding

Use the matching Epic Mods directory

2K documents different install-root-relative Mods paths for base XCOM 2 and War of the Chosen.

Selected game2K's folder relative to the game rootFolder note
Base XCOM 2[Game Root]\XComGame\ModsCreate Mods if absent; each mod needs its own folder
War of the Chosen[Game Root]\XCom2-WarOfTheChosen\XComGame\ModsCreate Mods if absent; use the WotC-selected launcher view

References: 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset · 2K Support: XCOM 2 Modding

Diagnose an empty mod list without risky bulk changes

The folder checklist checks only the documented directory shape. It cannot verify that an archive is complete, safe, current, signed by its author, or compatible with your installed game.

  1. Close the game and launcher before moving or renaming mod files.
  2. Open the install directory from Epic's own Manage/installation controls rather than guessing a drive path.
  3. Check that the folder is literally named Mods (plural), under the directory for the selected edition.
  4. Check that each mod has its own dedicated subfolder, as 2K's modding article specifies.
  5. Reopen the launcher and select the same edition whose folder you checked.
  6. If a mod still fails to start, compare its stated game target and version; do not delete campaign data or remove mods from an Ironman save as a diagnostic.

References: 2K Support: XCOM 2 Modding · 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset

Base-game and WotC mods are not automatically interchangeable

2K's New Mod Launcher may block mods it flags for the other edition. The Original Mod Launcher can show a warning but still allow enabling; that permissive behavior is not a compatibility guarantee. 2K's separate modding article says Steam mods generally need Epic-specific changes or updates and discourages copying them straight across, especially major overhauls. Check the mod author's explicit target and requirements rather than relying on a launcher's warning alone.

Mod source/targetSafer decisionDo not infer
Marked for base XCOM 2Test only with a backed-up base-game campaignThat it will work in WotC
Marked for War of the ChosenUse WotC and check required dependenciesThat it is available in the base game
Steam Workshop mod being moved to EpicLook for an Epic-compatible version or author instructions firstThat copying the folder makes it compatible
Launcher warning appearsRead its edition label and mod documentationThat a permissive Original Launcher means safe campaign compatibility

References: 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset · 2K Support: XCOM 2 Modding

Steam Deck note and community limits

2K's current article confirms both XCOM 2 mod launchers are functional on Steam Deck, while noting some buttons do not respond and touch input may be needed. This is not a guarantee for every controller layout, Linux mod, Proton build or custom launcher. Steam Discussions contain community reports; verify that a post refers to the same storefront, edition and launcher before following it.

References: 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset · XCOM 2 Steam Community Discussions

Before you play

  • I confirmed Epic is the installed storefront and selected base game or WotC intentionally.
  • The Mods folder is under the matching edition's directory in the installed game root.
  • Each mod has its own subfolder, and I checked the package's edition/version target.
  • I did not assume Steam Workshop files are directly portable to Epic.
  • I kept a backup before changing any modded campaign.

Frequently asked questions

Why can Epic show no mods even though I copied them into XCOM 2?

2K says the launcher only displays mods placed in the Mods folder for the currently selected edition; base game and WotC use different directories.

Can I copy a Steam Workshop mod folder into Epic?

2K says Steam mods generally need Epic-specific changes or updates and does not advise copying them straight over, especially major overhauls.

Does Steam Deck support XCOM 2 mod launchers now?

2K's updated sunset article says both launchers are functional on Steam Deck, though some controls may require touch input.

Sources & revision notes

Editorial revision: November 6, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.

  1. 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset (Official)

    Current 2K launcher-flow article, updated November 5, 2025. Covers Steam launch choices, War of the Chosen visibility, mod-launcher warnings, Steam Deck touch input, direct launch retaining prior enabled mods, and Epic's launcher/mod folders.

  2. 2K Support: XCOM 2 Modding (Official)

    2K's modding article was updated April 22, 2026. Its older statement that the 2K Launcher is required and Steam Deck cannot use mods is superseded by the 2025 launcher-sunset article; its Epic folder layout and warning that Steam mods may need Epic-specific changes remain useful.

  3. XCOM 2 on Steam (Official)

    Steam listing consulted for the PC storefront context and Steam Workshop feature. This does not establish compatibility for every mod or save.

  4. XCOM 2 Steam Community Discussions (Community)

    External, user-generated player discussions. Posts may describe different editions, launchers or mod sets and are not verified by GamerWin; use 2K Support for authoritative launcher instructions.

What changed in this revision

November 6, 2026: first publication using 2K's current post-sunset Epic folders; no Epic or Steam mod installation, mod package or campaign was tested.

How we research and correct guides

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