XCOM 2 Opens the Wrong Version? Check Steam Launch Choice, WotC and Mod State

Start in the Steam client, not a desktop shortcut

2K says Steam now exposes four choices: Play XCOM 2, Play War of the Chosen, Open New Mod Launcher, and Open Original Mod Launcher. The first two are direct, no-mod-intent launch choices. A desktop shortcut defaults to the top Play XCOM 2 choice, so it does not reproduce the full client launch menu.

1. Fully close and reopen Steam if the post-sunset launch choices do not appear; 2K specifically recommends a Steam restart for updated launch flow.
2. Open XCOM 2 from the Steam Library and read the displayed choices before selecting one.
3. If you need a non-default choice, use the game's Steam Library launch menu or adjust the launch preference in Properties → General, following the wording shown by your installed client.
4. If War of the Chosen is absent from the choices, confirm the DLC is installed before troubleshooting saves or mod folders.

References: 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset

Choose the edition before judging the mod list

Match the launch option to whether you want base XCOM 2 or War of the Chosen before comparing a mod list.

References: 2K Support: 2K Launcher Complete Sunset

If the game launches but mods remain active

A direct launch is not a reliable way to clear a previously enabled mod set. 2K says mods enabled in a previous launch can remain enabled when using the direct launch options. Disable them from one of the mod launchers, then finish opening the game through that launcher so the disabled state is saved for future direct starts.

1. Open the relevant New or Original Mod Launcher.
2. Disable the mods you do not want; record the edition being selected.
3. Complete the launch through that mod launcher once.
4. Only then use direct launch if your goal is to return to an unmodded setup. Back up valuable campaigns before altering a modded save.

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

Read the warning in context

2K distinguishes the launchers: the Original Mod Launcher may warn that a mod is not compatible but contains content changes; that warning does not itself block enabling it. The New Mod Launcher blocks enabled mods it flags as available only for base XCOM 2 or only for War of the Chosen. This is not proof that one launcher will make an incompatible overhaul safe. 2K warns that removing mods later can make saves, including Ironman saves, unplayable.

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

Evidence boundary and player discussion

This is a source-based menu guide, not a tested fix for a particular installation. Steam community threads are useful for comparing symptoms only when edition, store, operating system and active mod set match; 2K's sunset article takes priority over older support text that still describes the removed 2K Launcher.

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

Before you play

• I opened XCOM 2 from Steam Library rather than assuming a desktop shortcut shows every choice.
• I confirmed whether War of the Chosen is installed and which edition I intend to load.
• I matched the mod launcher and mods to that edition.
• I did not use direct launch as a way to clear previously enabled mods.
• I backed up a campaign before changing or removing its mod set.

Frequently asked questions

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.