History WMG / XCOM2

The Ethereals mentioned needing to uplift humanity in preparation for ''something'' in the future. Given that they're in the actual process of uplifting humanity in this game, it's likely that we'll finally learn what that something is.

[[WMG: in the 20 years since the ADVENT came along, some of the aliens bred with humans, willingly or otherwise.]]
resulting in the more human like aliens. and you'll be able to recruit them to your side. but the higher ups don't like the idea of half-humans fighting alongside "pure" humans. This inevitably forcing you to make a hard decision that determines the future of X-COM: a free earth for the sake of mankind or a free earth for those who seek freedom.

** Jossed. WordOfGod is that XCOM in the XCOM2 timeline did not even have access to Carapace armor when the alien invasion won.

resulting in the more human like aliens. and you'll be able to recruit them to your side. but the higher ups don't like the idea of half-humans fighting alongside "pure" humans. This inevitably forcing you to make a hard decision that determines the future of X-COM: a free earth for the sake of mankind or a free earth for those who seek freedom.

[[WMG: XCOM 2's "Commander" is the Volunteer.]]
As a corollary to the above, perhaps the "commander" this time around is the Volunteer, thrust through time and space into an alien-controlled alternate future, reestablishing XCOM as an underground resistance as a [[Franchise/{{Terminator}} John Connor]] figure. Not only would this account for the Volunteer's survival, but also avoid potential fan backlash as to who the "canon" Volunteer is.

[[WMG: XCOM 2's "Commander" is the Volunteer.]]
As a corollary to the above, perhaps the "commander" this time around is the Volunteer, thrust through time and space into an alien-controlled alternate future, reestablishing XCOM as an underground resistance as a [[Franchise/{{Terminator}} John Connor]] figure. Not only would this account for the Volunteer's survival, but also avoid potential fan backlash as to who the "canon" Volunteer is.

However, some survivors managed to escape the base with what tech, equipment and resources they could carry, possibly hijacking the alien ship that eventually becomes the Avenger along the way. They go underground and try to regroup, but the aliens keep them on the run for quite some time. Eventually, however, the aliens give up the chase and the XCOM survivors have the opportunity to quietly rebuild their snnngth, which takes even more time. All this time adds up to about 20 years, after which XCOM reemerges and the events of ''XCOM 2'' begin.

[[WMG:UFO missions meets base invasions?]]

Every once in a while, a new recruit could turn out to be TheMole. Commanders will have to spend resources on background checks (in lieu of intel scans), or risk being compromised.

However, some survivors managed to escape the base with what tech, equipment and resources they could carry, possibly hijacking the alien ship that eventually becomes the Avenger along the way. They go underground and try to regroup, but the aliens keep them on the run for quite some time. Eventually, however, the aliens give up the chase and the XCOM survivors have the opportunity to quietly rebuild their strength, which takes even more time. All this time adds up to about 20 years, after which XCOM reemerges and the events of ''XCOM 2'' begin.

* Act as the new Grey Market for the game. Given how hard up they were for xenotech during the first game, it seems natural that they'd be interested in acquiring it even after the war has ended.

* The [[http://xcom.wikia.com/wiki/Thin_Man_Autopsy autopsy for Thin Men]] in Enemy Unknown heavily implies Thin Men are genetically altered snake men, as it says they have serpentine eyes and that their bone structure is similar to that of a serpent.

* The autopsy for Thin Men in Enemy Unknown heavily implies Thin Men are genetically altered snake men, as it says they have serpentine eyes and that their bone structure is similar to that of a serpent.

* Unlikely. The Snakemen were probably just what the Ting Men originally ere, as we see Ethereal posters and a huge ethereal is seen ont he screen in the propaganda building concept art.

* Serving as XCOM's partner in the insurgency (possibly even merging with them). While EXALT admired the alien's transhuman ambitions for mankind, they more than likely wouldn't approve of the Ethereal's intent to turn humanity into a slave race. Given that the two groups' interest coincide, it seems possible that the two are working together. It would also explain how XCOM still has the assets to continue the fight, despite the governments of the world bowing to the invaders: If nothing else, EXALT is resourceful.

* Serving as XCOM's partner in the insurgency (possibly even merging with them). While EXALT admired the alien's transhuman's ambition's with mankind, they more than likely wouldn't approve of the Ethereal's intent to turn humanity into a slave race. Given that XCOM has adopted an method of war not dissimilar to EXALT, and they're interest coincide, it seems possible that the two are working together. It would also explain how XCOM still has the assets to continue the fight, despite the governments of the world bowing to the invaders: If nothing else, EXALT is resourceful.

And at some point you'll be able to contact the original ''Enemy Unknown'' universe, where humanity successfully repelled the invasion. The fact that the Volunteer [[https://twitter.com/SolomonJake/status/535236820221841410 survived]] the Temple Ship's implosion despite all appearances is pretty suspicious. And as we all know, black holes are portals into other universes...

And at some point you'll be able to contact the original ''Enemy Unknown'' universe, where humanity successfully repelled the invasion. The fact that the Volunteer [[https://twitter.com/SolomonJake/status/535236820221841410 survived]] the Temple Ship's implosion is pretty suspicious. And as we all know, black holes are portals into other universes...

Since we're taking the terrorist role now. Not to mention how cathartic it would be to give the Advent a taste of their own medicine.

They were attempting to uplift us and prepare us for "what lies ahead." The Advent just invaded immediately after we repelled the Ethereal Collective and humanity folded rather than fight off another invasion. It would explain the lack of Thin Men in the trailer for 2 and the lack of Snakemen in Enemy Unknown.

They were attempting to uplift us and prepare us for "what lies ahead." The Advent just invaded immediately after we repelled the Ethereal Collective and humanity folded rather than fight off another invasion. It would explain the lack of Thin Men in 2 and the lack of Snakemen in Enemy Unknown.

Since the XCOM base is mobile this time around and we are the "invaders", what if it's ''our'' turn to potentially get shot down, a la the UFO missions of the first game? Not only would this be a reversal in that regard, but it could double as base defence missions.