When I bought XCOM: Enemy Unknown, I admittedly wasn't sure of what I was getting into. I probably should have done more research prior to purchasing the game, but some of the surprises definitely enhanced my gameplay. I had no idea that the Base was such an important gameplay aspect. In the base, players can conduct research, build up troops, and control things from the situation room. As a total newbie, I had no idea of what strategy to employ at first - however, after a few play throughs here are some suggestions for base building.
1. Horizontal is the Key[]
Building horizontal across the base is the easiest and the most cost effective form of building. The further you go below the base, the costlier it gets.
2. Listen to the Prompts[]
Oftentimes, Dr. Vahlen or Dr. Shen will suggest that you immediately get on a certain research project or construction. For example, early on in the game you will have to build an Alien Containment Center so that you can capture an alien. These prompts will at least give you a baseline of activity to be following at all times.
3. Satellites Are Key[]
One should make it a priority to build Satellite Uplinks and Satellites. The more satellites that the player can get throughout the world, the happier your XCOM affiliates are. Satellites also allow you to cover more ground and find alien invasions easier.
4. Weapons and Armor[]
A soldier is nothing without armor and weapons. The enemies in this game go from simple Sectoids to extremely powerful creatures rather quickly. For this reason, it is advised that people build up their plasma weapons and try to acquire the Titan Armor.
Tip: Avoid wasting time researching laser products.
5. Plan Ahead[]
Try building at least two of everything — laboratory, workshop, power generator, satellite uplink — and remember that vertical and horizontal adjacency give a bonus. Anticipate your needs ahead of time.
6. Embrace Defeat[]
Personally for me, this was one of my favorite parts of playing this game. There are going to be missions that you do that you get defeated on. This game is meant to be a tactical challenge. I think that this helps add to the game's replay value - if I do something incorrectly in my current campaign, I find myself questioning how I can improve in my next campaign.
7. Your Tips[]
What are your base building tips? Is there something that you do right from the get-go? Please share with us your tips and pointers in how you construct your bases.