Tell me more ×
Arqade is a question and answer site for passionate videogamers on all platforms. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 8 down vote favorite
1

I'm ready to capture my first Alien, but I'm not certain what the range and success rate of the Arc Thrower is. I'm playing on Ironman, so I can't really afford to experiment to find out in the middle of combat. I don't want to get face-to-face with an Alien only to realize I can't capture it unless I damage it some more.

What is the range and success rate on the Arc Thrower?

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 10 down vote accepted

The range of the Arc Thrower is up to 2 squares. If your target has more than 3 health, the success chance is very low, and somewhat random.

On the other hand, capture rates at 1, 2, or 3 hitpoints are always the same:

  • 3 HP : 70% chance for success
  • 2 HP : 80% chance for success
  • 1 HP : 90% chance for success

Once you have the upgraded ARC Thrower, the capture rates are:

  • 3 HP : 85% chance for success
  • 2 HP : 90% chance for success
  • 1 HP : 95% chance for success
share|improve this answer
4  
My favourite capture tactic so far is to get a unit with an arc thrower into cover, within one move of the target, then to damage the target with a second unit. A lot of the earlier targets are weak, so switching to a pistol helps to avoid killing it outright. – Adrian Oct 13 '12 at 19:57
3  
The Disabling Shot skill of the sniper class is very handy for capturing, because it allows the soldiers with the arc throwers to approach the target safely. The Suppression skills of the Heavy and Support classes also prevent enemies from shooting, unless the shot is a very easy one. – Philipp Oct 14 '12 at 2:23
In my experience, the capture rate for >3 HP has always been 49% – SaintWacko Oct 14 '12 at 9:01
well as you progress on. i think capturing the elite mutons and ethereal will be hard. but if you got the research up till Ghost Armor it will be damn easy :D – jonleech Jan 5 at 14:18
Capturing Mutons is a great way to stock up on Plasma Rifles to save you some much needed Elenium and Alloys. xcom.wikia.com/wiki/Muton – DavidYell Jan 8 at 15:07

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.