Leader (Alien Rank)
A Leader is one of the top Alien Ranks, and is the least common found alien types only found on the medium and large UFOs, and at Alien Bases. Their role on board is give out orders and ensure that their mission is being performed correctly.
In combat a Leader is stronger than most other ranks in combat, with high intelligence, generally improved statistics (somewhat race dependant), sometimes noticeably better armour, but usually lowered aggression. In terms of equipment they may well be using powerful weapons including the Blaster Launcher, but not always. They are among the toughest opponents you will run into on any given mission, especially Sectoids who have can use Psionics to attack your men from their hiding place on the bridge.
Deployment
| UFO Type | Beg./Exp. | Vet./Gen. | Super. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Scout | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Medium Scout | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Large Scout | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Abductor | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Harvester | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Supply Ship | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Terror Ship | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Battleship | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Alien Base | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Captured Leaders
Interrogating a captured leader will allow research of The Martian Solution. If the leader is a Sectoid it will also allow research of Psionics.