Sectoid (EU2012)

The Sectoids are a small, grey alien race. They are usually the first alien species encountered in combat by XCOM's ground forces.

Within the alien army the Sectoids fill the role of scientists and abductors. You will usually find them experimenting on prostrate humans during abduction missions.

Sectoids are physically feeble. They cannot move very far and their lack of accuracy hints to their inability to handle recoil effectively. However, these little grey aliens are profficient in the use of deadly psionic powers. They use these psionic abilities to make their kinsmen far more deadly in combat or even to turn your soldiers into slaves to their will. This race prefers the use of wrist mounted plasma pistols.

Sectoid variations

Sectoid Soldier

A common foe, these standard foot soldiers are often seen early on in the game during abduction missions and also staffing small UFOs. They have low health and accuracy but can psionically merge minds with their brethren to improve their health, accuracy and critical chance.

Sectoid Commander

These elite leaders of the Sectoid race command some of the most powerful psionics seen in the game. They have far higher health than regular Sectoid infantry and their accuracy is also slightly better, though this is not what makes them dangerous. They possess the frightening ability to take control of one of your soldiers for about three turns. You can either run from the controlled soldier until him or her is released back into your control, kill the Sectoid commander to break the psionic link or, if in dire circumstances kill the captured soldier to ensure he is no longer a threat to your squad. They also use a more advanced version of the mind merge ability, providing the same bonuses except with slightly better benefits. You may find Sectoid Commanders at the helm of bases or UFOs. (After the Outsider has been researched.)