That is the MEC program. By sacrificing a soldier’s humanity (and their ability to use cover), you gain a walking tank. MEC Troopers can punch through walls, launch grenades from their shoulders, heal themselves with "Repair Servos," and literally punch aliens through solid objects (the Kinetic Strike Module is the most satisfying ability in the game).
. Far from a standard DLC, it integrates directly into the base game's campaign, adding layers of depth, new threats, and powerful upgrades that fundamentally change how you fight the alien invasion. New Mechanics and Resources The core of Enemy Within revolves around a new alien substance called xcom enemy within
A fair warning: XCOM: Enemy Within is harder than the base game, especially at the beginning. That is the MEC program
MECs change the geometry of the battlefield. They cannot take cover, but they possess the "Collateral Damage" ability, allowing them to shred destructible environments and wipe out enemies hiding behind fragile walls. They are the heavy hitters, the emergency responders who can absorb fire that would obliterate a standard squaddie. MECs change the geometry of the battlefield
Meld forces aggression. It forces you to ask: Is this resource worth the life of a Colonel-level Sniper?
The first major divergence in soldier customization comes in the form of Mechanized Exoskeletal Cybersuits (MECs). By converting a standard soldier into a MEC Trooper, the player sacrifices their humanity—and their ability to use cover—to become a walking tank.