The key distinction: a Tactical Mission puts your chosen squad on a battlefield and advances the Cycle when completed. An Operation is a campaign-map assignment funded with Intel.
Mission types confirmed by EA
| Mission type | Core purpose |
|---|---|
| Sabotage | Disrupt an enemy asset or plan |
| Combat | Defeat the opposition under the current objective rules |
| Rescue | Reach and protect a target |
| Retrieval | Secure an objective and get it out |
| Narrative mission | Advance an Operator-centered or campaign story |
The label does not tell you every tactical condition. Read the briefing, deployment area, and objective language before choosing a squad.
Tactical Missions versus Operations
Tactical Missions use the turn-based combat layer. You select the deployed Operators, manage Action Points, use cover and abilities, and pursue battlefield objectives.
Operations remain on the Galaxy Map. They consume Intel and can expire as the campaign advances. They are part of the strategic workload, not auto-resolved versions of the same battlefield.
The Intel and Operations guide explains how to evaluate those opportunities before spending the resource.
What a Cycle changes
Completing a Tactical Mission ends the current Cycle. That makes deployment a strategic commitment: another mission can advance time while an Operation, Den conversation, recovery decision, or other opportunity is still waiting.
Before deploying:
- Inspect current Operations and their timing.
- Review injuries and available Operators.
- Spend long-term progression resources deliberately.
- Check conversations and company decisions at the Den.
- Match the squad to the objective rather than to a fixed favorite lineup.
Choose a squad by objective
- Hold or absorb pressure: consider a frontline role such as Heavy or Assault.
- Reach distant objectives: mobile or ranged roles can reduce wasted movement.
- Protect a vulnerable target: Medic support and defensive positioning become more valuable.
- Expose or finish priority enemies: Scout, Scoundrel, or Sharpshooter tools can shape the attack sequence.
These are role prompts, not a universal best squad. Map geometry, available Operators, injuries, Bonds, and the actual objective should decide the final four.
Story missions and spoiler policy
Some missions include freer exploration and character-focused moments before or around tactical combat. Story pressure can also make certain campaign objectives urgent. This guide deliberately avoids a mission-name walkthrough because the approved evidence does not verify every route, reward, choice, and consequence.
For a new campaign, use the first-session route before this page, then review base management whenever you return to the Den.