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Start with Squad Size Upgrades

Begin the game with the squad size upgrades unlocked. This will allow you to start the game with 6 soldiers but you won't be able to upgrade the size further. The upgrades will unlock the first time you visit the avenger, so you'll still have 4 soldiers for the first mission. Will also work on existing saves.

The aim is to make the start of the game a bit less punishing on higher difficulties and remove the rush to get the squad size upgrades. You're now free to make other, more interesting, strategic decisions at the start of the game.

I recommend using with mods that increase the enemy squad size to lead to an easier early game, a tougher late game and overall smoother difficulty curve.

Should work with other mods that increase the max squad size to 8, allowing you to go straight to 8 squad members at the start of the game.