What happens if you fail the final mission when playing Ironman mode

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I'm playing through on Classic Ironman and it's been seriously tough so far. I've got my third best squad (please don't ask about the other two, it's still a sensitive matter) to the start of the temple assault, but haven't yet started it as I'm not sure what will happen if I fail. Is it totally game over? Or do I get the chance to train up a new squad a try again?

Best Answer

Edit:

Ok - in the interest of science I have tested this out fully. You will always be given a 'restart mission' option if your volunteer dies.

I have tested this on the following difficulties;

  • Easy
  • Ironman Normal
  • Ironman Classic
  • Ironman Impossible

They all give you a 'restart mission' choice. The non ironman also gives you a 'load last save game' option.

As other people have reported, some people think they have seen a "game over" message when you fail, myself included. I suspected this answer might have changed after the first patch, where they made some changes.