Most agents and starting programs must be unlocked before they can be selected at the start of the game. Most of these are unlocked by acquiring XP, which is rewarded for completing missions, depending on the mission difficulty level:
XP is awarded at the end of the game, either after beating the final mission or when the agency is eliminated or retired. XP is awarded both in campaign modes and Endless modes for completed missions, even if the mission objectives are not accomplished.
| +XP to unlock | Content unlocked |
|---|---|
| 80 | New agents: Shalem 11 and Banks |
| 250 | New programs: Fusion and Parasite |
| 500 | New agents: Dr. Xu and Nika |
| 600 | New programs: Rapier and Seed |
| 600 | New agents: Sharp and Prism |
| 600 | New agents: Archive Decker and Archive Internationale |
| 600 | New agents: Archive Shalem 11 and Archive Banks |
| 600 | New agents: Archive Dr. Xu and Archive Nika |
| 600 | New programs: Dynamo and Mercenary |
| 600 | New agents: Archive Sharp and Archive Prism |
Additionally, the agents Central and Monst3r and the programs Faust and Brimstone are unlocked when the player completes the game on Experienced difficulty or higher for the first time.
All agents and starting programs added in the Contingency Plan DLC are available when the DLC is installed, without needing to be unlocked.