- The Sidewinder is a Viper-sub species with three specializations. Carnivore is an aggressive tree emphasizing flanks and close combat. The Medusa path refines many of the Sidewinder's innate control options and also grants new ones. Finally, Slippery is the sort of thing that would really piss off an XCOM player if they had to face it in battle, having a huge emphasis on avoiding enemy fire; an excellent choice for a scout.

- At Squaddie rank, the Sidewinder has Poison Spit, Bind And Crush, Parkour, Shadowstep, and Molt. They are also immune to poison. Their guns don't do much damage until you start upgrading your weapon techs, so consider the Carnivore tree and get right up in the enemy's face if you want them to secure kills.

- They have a lot of the same weaknesses as Vipers do, but skills like Maim and Disabling Shot give them better options against robots. Remember, though, Sidewinders don't start with Tongue Grab (although they can get it at TSGT tank); you need to move to a directly adjacent tile (no diagonals) to Bind And Crush an enemy humanoid.

- Sidewinders have the highest base Mobility out of all of the aliens and excellent Dodge, but they are very fragile. Try to keep them away from things like MEC Archers and Advent Rocketeers that deal guaranteed damage.

- Remember that retreating is an option, and Poison Spit doesn't end the turn. Even with only a single move action, Sidewinders can put quite a bit of distance between themselves and the enemy, especially poisoned ones.

- Sidewinders can equip and throw grenades.