In XCOM: Enemy Unknown , "producing a piece" of equipment involves a multi-step pipeline requiring , Engineering , and Resource Management . Unlike conventional weapons that are always in stock, advanced alien-derived gear must be painstakingly unlocked and manufactured. 1. Research and Interrogations
: Use your Science Labs to study these materials. For instance, researching Beam Weapons is required before you can manufacture Laser Rifles. XCOM Enemy Unknown
: Recover weapon fragments, alien alloys, and elerium from mission sites. In XCOM: Enemy Unknown , "producing a piece"