Hatching Chryssalids and Tentaculats for OpenXcom is a unique mod designed to enrich the gameplay experience by introducing infection mechanics. This mod allows Chryssalids and Tentaculats to infect soldiers with parasites instead of killing them outright. As soldiers succumb to the infection or are killed by other means, they ultimately transform into zombies, adding a new layer of strategy and urgency to missions.

The mod features visual feedback for infected soldiers, who are highlighted in green or orange. A Medi-Kit can cure infections, with the number of charges increasing as players progress in their research on Chryssalids and Tentaculats. Additionally, infected soldiers suffer stat losses during missions until cured, making careful management essential. The mod also includes specific interactions with fire, ensuring that burning infected soldiers or zombies do not trigger transformations, thereby creating a strategic element to combat.