XCOM 2
XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.
What it feels like
Every mission carries genuine danger; permadeath and unfavorable odds create sustained pressure and edge-of-seat moments. A harsh, unflinching presentation of humanity's desperate fight for survival against an alien occupation.
What it's about
An alien invasion occupying Earth and futuristic military technology define the core setting. Armed conflict, tactics, and military command against an occupying extraterrestrial force drive the entire narrative. Earth under alien rule has collapsed into a dystopian world where humanity survives in hiding and underground.
How it plays
Grid-based turn-by-turn tactical combat is the definitive core loop where positioning, range, and careful movement determine outcomes. All movement is discrete tile-based, fundamental to tactical decision-making and spatial puzzle-solving. Four distinct soldier classes (Assault, Support, Sniper, Specialist) define roles and ability trees throughout progression.
How it looks and sounds
The fixed three-quarter angled isometric perspective is the standard view for all tactical combat encounters. Realistic military hardware, human anatomy, and alien design rendered with high-fidelity 3D graphics.
How it's structured
A bounded story arc with beginning, middle, and end centered on rebuilding XCOM and reclaiming Earth from alien occupation. Research, facility upgrades, and soldier training persist between missions, unlocking new capabilities and weapons.
Kindred games
Shares Grid Tactics Combat, Science Fiction, Isometric, Military & War.
Both lean into Grid Tactics Combat, Science Fiction, Campaign, Isometric.
Shares Grid Tactics Combat, Science Fiction, Grid-Based Movement, Military & War.
Both lean into Grid Tactics Combat, Science Fiction, Campaign, Grid-Based Movement.
Shares Science Fiction, Grid Tactics Combat, Military & War, Class System.
Both lean into Science Fiction, Grid Tactics Combat, Military & War, Class System.
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Science Fiction, Grid Tactics Combat, Tense, Military & War. 87% positive across 4,686 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Science Fiction, Grid Tactics Combat, Campaign, Tense.
A lesser-known kindred — Grid Tactics Combat, Military & War, Tense, Character Builds. 87% positive across 4,452 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Grid Tactics Combat, Military & War, Tense, Character Builds.
A lesser-known kindred — Grid Tactics Combat, Isometric, Base Building, Party Management. 93% positive across 4,581 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Grid Tactics Combat, Campaign, Isometric, Base Building.