We Love It's Guide to…
Lead a resistance from a mobile base, managing soldiers and research while fighting turn-based missions to free alien-ruled Earth.
Released 04 Feb 2016
Strike from Concealment
Carry Soldiers to Extraction
Build a Mobile Headquarters
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.
Developed by Firaxis Games, Feral Interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) · Published by 2K, Feral Interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux)









Twenty years after Earth surrendered to alien forces, you command the scattered remnants of XCOM as they work to rebuild a global resistance. The Avenger, a captured alien supply craft, serves as your mobile headquarters as you choose where to operate and how to support resistance efforts.
Missions play out in turn-based, grid-based combat. Position soldiers around cover, use class abilities, and take advantage of concealment to ambush enemies. Objectives include fighting alien forces, disrupting operations, rescuing VIPs, and extracting soldiers and valuable items.
Between missions, build and configure rooms aboard the Avenger, direct research and engineering, and develop weapons, armor, and other upgrades. Soldiers gain experience and choose skills from class-specific trees, but can be permanently lost; meanwhile, alien operations advance, pressing you to balance campaign priorities.
Players who praise XCOM 2 often highlight its tactical squad combat and consequential decisions, along with the tension of trying to keep soldiers alive. Reviews also value the personal stories that emerge as soldiers develop, and many mention returning for new campaigns, especially with mods. Some players find the randomness and time pressure frustrating rather than thrilling.


| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 88 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 6 listed on Steam |
| DRM / EULA |
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| Content notices |
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| Metacritic | 88/100 View on Metacritic |
| Website | Official website |