XCOM 2was first released in 2016, but even in 2024, it is still one of the best turn-based strategy games on the market. This title was followed by two mini DLCs that added small bits of new content. However, the big update happened a year later with theWar of the ChosenDLC, adding three new boss enemies to fight throughout the game and three Rebel factions integrated into the story.
SinceXCOM 2, developer Firaxis has released two major games inXCOM: Chimera Squad, and theAvengers-saturatedMarvel’s Midnight Suns. The former takes place in the positive timeline ofXCOM 2where humans and aliens now live in a shaky peace. However, while this game kept aspects of its predecessor, it had more tactical puzzle-like mechanics.Midnight Sunswas a complete deviation from the norm, and while it was a critical success, it failed to garner the sales to see theteased major DLCand only received the pre-planned character packs.
What Makes XCOM 2 Worth Playing?
A Beautifully Crafted Strategy Game
XCOM 2may not have as much to manage as other strategy games, but it more than makes up for it in numerous ways.Story-wise, this game follows the bad ending of its predecessorwhere the aliens won and kidnapped the player/Commander. Once free, the Commander then needs to unite the world’s different rebel factions and stop the Elders before their plan is complete. This story was enhanced in the DLC by adding three more Rebel groups in the scavenging Reapers, ADVENT-defecting Skirmishers, and Psionic Templars.
The combat and systems ofXCOM 2are also top-notch. The harder difficulties posed an unforgiving challenge for those who desired it, while the lower-tier options had just the right pace for learning the game or enjoying the story.War of the Chosenenhanced this by adding the three Chosenwho had to be actively combated to avoid a brutal assault that would lead to an instant game-over. The various soldier classes andnumerousXCOMalien variantswith different abilities keep the game fresh, with no two missions feeling the same.
Though taking up a position and shooting at a target with occasional ability usage may not be demanding,XCOM 2just feels right. Solider positioning is a crucial part of all of this, as every playstyle comes with its pros and cons that balance out.Gear upgrades are also substantial to the point where the resistance feels as if they can reasonably win this battle of overwhelming odds. IfXCOM 2has one issue, it is that much of the story can be stalled to the point where the player is so powerful that the missions feel unbalanced till the final few.
The Best Mods To Make XCOM 2 Even Better
A Talented Community Keeps The Game Alive
A huge part of what has keptXCOM 2popular and fresh for so long is the amazing community mods,ranging from campaign changes, new enemies, soldier classes, items, and QOL additions. One of the most popular is the Long War mod. This behemoth of a mod changes the whole landscape of the game into one that is meant to take years in-game to beat rather than a few months. It is one of the ultimate tests of patience and skill in the community.
For those who like to have more soldier class variety, the options are nearly endless. The simplest option is to go with full classes that are added to or take the place of the base game’s. The more advanced mods for this are RPGO and Amalgamation. The former makes characters into blank sheets that can be edited with experience and fill various roles on their paths to becoming super soldiers.Amalgamation is a bit more true to baseXCOM 2but sets itself apart by giving characters three or four random class specializations, with hordes of specs to choose from.
Another popular area in the modding community is new enemies. These range from new aliens to different branches of ADVENT forces. However, mods like this are often extremely powerful, meaning they are for those who have experience. Good suggestions for mods like this are Bio Legion, Frost Legion, A Better ADVENT, Requiem Legion, and MOXC. For those who want a more balanced challenge,there are also a variety of third-party raider factions that can appear that will fight both sides.
Overall, despite being eight years old,XCOM 2is still an incredible sci-fi strategy game. Everything from the game and the community itself helps make up for its few faults and prolong its longevity. Though many in the fandom are curious about a sequel, as one was teased at the end, no news has come. Due to the lackluster sales of its latest entries, Firaxis may not have the ability to make it right now. Regardless, until anXCOM 3does come out,XCOM 2will remain one of the best turn-based strategy games.
