When it comes to tactical turn-based strategy games, few titles can rival XCOM 2. Developed by Firaxis Games and released in 2016, this sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown took the franchise in a bold new direction. Instead of humanity fending off an alien invasion, XCOM 2 flips the script—Earth has already fallen, and players must now lead a ragtag resistance force against an entrenched alien regime.
With its deep tactical gameplay, unpredictable AI, and high-stakes decision-making, XCOM 2 has earned a reputation as one of the best strategy games of all time. But is it a game for everyone? Let’s dive into the mechanics, expansions, and overall experience to see what makes XCOM 2 so special. This review was sponsored by kiomet.net
A Darker Premise – Humanity on the Brink
Unlike XCOM: Enemy Unknown, where players led Earth’s last line of defense against an alien invasion, XCOM 2 presents a dystopian future where the extraterrestrial forces have already won. The game is set 20 years after the events of the previous installment, with the world under the control of the sinister ADVENT government—a puppet regime enforced by the aliens.
As the commander of the XCOM resistance, your job is to strike from the shadows, sabotaging ADVENT operations, liberating regions, and eventually overthrowing alien rule. This shift in premise brings several gameplay changes, emphasizing guerrilla tactics, mobility, and unpredictability.
Tactical Combat – High-Stakes, High-Reward
At its core, XCOM 2 retains the same turn-based tactical combat that made its predecessor so compelling. Each mission plays out like a chess match, where positioning, cover, and timing are critical. However, the sequel introduces several key mechanics that elevate the gameplay:
1. Concealment and Ambushes
Since XCOM is now an insurgent force, many missions start with your squad in concealment. This means enemies are unaware of your presence, allowing for ambushes. Setting up a coordinated strike and wiping out an enemy patrol in the first turn is incredibly satisfying. However, once enemies detect you, the tension skyrockets as reinforcements arrive.
2. Procedural Maps and Objectives
Unlike XCOM: Enemy Unknown, where maps felt somewhat repetitive, XCOM 2 features procedurally generated maps. No two missions are exactly alike, forcing players to adapt. Objectives vary, from rescuing VIPs and hacking enemy terminals to detonating explosives in ADVENT facilities.
3. A Brutal AI and the Avatar Project Timer
The game doesn’t hold your hand. Enemies are aggressive, smart, and unpredictable. Some of the toughest foes include:
Sectoids – These alien commanders can mind-control your soldiers, turning them against their own team.
Vipers – Deadly snake-like creatures that can constrict soldiers, preventing movement.
Codexes – Digital lifeforms that teleport and disable your weapons with EMP blasts.
To add to the pressure, the Avatar Project Timer looms over every campaign. If the aliens complete their secretive project before you disrupt their plans, it’s game over. This forces players to balance resource management with high-risk missions.
Base Management – Running the Resistance
Outside of combat, players must manage the Avenger, a captured alien ship repurposed as XCOM’s mobile headquarters. Unlike the underground base of previous games, the Avenger can move between regions, making it feel like a constantly evolving resistance operation.
Resource Prioritization
As the commander, you must decide what to prioritize:
Building new facilities (e.g., Guerrilla Training Schools for better soldiers)
Upgrading weapons and armor
Expanding XCOM’s influence across the world
Hacking ADVENT communications to reveal mission intel
Since resources are limited, every decision matters. Do you develop Plasma Weapons to make your troops stronger, or invest in Psionic Training to unlock powerful mind-based attacks?
War of the Chosen Expansion – The Ultimate XCOM Experience
Released in 2017, the War of the Chosen expansion is often considered the definitive way to play XCOM 2. It adds three new enemy factions, each with unique abilities that significantly alter gameplay.
The Chosen – Deadly Alien Assassins
The game’s biggest addition is the Chosen, three powerful alien champions who hunt XCOM throughout the campaign:
The Assassin – A stealthy melee fighter who can disappear mid-fight.
The Warlock – A psychic powerhouse capable of summoning reinforcements.
The Hunter – A sniper with the ability to track your soldiers across the map.
Each Chosen has distinct strengths and weaknesses. Some fear explosives, others are resistant to melee attacks. The unpredictability of when and where they’ll appear keeps tension high.
New Resistance Factions
To counterbalance the Chosen, XCOM can now ally with three resistance groups:
Reapers – Masters of stealth and long-range sniping.
Skirmishers – Former ADVENT soldiers with deadly grappling hook attacks.
Templars – Psionic warriors who get stronger the more they fight.
These new allies provide fresh tactical options, making squads more versatile than ever.
Graphics, Sound, and Atmosphere
From a visual standpoint, XCOM 2 improved significantly over its predecessor. The battlefields feel more dynamic, with destructible environments allowing for tactical play. Explosions send debris flying, alien buildings pulsate with eerie light, and the animation work (especially in cutscenes) is top-notch.
The sound design also deserves praise. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Tim Wynn, perfectly captures the high-stakes atmosphere. Every battle feels intense, whether you’re sneaking through ADVENT checkpoints or engaging in a full-scale firefight.
Voice acting is strong, with characters like Central Officer Bradford providing emotional weight to the narrative. The radio chatter from your resistance allies adds immersion, reinforcing the feeling that you’re leading a desperate but determined rebellion.
Criticism and Downsides
Despite its excellence, XCOM 2 has a few drawbacks:
Brutal Difficulty – Even on normal settings, the game is unforgiving. Losing a key soldier can ruin an entire campaign, leading some players to reload saves often.
Performance Issues – The game launched with noticeable bugs and optimization problems, particularly with loading times. Some of these have been patched, but occasional stuttering remains.
Randomness Can Be Frustrating – XCOM’s RNG (random number generator) system can be cruel. Missing a 95% shot can feel devastating.
However, these flaws don’t overshadow the game’s strengths. XCOM 2 remains one of the most rewarding strategy experiences on PC.
Final Verdict – A Must-Play for Strategy Fans
XCOM 2 is a masterpiece of tactical gameplay, delivering an intense, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience. Every mission is a test of strategy, every soldier a valuable asset, and every decision can mean the difference between victory and total defeat.
Pros:
✔ Deep, satisfying turn-based combat
✔ High replayability with procedural maps and different soldier classes
✔ War of the Chosen expansion adds incredible new mechanics
✔ Excellent atmosphere, music, and storytelling
Cons:
✖ Tough difficulty may frustrate some players
✖ RNG can feel unfair at times
✖ Performance issues (especially on lower-end PCs)
Final Score: 9.5/10
If you love strategy games, XCOM 2 is a must-play. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, the thrill of leading a desperate resistance against impossible odds is an experience unlike any other.