This is a critically acclaimed, turn-based tactical strategy game set in a near-future Earth that has fallen under alien occupation. Released in 2016, the core experience centers on rebuilding the remnants of a global resistance force against overwhelming odds. Players must manage resources, develop new technologies, and lead small squads of highly specialized soldiers in intense, tactical combat scenarios across various platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The atmosphere is one of constant pressure, where every decision carries significant weight for the survival of humanity.

The Premise: Humanity Under Siege

Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces and XCOM, the planet's last line of defense, was left decimated and scattered. Now the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda below and eliminating all who dissent from their new order. Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on the run, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to rise from the ashes, expose the insidious truth behind the occupation, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all.

Core Gameplay Loop and Mechanics

The gameplay is divided between two primary modes: strategic management and tactical combat.

Strategic Layer: The Avenger

On the strategic map, players manage the mobile headquarters, making high-level decisions that affect the entire resistance effort. This involves:

Researching alien technology to unlock new weapons and armor.
Constructing vital facilities to support the growing resistance.
Managing global panic levels and responding to immediate threats across the world map.
Recruiting and training specialized personnel.

Tactical Combat: High-Stakes Squad Battles

When engaging the enemy, the game shifts to a turn-based tactical environment. Missions require careful positioning, utilization of cover, and synergistic use of soldier abilities. Key mechanics include:

Action Point System: Each soldier has a limited number of actions per turn, forcing difficult choices between moving, attacking, or using special skills.
Procedural Generation: Mission maps are procedurally generated, ensuring high replayability and varied tactical challenges.
Permadeath: Soldiers who fall in combat are permanently lost, adding significant emotional weight to tactical engagements and emphasizing the importance of protecting veteran units.

What makes this game unique in its genre?

The combination of deep, persistent strategic base management with unforgiving, squad-level tactical combat creates a unique tension. The constant need to balance immediate tactical needs (completing a mission) against long-term strategic goals (advancing research or securing vital resources) defines the experience. Furthermore, the narrative structure forces players to remain mobile and reactive, contrasting sharply with traditional defense-oriented strategy games.

Available Content

In addition to the main game experience, this title includes several significant additions to expand gameplay:

Expansions: One major expansion is available, introducing new mechanics, enemy types, and story elements that significantly alter the strategic landscape.
Downloadable Content (DLCs): Three distinct DLC packs offer additional soldier classes, cosmetic items, and smaller gameplay additions that can be integrated into the core campaign.