# XCOM 2
**XCOM 2** is a turn-based tactical strategy game developed by [Firaxis Games](https://www.edgepedia.org/firaxis-games) and published by 2K for Windows PC, released on February 4, 2016 as the sequel to the award-winning *XCOM: Enemy Unknown*.[1](https://www.gamesradar.com/best-steam-games/) • [2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) It reverses the premise of its predecessor: twenty years after humanity lost the war against the aliens, the player commands the scattered remnants of the XCOM organization as a resistance force fighting to liberate an occupied Earth.[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) • [3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer / publisher | Firaxis Games, a 2K studio (Take-Two Interactive)[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) |
| Release | February 4, 2016 on PC, after a delay from the original November 2015 window[1](https://www.gamesradar.com/best-steam-games/) • [4](https://www.fandom.com/articles/xcom-2-developer-interview-part-two) |
| Setting | 2035, twenty years after Earth surrendered; aliens rule through the ADVENT administration[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) • [5](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/02/xcom-2-review-best-in-class-tactical-battles-with-a-new-sense-of-style/) |
| Headquarters | The Avenger, a repurposed alien transport ship serving as a mobile base[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) |
| Soldier classes | Ranger, Specialist, Grenadier, Sharpshooter, and Psi Operative[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) |
| Signature features | Procedurally generated tactical maps, squad concealment, and expanded modding support[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) |
| Major expansion | *War of the Chosen* (2017), adding new resistance factions and the Chosen enemies[6](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-war-of-the-chosen-review/1900-6416748/) |
## Premise and story
The game is set in 2035, two decades after the original war in which the aliens won. Earth's governments surrendered and a worldwide regime called ADVENT now governs the planet, building opulent new cities whose gene therapy clinics conceal a darker purpose while its propaganda rewrites the story of the invasion.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) • [5](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/02/xcom-2-review-best-in-class-tactical-battles-with-a-new-sense-of-style/) The secret paramilitary organization XCOM is largely forgotten and operates from the shadows, coordinating the pockets of resistance that continue to fight.[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) • [3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
Where *Enemy Unknown* cast the player as a defender repelling an invasion, XCOM 2 makes the rebellion the offensive side, a guerrilla force with limited resources that must constantly evade the alien threat.[7](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-review/1900-6416347/) • [2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) The player recruits soldiers, builds a resistance network, and works to expose the alien agenda from the Avenger, a converted alien carrier that serves as the mobile headquarters.[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) • [3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
## Development and release
2K and Firaxis announced XCOM 2 on June 1, 2015, scheduling it for November 2015 as a Windows PC title, with Mac and Linux versions to be handled by Feral Interactive.[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) The release was later moved to February 5, 2016, a delay that disappointed players awaiting the game.[4](https://www.fandom.com/articles/xcom-2-developer-interview-part-two) Creative director [Jake Solomon](https://www.edgepedia.org/jake-solomon) returned from *Enemy Unknown*, and lead producer Garth DeAngelis described the project as a two-year process of brainstorming, iteration, and experimentation.[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) • [8](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xcom-2-how-firaxis-crafted-a-superior-sequel/1100-6434134/)
Two design goals drove the sequel, according to DeAngelis and designer Mark Nauta: procedural maps on the tactical side, and a more open-ended strategy game system.[8](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xcom-2-how-firaxis-crafted-a-superior-sequel/1100-6434134/) Firaxis positioned the game as PC-focused; DeAngelis said the studio loves consoles but was focused on PC for this title.[4](https://www.fandom.com/articles/xcom-2-developer-interview-part-two) A console version for [PlayStation 4](https://www.edgepedia.org/playstation-4) and [Xbox One](https://www.edgepedia.org/xbox-one) followed on September 27, 2016.[7](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-review/1900-6416347/)
## Gameplay
XCOM 2 plays on two layers: a strategic world map where the player manages the Avenger, research, engineering, and missions, and an isometric tactical battlefield where squads fight turn-based engagements.[7](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-review/1900-6416347/) • [3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) The gameplay mechanics build on the predecessor's rather than replacing them, layering new systems on top.[9](https://ufopaedia.org/Gameplay_Mechanics_%28XCOM2%29)
**Concealment.** At the start of most missions the squad is in concealment, meaning the enemy is unaware of its presence, shown by a blue screen overlay and a hooded-figure icon. Concealment is broken by firing a weapon, moving into an enemy's line of sight, or making too much noise, and it lets the player set up ambushes and engage on their own terms.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) • [9](https://ufopaedia.org/Gameplay_Mechanics_%28XCOM2%29) Breaking concealment activates enemy patrols and lets soldiers fire flanking shots on enemies as they scatter to cover.[9](https://ufopaedia.org/Gameplay_Mechanics_%28XCOM2%29)
**Cover and actions.** Each soldier has two action points per turn, spendable on moving, attacking, or using an ability; a blue movement outline marks one action point of range and a yellow one marks a two-point dash.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) Most physical objects provide cover, shown as shield icons: a half-shield is low cover and a full shield is high cover, and a yellow shield warns that an enemy is currently flanking the soldier from that direction.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) Shared basic actions include firing a weapon with displayed hit odds, reloading, [Overwatch](https://www.edgepedia.org/overwatch) (a reaction shot at an accuracy penalty), Hunker Down, hacking objects and enemies, looting, evacuating, and carrying wounded or dead comrades, whose equipment is recovered if delivered to an evac point.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/) Soldiers killed in combat are permanently removed from the roster and cannot be resurrected.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
**Soldier classes.** Five classes define battlefield roles, each with two specializations: the Ranger excels at staying undetected and in close-range combat, the Specialist supports the squad with the Gremlin drone as either a Battle Medic or Combat Hacker, the [Grenadier](https://www.edgepedia.org/grenadier), the Sharpshooter, and the Psi Operative.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
**Maps and multiplayer.** Most tactical maps are procedurally generated, so every mission is a unique experience, and the game also offers head-to-head online multiplayer with squads mixing XCOM soldiers, ADVENT units, and aliens.[3](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
## Modding
Firaxis made expanded mod support a headline feature, answering long-time fan requests alongside procedural levels.[2](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c) Mods are managed and enabled through the 2K Launcher, which is not supported on [Steam Deck](https://www.edgepedia.org/steam-deck), and mods for the *War of the Chosen* version carry a special icon and live in a dedicated Mods folder.[10](https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/216138438-XCOM-2-Modding) 2K warns that mods are used at the player's own risk, that the company does not support user-created content, and that saves, including Ironman saves, may become unplayable if mods are later removed.[10](https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/216138438-XCOM-2-Modding)
## War of the Chosen
The expansion *XCOM 2: War of the Chosen*, released in 2017, expands the base game in every direction: tougher enemies, more strategic and tactical counters for the player's troops, and new resistance factions introduced early in the campaign.[6](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-war-of-the-chosen-review/1900-6416748/) Its Chosen enemies act as recurring villains, and [PC Gamer](https://www.edgepedia.org/pc-gamer) later called the expansion an essential addition that added hateable villains and narrative stakes to the original game's tactical sandbox.[11](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/the-top-100-pc-games-2025/) PC Gamer's retrospective on expansions noted that War of the Chosen added a great deal of content, perhaps too much given how packed the base game already was.[12](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/10-expansions-that-were-better-than-the-actual-game/)
## Reception
The game received generally favorable reviews from critics according to Metacritic.[13](https://assets-global.website-files.com/686193f785bf4baa1111da56/68b749cdd7ad5514f209234a_vofixawadizijibevu.pdf) Reviewers singled out the tactical combat and the sense of consequence: [Ars Technica](https://www.edgepedia.org/ars-technica) called it a notable improvement over its predecessor at nearly every conceptual level while noting it missed opportunities for structural improvements,[5](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/02/xcom-2-review-best-in-class-tactical-battles-with-a-new-sense-of-style/) and GameSpot's roundup quoted praise for the new spin on the tactical combat and the unpredictable maps and randomized objectives and loot.[14](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xcom-2-review-roundup/1100-6434374/) PC GamesN described learning to use soldiers as currency as the key to success in a sequel Firaxis acknowledged is simply harder than its predecessor.[15](https://www.pcgamesn.com/xcom-2/xcom-2-review) PC Gamer named it its Best Strategy Game of 2016,[16](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-strategy-game-2016-xcom-2/) and in the outlet's 2025 Top 100 PC games list it ranked 12th with a score of 246.00, with editors praising the strategic tension and the way missions turn on a dime.[11](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/the-top-100-pc-games-2025/)
## References
1. [The 25 best Steam games to play right now, GamesRadar](https://www.gamesradar.com/best-steam-games/)
2. [2K Announces XCOM 2 in Development at Firaxis Games, Take-Two Interactive press release, June 1, 2015](https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/0d79b8ff-9282-47ff-b4da-cb8b32a1071c)
3. [XCOM 2 manual, Feral Interactive](https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/manuals/xcom2/latest/steam/)
4. [XCOM 2 Developer Interview: Lessons Learned, Mod Support and More, Fandom](https://www.fandom.com/articles/xcom-2-developer-interview-part-two)
5. [XCOM 2 review: Best-in-class tactical battles with a new sense of style, Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/02/xcom-2-review-best-in-class-tactical-battles-with-a-new-sense-of-style/)
6. [XCOM 2: War of the Chosen Review, GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-war-of-the-chosen-review/1900-6416748/)
7. [XCOM 2 Review, GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/xcom-2-review/1900-6416347/)
8. [XCOM 2: How Firaxis Crafted a Superior Sequel, GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xcom-2-how-firaxis-crafted-a-superior-sequel/1100-6434134/)
9. [Gameplay Mechanics (XCOM2), UFOpaedia](https://ufopaedia.org/Gameplay_Mechanics_%28XCOM2%29)
10. [XCOM 2: Modding, 2K Support](https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/216138438-XCOM-2-Modding)
11. [The top 100 PC games, PC Gamer (2025)](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/the-top-100-pc-games-2025/)
12. [10 expansions that were better than the actual game, PC Gamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/10-expansions-that-were-better-than-the-actual-game/)
13. [XCOM 2 summary document citing Metacritic reception](https://assets-global.website-files.com/686193f785bf4baa1111da56/68b749cdd7ad5514f209234a_vofixawadizijibevu.pdf)
14. [XCOM 2 Review Roundup, GameSpot](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xcom-2-review-roundup/1100-6434374/)
15. [XCOM 2 review, PC GamesN](https://www.pcgamesn.com/xcom-2/xcom-2-review)
16. [Best Strategy Game 2016: XCOM 2, PC Gamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/best-strategy-game-2016-xcom-2/)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Sports, games, and recreation › Video games and digital play › Games and gameplay › Game genres › Strategy games › Turn-based tactics games*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*
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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license