Turn-based tactical games like XCOM have left their mark on video game history by combining strategy, planning, and customization. Whether you’re fighting off aliens, exploring fantastical worlds, or commanding squads of soldiers, these games offer some of the most complete gameplay experiences. In this article, we explore the best titles similar to XCOM, each offering a unique experience while sharing the core mechanics that made this cult franchise a success. Get ready to dive into adventures where every decision matters!
A good game like XCOM stands out thanks to several key elements:
Turn-Based Strategic Gameplay: Challenging battles where every move and action counts, with meticulous unit management.
Squad Customization: The ability to modify characters’ skills, equipment, or appearances to fit your playstyle.
Tension and Consequences: Decisions that influence the story’s outcome or your team’s effectiveness, adding emotional stakes.
Management and Progression: A management aspect, whether it’s a base, resources, or research, to strengthen your forces against growing threats.
Immersive Universe: A captivating setting, whether it’s an alien invasion, a fantastical world, or a futuristic conflict.
These elements create a tactical and engaging experience worthy of XCOM‘s legacy.
Which Game is Most Similar to XCOM?
The game most similar to XCOM is probably Phoenix Point, designed by Julian Gollop, the original creator of XCOM.
Why?
Shared Theme: Both games pit players against an alien threat, blending global strategy with tactical combat.
Turn-Based Gameplay: Phoenix Point adopts XCOM‘s foundations with customizable squads, critical cover mechanics, and destructible environments.
Base Management and Research: Like XCOM, you must develop technology, manage resources, and coordinate your forces on a global strategy map.
Innovative Additions: Phoenix Point enhances the formula with evolving enemies and a precise targeting system, adding depth to the gameplay.
This direct connection to XCOM‘s legacy and its modern innovations make it an essential spiritual successor.
More Games Like XCOM on All Platforms
Check out our selection of the best related games for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and Switch.
Are There Multiplayer Games Similar to XCOM?
Yes, several multiplayer games resemble XCOM, offering turn-based tactical combat and options for cooperation or competition. Among them:
Gears Tactics: While primarily single-player, it features mechanics similar to XCOM that could be adapted for multiplayer in custom scenarios.
Wasteland 3: This tactical RPG includes a co-op mode where two players can manage their own squads and explore the world together.
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden: Although not natively multiplayer, it shares similarities with XCOM and may appeal to fans seeking collaborative gameplay through other means.
Hard West 2: Includes strategic mechanics and captivating campaigns, making it ideal for competitive multiplayer modes.
Divinity: Original Sin 2: Adds a multiplayer mode to a tactical RPG, combining strategy and cooperation in a rich universe.
These games capture the strategic essence of XCOM while incorporating multiplayer modes for a shared experience.
Games Like XCOM with Classes and Customizable Characters
There are several games similar to XCOM that include classes and customizable characters, offering great strategic depth. Here are a few examples:
Gears Tactics: Each squad member belongs to a specific class (sniper, grenadier, etc.) and can be equipped and customized to suit your playstyle.
Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark: This turn-based tactical RPG features a rich, customizable class system with adjustable skills and equipment for each character.
Phoenix Point: Soldiers can be assigned to different classes with skill trees, modular equipment, and even biological mutations to suit mission needs.
Yes, there are several free games similar to XCOM, including Forge of Gods, UFO: AI, and Xenonauts Community Edition.
Forge of Gods: This turn-based strategy game lets you build a team of powerful creatures to face enemies in tactical battles. While more fantasy-oriented, it shares XCOM‘s unit management and thoughtful strategies.
UFO: AI: Inspired by the original XCOM, this open-source game offers a free experience combining base management, turn-based tactical combat, and defense against an alien invasion.
Xenonauts: Community Edition: A free version of this strategy game faithfully replicates classic XCOM mechanics, such as resource management, squad customization, and intense combat against alien threats.
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