Games like XCOM 2
If XCOM 2 has you hooked on commanding a scrappy resistance force against alien overlords — planning every squad move on a grid, watching permadeath make every loss sting, and rebuilding between missions — you're not alone. The hunt for games like XCOM 2 is real, and it's driven by something specific: that rare combination of turn-based tactical combat, base management, and high-stakes consequence that few games nail. The good news is that several titles absolutely deliver that same tension.
What makes XCOM 2 so hard to put down is the interlocking of its systems. The tactical layer demands careful grid-based positioning, action economy decisions, and class synergies under time pressure. The strategic layer — managing resources, researching tech, and deploying your squad — feeds back into every mission. Throw in procedurally generated maps, deep character customization, and permadeath that makes you genuinely care about your soldiers, and you have a loop that rewards mastery while punishing complacency.
What Makes a Good Alternative to XCOM 2?
- Turn-based tactical combat on a grid — The core of XCOM 2's appeal is deliberate, positional combat where every action matters. Alternatives need that same methodical, move-by-move tension rather than real-time chaos.
- Permadeath and meaningful loss — Losing a high-level soldier should hurt. Games that carry real consequence for mistakes replicate the emotional investment that makes XCOM 2's victories feel earned.
- Base building and strategic resource management — The meta-layer of researching upgrades, managing supplies, and preparing your squad between missions is what gives XCOM 2 its campaign depth.
- Character customization and progression — Watching soldiers develop distinct classes and abilities over a campaign creates attachment. Strong alternatives offer meaningful skill trees and soldier identity.
- Procedural generation or strong replayability — XCOM 2's procedural maps and randomized campaigns make each run feel fresh. The best alternatives either generate content dynamically or offer enough strategic variety to support multiple playthroughs.
Top Picks If You Enjoyed XCOM 2
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the essential predecessor with tighter base-building tension. Phoenix Point adds a body-part targeting system and multi-faction strategy. Xenonauts strips things back to classic X-COM fundamentals with modern polish. Gears Tactics delivers slick production values and satisfying class variety. Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters brings grimdark atmosphere with deep tactical RPG systems. Classified: France '44 swaps sci-fi for WWII with a compelling morale mechanic.
Every recommendation below is ranked by similarity to XCOM 2 using real player data, so the closest matches appear first. Browse the full list to find your next tactical obsession.
- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding94% User Score 46,499 reviewsCritic Score 90%7 reviews
Both games demand you manage scarcity under pressure—limited soldiers, resources stretched thin, and every decision carrying permanent weight through permadeath. That tension is what makes turn-based combat feel consequential rather than puzzle-like: you're not optimizing for victory; you're gambling with lives.
The grid-based movement and character customization systems create nearly identical feedback loops in both titles. You build a roster, specialize soldiers into distinct roles, and watch them evolve through repeated deployments—or watch them die. This slow-burn attachment is what separates XCOM from tactical games that reset your squad each mission.
Enemy Unknown strips away some of XCOM 2's late-game grinding by keeping mission pacing tighter and fewer bloat objectives. If repetitive late-game missions frustrated you, this predecessor delivers the same strategic depth without wearing out its welcome.
The main tradeoff: Enemy Unknown's procedural generation is less ambitious than XCOM 2's, meaning less environmental variety—but also fewer technical crashes derailing your ironman runs, addressing one of XCOM 2's sharpest pain points.
Best for players who crave tactical decisions where failure stings because it mattered, not because the game demanded another dozen identical missions.
If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to XCOM Enemy Unknown.View Game
- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding87% User Score 5,068 reviewsCritic Score 70%1 reviews
You know the agonizing tension of watching a veteran soldier scramble for cover while your research team frantically deconstructs alien technology to stay ahead of an extinction event. Xenonauts captures that same desperate loop of high-stakes tactical combat and meticulous resource management that defines the XCOM experience.
The perma-death mechanics ensure every missed shot carries genuine weight, forcing you to treat your roster as a precious, finite resource. This creates a familiar cycle of attachment and heartbreak, where the loss of a high-ranking officer can derail an entire monthly budget or research project because their specific skills were vital to your survival.
While XCOM 2 can feel bogged down by its intrusive launcher and aggressive DLC model, this title offers a focused, traditional experience free from corporate bloat. It provides a fresh angle by emphasizing Grand Strategy elements, such as managing multiple global bases and juggling Cold War-era air-interception tactics.
Best for players who prioritize layered simulation and punishing strategic depth over cinematic flair.
If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Xenonauts.View Game
- 80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, grinding78% User Score 3,709 reviewsCritic Score 81%9 reviews
Countdown timers force split‑second orders, a tension XCOM 2 nails. Both titles let a squad‑wipe happen from one mis‑move. The adrenaline of risking a favorite soldier carries over untouched.
Turn‑based, grid combat rewards careful positioning and cover use. Skill trees let you shape each unit’s role, mirroring XCOM class tweaks. Flanking, overwatch, and ability chaining feel identical, giving veterans familiar depth.
Gears Tactics replaces alien intrigue with a bombastic, cutscene‑driven war story. This swap trades XCOM’s brooding resistance mood for high‑octane spectacle. Players seeking character‑driven drama over strategic secrecy will find this fresh.
XCOM 2’s crashes and intrusive launcher frustrate many veteran players often. Gears Tactics delivers a stable PC build with no mandatory client. That reliability alone can make the switch feel like a relief.
Best for those who love XCOM tactical depth and permadeath risk, but want polished visuals and a tighter story.
If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gears Tactics.View Game
- 83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding81% User Score 4,578 reviewsCritic Score 87%3 reviews
Lead humanity's greatest weapon, the Grey Knights, in this fast-paced turn-based tactical RPG. Root out and purge a galaxy-spanning plague in a cinematic, story-driven campaign, using the tactics and talents of your own personalised squad of Daemonhunters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters.
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- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, grinding88% User Score 8,822 reviewsCritic Score 82%17 reviews
Both deliver tactical turn-based combat on isometric grids where positioning and ability synergy matter more than reflexes. You're managing a squad's resources and personalities across procedural missions.
Jagged Alliance 3 layers mercenary hiring and loot drops into this formula, which deepens the progression loop and gives battles persistent weight.
The tradeoff: XCOM 2 offers tighter mechanical polish and a cleaner narrative arc, while Jagged Alliance 3 prioritizes sandbox freedom and humor at the cost of rougher AI and UI friction.
Pick this if you crave tactical depth with personality and don't mind tolerating some UI annoyance for the sake of emergent storytelling.
If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Jagged Alliance 3.View Game
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- 80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability89% User Score 21,610 reviewsCritic Score 70%13 reviews
For The King is a turn based roguelike, RPG that can be played solo or cooperatively online and features strategic adventuring, turn based combat, and persistent choices. Players must survive cunning enemies and creatures, wicked weather and brutal traps in their quest to solve the mysterious death of the king and bring order to the land. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to For The King.
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- 77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability78% User Score 2,286 reviewsCritic Score 76%5 reviews
Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is a gritty RTS that puts you in the middle of the Future Wars between humanity and Legion's synthetic intelligent machine network. Take command and lead your army to foil Legion's plan to destroy humanity or play as one of three factions in skirmish and multiplayer. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance.
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- 77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:replayability, stability75% User Score 621 reviewsCritic Score 80%8 reviews
Classified: France '44 shares XCOM 2’s core of turn-based, grid-based tactical combat, delivering thoughtful positioning and cover mechanics that demand careful strategy.
Both games emphasize war and military themes with isometric perspectives, which enhances their tactical clarity and player control over each encounter.
The key tradeoff lies in Classified’s slower pacing and limited character customization, coupled with frustrating RNG and balance problems that often hinder its tactical precision.
Pick this up if you want a historical war setting with tactical depth but can tolerate clunky UI and less player freedom compared to XCOM 2’s streamlined, mod-friendly experience.
If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Classified: France '44.View Game
- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability92% User Score 8,525 reviewsEmphasizes branching narrative choices and character morality in a gritty sandbox, trading XCOM 2 mission-based structure for deep, persistent role-playing consequences. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MENACE.View Game
- 87%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization94% User Score 22,040 reviewsCritic Score 80%38 reviews
The remnants of human civilization are threatened by gigantic creatures breeding beneath the earth. You must control powerful mechs from the future to hold off this alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game from the makers of FTL. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Into the Breach.
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- 82%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability89% User Score 25,064 reviewsCritic Score 75%11 reviewsStrips away sci-fi production chains to focus purely on merciless medieval squad tactics, doubling down on permadeath and procedural hardship. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battle Brothers.View Game
- 71%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding75% User Score 3,778 reviewsCritic Score 59%3 reviews
Phantom Brigade 2.0 is a cinematic, tactical mech strategy game with a revolutionary timeline-based command system. See the future, predict enemy actions, and plot your counterattack on the timeline! Recruit and level up your squad of rebels to retake war-torn Fyrland from the Kaskad occupation. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Phantom Brigade.
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- 92%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, musicMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability93% User Score 6,164 reviewsCritic Score 85%1 reviewsCombines post-apocalyptic base defense with roguelite tower defense mechanics, favoring massive enemy waves over the surgical strike gameplay of the resistance. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Last Spell.View Game
- 80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization84% User Score 14,533 reviewsCritic Score 73%7 reviewsFeatures a persistent mercenary company rather than an organized army, prioritizing open-world exploration and survival over defending a global resistance headquarters. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wartales.View Game
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81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, stability88% User Score 173,462 reviewsCritic Score 75%17 reviewsShares only a loose connection to tactical commanding, shifting the perspective from grid-based squad management to real-time, large-scale medieval warfare and trade simulation. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.View Game
- 78%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:story, grinding80% User Score 35,214 reviewsCritic Score 75%21 reviews
They Are Billions is a strategy game in a distant future about building and managing human colonies after a zombie apocalypse destroyed almost all of human kind. Now there are only a few thousand humans left alive that must struggle to survive under the threat of the infection. Billions of infected roam around the world in massive swarms seeking the last living human colonies. CAMPAIGN: THE NEW E… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to They Are Billions.
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- 79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization76% User Score 12,494 reviewsCritic Score 85%4 reviews
The Oblivion Edition contains the main game and The Binding Blade DLC. The DLC introduced two new heroes, a special questline, wandering boss, and more. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Darkest Dungeon II.
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- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:graphics, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization85% User Score 47,120 reviewsCritic Score 74%5 reviewsExpands turn-based tactics across historical empires and centuries of conquest, swapping XCOM's alien resistance narrative for civilization-spanning conquest. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Total War: Rome II.View Game
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81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability85% User Score 2,930 reviewsCritic Score 76%9 reviewsFocuses on strategic fleet battles in space with a slower, grander scale and tighter military simulation. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battlestar Galactica Deadlock.View Game
- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding81% User Score 6,190 reviewsCritic Score 80%12 reviews
Wasteland 2 is a post-apocalyptic role-playing video game developed by inXile Entertainment and published by Deep Silver. It is the sequel to 1988's Wasteland, and was successfully crowdfunded through Kickstarter. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wasteland 2.
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77%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding77% User Score 21,714 reviewsPathfinder: Kingmaker is the first isometric party-based computer RPG set in the Pathfinder fantasy universe. Enjoy a classic RPG experience inspired by games like Baldur's Gate, Fallout 1 and 2 and Arcanum. Explore and conquer the Stolen Lands and make them your kingdom! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pathfinder: Kingmaker — Enhanced Plus Edition.
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72%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability69% User Score 5,449 reviewsCritic Score 80%3 reviewsDistills squad tactics into smaller skirmishes with brutal permadeath and Warhammer fantasy lore, sacrificing campaign progression for relentless tactical challenge. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Mordheim City of the Damned.View Game
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75%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding77% User Score 15,052 reviewsCritic Score 72%27 reviewsA premium edition of the Pathfinder Kingmaker experience! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pathfinder: Kingmaker.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability88% User Score 4,960 reviewsCritic Score 85%1 reviewsTransfers tactical turn-based combat to a historical Roman setting, prioritizing deep political RPG systems and character progression over futuristic tech research trees. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Expeditions: Rome.View Game
- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, replayabilityMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding94% User Score 48,035 reviewsCritic Score 84%27 reviewsScales up tactical combat to continental warfare with multiple fantasy factions, replacing XCOM's tight squad focus with grand strategic empire-building. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Total War: WARHAMMER II.View Game
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57%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding55% User Score 2,186 reviewsCritic Score 64%3 reviewsCombines turn-based tactical Warhammer 40K battles with co-op multiplayer and more visceral, mature themes. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Necromunda: Underhive Wars.View Game
- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:monetization, optimization85% User Score 26,134 reviewsCritic Score 77%6 reviewsShifts from squad tactics to real-time squad command during World War II, maintaining tactical depth while removing the pause-and-plan structure. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Company of Heroes 2.View Game
- 80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, emotional80% User Score 886 reviewsCritic Score 78%3 reviewsDelivers turn-based wargaming with hex grids and dark fantasy instead of modern sci-fi, offering board game depth with streamlined tactical resolution. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fantasy General II.View Game
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67%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability65% User Score 6,070 reviewsCritic Score 70%7 reviewsTrades XCOM 2's alien invasion scenario for a Cold War prequel origin story with real-time tactical control and a noir atmosphere. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to The Bureau: XCOM Declassified.View Game
- 70%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization70% User Score 2,130 reviewsCritic Score 70%1 reviewsTraps you in claustrophobic, linear sci-fi corridors that abandon XCOM 2 wide-open tactical maps for intense, high-stakes close-quarters hallway brawls. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Space Hulk.View Game
- 73%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding73% User Score 2,702 reviewsCritic Score 72%26 reviewsTransplants turn-based isometric tactics into a supernatural Wild West where luck and positioning matter more than resource management. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Hard West.View Game
- 85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization85% User Score 14,077 reviewsCritic Score 85%52 reviews
As the sole survivor of Team November, a Ranger squad dispatched to the icy Colorado wastes, you find this is a land of buried secrets, lost technology, fearsome lunatics, and deadly factions. No one here has ever heard of the Desert Rangers. Your reputation is yours to build from scratch, and your choices may save this land or doom it. With a renewed focus on macro-reactivity, you'll be picking b… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Wasteland 3.
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- 88%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability90% User Score 8,832 reviewsCritic Score 86%18 reviews
Set in a fictitious continent reminiscent of the 1930s, Valkyria Chronicles depicts Europe divided in two and ruled by two super powers: the Empire and the Federation. The Empire has set its sights on invading a small neutral country called Gallia, situated in the middle of the two superpowers territories, in an attempt to secure invaluable natural resources. Within this struggle a hero named Welk… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Valkyria Chronicles.
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85%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization86% User Score 3,824 reviewsCritic Score 80%3 reviewsFocuses purely on the visceral brutality of massive Warhammer 40,000 battles, removing the base management layer to emphasize high-octane unit-to-unit combat. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector.View Game
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80%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization80% User Score 8,981 reviewsWarhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War brings you to a world of terror and violence. Four factions will engage in a brutal war for dominance over the planet's resources. In the first 4X turn-based strategy game set in Warhammer 40,000 you will lead one of four factions: Astra Militarum, Space Marines, Orks and Necrons, each with their own unique gameplay, technological tree, units and heroes. … If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War.
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- 84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability91% User Score 62,868 reviewsCritic Score 76%9 reviews
The Ancestral Edition includes the Darkest Dungeon core game plus the following content packs: The Crimson Court, The Shieldbreaker and The Color of Madness. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Darkest Dungeon.
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- 72%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization72% User Score 1,543 reviewsCritic Score 73%14 reviewsEmphasizes permadeath and roguelike unpredictability within a fantasy tactical RPG framework, contrasting XCOM’s sci-fi setting. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to MASSIVE CHALICE.View Game
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84%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:optimization, stability84% User Score 14,812 reviewsIndependently developed by Barbedwire studios, published by Digitalmindsoft. GoH is an RTS/ RTT that portrays WW2. It offers a choice of instantly switchable top- down, third person and first person (for vehicles). SP, PvE, PvP. Dynamic campaigns are available for singleplayer and in co-op. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Call to Arms - Gates of Hell: Ostfront.
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79%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding79% User Score 1,854 reviewsBrings post-apocalyptic sci-fi tactics back to the isometric era with hybrid real-time and turn-based systems, emphasizing character narratives over campaign persistence. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel.View Game
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94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability94% User Score 5,834 reviewsTroubleshooter: The Abandoned Children is the first episode of a turn-based strategy SRPG that takes place in the world of Troubleshooter. Valhalla, the unstable nationValhalla is a free trading nation erected by three world powers for their own benefits after the world war. In an attempt to control the nation, three world powers banned the army from Valhalla. Due to the circumstances, public orde… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children.
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- 90%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization90% User Score 7,913 reviewsKeeps sci-fi aliens and co-op but pivots to tower defense mechanics and first-person perspective instead of squad-level tactical positioning. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Sanctum 2.View Game
- 78%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding82% User Score 11,752 reviewsCritic Score 75%13 reviews
"In Gloomhaven, you play as a team of mercenaries on their own personal quests to go conquer a world of gloomy and wicked decadence. Choose your group members wisely, because in the turmoil of battle you can only rely on your wits, skills and spells to fight your way through the putrid dungeons and forgotten ruins. In this rogue-like dungeon-crawling adaptation of the famous board game, you will j… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Gloomhaven.
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83%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, grinding82% User Score 30,282 reviewsCritic Score 85%1 reviewsTrades hard sci-fi for a rich dark fantasy story with isometric combat and complex player choices. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous.View Game
- 81%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:stability, optimization82% User Score 12,281 reviewsCritic Score 80%18 reviews
Endless Space 2 will put you in the fascinating role of a leader guiding a civilization in making its first steps into the cold depths of interstellar space. You will explore mysterious star systems, discover the secrets of ancient races, develop advanced technologies of unthinkable power, and, of course, encounter new life forms to understand, to court or to conquer. Your story unfolds in a gal… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Endless Space 2.
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- 89%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability92% User Score 11,640 reviewsCritic Score 81%3 reviews
Orcs Must Die! 2 thrusts players and their friends back into battle against a terrifying mob of orcs and other monsters. With a redesigned spellbook, players will have a broader range of options to build a deadly arsenal of defenses. Investing hard-earned skulls in an enormous new upgrade system will allow players to cater to their favorite methods of burning, grinding, tossing, or dismembering or… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Orcs Must Die! 2.
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- 58%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, graphicsMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability60% User Score 673 reviewsCritic Score 55%5 reviews
BEDLAM is a strategic turn-based strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Now with more battle strategy!! If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Skyshine's BEDLAM.
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- 86%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability89% User Score 4,696 reviewsCritic Score 84%11 reviews
A Continent Engulfed in the Bitter Flames of War! Commander Claude Wallace and his childhood friends set out to fight in a desperate war, but bone-chilling blizzards, waves of imperial soldiers, and the godlike powers of the Valkyria stand between them and victory. Valkyria Chronicles 4 Complete Edition includes all of the bonus DLC plus the full game. - Squad E to the Beach - A Captainless Squa… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Valkyria Chronicles 4.
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- 94%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, storyMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, optimization94% User Score 3,020 reviews
The Battle for Wesnoth is an open source, turn-based strategy game with a high fantasy theme. Explore the four corners of Irdya in seventeen solo campaigns and dozens of multiplayer maps, taking part in countless adventures as you go. Stable - This version primarily gets just bug fixes and translation updates. Download this is you want a mostly seamless experience between updates. Beta - This vers… If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Battle for Wesnoth.
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- 91%Game Brain ScoreMost mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplayMost mentioned negative aspects:grinding, character development91% User Score 6,736 reviews
Take control of Invisible's agents in the field and infiltrate the world's most dangerous corporations. Stealth, precision, and teamwork are essential in high-stakes, high-profit missions, where every move may cost an agent their life. If you enjoyed this game, see our list of games similar to Invisible Inc..
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Frequently Asked Questions
Phoenix Point and Xenonauts are exceptional alternatives. Phoenix Point innovates with an aiming system that lets you target specific body parts, while Xenonauts faithfully recreates classic X-COM gameplay with modern graphics. Both feature procedural generation, deep customization, and demanding tactical combat that rewards careful planning and strategic resource management.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is the direct predecessor and shares nearly identical mechanics with XCOM 2. It features the same turn-based grid combat, base building, character customization, and permadeath systems. However, it offers a slightly different campaign structure and narrative. Many players prefer it for its stability compared to XCOM 2's technical issues.
Phoenix Point stands out with multi-classing and soldier augmentations for deep personalization. Gears Tactics offers diverse character classes with extensive skill trees enabling varied playstyles. Classified: France '44 lets you recruit diverse characters with unique abilities. All three systems go beyond XCOM 2's cosmetic customization to meaningfully affect gameplay strategies.
Xenonauts is an indie title offering exceptional value compared to XCOM 2. It provides faithful X-COM gameplay without intrusive monetization or a launcher requirement. Xenonauts 2 is in early access with responsive developer support. Both avoid XCOM 2's DLC model and 2K launcher frustrations while delivering authentic tactical strategy experiences.
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters delivers dark, atmospheric storytelling in a grimdark sci-fi setting. Classified: France '44 offers gritty World War II narratives with cinematic presentation. Both provide stronger narrative depth and tonal intensity than XCOM 2, appealing to players seeking less comedic, more serious tactical experiences with character-driven stories.
Phoenix Point, Xenonauts, and Gears Tactics are known for stability and reliability compared to XCOM 2's notorious crashes and glitches. Xenonauts particularly appeals to players frustrated by XCOM 2's technical issues, offering similar gameplay without the performance headaches. These alternatives prioritize player experience over aggressive monetization and launcher integration.