About XCOM
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, MacOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux
- Game genres: Turn-based tactics, tactical role-playing game
- Game modes: Single player, multiplayer
XCOM is a perfect example of a turn based strategy game where the goal is to eliminate as alien threats that try to invade earth. The game itself is good, but there is so much one can have in content and may be wanting more once they finished the campaign. There are then those who do not like to repeat campaigns and would like to experiment on the gameplay. Luckily for them, there are many games like XCOM that are available in modern devices.
Here is a list of games like XCOM and why they are similar to the game title.
1. Gears Tactics
- Platform: Windows
- Genre: Turn-based tactics
- Mode: Single player
This spinoff of the Gears of War franchise ditches the first person shooter in favor of the turn based real time strategy that is familiar with the XCOM franchise.
The spinoff game itself has some of the same combat mechanics that the XCOM franchise has with its combat system and other similarities. These similarities include commanding your characters to move to certain directions in order to attack, ambush, or deflect your enemies. The customization options are also like the XCOM franchise in the way that weapons and gear can be changed to fit the mission.
Though it is an XCOM clone, Gears Tactics has the lore of the Gears of War franchise and it even is a canon game to the storyline. The combat itself is also that of the Gears of War franchise, with blood and gore being served as a main dish to the gameplay. You can find this game as a PC exclusive only, which is sad since the Gears of War franchise is on modern Xbox consoles.
2. Xenonauts 2
- Platform: Windows
- Genre: Turn-based tactics
- Mode: Single player
Sequel to 2014’s Xenonauts, this turn based real time strategy game has many distinctions that define the XCOM franchise. From fighting aliens to its combat, the game feels like the series that inspired it and its predecessor. The game is set in an alternate era cold war with aliens involved but the premise is the same, you have to stop an extraterrestrial threat.
The series itself get inspiration from the XCOM franchise so the gameplay style is similar to it. You can find this game on modern PCs as it is sold exclusively on Steam though it is still in its beta stage and not in full release as of summer 2020.
3. Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS
- Genre: Turn-based strategy
If you are a fan of the tabletop RPG Warhammer 40K but want it to feel the rush of XCOM, then this video game is right for you. As it is a video game inspired by the same genre that is set in a in a real life tabletop, Warhammer 40K Mechanicus already has many of the aspects that make XCOM famous by choosing what the playable characters do next. Unlike the previous entries on the list, this game is in multiple platforms from PC, Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
4. Phantom Doctrine
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Genre: Turn-based strategy
- Modes: Single player, multiplayer
If you want to experience the same mechanics as the XCOM franchise but don’t want any aliens in it then the series Phantom Doctrine is right for you. Set in the cold war, Phantom Doctrine lets you choose between the CIA or the KGB as they fight on various scenarios and maps.
The premise of the game is similar to XCOM as you have to use tactics to outsmart your enemy in combat scenarios. The game even lets you see through both sides and their goals as they recruit and enhance their playable characters. The game can be played across modern devices like PS4, Xbox, One, PC, and Switch.
5. Phoenix Point
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, MacOS
- Genre: Turn-based tactics
- Mode: Single player
Another game with direct inspiration from XCOM, Phoenix Point has all the attributes that the latter has in gameplay. This does not mean that it copied everything from XCOM as there are key combat differences that Phoenix Point has that separate it from the other.
There mechanics that it adds are reorienting a projectile to hit a target when it misses and also alter your movements mid run if you see that you are going to a vulnerable position. Overall, Phoenix Point has some additions that would look good in a XCOM game and make the gameplay more interesting with movement that is random. You can find this game in Pc, Xbox One, PS4 but not on Nintendo Switch.
6. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Genres: Tactical RPG, turn-based tactics
- Mode: Single player
If you are a fan of the survival genre, then Mutant Year Zero is perfect if you like Realtime strategy games that are similar to the XCOM franchise. Mutation Year Zero takes place in a post apocalyptic world where humans are trying to survive against mutants and animals in stealthy ways.
The game mechanic is similar to XCOM in the way one has to move the characters in each turn but there is a sense of dread and survival that also comes in these missions. Overall the game adds the mechanic of mutating your character with genes of animals to make them better in combat. This game can be found on multiple platforms such as PC, Ps4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Summary: Top 5+ Games Like XCOM
- Gears Tactics – Get Gears Tactics
- Xenonauts 2 – Get Xenonauts 2
- Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus – Get Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus
- Phantom Doctrine – Get Phantom Doctrine
- Phoenix Point – Get Phoenix Point
- Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden – Get Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
These alternate games are an exception as they help keep a game genre that once dominated the gaming industry alive and competitive as they would have been decades prior. It also may signal a comeback in real time strategy games may as well be on its way as the success of the XCOM franchise proves it can happen again. One can hope those times where the gaming platform was flooded with real time strategy games like XCOM return and add new content to the genre itself.
