XCOM® 2 similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both put you in charge Players lead and manage a squad and base operations, making strategic and tactical decisions.
• Both are about getting better Players develop skills through soldier progression, research, and strategic mastery.
• Both are about staying alive Strong survival theme with resource management and threat avoidance critical to success.

Why it matches

• Both are violent The game features graphic combat, blood, gore, and brutal kill animations consistent with Warhammer 40k's violent setting.
• Both reward thinking ahead Core gameplay revolves around deep strategic planning, tactical combat, resource management, and faction-specific strategies.
• Both are built to keep you coming back High replayability due to multiple factions, campaign variety, and multiplayer longevity; players report habitual and long sessions.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Combat involves brutal melee and ranged attacks, dismemberment, and destruction consistent with Warhammer 40k.
• Both are about staying alive Players must manage wounds, resources, and tactical positioning to avoid failure and keep squad alive.
• Both reward thinking ahead Deep tactical combat and strategic resource management require careful planning and problem solving.

Why it matches

• Both are built to keep you coming back Players report hundreds of hours played, with strong attachment due to deep gameplay, modding community, and replayability.
• Both are violent Combat involves destruction of enemy mechs with various weapons; violence is central to gameplay.
• Both are driven by steady progression Strong emphasis on acquiring mechs, weapons, upgrades, and pilot skills, with meaningful progression systems.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Combat involves mech battles with destruction and damage effects, emphasizing combat and destruction.
• Both reward thinking ahead Highly strategic turn-based combat requiring planning, positioning, and tactical problem solving.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Long campaigns with two branching storylines and extensive customization encourage multiple playthroughs and long play sessions.

Why it matches

• Both are about staying alive Core gameplay revolves around managing resources and defending against escalating alien threats.
• Both reward thinking ahead Heavy emphasis on tactical combat, resource management, diplomacy, and long-term planning.
• Both are about getting better Players develop soldiers, research technology, and improve strategic capabilities over long campaigns.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central, with battles, explosions, and unit annihilation.
• Both reward thinking ahead High emphasis on mental challenge, tactical planning, and problem solving throughout gameplay.
• Both reward mastery Challenging missions with difficulty spikes and tactical gameplay requiring skill and strategic thinking.

Why it matches

• Both are built to keep you coming back Players report long playtimes, habitual engagement, and extensive modding keeps interest alive over years.
• Both are violent Gameplay centers on combat, destruction, and warfare consistent with Warhammer 40k's violent setting.
• Both reward thinking ahead High strategic depth with tactical planning, resource management, and counterplay essential to success.

Why it matches

• Both reward thinking ahead Tactical combat requires planning, turn order manipulation, and ability synergy for success.
• Both pay no attention to wellbeing Typical sedentary gaming experience with no physical activity or health-related features.