More Of The Best Games To Play If You Love XCOM and XCOM 2

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Introduction

My recent article about turn-based strategy games similar to XCOM and XCOM 2 received a lot of great feedback and suggestions. I’ve taken those recommendations and created a new article detailing what makes these games stand out, adding a few of my own picks as well. There are tons of turn-based strategy games available, so finding the best ones, especially if you enjoy XCOM, can be tough. This article highlights some of the very best.

15 – Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is a beloved tactical adventure game created by The Bearded Ladies and published by Funcom. Originally a tabletop RPG, the game launched on PC in 2018 and uniquely blends real-time exploration with classic turn-based combat. Players will explore a post-apocalyptic world, scavenging for loot and uncovering the story behind the Red Plague and a devastating nuclear winter. When you encounter enemies, the game smoothly shifts from exploration to a grid-based tactical battle. You can even try a demo before buying! Currently, the game is 60% off at $13.99, but be sure to check your Epic Games Store library – it was previously offered for free!

14 – Showgunners

Many of you suggested Showgunners in my last article, and I’m glad I finally checked it out! I’d heard of it before, but hadn’t gotten around to playing until now. I’ve been hooked for the past week, especially since it’s currently on sale for just $8.99 (until May 24th!). It’s a really fun game where you compete in a dangerous reality show, using turn-based combat that feels a lot like the modern XCOM games. It plays incredibly smoothly, looks great, and has a unique, stylish art style with a cool cyberpunk and industrial feel. Thanks for the recommendation – I’m definitely passing it on to anyone who hasn’t played it yet!

13 – King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

Okay, so I’ve played a lot of games where you’re blasting enemies with guns or magic, but King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is different. It really nails that dark, gritty fantasy feel – think blood-soaked battlefields and a seriously epic story. It’s like if XCOM and Dark Souls had a baby, which, as you can guess, I’m totally into! The setup is wild – you’re tasked by Mordred and the Lady of the Lake to finish King Arthur. You lead a team of medieval warriors – six different classes, all with their own personalities, strengths, and flaws. They level up, get equipped with gear, and can even get injured or cursed. The biggest thing? If they fall in battle, they’re gone for good. It’s a really engaging dark fantasy campaign, and if you’re even a little bit interested in Arthurian legend, I highly recommend checking it out.

12 – Wasteland 3

The Wasteland series gained renewed popularity in 2014 with the release of Wasteland 2. Successfully funded through Kickstarter with nearly $3 million in contributions, the game aimed to recapture the classic post-apocalyptic feel missing from gaming since Fallout 3 shifted its focus. Building on that success, Wasteland 3 launched in 2020 and surpassed its predecessor in every way, receiving widespread acclaim. Unlike previous installments set in the desert, Wasteland 3 takes place in the harsh, frozen landscape of Colorado. It also revamped the combat system, adopting a grid-based, faster-paced style reminiscent of games like XCOM. If you enjoy turn-based strategy and classic computer role-playing games, and are looking for something similar to XCOM or Fallout, Wasteland 3 is an excellent choice.

11 – Phantom Doctrine

If you enjoy the strategic gameplay of XCOM but with a Cold War setting, Phantom Doctrine might be perfect for you. This 40-hour campaign throws you into a dangerous world of espionage, where you lead a secret organization called The Cabal. Your mission? To stop a huge conspiracy that threatens global stability. Like Invisible Inc., the game focuses on stealth – direct combat should be avoided whenever possible. You’ll recruit spies from both the KGB and CIA, investigate leads, research new technologies, and carry out missions ranging from gathering intelligence to eliminating targets. If you enjoyed Invisible Inc. and are looking for a similar experience, Phantom Doctrine is well worth checking out.

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2026-05-20 16:43