20 Best Games Like XCOM 2 in 2026: Tactical Combat Masterpieces

Our Top 3 Picks for Games Like XCOM 2

So, as said, I’ll discuss excellent XCOM -like titles for pure enjoyment. In 2026, I found these games to be highly reminiscent of XCOM 2, representing the overall premise and gameplay features most accurately:

Gears Tactics

TACTICS

The best game like XCOM 2, set in the Gears universe, with unrelenting, gory combat, and comprehensive turn-based mechanics.

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

TACTICS

Another turn-based tactical gem set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, where you’ll explore Silva Tenebris and fight against Necrons.

XCOM: Chimera Squad

TACTICS

Fast-paced, but still tactical combat from the original XCOM formula, with added Breach mechanics and alien Overlords, unrelenting enemy forces.

If you’re impatient, you may as well get one of the three, or all three, and revel in weeks of fun. However, if I were you, I’d consider other best games similar to XCOM 2 and find more hidden gems. Keep scrolling for the full list: I promise you’ll find something to satisfy your turn-based combat senses.

20 Best Games Like XCOM 2 for Strategy & Tactical Fans

Let’s dive down the rabbit hole like an angry terrier. These games are insanely fun, but also butt-kicking, if you’re in for a challenge. I’ll assume you have your guns loaded and your knives sharper than a swordfish’s bill. The best games like XCOM 2 are below. Let me know how many of these you have actually tried.

Gears Tactics

Best Fast-Paced Tactical Shooter Alternative

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• Type of game
• Turn-based tactics
• Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Creator/s
• Splash Damage, The Coalition, Xbox Game Studios
• Average playtime
• Up to 55 hours for 100% completion
• Best for
• Gears lore for hardcore fans
• What I liked
• Fluid turn-based gameplay
• If you search for games like
• XCOM
• ,

Gears Tactics

• is likely the best option. I love it for its relatively
• fast-paced gameplay with emphasis on aggressive play and abilities
• . Like
• XCOM 2
• ,

Gears Tactics

prioritizes clever use of cover and impeccable positioning as part of its squad-oriented gameplay.

Gears Tactics

excels in tactical gameplay. It forces you to think one step ahead, as you take into account ability cooldowns and ultimate moves to finish off your foes. If you’re a Gears fan, you’ll enjoy its lore, exciting set pieces, and the well-known cinematic feel.

Why we chose it

Gears Tactics

offers a satisfying turn-based gameplay loop, with meaty combat, tactical flair, and extensive lore. Not only is it the best game like XCOM 2, but a true Gears series masterpiece.

In my book,

Gears Tactics

is paced perfectly. Missions aren’t stretched too thin, provide ample variety, and best of all, capture XCOM 2’s spirit ideally.

My Verdict: The best game like XCOM 2,

Gears Tactics

, is deservedly at the top spot. Everything, from tactical elements to graphics, sound design, and the AAA feel, is there. Fans of both XCOM and Gears will find themselves at home.

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

Best Tactical Strategy for Lore Fans

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• Type of game
• Turn-based tactics
• Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Creator/s
• Bulwark Studios, Kasedo Games
• Cognition points
• Best for
• Intense turn-based combat
• What I liked
• Lore and unique visual presentation
• As one of the most beloved turn-based strategy games,

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

• nails every possible aspect of an
• XCOM
• experience
• . You’ll control a technologically advanced faction,
• Adeptus Mechanicus

, as you explore tomb worlds.

The game focuses on turn-based gameplay, using so-called Cognitive Points that power up your abilities. As expected, Mechanicus offers in-depth lore with a strong narrative that breathes futuristic machinery and mysticism.

Why we chose it

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

is among the top turn-based tactics games with striking visuals, brutal combat, and extensive exploration.

You’ll kill cultists and enraged beasts, as you manage your troops and take risks, only to enjoy beefy rewards or meet swift demise.

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

is a pure classic that you’ll enjoy as much as XCOM 2, if not more.

My Verdict: You can’t go wrong with one of the best games like XCOM 2. Turn-based combat, strategic gameplay, and comprehensive lore are only some of the highlights.

Mechanicus will scratch your every itch, providing you with weeks of immense fun.

Phoenix Point

Best Evolutionary Successor by XCOM’s Creator

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Turn-based tactics, strategy Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Creator/s Snapshot games Average playtime Up to 30 hours (main campaign)

Best for Tactical turn-based combat What I liked Ability management and XCOM-like universe When I first played

Phoenix Point

, I was like “Holy cow, this is exactly like XCOM 2!” While not necessarily better, I think it has its merits. For one, it’s made by XCOM’s original creator, offering reinvented gameplay systems with engaging turn-based battles.

The combat requires clever thinking and tactics, which you must evolve to defeat ever-growing alien threats. I love this game’s quick pace in the Geoscape mode, which alters the way you approach the missions.

Why we chose it Pick this one for more XCOM -like fun. It’s made by the original XCOM creator, offering similar gameplay and premise, making XCOM and XCOM 2 fans feel at home.

Adding to that is the branching tech three, where you’ll manage your abilities and decide on the way you want to solve conflicts. Beware that

Phoenix Point

is known for its sky-high difficulty, so if you’re inexperienced, it’ll slap your face. Even as a veteran myself, I often rage-quit and take an espresso shot just to calm down.

• My Verdict
• : Phoenix Point is among the
• best war games
• that resemble
• XCOM 2
• . You’ll find many similarities in story, gameplay elements, and even visuals. If you enjoyed
• XCOM 2
• and want some variety, pick

Phoenix Point

and engage in its alien-infested world for some tactical, turn-based combat enjoyment.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Best Tactical RPG With Superheroes

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• Type of game
• Tactical RPG
• Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Creator/s
• Firaxis Games, 2K
• RPG progression and unique superhero abilities
• Best for
• Turn-based combat in the Marvel universe
• What I liked
• Superheroes interactions
• Who thought that a
• famous
• Marvel
• game
• could be similar to
• XCOM 2
• ? Well,

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

surely is, plus, you get to play as some of your favorite superheroes.

It’s a unique twist on the formula, with a tactical gameplay that revolves around building a combat deck by combining each of the four heroes’ eight-card decks. You draw your abilities from a deck, which forces you to adapt and alter tactics each turn.

Why we chose it

We chose this one for its witty character interactions and our beloved Marvel superheroes.

XCOM -like gameplay in Marvel’s universe? This isn’t a joke: it’s the real deal.

I love character interactions and a strong narrative in this game, making me feel like I’m genuinely among these superheroes. The gameplay is equally engaging and emphasizes adequate positioning, character synergy, and varied objectives.

You’ll undoubtedly enjoy RPG elements and fair progression that unlocks new, unique abilities for defeating your adversaries.

My Verdict:

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

won’t reinvent the wheel. However, it’s among the best games like XCOM 2 for its witty character interactions, Marvel’s finest superheroes, and unpredictable deck mechanics that make each gameplay session a walk into the unknown.

Othercide

Best Stylish Horror-Inspired Tactics Game

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• Type of game
• Tactical RPG
• Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
• Creator/s
• Lightbulb Crew, Focus Home Interactive
• Average playtime
• 20 hours for the main story
• Best for
• Unforgiving combat in a gothic world
• What I liked
• Gritty, monochrome visual aesthetics
• I never found
• XCOM
• scary, but

Othercide

• can indeed be dreadful (in a positive way!). The whole black-and-white,
• gothic aesthetics result in a bold visual presentation
• . However, the gameplay is similar to
• XCOM 2

, with squad-based tactics and punishing, nearly Souls-like difficulty.

The game’s narrative is tied to the cycle of life and death, and you’ll die a lot, but that’s the charm!

Othercide

lets you manage your character classes and roles in each mission, carefully upgrading abilities and weapons as you progress.

Why we chose it

Othercide

’s oppressive atmosphere and satisfying, turn-based gameplay will never bore you to death. The game’s visuals are outstanding, while the Souls -like difficulty welcomes only the bravest. Are you one of them?

Each run is highly unpredictable and allows for new strategies and builds to spice up the gameplay. I find this game to be very replayable, while the creepy atmosphere and visual design make me appreciate its world even more.

My Verdict: Othercide is a gothic take on XCOM 2 that will gladly slap your face for every mistake, and you’ll make ample. If you have what it takes, this tactical masterpiece will fulfil your wildest dreams (or nightmares) and immerse you in its hellish world.

Space Hulk: Tactics

Best Tactical Strategy Set in Warhammer 40K

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• Type of game
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• Cyanide, Focus Home Interactive
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• 10 hours
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• Turn-based combat in claustrophobic levels
• What I liked
• Visual aesthetics and asymmetric gameplay

Space Hulk: Tactics

• is set in the
• Warhammer 40,000

universe, and you already know what to expect. Hardcore, tactical combat in claustrophobic levels where fighting to the death is your only choice.

The game’s asymmetric gameplay gives it a surprising depth. You can play as Genestealers or Marines, both of which will leverage positioning, proper timing, and line-of-sight. The game features multiple campaigns, but this time, it introduces two more modes: multiplayer and skirmish.

Why we chose it Warhammer’s universe never gets old, and we chose this particular title for its similarity to XCOM 2 and claustrophobic, Genestealers -infested levels. Play as Genestealers or Marines and enjoy this turn-based classic.

Warhammer 40,000 fans love this game for its atmosphere and visual aesthetics. While it’s not particularly lore or story-heavy,

Space Hulk: Tactics

is a masterclass in engaging gameplay and brutal difficulty that XCOM fans will adore.

My Verdict: Whether you’re a Genestealer or Space Marine, this game will be insanely fun. A fluid, turn-based combat with blood, gore, and violence never gets old. Imagine XCOM 2 with fridge-like space marines and vicious Genestealers in claustrophobic space corridors. That’s what you’ll get here.

Tactical Breach Wizards

Best Tactical Strategy With Magic & Humor

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Turn-based tactics Windows Creator/s Suspicious Developments Average playtime 14-20 hours Best for Magical abilities combat What I liked Siege-style levels

Tactical Breach Wizards

eliminates guns in favor of abilities held by magical “operators”. This cartoonish, but highly attractive game puts you in the shoes of renegade wizards, as you navigate siege-style levels and fight using the game’s turn-based mechanics.

I find this game to be quite flexible and more approachable due to the ability to undo moves.

The game’s humor is hilarious at times, and makes it a far more relaxing experience than XCOM 2.

Why we chose it

Pick up this game to experience dark wizardry and use it to fight against formidable foes. It’s like XCOM 2, but with more humor and magic instead of guns.

My Verdict:

Tactical Breach Wizards

is easily among the best games like XCOM 2, with a unique flair. You’ll enjoy deep combat mechanics, customization, and a conspiracy plot that you’ll uncover as you go. No wonder it’s held in high regard by XCOM fans in general.

Jagged Alliance 3

Best Mercenary-Focused Tactical RPG

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• Type of game
• Tactical RPG
• Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Creator/s
• Haemimont Games, THQ Nordic
• Average playtime
• About 30 hours
• Best for
• Turn-based, open-world combat
• What I liked
• Vibrant graphics and open-ended gameplay
• In

Jagged Alliance 3

• , you lead a group of mercenaries who fight against
• The Legion
• , a paramilitary force that wreaks havoc in
• Grand Chien
• . When I first played it, my eyes were struck by its vibrant graphics, but then, I realized
• its open world and tactical combat were even better

.

Jagged Alliance 3

is a full-on tactical game like XCOM 2, where you manage your mercenaries, their traits, and personal relationships. The game’s gameplay loop emphasizes freedom, which allows you to approach the task as you like.

Why we chose it

This is the best game with mercenaries, turn-based combat, and open-ended level design. No aliens are here, but trust me, the game’s insanely fun, and human enemies are no joke. Prepare to get your butt kicked.

You can go with a full assault, take a stealthy path, or negotiate.

Jagged Alliance 3

’s campaign is lengthy but diverse, which means it offers many side missions and collectables. Oh, let’s not forget inventory management, which you must master to avoid swift death.

My Verdict:

Jagged Alliance 3

is one of my personal favorites. It combines everything you love from XCOM 2 and puts you in a different universe with a more realistic setting. Turn-based combat, stealth, and exploration never felt this good. Take a plunge and enjoy.

Battletech

Best Mech-Focused Tactical Strategy

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type of game Turn-based tactics Windows, macOS Creator/s Harebrained Schemes, Paradox Interactive Average playtime 50+ hours Best for Mech-driven turn-based combat What I liked Intricate Mech combat and resource management Replace humans and aliens with powerful Mechs and MechWarriors, and you have

Battletech

: one of the best turn-based strategy games. Tactical gameplay is key here, as the turn-based Mech -fest plunges you right into action.

You’ll manage your armor, ammo, and heat while simultaneously positioning yourself adequately to avoid enemy fire. I appreciate

Battletech

’s approach to map and mission design because it emphasizes constant upgrades and completing new contracts for rewards.

Why we chose it If you are bored with shooting aliens, jump into Mechs and become a MechWarrior. Its deep gameplay is spiced by intricate upgrades, excellent map design, and turn-based tactical combat. All you need for weeks of fun.

Loadout customization is particularly deep and likely necessary, as the game has no shortage of challenging missions My Verdict: Turn-based Mech-filled battles never get old. I recommend this game for XCOM 2 fans who want similar games with refined gameplay and a different twist. Jump into the Mech and unleash hell upon your enemies.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

Best Tactical RPG With Arthurian Legends

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• Type of game
• Tactical RPG
• Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
• Creator/s
• NeocoreGames
• Average playtime
• Roughly 50 hours
• Best for
• Deep character development
• What I liked
• Story-altering morality system

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

• thrusts you into a mythic fantasy world, where corruption is the central theme. The
• Morality Chart

is based on your in-game actions and decides the fate of your followers.

Why we chose it Go back in time and experience King Arthur’s struggle to maintain order and bring prosperity to his land. This XCOM 2 alternative is perfect for that medieval charm, RPG elements, and tactical combat.

This game is all about deep character development, unique heroes, and strategic map and resource management.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

blends tactical combat with RPG elements and satisfying progression that many XCOM fans appreciate.

My Verdict: While it’s by no means a revolutionary game,

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

excels in all the right aspects. Turn-based tactics, RPG flair, and dark fantasy setting. Embody King Arthur and lead your followers to glory in this awe-inspiring strategy game. Or perish forever. In the end, it’s up to you.