Games Like X-COM: Apocalypse

Xenonauts is a strategy game in which you control a multi-national military organisation defending a Cold War-era Earth from alien invasion, using small squads of persistent soldiers to eliminate the extraterrestrials and recover their technology in turn-based ground combat.

Why similar: Turn-Based 20.2%, Aliens 18.1%, Tactical 15.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.8%, Strategy 12%

Why You'll Like It: This is the closest modern spiritual successor to the classic X-COM formula, focusing on global strategy and intense tactical combat.

Wage a global war of resistance against an alien invasion. Command turn-based tactical battles, build a network of covert bases, directly control your fighter wings, and achieve strategic victory in a simulation of asymmetric warfare against a technologically superior foe.

Why similar: Tactical 27.8%, Strategy 22.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.2%, Sci-fi 19.2%, Post-apocalyptic 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: An updated and refined iteration of the classic tactical experience with improved visuals and deeper strategic systems.

The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!

Why similar: Turn-Based 24%, Tactical 18.4%, Aliens 16.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.4%, Strategy 13.1%

Why You'll Like It: The definitive modern reboot that successfully translated the classic tactical squad experience for a new generation.

You are in control of X-COM: an organization formed by the world's governments to fight the ever-increasing alien menace.

Why similar: Classic 26.3% ★, Turn-Based 17.2%, Strategy 13.3%, Aliens 13.1%, Tactical 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: The foundational classic that established the genre-defining mix of base management and turn-based tactical combat.

XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.

Why similar: Turn-Based 28.6%, Tactical 18.5%, Strategy 13.5%, Sci-fi 12%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: Expands on the tactical depth of its predecessor with more complex mission objectives and advanced squad customization.

The war continues... X-COM: UFO Defense brought you to a galactic battlefield. X-COM: Terror from the Deep brings the alien terror into a totally new dimension.Seeking to take advantage of a weakened Earth, X-COM's deep space foes unexpectedly change strategy and launch a powerful second front against planet Earth.

Why similar: Turn-Based 21.2%, Classic 19.8% ★, Strategy 14.5%, Aliens 12.8%, Tactical 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A direct, challenging sequel to the original that maintains the core mechanics while introducing a darker underwater setting.

The acclaimed strategy game from the creator of X-COM. Fight tactical battles on procedural maps against a foe that adapts to your tactics. Manage diplomacy and economy on a global scale. Research, explore, overcome. Now includes Steam Workshop support for mods!

Why similar: Aliens 27.1%, Tactical 23.7%, Strategy 16%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.6%, Isometric 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Developed by the creator of the original X-COM, this game features complex tactical combat and a dynamic, evolving alien threat.

An alien invasion has fractured humanity into seven ideological factions each with a unique vision for the future. Lead your chosen faction to take control of Earth’s nations, expand across the Solar System, and battle enemy fleets in tactical combat.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 33.2% ★, Turn-Based 23.6%, Tactical 17.2%, Strategy 13.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the grand scale of global alien invasion management and the complex political maneuvering required to survive.

UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, tactical strategy game with a rich and compelling sci fi story.

Why similar: Strategy 32.1%, Real-Time with Pause 24.1% ★, Tactical 17.2%, Aliens 17.2%, Sci-fi 8.7%

Why You'll Like It: A dark, atmospheric tactical game that emphasizes squad survival and research-driven progression against an alien threat.

The story is situated on Mars. It starts where UFO: Aftermath left off and runs simultaneously with UFO: Aftershock. While the Laputans on Earth are fighting Wargots and Starghosts and finding out what caused the destruction of their home planet, a small colony on Mars is trying to survive and flourish.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 29.3% ★, Strategy 21%, Tactical 14.4%, Aliens 12.6%, Turn-Based 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: The final entry in the Altar Games trilogy, focusing on planetary colonization and tactical defense against hostile forces.

The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise.

Why similar: Tactical 27.5%, Strategy 26.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.9%, Turn-Based 14.9%, Classic 7.8% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers deep, satisfying tactical squad combat with a focus on mercenary management and strategic decision-making.

UFO: Aftershock is a combination of tactical squad combat and global strategy that enhances and expands upon its prequel, UFO: Aftermath.

Why similar: Strategy 46.8%, Aliens 22%, Tactical 16.3%, Sci-fi 14.8%

Why You'll Like It: Builds upon the tactical foundation of its predecessor with more refined base management and squad-level combat.

Silent Storm from leading Russian developer Nival is a true 3D tactical turn-based Role-Playing-Game set against the backdrop of WWII. As the conflict rages on the frontlines, you’ll be leading a small multinational squad behind enemy lines to gather information and wreak havoc on your enemies while trying to thwart a mysterious new...

Why similar: Turn-Based 35.7%, Strategy 17.5%, Tactical 17.4%, Classic 15.7% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 8%

Why You'll Like It: Renowned for its highly destructible environments, which mirror the chaotic, building-level combat found in Apocalypse.

A tactical game combining the turn-based combat of XCOM with story, exploration, stealth, and strategy. Take control of a team of Mutants navigating a post-human Earth. Created by a team including former HITMAN leads and the designer of PAYDAY.

Why similar: Turn-Based 31.6%, Strategy 29%, Tactical 22.8%, Post-apocalyptic 8.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tactical squad combat with stealth-based exploration in a post-apocalyptic setting.

XCOM: Chimera Squad delivers an all-new story and turn-based tactical combat experience in the XCOM universe.

Why similar: Turn-Based 28%, Strategy 25.7%, Aliens 19%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.6%, Sci-fi 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: A more focused, character-driven tactical experience that introduces breach mechanics to the classic XCOM formula.

Tactical Squad-Based Combat comes to the Fallout® Universe! You are the wretched refuse. You may be born from dirt, but we will forge you into steel. You will learn to bend; if not you, will you break. In these dark times, the Brotherhood - your Brotherhood - is all that stands between the rekindled flame of civilization and the howling,...

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.7%, Classic 15.6% ★, Tactical 13.9%, Real-Time with Pause 12.1% ★, Strategy 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic tactical squad game that emphasizes combat and team management in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

The year is 1983. The world teeters on the verge of destruction as the Cold War tightens its icy grip. East or West: trust no one, question everything. The fate of humanity rests in your hands as you pit spy versus spy in tactical Phantom Doctrine.

Why similar: Turn-Based 31.6%, Strategy 28.3%, Tactical 20.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.1%, Isometric 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Blends tactical squad combat with base management and espionage, offering a unique twist on the genre.

Gears Tactics is the fast-paced, turn-based strategy game from one of the most-acclaimed video game franchises – Gears of War. Outnumbered and fighting for survival, recruit and command your squad to hunt down an evil mastermind who makes monsters.

Why similar: Strategy 39.2%, Turn-Based 33.2%, Tactical 16.2%, Isometric 4%, Sci-fi 4%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, high-production tactical game that focuses on aggressive squad movement and powerful character abilities.

Take command of your own mercenary outfit of 'Mechs and the MechWarriors that pilot them, struggling to stay afloat as you find yourself drawn into a brutal interstellar civil war.

Why similar: Turn-Based 36.8%, Strategy 21.8%, Tactical 16.1%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep tactical combat with extensive unit customization and long-term mercenary company management.

From a distant corner of the galaxy, an evil alien race sets in motion a sinister plan to conquer the Earth. They unleash a powerful catalyst — Energy X — that imbues the planet's worst miscreants with super-powers to bring the planet to its knees. Now Earth's only hope lies with a new breed of heroes... The Freedom Force!

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 49.7% ★, Strategy 29.4%, Classic 13.1% ★, Tactical 7.1%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: Features real-time-with-pause tactical combat with a unique comic-book aesthetic and deep character customization.

After the destruction of the EARTH in 2150, the leaders of the Eurasian Dynasty escaped on board an evacuation fleet. Now they are fighting for the survival of the human species. Their base is one large building comprising of smaller variable parts.

Why similar: Strategy 57.7%, Base Building 22.5%, Aliens 10.1%, Sci-fi 6.3%, Post-apocalyptic 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: A real-time strategy game with extensive base building and unit customization that captures a similar sci-fi industrial feel.

The last days of man are at hand.. Two years after the Infinite War the once great warring nations now lie in ruins, and humanity’s hope for a brighter future is nothing but a bitter memory. A new, seemingly unstoppable enemy, supported by the zealots of The Order, now seeks to eradicate mankind: UEF, Aeon Loyalist, and Cybran alike.

Why similar: Strategy 38.3%, Real-Time with Pause 26.6% ★, Sci-fi 19.7%, Classic 9.1% ★, Base Building 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on large-scale strategic warfare and unit management that mirrors the grand scope of global alien defense.

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.

Why similar: Tactical 35.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 26.5%, Strategy 23.9%, Sci-fi 14.4%

Why You'll Like It: Provides intense, high-stakes tactical combat with a focus on squad progression and managing a mobile base of operations.

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.

Why similar: Turn-Based 26.7%, Tactical 16.6%, Strategy 15.2%, Sci-fi 13.5%, Isometric 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A high-tension tactical game that emphasizes stealth and resource management in a futuristic, sci-fi setting.

The year is 1962 and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear. A top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating a series of mysterious attacks by an enemy more powerful than communism.

Why similar: Tactical 36.2%, Aliens 25.5%, Sci-fi 23.7%, Strategy 13.2%, Singleplayer 1.2%

Why You'll Like It: A third-person tactical shooter that explores the origins of the XCOM organization in a 1960s sci-fi setting.

In the late 21st century, the world's civilizations are wiped out by a series of nuclear strikes, seemingly caused by a massive malfunction of the new NASDA (North American Strategic Defense Agency) strategic defense system.

Why similar: Strategy 45.2%, Classic 35.9% ★, Base Building 8.9%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Post-apocalyptic 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic real-time strategy game with a heavy focus on unit design and base defense against encroaching threats.

Hard West 2 is a journey to the heart of darkness in the American West. Take control of a supernatural posse and catch the mysterious Ghost Train. Outsmart, outcheat and outgun your enemies in this turn-based tactics game set in a Wild West world where nothing is as it seems.

Why similar: Turn-Based 34.2%, Tactical 20%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.2%, Strategy 16.6%, Isometric 11.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers unique tactical squad combat with a supernatural twist and a focus on aggressive, momentum-based gameplay.

MASSIVE CHALICE is a tactical strategy game set on an epic timeline from Double Fine Productions. As the Immortal Ruler of the nation, you'll take command of its heroes, forge heroic marriages to strengthen your Bloodlines, and battle a mysterious enemy known as the Cadence in a 300 year war.

Why similar: Turn-Based 47%, Strategy 30.5%, Tactical 21.8%, Singleplayer 0.7%

Why You'll Like It: Combines tactical combat with long-term strategic management and a unique generational hero system.

Future War Tactics: SOF vs Alien Invasion - a turn-based strategy where you command SOF forces against an alien threat. Investigate disappearances, fight the invaders, and uncover the mystery. Every decision affects the fate of humanity.

Why similar: Turn-Based 39.8%, Strategy 19.3%, Aliens 18.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.2%, Tactical 8.7%

A tactical, turn-based strategy game in a post-apocalyptic world of eternal winter. As the titular False Prophet, recruit and lead a group of survivors to a promised land. Loot, craft, and make the best of what you find.

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.4%, Aliens 17.3%, Tactical 14.9%, Strategy 11.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 10%

Old school TBS, post-apoc survival and RPG. Recruit deranged locals in your militia, ally local factions and fight those you hate. Haul loot back and rebuild your shelter, doctor your wounds, and fix your guns. People need feeding, booze needs brewing and there is an end of the world to enjoy.

Why similar: Turn-Based 35.6%, Tactical 16.5%, Strategy 15.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.7%, Isometric 8.3%

Survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future — resources are scarce, but opportunity calls! Build the ultimate disaster proof colony, protect your colonists, and restore civilization to a devastated world.

Why similar: Strategy 52.5%, Post-apocalyptic 19%, Tactical 11.2%, Base Building 10.7%, Isometric 5.5%

X-COM: Earth's top-secret eXtraterrestrial COMbat unit The Place: America - early 21st century The Mission: Eradicate the extraterrestrials Alien forces have invaded Earth and are terrorizing the population.

Why similar: Strategy 48.8%, Sci-fi 25.7%, Aliens 25.5%

They're back...only this time the heinous aliens are out to destroy Earth and rule the new frontier. As X-COM commander, it's your sole duty to protect humanity and the prized mining operations in outer space.

Why similar: Strategy 65.9%, Sci-fi 32.9%, Singleplayer 1.1%

Drop into the gripping journey of Aliens: Dark Descent, a squad-based, single-player action game in the iconic Alien franchise. Lead your soldiers in real-time to stop a new and terrifying kind of Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe.

Why similar: Tactical 29%, Strategy 26.2%, Aliens 22.3%, Sci-fi 15.1%, Isometric 6.3%

A tactical sci-fi RPG set in an alternative 1970's, where an enormous and inexplicable artifact –the Dome– is discovered in a remote desert. Fight enemies, explore the anomalous wasteland, level up your character, join one of the forces in the ruined world.

Why similar: Turn-Based 25%, Strategy 23.9%, Sci-fi 14.6%, Tactical 13.3%, Isometric 12.7%

Our civilization has fallen. From the ashes, four new powers emerge. Immerse yourself in a combat-heavy twist on a classic turn-based 4X strategy where steam, steel, atom and diesel-punk corporations clash to spread their technology and the way of life.

Why similar: Strategy 33.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 32.2%, Isometric 18.2%, Post-apocalyptic 14.4%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Our civilization has fallen. From the ashes, four new powers emerge. Immerse yourself in a combat-heavy twist on a classic turn-based 4X strategy where steam, steel, atom and diesel-punk corporations clash to spread their technology and the way of life.

Why similar: Strategy 39.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 34.3%, Post-apocalyptic 13.3%, Base Building 11.5%, Singleplayer 1.5%

What began as a conflict over the transfer of consciousness from flesh to machines escalated into a war which has decimated a million worlds. The Core and the Arm have all but exhausted the resources of a galaxy in their struggle for domination.

Why similar: Classic 56.2% ★, Strategy 27.1%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Base Building 1.5%, Retro 1.2%

A once thriving network of space stations and planets have been left lifeless, redundant scars of the apocalypse. Into this age of darkness comes light. You will lead the way in rebuilding the network of space stations to a standard accepted by the individual alien races, attracting them to harness their expertise and research new...

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 39.7% ★, Aliens 21.8%, Strategy 17.1%, Sci-fi 14.2%, Base Building 6.2%

New Cycle is a city building game with focus on survival. After an apocalyptic series of solar flares, human society has been thrown into disarray. Establish a settlement and develop it all the way from humble beginnings to industrial metropolis.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 48.9% ★, Strategy 20.6%, Sci-fi 15%, Post-apocalyptic 7.5%, Base Building 6.8%

2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 33.4% ★, Aliens 20.9%, Tactical 18.8%, Strategy 14%, Sci-fi 12.1%

Rebuild a ruined city in this post-apocalyptic mix of strategy and simulation. Manage survivors, scavenge for food and supplies, deal with rival gangs, illness, interpersonal strife and zombie attacks.

Why similar: Real-Time with Pause 42.3% ★, Strategy 22.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.2%, Post-apocalyptic 9.3%, Base Building 7.5%

A post-apocalyptic, turn based, tactical combat and strategy game where you lead your caravan on a quest for revenge.

Why similar: Turn-Based 36.3%, Strategy 17.2%, Tactical 15.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 11%, Isometric 7.4%

They Are Billions is a Steampunk strategy game set on a post-apocalyptic planet. Build and defend colonies to survive against the billions of the infected that seek to annihilate the few remaining living humans. Can humanity survive after the zombie apocalypse?

Why similar: Strategy 34.4%, Real-Time with Pause 28% ★, Base Building 18.3%, Tactical 10.7%, Post-apocalyptic 5.3%

Pandora: First Contact is a science fiction 4X turn-based strategy game on a planetary scale. Our Earth has been exhausted and colonial attempts on other planetary bodies have been in vain. Finally, after decades of exploration, an interstellar probe has brought promise of a new world.

Why similar: Strategy 36.4%, Turn-Based 23.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.7%, Sci-fi 18.7%, Singleplayer 0.9%

A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors.

Why similar: Strategy 69.9%, Base Building 25.8%, Singleplayer 4.3%

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth is a new science-fiction-themed entry into the award winning Civilization series. As part of an expedition sent to find a home beyond Earth, lead your people into a new frontier, explore and colonize an alien planet and create a new civilization in space.

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.9%, Strategy 21.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.7%, Sci-fi 14.3%, Aliens 13.1%

Dive deep into this Lovecraft-inspired RTS survival. Assemble your team using different classes, skills, and weaponry. It's up to your squad to survive the onslaught of nightmares that are surely coming your way. Will you find the source of the darkness?

Why similar: Strategy 42.8%, Tactical 38.6%, Post-apocalyptic 15.7%, Singleplayer 3%

Strain Tactics is a real-time-with-pause tactical game, where you command a squad of soldiers to liberate earth from an alien infestation. Using your helibase, deploy your custom squad and provide air support. Remember to keep your crew sane and motivated while staying clear of alien contamination!

Why similar: Strategy 39.6%, Aliens 31.6%, Sci-fi 16.8%, Post-apocalyptic 7.9%, Cyberpunk 3.3%

A colony sim set in a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Build and defend your base. Manage your survivors. Engage raiders, aliens, Remnant soldiers and other factions in real-time-with-pause combat. Or use stealth to outwit them. Explore the massive world. Survive at all costs

Why similar: Strategy 51.8%, Isometric 28.9%, Base Building 19.3%

Imperium Galactica. The Universe is yours... if you can handle it. The fourth millennium. Mankind has colonised the galaxy. Created an Empire. Now, it is crumbling. The aliens are restless. The oppressed are building armies. And a strange invader is headed for the heart of the Empire.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

Reconquest is a real-time strategy base building game. After World War III, mankind got close to extinction. You have to reconquer Earth by making better strategic decisions than your opponents.

Why similar: Strategy 100%

It’s 2741 and the universe is at war. The Terran Empire is laying siege to the NSA, a treaty of colonies that upholds freedom and democracy. After losing the battle in space, the NSA is forced to retreat to its last stronghold. Can you snatch victory from impending doom?

Why similar: Strategy 83.4%, Sci-fi 16.6%

Build your own city in a post-apocalyptic future. Scavenge and fight for resources, everything counts! Restore civilization on the ashes of the fallen world! Explore wastelands to gather resources, protect and take care of your people! Fight off raiders, wild tribesman and natural disasters.

Why similar: Strategy 45.1%, Post-apocalyptic 18.9%, Tactical 18.8%, Base Building 17.1%

As a contestant on a high stakes reality game show of the future, you must survive a dangerous urban environment packed with traps, confounding puzzles, and heavily armed psychopaths. Turn-based combat in hand crafted levels, built for entertainment.

Why similar: Tactical 28.5%, Strategy 19.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.1%, Sci-fi 17.9%, Isometric 14.2%

Incredibly dynamic turn-based strategy, reviving the traditions of the old school tactics. Lead a team of the most desperate fighters, destroy alien monsters and uncover the secrets of the lost planet.

Why similar: Turn-Based 26.9%, Aliens 20.9%, Tactical 16.2%, Strategy 12.4%, Sci-fi 11.9%