Games Like X-COM: UFO Defense

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 Strategy 18.8%, Aliens 14.8%, Turn-Based 14.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 11.3%, Tactical 10%

Why You'll Like It: This is a faithful spiritual successor that captures the original X-COM's brutal difficulty and strategic depth.

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

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 21.9%, Turn-Based 17.8%, Aliens 14%, Tactical 12.7%, Strategy 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: A modern reimagining that successfully translates the classic's core loop of base management and tactical combat for a new generation.

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: Classic 26.6% ★, Turn-Based 14.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 12%, Aliens 10.1%, Strategy 10%

Why You'll Like It: The direct, notoriously difficult sequel to the original game that maintains the classic mechanics in an underwater setting.

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 23.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.3%, Tactical 14%, Turn-Based Tactics 12%, Strategy 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Refines the modern XCOM formula with more dynamic missions, deeper soldier customization, and a compelling resistance narrative.

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: Turn-Based Strategy 31.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 19.1%, Tactical 18.6%, Strategy 16.6%, Sci-fi 14.5%

Why You'll Like It: An updated iteration of the classic formula that provides a more modern interface while keeping the core strategic challenge intact.

There's something evil in the city tonight... Earth has been ravaged by human excess, petty conflict and alien invasion. The world's population has been herded into huge cities, the first of which was Mega Primus. 2084: A Utopia shattered, social collapse and civil unrest reigns in Mega Primus. Fiendish aliens terrorize the city.

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

Why You'll Like It: A unique entry in the classic series that introduced city-based management and real-time or turn-based tactical options.

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 26.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.2%, Strategy 16%, Turn-Based Tactics 15.3%, Tactical 10.9%

Why You'll Like It: Combines deep squad customization and management with tactical turn-based combat in a rich sci-fi universe.

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 24.7%, Classic 21.2% ★, Turn-Based Tactics 14.7%, Strategy 12.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.4%

Why You'll Like It: A classic tactical game that features highly destructible environments and deep turn-based combat mechanics.

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: Turn-Based Strategy 21.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 17.8%, Strategy 17.5%, Tactical 17%, Classic 10.1% ★

Why You'll Like It: Offers exceptional tactical squad combat with a focus on mercenary management and strategic map control.

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: Turn-Based Strategy 34.2%, Tactical 20.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 20.4%, Strategy 15.1%, Sci-fi 9.6%

Why You'll Like It: Features deep squad management and tactical combat against overwhelming odds, mirroring the high-stakes feel of X-COM.

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

Why similar: Turn-Based 19.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 19.3%, Strategy 18%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.5%, Aliens 15.2%

Why You'll Like It: A smaller-scale tactical experience that experiments with turn-order mechanics while keeping the XCOM feel.

Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 29%, Turn-Based 19.1%, Strategy 16.2%, Turn-Based Tactics 13.4%, Tactical 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: A tight, puzzle-like tactical game that forces players to make difficult choices to protect humanity from alien invaders.

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 19.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 13%, Tactical 11.3%, Strategy 11.3%

Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes tactical game where every move matters, capturing the tension of managing a small, vulnerable team.

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

Why similar: Strategy 41%, Aliens 25.1%, Tactical 20.4%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Singleplayer 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: A strategic and tactical hybrid that focuses on reclaiming Earth from an alien infestation.

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 31.6%, Turn-Based 26.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 17.4%, Tactical 12.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 4.8%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, high-production turn-based tactical game that emphasizes aggressive squad movement and ability synergy.

MECHANICUS II ANNOUNCED! Take control of one of the most technologically advanced factions in the Imperium: the Adeptus Mechanicus. In this turn-based tactical game, your every decision will weigh heavily on the outcome of the conflict. Will you be blessed by the Omnissiah?

Why similar: Turn-Based 23.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.2%, Strategy 14.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 13.4%, Tactical 12%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on tactical combat and tech-tree progression that feels very similar to the research-heavy gameplay of X-COM.

TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is the first season of a turn-based strategy SRPG that takes place in the world of Troubleshooter.

Why similar: Turn-Based 37%, Turn-Based Strategy 28%, Turn-Based Tactics 19.2%, Strategy 14.1%, Atmospheric 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: Offers an incredibly deep tactical system with extensive character progression and squad-building mechanics.

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

Why similar: Strategy 45.6%, Aliens 24.5%, Sci-fi 15.1%, Tactical 14.7%

Why You'll Like It: Expands on the Aftermath formula with more complex base management and tactical squad combat.

Experience a true classic! This Gold edition includes the original Jagged Alliance plus the add-on Jagged Alliance: Deadly Games. Take a trip into retro land and learn why this is considered to be one the best turn-based games of all times.

Why similar: Classic 43.6% ★, Turn-Based 16.7%, Strategy 13.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.6%, Tactical 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: The classic tactical squad-based game that helped define the genre alongside X-COM.

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 Strategy 25.3%, Turn-Based 24.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 15%, Tactical 13.3%, Strategy 12%

Why You'll Like It: Features a unique tactical combat system that rewards aggressive play and strategic positioning in a supernatural setting.

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: Strategy 28.3%, Aliens 19.5%, Tactical 18%, Turn-Based 15.1%, Sci-fi 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: The final entry in the After-series, focusing on Mars colonization and tactical defense against alien threats.

Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines is a real-time tactics game set in World War II that puts you in command of a small squad of elite troopers. Send them behind enemy lines on a series of hazardous missions, and bring them back alive.

Why similar: Classic 48% ★, Strategy 19.1%, Tactical 17.9%, Difficult 6%, Isometric 5.3%

Why You'll Like It: A classic tactical game that requires careful planning and stealth to overcome superior enemy forces.

An addictive mix of strategic combat and army building, with the precision of an RPG. Design your squad members' exact build of equipment and talents to create unique fireteam combinations. Step into the pilot suit of a Leviathan mech, lead the Templar Knights in turn-based tactical warfare.

Why similar: Turn-Based 22.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.2%, Aliens 13.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 12.7%, Tactical 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: A squad-based tactical game with deep customization and a focus on surviving against relentless waves of enemies.

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: Classic 33.7% ★, Turn-Based 27.8%, Strategy 20%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.4%, Sci-fi 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: A classic 4X space strategy game that captures the grand scale of managing a galactic civilization.

Galaxy squad is a hardcore turn-based tactical roguelike, inspired by FTL and XCOM.

Why similar: Strategy 20.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 16.1%, Tactical 13.5%, Aliens 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: An indie title that distills the X-COM formula into a focused, turn-based tactical experience.

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 28.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.5%, Aliens 15.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 14.7%, Strategy 14%

Manage a team of ghosthunters and free London from paranormal terror in turn-based battles. Develop your own strategy and build your business well.

Why similar: Turn-Based 23.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 13%, Tactical 9.7%, Strategy 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Combines management simulation with tactical turn-based combat in a unique ghost-hunting setting.

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 Strategy 28.3%, Turn-Based 20.5%, Strategy 17.5%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Aliens 12.4%

Why You'll Like It: A sci-fi 4X strategy game that focuses on planetary exploration and technological advancement.

Build and command a fleet of starships and travel between planets as you explore, build, negotiate, and fight to preserve your vision for humanity.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 34.4%, Strategy 27.2%, Sci-fi 16.6%, Tactical 13.3%, Turn-Based 7%

Why You'll Like It: A turn-based strategy game that focuses on space fleet management and tactical combat in a sci-fi setting.

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: Classic 28.7% ★, Turn-Based 23.2%, Tactical 12.1%, Strategy 10.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.9%

Forge an empire in a universe where population growth is stripping away planetary resources. Colonize unknown planets and trade with other races for their knowledge.

Why similar: Classic 34.6% ★, Turn-Based 24.7%, Strategy 23.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 6.2%

Sid Meier's Civilization III: Complete, the latest offering in the Sid Meier's Civilization III franchise, provides gaming fans with Sid Meier's Civilization III, the highly-addictive journey of discovery.

Why similar: Classic 35.1% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 23.1%, Turn-Based 18%, Strategy 17.8%, Addictive 3.2% ★

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 64.1%, Sci-fi 33.6%, Singleplayer 2.3%

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: Turn-Based Strategy 28.2%, Aliens 27.4%, Tactical 19.4%, Strategy 14.2%, Isometric 10.8%

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 46.5%, Aliens 27.7%, Sci-fi 25.7%

Are strategy games with strong RPG elements your cup of tea? Did you enjoy games like Xcom: UFO Defence, the Fallout series, the Civilization series, the Heroes of Might and magic? And now you are looking for something new to satisfy your craving for turn-based fun?

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 27.7%, Strategy 19.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 17.1%, Aliens 16.4%, Tactical 9.7%

The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore. The treasures of an entire continent await you.

Why similar: Classic 55.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 26.3%, Strategy 12.7%, Simulation 2.5%, Retro 2.1%

Commandos 2: Men of Courage is a tactical action/strategy game set against the backdrop of World War II. Take control of an elite group of commandos who must venture deep into enemy territory and utilize their combined expertise to complete a series of mission-based objectives.

Why similar: Classic 42.9% ★, Strategy 26.3%, Tactical 20.4%, Isometric 4.6%, Difficult 2.8%

Galactic Civilizations is a space based strategy game in which you are in control of humanity's destiny.

Why similar: Turn-Based 26.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.9%, Aliens 15.4%, Strategy 11.6%, Difficult 9.2%

You've just unearthed the classic post-apocalyptic role-playing game that revitalized the entire CRPG genre. The Fallout® SPECIAL system allows drastically different types of characters, meaningful decisions and development that puts you in complete control. Explore the devastated ruins of a golden age civilization.

Why similar: Classic 55.1% ★, Turn-Based 17.9%, Isometric 7.2%, Sci-fi 6.8%, Tactical 4.3%

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 19.1%, Aliens 17.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.9%, Tactical 10.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.7%

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 68.8% ★, Strategy 17%, Sci-fi 8.7%, Base Building 1.6%, 1990's 1.3%

Play out a Kaiju movie as the (hopelessly) outclassed military in this stylish 2D turn-based strategy game. Construct buildings and defend your city with cannon-fodder tanks, jets and more as the devastating kaiju grow in power with every attack.

Why similar: Turn-Based 22%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.9%, Tactical 16.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.8%, Strategy 9.8%

Build your empire upon the bodies of others! Deadlock II: Shrine wars is an exciting game of strategy, resource management and military conquest. Take control of one of seven races as you search for the secret power an ancient civilization.

Why similar: Classic 49.4% ★, Strategy 28%, Turn-Based 22.6%

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: Strategy 46.7%, Classic 40.6% ★, Tactical 10.5%, Singleplayer 2.2%

Welcome to Age of Wonders, the authentic turn based fantasy strategy classic that started the hit series. Age of Wonders’ intimate atmosphere with painterly graphics still shines today. The game’s fully patched up, start building your fantasy empire today!

Why similar: Classic 39.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 20.2%, Strategy 19.9%, Turn-Based 19.8%, Singleplayer 0.8%

Colonize newly-discovered planets, control the resources found there, and defend your colony against other rival factions in real-time or turn-based action.

Why similar: Classic 39.5% ★, Strategy 33.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.3%, Sci-fi 10.3%

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 32.1%, Aliens 28%, Sci-fi 23.9%, Strategy 12.7%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Defend Billy and his crew on their way to the extraction zone! You have been authorized to use the defense system. Protect them from giant bugs, malfunctioning droids and more...

Why similar: Strategy 31.5%, Aliens 23.3%, Sci-fi 21.4%, Tactical 20.1%, Singleplayer 3.7%

With over 6 million units sold and unprecedented critical acclaim from fans and press around the world, Sid Meier's Civilization is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time. Now, Sid Meier and Firaxis Games will take this incredibly fun and addictive game to new heights by adding new ways to play and win, new...

Why similar: Turn-Based 27.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 26.8%, Strategy 20.1%, Classic 17.4% ★, Addictive 4.1% ★

Lead your Space Commandos in a revival of turn-based squad tactics inspired by UFO/XCOM and Aliens. Utilize in-depth skill & combat systems in multiple game modes, including a full campaign. Discover the truth behind the demise of colony MC83-A and join the USC in defending humanity!

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.6%, Tactical 12.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 12.2%, Strategy 10.3%

Lead a strike force against an alien threat in this turn-based tactical RPG from the developers of Battle Brothers. Answer distress calls across different worlds, train and equip infantry, deploy tanks and mechs, and plan and execute missions in detailed turn-based battles.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 23.4%, Turn-Based 22.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 14%, Strategy 13.8%, Tactical 13.2%

In this sci-fi turn-based strategy with real-time base-building elements, you’ll be defending human territories against the transhuman Augments. Expand your HQ, and manufacture and upgrade an army of advanced drones to wage interplanetary war for Humanity!

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.4%, Strategy 11.6%, Tactical 10.5%, Sci-fi 10.1%

Defend galaxy against Alien invasion in the RTS offline game with roguelike fun

Why similar: Aliens 36.9%, Strategy 27.9%, Sci-fi 18.7%, Base Building 14%, Singleplayer 2.5%

Behind a veil of secrecy the evil Empire is creating a doomsday army - one that, if finished, will become the final cog in the Empire's arsenal of terror and domination. Your Mission? Join the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division, infiltrate the Empire.

Why similar: Classic 76.2% ★, Sci-fi 12.4%, Old School 3.9%, Retro 3.1%, 1990's 3%

Master of Magic is a classic, one of the most popular strategy games of the 90s. It is a 4X fantasy strategy game that allows you to play as an extremely powerful wizard, leading your troops and overcoming your magical opponents.

Why similar: Classic 43.1% ★, Strategy 35.2%, Turn-Based 21.6%

For the first time in over 20 years, we are heralding the return of a much loved piece of gaming history with the classic RPG, Wasteland! Mutants. Again. Even more than there were last time: they seem to materialize out of the very grains of the radioactive desert sand. Venomous yellow eyes.

Why similar: Classic 57.3% ★, Turn-Based 22.1%, Strategy 8%, Sci-fi 6.9%, Old School 3.1%