Games Like XCOM: Enemy Unknown

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 22.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.2%, Tactical 18.9%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Strategy 7.7%

Why You'll Like It: It is the clearest next step from Enemy Unknown, expanding the same cover-based squad tactics and campaign management into a bigger, harsher resistance war.

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 24.3%, Turn-Based 15.9%, Tactical 15.2%, Aliens 14.8%, Sci-fi 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: This is one of the most faithful modern takes on classic X-COM structure, with global defense, research, interception, and unforgiving alien ground battles.

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

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

Why You'll Like It: The original blueprint for Enemy Unknown still delivers the same alien-defense loop of research, base management, and brutally tense tactical missions.

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 30.8%, Tactical 24.8%, Aliens 23.1%, Strategy 9.4%, Perma Death 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Designed by the original X-COM creator, it closely mirrors Enemy Unknown’s strategic layer while adding a dynamic aim system and evolving alien threat.

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 35.9%, Tactical 25%, Sci-fi 16.1%, Strategy 11.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It modernizes the Xenonauts formula with cleaner presentation while preserving the same geoscape, base-building, and lethal turn-based anti-alien combat.

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

Why similar: Turn-Based 21.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.4%, Aliens 15.2%, Strategy 14.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: Although smaller in scale and less punishing, it still offers polished turn-based XCOM combat, squad abilities, and city-level strategic planning.

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 22.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.3%, Tactical 14%, Aliens 13.9%, Strategy 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: It keeps the same classic X-COM structure as UFO Defense but with an even more punishing campaign and tactical layer.

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

Why You'll Like It: Its mix of city-level strategy, base operations, and squad combat makes it another strong ancestor to Enemy Unknown’s campaign design.

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: Turn-Based 30.6%, Strategy 25.8%, Tactical 19.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 10%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: Its aggressive, polished turn-based battles and strong soldier customization make it one of the best modern squad-tactics games for XCOM fans.

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 33.8%, Aliens 15.4%, Strategy 14.1%, Tactical 13.8%, Sci-fi 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: It follows the same classic anti-alien command structure with globe-level management and mission-based squad tactics.

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 27.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.5%, Tactical 15.2%, Sci-fi 11.7%, Strategy 11.5%

Why You'll Like It: It swaps soldiers for mechs, but the campaign layer, customization, tactical positioning, and attrition-heavy decision-making feel very XCOM-like.

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 37.4%, Tactical 26.4%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Strategy 10%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: It captures the modern XCOM feel extremely well with turn-based squad combat, base-like ship management, and high-pressure campaign choices.

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 24.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.9%, Tactical 17%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Strategy 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: This offers excellent sci-fi turn-based tactics with research choices, upgrade paths, and a constant sense of technological warfare against an alien-like threat.

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 27.3%, Tactical 25.2%, Strategy 17.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its stealth-to-ambush loop and small-squad turn-based fights deliver the same tense, methodical tactical feel as XCOM.

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 30.8%, Tactical 28.3%, Strategy 15.1%, Turn-Based 12.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.8%

Why You'll Like It: Even without the sci-fi theme, its mercenary management, turn-based firefights, and campaign-level planning scratch a lot of the same strategic itch.

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 36.7%, Turn-Based 20.7%, Tactical 12.5%, Strategy 12.4%, Sci-fi 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: While far more puzzle-like and abstract, it delivers the same tense turn-based pressure where every move matters and mistakes are costly.

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 37.1%, Aliens 23.2%, Strategy 18.7%, Sci-fi 18%, Singleplayer 1.7%

Why You'll Like It: Though real-time rather than turn-based, its squad stress, mission pressure, and desperate fight against xenomorphs strongly echo XCOM’s atmosphere.

Shock Tactics is a single player turn-based sci-fi strategy game with tactical combat, exploration, squad management and base building.

Why similar: Strategy 87.7%, RPG 12.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is openly inspired by modern XCOM, combining squad-based turn-based missions with a sci-fi campaign against an unknown enemy.

From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes a beautifully crafted tactical adventure you won’t forget. Embark on a quest across a post-apocalyptic wasteland torn apart by a savage force known only as the ‘Miasma’.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 36.7%, Tactical 28.3%, Strategy 10.7%, Sci-fi 9.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: From the Mutant Year Zero developers, it mixes exploration, squad upgrades, and turn-based tactical encounters with a similarly careful pacing.

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

Why similar: Strategy 30.8%, Tactical 29.6%, Aliens 24%, Sci-fi 14%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: Even though its combat is real-time with pause rather than turn-based, its alien-invasion strategy layer and squad management are very X-COM-inspired.

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 22.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.7%, Tactical 19%, Strategy 14.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 12.8%

Why You'll Like It: This transplants the XCOM structure into Cold War espionage, with base management, operatives, and mission-focused tactical play.

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: Turn-Based Strategy 33.5%, Tactical 26.5%, Sci-fi 15.5%, Strategy 10%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.2%

Why You'll Like It: It is a streamlined but satisfying XCOM-like built around cover tactics, overwatch, character builds, and tightly designed encounters.

Recruit a team of misfits with unique abilities and unforgettable personalities, and chase the Banished Court to the ends of the earth in a mix of real-time infiltration, turn-based tactical combat, and a character-driven story of adventure and intrigue.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 45.1%, Tactical 32.8%, Strategy 15.6%, RPG 2.9%, Atmospheric 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: It blends a strategic campaign map, character progression, and tactical missions in a way that feels structurally close to a lighter XCOM.

Command an elite team of allied special operators in Nazi-occupied France wreaking havoc in the run up to D-Day in this ambitious turn-based tactics game. Take on the might of Germany's war machine and launch daring raids in occupied territory. Can you do enough to ensure Allied victory?

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 39.3%, Tactical 32.1%, Strategy 12.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 11.4%, Singleplayer 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its mission structure, resistance management, and turn-based squad tactics make it a strong fit if you mainly love XCOM’s battlefield 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 35.3%, Aliens 24.1%, Tactical 22%, Sci-fi 18.6%

Why You'll Like It: It continues the UFO: Aftermath formula with strategic anti-alien management and tactical squad deployments that echo the X-COM campaign loop.

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 32.5%, Turn-Based 26.9%, Tactical 20%, Strategy 9.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: This keeps the cover-based, ability-driven tactical flow of XCOM while adding a stylish supernatural western setting and sharp mission design.

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 33.3%, Tactical 20.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.9%, Strategy 11.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its deep turn-based squad combat, destructible environments, and punishing tactical encounters make it a classic recommendation for XCOM players.

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 26%, Turn-Based 21.6%, Tactical 17.1%, Sci-fi 12.2%, Strategy 9.2%

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 40%, Turn-Based Strategy 35.3%, Strategy 10.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.4%, RPG 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: It offers extremely deep turn-based squad combat and character building for players who want more tactical complexity than Enemy Unknown.

Lead a mercenary company in this tactical RPG set in a medieval fantasy world. Chase fame and fortune as you choose where to go, who to recruit, which contracts to pursue, and how to train and equip your men in a procedurally generated open world campaign.

Why similar: Strategy 55%, Character Customization 22.5%, RPG 10.1%, Singleplayer 7.7%, Action 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It trades sci-fi for grim mercenary fantasy, but its brutal campaign attrition, roster management, and punishing tactical combat appeal to the same kind of player.

Create, discover, and download new player-created maps, scenarios, interfaces, and more!

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 45.9%, Turn-Based 24.8%, Strategy 13.2%, Addictive 8% ★, Tactical 5.5%

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 31.4%, Turn-Based 19.5%, Sci-fi 13.2%, Strategy 11.8%, Aliens 10.6%

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 30.2%, Turn-Based 18.3%, Tactical 13.1%, Strategy 10.1%, Sci-fi 10%

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 39.6%, Sci-fi 24.2%, Aliens 22.7%, Strategy 8.1%, Action 1.8%

Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad.

Why similar: Turn-Based 36.6%, Tactical 26.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.3%, Strategy 12.6%, Sci-fi 5.6%

ENDLESS™ Space is a turn-based 4X strategy game, covering the space colonization age in the ENDLESS™ Universe, where you can control every aspect of your civilization as you strive for galactic domination.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 27.8%, Turn-Based 26.6%, Strategy 23.3%, Sci-fi 14.6%, Aliens 4.6%

This "spaceship simulation roguelike-like" allows you to take your ship and crew on an adventure through a randomly generated galaxy filled with glory and bitter defeat.

Why similar: Sci-fi 32.1%, Tactical 26.5%, Strategy 22.2%, Perma Death 10.6%, Difficult 6.1%

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

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 24.9%, Tactical 19%, Strategy 15.1%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Aliens 10.7%

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 22.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 18.6%, Tactical 18.1%, Sci-fi 13.7%, Strategy 9.3%

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 31%, Turn-Based Strategy 24.7%, Aliens 15%, Strategy 10.7%, Tactical 8.7%

Lead an armored squad through the perils of this reversed tower defense action-strategy game!

Why similar: Strategy 49.8%, Sci-fi 28.4%, Aliens 17.4%, Singleplayer 2.3%, Action 2.2%

A fast paced multiplayer shooter that pits aliens against humans in a strategic and action-packed struggle for survival!

Why similar: Aliens 30.3%, Sci-fi 22%, Strategy 21.9%, Tactical 15.9%, Multiplayer 6.2%

Breach & Clear brings deep tactical strategy simulation to PC, Mac and Linux! Build your Special Operations team, plan and execute advanced missions, and own every angle.Choose your real-world squad -- US Army Rangers, Germany's KSK, Canada’s JTF2, UK SAS, and more -- and take on a variety of foes with different skill-sets and...

Why similar: Tactical 34%, Turn-Based Strategy 27%, Turn-Based 19.1%, Strategy 15.7%, Turn-Based Tactics 1.5%

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%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.7%, Tactical 12.4%, Aliens 11.9%, Sci-fi 7.9%

Harebrained Schemes' biggest Shadowrun game to date, and the definitive Shadowrun RPG experience available on PC. Now a standalone title with tons of new content & improvements!

Why similar: Turn-Based 43.9%, Tactical 17.3%, Sci-fi 11.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 9.6%, Strategy 8.1%

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 24.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.8%, Tactical 17.2%, Sci-fi 10.8%, Strategy 7.2%

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 37%, Sci-fi 32.5%, Aliens 28.1%, Action 2.5%

Get the complete GalCiv II saga including Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords, the expansion pack Dark Avatar, and the newest expansion pack Twilight of the Arnor!

Why similar: Turn-Based 35.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 33.8%, Strategy 10.9%, Base Building 10.7%, Aliens 4.4%

Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 42.7%, Turn-Based 23.1%, Strategy 19.3%, Tactical 11%, Multiplayer 2.6%

In Tactical Breach Wizards, you lead a team of renegade wizards in kevlar through turn-based battles to unravel a modern conspiracy plot. Combine their unique spells in clever ways, or rewind time to try every crazy plan you can think of to punch a Traffic Warlock through a 4th story window.

Why similar: Turn-Based 31.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 30.9%, Tactical 21.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.3%, Strategy 4.8%

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 33.7%, Tactical 24.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.8%, Strategy 10.4%, Sci-fi 8.4%

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: Turn-Based Strategy 43.6%, Turn-Based 29.1%, Strategy 20.4%, Addictive 4.7% ★, Multiplayer 1.4%

Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.

Why similar: Turn-Based 40%, Turn-Based Strategy 25.1%, Tactical 20.1%, Strategy 11.3%, RPG 2.6%

Lead a band of space pirates and loot and pillage your way across the stars in this turn based tactical game!

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 27.7%, Tactical 20.8%, Aliens 19.7%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Strategy 7.5%

A contemporary remake of the much-loved series of turn-based mercenary-themed strategy games.

Why similar: Tactical 39.2%, Strategy 24.9%, Turn-Based 18.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.8%, RPG 3.5%

FIGHT AND STRATEGIZE LIKE A SUPER HERO IN THE DARKER CORNERS OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE. Play as The Hunter, a legendary demon slayer who must lead a team of Super Heroes and supernatural warriors facing apocalyptic threats.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 39.7%, Tactical 28.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 11.9%, Strategy 11.3%, Character Customization 5.3%

Take on a role of a hardened PMC fighter in a dark turn-based extraction RPG. Engage in unforgiving combat, manage your ship and pile up the bodies of your clones to unravel the dark mystery behind threat to all life.

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.3%, Tactical 18.3%, Sci-fi 11.1%, Strategy 7.4%

Defense Grid: The Awakening is a unique spin on tower defense gameplay that will appeal to players of all skill levels. A horde of enemies is invading, and it's up to the player to stop them by strategically building fortification towers around their base.

Why similar: Sci-fi 32.6%, Strategy 32.2%, Aliens 23.4%, Addictive 6.6% ★, Singleplayer 3.1%