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 23.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.7%, Tactical 18.8%, Sci-fi 11.5%, Strategy 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its refined cover-based missions, highly customizable soldiers, research management, and resistance-layer campaign make it the closest modern follow-up to Enemy Unknown.

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 23.8%, Turn-Based 16.6%, Aliens 15%, Tactical 15%, Sci-fi 8.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a deliberately old-school XCOM-style alien invasion campaign with interception, global funding, base construction, research, and punishing turn-based ground combat.

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 18.8%, Aliens 14.5%, Tactical 12.8%, Strategy 9.7%

Why You'll Like It: The original game delivers the same core fantasy of running a global anti-alien organization while taking vulnerable squads into 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 30.5%, Tactical 24.7%, Aliens 23.6%, Strategy 9.2%, Perma Death 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: Built by X-COM creator Julian Gollop, it combines a global alien-defense strategy layer with squad tactics, destructible environments, and evolving enemy threats.

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 25.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 23.9%, Tactical 18.7%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Strategy 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: It expands the Xenonauts formula with a modern presentation while retaining detailed base, air-combat, research, and alien-hunting systems.

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

Why similar: Turn-Based 22.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.6%, Aliens 15.5%, Strategy 13.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.5%

Why You'll Like It: A smaller-scale XCOM spin-off with familiar cover tactics, abilities, breach entries, and a campaign built around managing a specialized squad.

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 22.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 20.3%, Aliens 13.7%, Tactical 13.5%, Strategy 10.2%

Why You'll Like It: This direct classic-era successor preserves the strategic base-and-research structure while moving the alien war into a much harsher aquatic setting.

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 24.8%, Tactical 18.1%, Aliens 16.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.1%, Strategy 12.7%

Why You'll Like It: It retains X-COM's squad combat, research, equipment progression, and alien threat management while adding a living futuristic city.

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

Why similar: Tactical 30.8%, Strategy 29.9%, Aliens 24%, Sci-fi 13.8%, Singleplayer 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its alien-invasion campaign blends global base management and squad progression with tense tactical deployments against an overwhelming extraterrestrial threat.

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 31.8%, Strategy 25.1%, Tactical 18.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.3%

Why You'll Like It: A polished, aggressive tactical campaign with cover, overwatch, class builds, equipment, and permanent squad progression scratches the modern XCOM combat itch.

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

Why similar: Strategy 33.6%, Aliens 25.1%, Tactical 22.4%, Sci-fi 18.9%

Why You'll Like It: This sequel builds on UFO: Aftermath with faction diplomacy, colony development, research, and squad-based battles against alien enemies.

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 28.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.8%, Tactical 14.8%, Sci-fi 11.6%, Strategy 11%

Why You'll Like It: It replaces soldiers with customizable mechs, but its turn-based positioning, campaign management, injuries, contracts, and high-stakes losses are highly compatible with XCOM's appeal.

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 24.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.8%, Tactical 16.2%, Sci-fi 11.4%, Strategy 10%

Why You'll Like It: Its squad-based tactical missions, technological research, soldier customization, and sci-fi atmosphere make it a strong XCOM alternative.

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 37.5%, Tactical 26.4%, Sci-fi 10.2%, Strategy 9.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Commanding an elite force through turn-based missions, research projects, upgrades, and escalating alien-like corruption feels very close to XCOM's campaign rhythm.

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: Tactical 24.8%, Strategy 19.6%, Aliens 17.9%, Turn-Based 15.8%, Sci-fi 14.6%

Why You'll Like It: Managing a fragile Mars colony while researching alien technology and deploying squads captures much of XCOM's strategic survival pressure.

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 30.6%, Tactical 28.1%, Strategy 14.5%, Turn-Based 12.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 11.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its open-ended mercenary campaign, destructible environments, persistent squad management, and demanding turn-based firefights strongly suit XCOM tacticians.

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 29.9%, Turn-Based 19%, Tactical 12.8%, Sci-fi 10%, Strategy 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: Its empire layer is broader than XCOM's, yet its excellent tactical battles, unit mods, heroes, and sci-fi warfare offer a similar strategic-tactical loop.

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 28%, Tactical 24.5%, Strategy 17.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.4%

Why You'll Like It: Stealthy exploration feeding into cover-based turn-based encounters gives it a focused, character-driven take on XCOM-style squad tactics.

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 32.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 30.1%, Tactical 21.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.4%, Strategy 4.7%

Why You'll Like It: It distills turn-based squad combat into inventive breach scenarios where positioning, abilities, and clever use of the environment are paramount.

Cyberpunk mercenaries RPG! Turn-based squad tactics with unique heist-planning strategy. Build your crew wisely; their stories will become interwoven with your own. Pull off heists with powerful cyberware, faction connections, multiclassing, weapon modding, stealth, hacking, and more!

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 23.3%, Tactical 19.2%, Sci-fi 10.1%, Strategy 7.3%

Why You'll Like It: This cyberpunk tactical campaign combines stealth, overwatch, persistent operatives, equipment planning, and consequences that make every squad decision matter.

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 36.2%, Turn-Based 21.4%, Tactical 12.5%, Strategy 12.1%, Sci-fi 8.9%

Why You'll Like It: It removes the campaign-management side but preserves XCOM's tense turn-based decision-making by making every enemy action visible and every move consequential.

Even if the regime is totally inept and corrupt, don't suppose for a moment that you as the liberator will be greeted with open arms.JAGGED ALLIANCE 2: WILDFIRE brings you back to Arulco. The population is being terrorized by a reckless army; in the meantime the main export goods are drugs.

Why similar: Strategy 59.5%, Turn-Based 13.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.3%, Tactical 8.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 4%

Why You'll Like It: This classic emphasizes deep squad equipment, mercenary personalities, sector-by-sector strategy, and unforgiving tactical combat.

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 22.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.4%, Tactical 17%, Sci-fi 13.1%, Difficult 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: A stealth-first tactical game where limited information, careful positioning, overwatch avoidance, and escalating pressure make missions feel like precise XCOM puzzles.

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 41.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 34.2%, Strategy 10.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 10.4%, RPG 2.1%

Why You'll Like It: This lengthy tactical RPG offers detailed character builds, cover-based missions, squad synergies, and satisfying progression for players who enjoy developing XCOM operatives.

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 36.5%, Tactical 28.3%, Strategy 10.5%, Sci-fi 9.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: Exploration and ambush-based, cover-focused squad combat make this a more narrative-heavy but mechanically recognizable XCOM-style experience.

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 25.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 23.9%, Tactical 18.6%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Strategy 7.9%

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 23.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 22.1%, Tactical 19.2%, Strategy 13.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 12.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its espionage setting replaces aliens, but the geoscape investigations, safehouse management, infiltration, and turn-based firefights closely resemble XCOM's strategic tension.

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%, Tactical 33%, Strategy 15.5%, RPG 3%, Atmospheric 1.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its global mission selection, infiltrating agents, resource pressure, and stylized tactical battles echo XCOM's campaign structure in a pulp adventure setting.

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 31.9%, Turn-Based 28.1%, Tactical 19.8%, Strategy 9.1%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its supernatural Western setting is different, but it provides satisfying turn-based cover combat, character abilities, tactical chaining, and a traveling campaign layer.

Command an elite squad through a gritty and authentic story in STAR WARS Zero Company™, a single-player turn-based tactics game set in the twilight of the Clone Wars™.

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 25.7%, Turn-Based 24.3%, Tactical 17.6%, Sci-fi 12.7%, Strategy 7.5%

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

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 45%, Turn-Based 25.7%, Strategy 12.8%, Addictive 8.4% ★, Tactical 5.4%

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 34.6%, Tactical 20.5%, Turn-Based Strategy 17.4%, Strategy 11.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.8%

Why You'll Like It: This older squad tactics game offers deep soldier inventories, destructible maps, vertical combat spaces, and highly methodical turn-based firefights.

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 37.9%, Aliens 22.9%, Strategy 18.3%, Sci-fi 17.8%, Singleplayer 1.7%

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 30.8%, Turn-Based 20.3%, Sci-fi 13.3%, Strategy 11.5%, Aliens 10.8%

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

Why similar: Turn-Based 37.5%, Tactical 25.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 13.9%, Strategy 12.1%, Sci-fi 5.6%

Warhounds is a turn-based tactical game about an elite mercenary squad with an old-school action movie vibe, inspired by XCOM and Jagged Alliance. Recruit unique fighters, upgrade your base, and fight for Africa’s future. Less fake RNG, more true ballistics and lethal tactics.

Why similar: Turn-Based 24.9%, Turn-Based Strategy 24.7%, Tactical 18.5%, Sci-fi 12.4%, Strategy 7.7%

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 39.1%, Sci-fi 24.4%, Aliens 23.2%, Strategy 7.9%, Action 1.9%

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 30.2%, Tactical 24.5%, Strategy 20.2%, Difficult 12.8%, Perma Death 9.9%

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 27.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 27.2%, Strategy 22.7%, Sci-fi 14.6%, Aliens 4.7%

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

Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 23.7%, Tactical 18.2%, Strategy 14.2%, Sci-fi 12.1%, Aliens 10.5%

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 33.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 26.7%, Turn-Based 20%, Strategy 15.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 1.5%

Turn-based tactics meets real-time choices. Control each moment of combat: react to enemy fire, aim your shots, and interrupt enemies on-the-fly. Transform a trio of ragtag civilians into seasoned soldiers - and escape the alien timeloop.

Why similar: Turn-Based 21%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.7%, Tactical 15.7%, Aliens 15%, Sci-fi 9.7%

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

Why similar: Aliens 30.9%, Sci-fi 22.1%, Strategy 21.4%, Tactical 15.7%, Multiplayer 6.2%

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

Why similar: Strategy 48.9%, Sci-fi 28.8%, Aliens 17.8%, Singleplayer 2.3%, Action 2.2%

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

Why similar: Tactical 38.7%, Strategy 24.2%, Turn-Based 19.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 13%, RPG 3.5%

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 33.5%, Aliens 15.8%, Strategy 13.9%, Tactical 13.8%, Sci-fi 10.7%

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 32.9%, Strategy 31.2%, Aliens 23.7%, Addictive 6.9% ★, Singleplayer 3.1%

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 24.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 21.5%, Tactical 16.3%, Sci-fi 10.4%, Difficult 7%

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 36.1%, Sci-fi 32.8%, Aliens 28.6%, Action 2.6%

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 32%, Turn-Based Strategy 24.3%, Aliens 15.1%, Strategy 10.5%, Tactical 8.5%

The ascendant spacefaring 4X strategy game returns! A new chapter in the epic Master of Orion saga is poised to once again capture the imaginations of millions of gamers.

Why similar: Turn-Based 42.8%, Strategy 31.7%, Sci-fi 16.2%, Turn-Based Strategy 6.3%, Multiplayer 1.8%

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 42.1%, Turn-Based 24.2%, Strategy 18.9%, Tactical 11%, Multiplayer 2.6%

From the producer of the original Fallout comes Wasteland 2. With over 80 hours of gameplay, deck out your Ranger squad with devastating weaponry, test the limits of your strategy skills, and bring justice to the Wasteland! The choices are yours…but so are the consequences.

Why similar: Turn-Based 46%, Tactical 20.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 12.9%, Strategy 9.9%, Sci-fi 5.8%

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 36.7%, Turn-Based Strategy 33%, Strategy 10.6%, Base Building 10.6%, Aliens 4.5%

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 42.9%, Turn-Based 30.1%, Strategy 19.7%, Addictive 5% ★, Multiplayer 1.4%

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 18.6%, Tactical 11.7%, Aliens 11.6%, Sci-fi 7.6%

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 34.9%, Tactical 23.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.3%, Strategy 10.1%, Sci-fi 8.5%

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 27.4%, Tactical 20.7%, Aliens 20.2%, Sci-fi 10%, Strategy 7.3%

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 39.6%, Tactical 28.2%, Turn-Based Tactics 12%, Strategy 11.2%, Character Customization 5.3%