XCOM Archives

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March 27, 2026

Everything you need to know about Star Wars Zero Company

Bit Reactor's tactical game, Star Wars Zero Company, is set in the Clone Wars era and is projected to launch in 2026, though a specific release date has not been disclosed. The game features tactical combat mechanics similar to XCOM and allows players to command a mercenary group made up of former operatives from the Separatist and Republic factions. Players control a custom protagonist named Hawks, accompanied by a clone buddy named Trick, and can choose from a diverse cast of squadmates, each with unique abilities. Character customization is extensive, allowing players to select from various classes and alien species for their mercenaries. Combat involves controlling a squad of four characters with three action points per turn, and players can engage in tactical missions and non-combat operations that affect squad morale and narrative outcomes. The home base, called the Den, serves as a hub for research, gear upgrades, and mission selections. The game will not include player-centric romance subplots. Developed by Bit Reactor and published by Respawn under EA, the narrative direction is led by Aaron Contreras.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney

Vaunted is a tactical RPG from indie studio Lost Lake Games, set a millennium after the collapse of the last galactic empire, where mercenaries and treasure hunters seek priceless relics. The game combines third-person shooter action with turn-based tactical gameplay, allowing players to plan from a high-angle viewpoint while executing actions in real time. Players manage three characters—Dyse, Gendril, and Kyvaath—each with unique skills and backstories, and their choices influence the narrative. The game features dynamic combat mechanics, customizable loadouts, and randomized upgrades. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, praises the project, and while a release date is not yet announced, players can wishlist it on Steam for updates.

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March 25, 2026

Arbiter 131, a Real-Time Tactical Sim its Developers Describe as ‘XCOM Meets Papers, Please and Door Kickers’, Announced for PC

Ikon has announced Arbiter 131, a real-time tactical sci-fi strategy simulation for PC. Players assume the role of the Arbiter, analyzing citizen data and commanding police units in the corporate megacity of Arkadia. The game features branching narratives, moral dilemmas, and tactical scenarios that require strategic thinking. It tracks player decisions dynamically, allowing for a unique narrative experience with a pre-mission planning interface. Arbiter 131 is available for wishlisting on Steam.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Throwback XCOM successor Xenonauts 2 leaves early access in April, though the developer says the milestone ‘doesn’t mean our work is done’

Xenonauts 2 is approaching its official launch on April 2, following a three-year early access period during which it received seven major updates. These updates introduced four new alien species, five distinct UFO types, innovative geoscape systems, expanded storylines and mission types, and over 180 battlefields. The developers, Goldhawk Interactive, plan to continue patching and improving the game after the 1.0 release, with confirmed post-launch features including modding tools. The first installment of the Xenonauts series debuted in 2014 and is a homage to the original X-COM: UFO Defense.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I’ve ever played

Ex Sanguis is a turn-based strategy game showcased during Steam Next Fest, featuring a grid-based system similar to XCOM. Players control a team of soldiers called Stillae, utilizing Action Points (AP) and unique abilities to execute commands. The game has a narrative centered around saving a dying planet and is noted for its stylish execution and visually striking aesthetic, characterized by a blood-themed color palette. It incorporates robust gameplay mechanics, including destructible environments, roguelike elements, and RPG-style builds. Ex Sanguis is set to launch in early access soon, and players can wishlist it and explore the demo on Steam.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Menace isn’t XCOM, and that’s okay

Menace is a turn-based strategy game that distinguishes itself from the XCOM series by offering a grander, more theatrical experience reminiscent of Company of Heroes and Starship Troopers. It features larger-scale confrontations and a unique squad structure where each member operates as an individual unit, allowing for a focus on overwhelming force rather than precision strikes. The game includes named characters commanding groups of up to eight soldiers, but the large number of troops can dilute emotional connections, making losses feel less impactful. The developer has invested in character development, but the emotional bond is weaker compared to smaller squads. The game is currently in early access and is expected to evolve before its full release.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

XCOM designer Jake Solomon announces surprise closure of his studio alongside a first look at its canceled life sim, ‘the game we poured our hearts into’

Jake Solomon, founder of Midsummer Studios, announced the studio's closure and shared a gameplay video of "Burbank," a life simulation game. The game aimed to empower players as storytellers and was described as a blend of "Life Sims + The Truman Show." Despite receiving an 88% review score and being a Game of the Year runner-up for "Midnight Suns," the studio struggled with sales. Midsummer Studios had secured funding from various venture capital partners and Krafton but was seeking additional funding rounds. The gameplay footage of Burbank featured a polished aesthetic, with plans to use generative AI for character voices while ensuring visual art was created by human artists.

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January 5, 2026

Hidden-gem strategy game where you take over a cyberpunk city as a sentient AI adds a new mode for the “truly sadistic”

Heart of the Machine, a city-building sandbox game by Arcen Games, launched in early access in January 2025. It combines elements of 4X strategy, RPG-like narratives, and tactical combat. Following a significant update that eased some challenging endgame elements, players requested a return to the original difficulty, leading to the introduction of 'Misery mode,' designed for those seeking extreme challenges. The game has been adjusted to make key routes easier for new players, and it allows exploration of alternate timelines. Arcen Games is working on finalizing tier-three goals for the game's eventual 1.0 release, with a planned post-launch update for the 'Stars Beyond Reach' route. Heart of the Machine is currently available at a 50% discount during the Steam Winter Sale, priced at .99 / £12.49, and has a 92% positive recommendation rate from players.

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December 23, 2025

There’s a Transformers XCOM-like on Steam, and it’s on sale for 90% off before it gets delisted

Transformers: Battlegrounds will be delisted from Steam on December 31 due to an expiring licensing agreement. The game is currently being offered at a 90% discount. It features tactical gameplay aimed at younger audiences, with characters from the Transformers franchise.

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December 14, 2025

XCOM creator’s spiritual successor strategy game just got a colossal update inspired by its best mod, and it’s 60% off

The Firebird update for Phoenix Point has been released, featuring significant gameplay enhancements and a 60% discount on Steam until December 18, allowing players to purchase the game for .99 / £7.79. The update includes reduced research and construction times, adjustments to resource management, rebalanced Haven Defense missions, refined encounter types, a redesigned manufacturing screen, and rebalancing of all five DLC packs. The development team collaborated with creators of the popular Terror From The Void mod to ensure compatibility with ongoing campaigns.