Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteXCOM 2 has a native Linux version distributed through Steam. To play it on Ubuntu, install the Linux Steam client, get XCOM 2 from its Steam listing, then install and launch it from your Steam Library. Compatibility depends on the Ubuntu version and graphics setup: the game’s published Linux baseline is old, while Steam has separate, newer client requirements.
How to download and install XCOM 2 on Ubuntu
- Install Steam for Linux. Follow Valve’s maintained Steam for Linux README for its current Ubuntu installation instructions. Valve describes downloading the Steam .deb package and installing it through Ubuntu Software or a package tool. Check the README’s client requirements as well as the game requirements below.
- Sign in and get XCOM 2. Open Steam, sign in, and visit the official XCOM 2 Steam listing to obtain the game.
- Install and launch it from your Library. Steam handles the game installation as part of its download process. Select XCOM 2 in your Steam Library and choose Play, as described in Feral’s Linux readme.
The official Linux distribution route documented by Steam and Feral is Steam; do not rely on an unofficial standalone Linux installer.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
XCOM 2 - PC | $8.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The Art of XCOM 2 | $59.65 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
XCOM 2: Resurrection | $13.21 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
XCOM: Enemy Unknown | $22.61 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
XCOM 2: ESCALATION | $15.77 | Buy on Amazon |
Does XCOM 2 work on Ubuntu?
Yes, XCOM 2 has a Linux release, but its official compatibility statement needs context. Steam lists Ubuntu 14.04.2 64-bit or SteamOS as the base game’s Linux baseline. Feral Interactive says it fully tested the game on those systems. It says other recent Ubuntu releases may work, but they were not tested and are not supported by Feral; performance or gameplay problems may occur. See Feral’s Linux FAQ.
That release-era game baseline does not establish compatibility with every currently supported Ubuntu version, graphics driver, GPU, or version of Steam. Steam’s own client requirements are separate and more current: Valve’s Steam for Linux README calls for a recent 64-bit Ubuntu or Ubuntu LTS system, 64-bit and 32-bit graphics drivers, and 64-bit and 32-bit glibc. Since 2025-08-15, the README specifies glibc 2.31 or newer and warns that older Ubuntu LTS releases may stop working with future Steam client versions.
#1 Best Overall
- XCOM ON THE RUN: Take command of the Avenger, an alien supply craft converted to XCOM’s mobile headquarters. Guide your strike force around the world, build popular support and expose the aliens’ sinister plans.
- RECRUIT RESISTANCE FIGHTERS: Five soldier classes, each with its own skill tree including new class abilities like Momentum, let you create specific soldiers for your tactical plan.
- TACTICAL GUERRILLA COMBAT: New gameplay systems offer more tactical flexibility in combat. The state of the world affects each combat mission’s environment. Use concealment to ambush enemy patrols. Loot enemies for precious gear and artifacts. Rescue VIPs and save fallen comrades by carrying them to the extraction point.
- A NEW BREED OF ENEMY: A diverse cast of enemies from powerful new alien species to the ADVENT, enforcers of the alien regime, offer a distinct tactical challenge.
- RESEARCH, DEVELOP AND UPGRADE: Configure and build rooms on the Avenger to give XCOM new capabilities on the battlefield. Use your Scientists and Engineers to research, develop and upgrade weapons and armor to fit your preferred tactics.
XCOM 2 Linux system requirements
The following are Steam’s published Linux requirements for the base game, not a current benchmark or a guarantee of performance on a modern Ubuntu installation. Steam’s XCOM 2 listing gives:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Ubuntu 14.04.2 64-bit or SteamOS | Not stated on Steam’s listing |
| Processor | Intel i3-3225 at 3.3 GHz | Intel i7 series |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA 650 (1 GB) or AMD R9 270 (2 GB), or better | NVIDIA 960 (2 GB) |
| Available storage | 45 GB | 45 GB |
Steam’s listing also says Intel GPUs were unsupported at release and includes older driver notes. Feral’s FAQ names tested graphics card series and driver guidance; consult it for those details, bearing in mind that its compatibility information is release-era support guidance rather than a current validation of every driver stack.
Rank #2
Check War of the Chosen requirements separately
XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is an expansion with different Linux requirements. Steam lists Ubuntu 18.04 or SteamOS 2.166, 4 GB RAM, its specified NVIDIA or AMD graphics baseline, and 78 GB available storage for the expansion. The base-game listing itself advises checking the expansion requirements before buying. See the separate War of the Chosen Steam listing; do not use the base game’s 45 GB storage figure for the expansion.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- XCOM 2: ESCALATION
- ABIS BOOK
- Insight Editions
Rank #4
- Global Threat: Lead your squad in fierce battles to defeat the alien threat, and rescue civilians in crowded cities and desolate outlands around the world.
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
