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Pick XCOM 2 for the core campaign and fewer added systems; pick XCOM 2: War of the Chosen if you want a larger campaign built around new resistance factions, the Chosen, and additional tactical and strategic features. War of the Chosen is an expansion, not a standalone game: Steam says it requires XCOM 2 on Steam.
What is the difference?
XCOM 2 is the base game. War of the Chosen expands it with new factions, enemies, missions, environments, and systems that change how the campaign and its battles play out. Its Steam listing describes it as an expansion and says the base game is required: XCOM 2: War of the Chosen on Steam.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Empire Total War Complete Edition (PC Game) - - PC | $22.52 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Re;ACT - The Arts of War - Board Game for 2 Players | 15-30 Mins Playtime | Original Anime Manga... | $19.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Chosen Adventures Box 2 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The expansion adds three resistance factions—the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars—with distinct abilities and philosophies, as well as new hero-class soldiers. It also introduces the Chosen as enemies, soldier bonds, new missions and environments, and SITREPs, which add dynamic modifiers to tactical missions.
Which one should you choose?
Choose XCOM 2 if you want the core experience
- You want to play the base campaign without the expansion’s additional factions and mechanics.
- You prefer a more contained introduction to the game’s systems.
- You already own the base game and want to decide whether to add the expansion later.
Choose War of the Chosen if you want the expanded campaign
- You want the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars, along with their hero-class soldiers.
- You want to face the Chosen and play missions shaped by additional tactical modifiers.
- You are interested in the extra campaign variety from new missions, environments, and soldier bonds.
This is a choice about how much extra content and complexity you want, not a universal quality ranking. The recommendation follows from the features Steam describes; it is not a claim that one version is best for every player.
#1 Best Overall
- Empire Total War Complete Edition
Do you need to own XCOM 2 first?
Yes. Steam states that War of the Chosen requires the base game XCOM 2 on Steam. If you own neither, you need both the base game and the expansion to play the expanded campaign. Check your Steam library and the listing before buying: War of the Chosen’s Steam listing.
Check your platform’s requirements and storage
Steam warns on the XCOM 2 listing that War of the Chosen has different system requirements. The Windows listings give minimum storage figures of 45 GB for XCOM 2 and 65 GB for War of the Chosen. These figures apply to the Windows listings; Steam provides separate requirements by platform, so check the current listing for the system you plan to use.
Rank #2
- STRATEGY BOARD GAME: Explore the original world of Re;ACT with fast paced gameplay featuring a cast of unique characters each fighting with magic powers based on their different art mediums such as Calligraphy, Tattoos, and Dance.
- EASY TO LEARN AND DIFFICULT TO MASTER: Simple rules and fully built characters in their own tuck box means quick set up and no need to build your own decks, while the first in last out reaction chain system rewards clever combos with layers of potential tactics.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ANIME FANS: With original and gorgeous art by acclaimed artist wickedalucard and loxtix, the world of Re;ACT is created by a team of anime lovers perfect for fans of the medium.
- FUN GAME FOR COUPLES OR FRIENDS: Sit down with a rival or loved one as you peel back the layers of strategy and develop your own meta between one another.
- DELUXE EDITION FOR ACRYLIC STANDEES: The Deluxe Edition comes with 28 Acrylic Standees and 2 Neoprene Playmats inside a larger box, allowing you to play the game in style and store future planned expansion characters as well.
| Steam listing | Windows minimum storage listed |
|---|---|
| XCOM 2 base game | 45 GB |
| XCOM 2: War of the Chosen expansion | 65 GB |
See the current platform-specific requirements on the XCOM 2 Steam listing and the War of the Chosen Steam listing before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compare the price on your storefront
There is no stable price comparison to rely on: regional prices, discounts, and bundle contents can change. Check your own storefront at the time you buy, and confirm whether a bundle includes the base game if you do not already own it.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Box 2 of The Chosen Adventures Box Set. Each one celebrating an episode of The Chosen Adventures.
- Each box contains more than 10 activites, including coloring pages, puzzles, games, Bible stories, recipes and more. (Did we mention they're a whole lot of fun?)
- Exclusive Digital Content
- Faith-Focused Family Time
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.
