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If you want another game after XCOM 2, first decide which part you want to keep: a campaign built around squad preparation, tense battles, a persistent roster, or clever turn-by-turn decisions. Phoenix Point is the closest fit for a campaign that links tactical fights to a wider conflict; the other picks deliberately shift the focus, from BattleMechs and mercenary companies to compact combat puzzles and story-led ability experiments.
Which part of XCOM 2 do you want to keep?
XCOM 2 is more than a series of firefights: its appeal can come from the persistent squad, the pressure of a larger campaign, or the decisions made during a single mission. The games below overlap with different parts of that mix, rather than reproducing the entire formula. Wargamer’s framing of games like XCOM likewise points to the combination of demanding turn-based battles, global threat management, and persistent heroes; treat that as a useful lens, not a checklist every alternative has to meet (Wargamer).
| Game | What surrounds combat | What shapes a turn | Roster and tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Point | Global diplomacy and economy management | Tactical battles on procedural maps against enemies described as adapting to your tactics | Campaign-scale conflict; the cited description does not establish specific XCOM-style squad persistence |
| BATTLETECH | Mercenary contracts, base improvements, and machine maintenance | Turn-based BattleMech combat | A mercenary outfit and its machines in a mech setting |
| Into the Breach | Focused missions built around defending civilian buildings, rather than a broad strategic campaign | Visible enemy attacks that you counter through positioning | A compact, puzzle-like mech tactics game |
| Jagged Alliance 3 | Territory control, militia training, multiple squads, and exploration on a living campaign map | Action-point choices during combat | A mercenary roster operating across a wider map |
| Tactical Breach Wizards | A story-led campaign; Steam describes it as about 14 hours | Combining unusual abilities and rewinding failed experiments | A distinct, characterful story-focused tactics game |
For a campaign-and-battle loop: Phoenix Point
Phoenix Point is the natural first stop if you want tactical battles connected to decisions on a larger map. Its Steam listing describes procedural-map battles against enemies that adapt to your tactics, alongside global diplomacy and economy management. That combination makes it a broad campaign alternative, though the available description does not establish that its squad systems work just like XCOM 2. Steam lists its release date as 3 December 2020.
For mech battles and company management: BATTLETECH
BATTLETECH trades soldiers and alien warfare for BattleMechs and a mercenary outfit. Paradox describes turn-based ‘Mech combat alongside contracts, base improvements, and machine maintenance. Choose it if you enjoy preparing for missions and managing a force between them, and are happy for the setting and combat units to be a substantial change from XCOM 2.
#1 Best Overall
- Spymasters give one-word clues and a number to link multiple cards, encouraging creative thinking
For readable, puzzle-like turns: Into the Breach
Into the Breach strips away much of the campaign-scale management and makes the immediate tactical problem the point. Enemy attacks are telegraphed in advance; you position your mechs and respond while protecting civilian buildings. Its compact, puzzle-like structure suits players who want to think through each turn, not a direct substitute for XCOM 2’s broader campaign. Steam lists its release date as 27 February 2018.
For mercenaries on a living campaign map: Jagged Alliance 3
Jagged Alliance 3 puts battles inside a wider operation. Its official site describes action-point combat alongside a campaign map where you can take territory, train militia, manage multiple squads, and explore. It is a strong direction if you want a mercenary roster and activity beyond individual missions, rather than another game centered on the same sci-fi premise as XCOM 2.
Rank #2
- COOPERATIVE GAMEPLAY: Work together as a team to crack the code and cover every space on the board within the 3-minute time limit.
- PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGES: Experience 10 levels of missions that increase in difficulty, ensuring a thrilling and evolving game experience.
- FAST-PACED FUN: Enjoy the excitement of a high-pressure game where quick thinking and communication are key to success.
- PERFECT FOR GROUPS: Designed for 2-8 players aged 8 and up, X-Code is ideal for family game nights, parties, and group gatherings.
- EASY TO LEARN: With illustrated instructions and a brief how-to-play video available online, players can quickly get started and dive into the action.
For story and experimental ability combinations: Tactical Breach Wizards
Tactical Breach Wizards is the most overtly story-led choice here. Its Steam description emphasizes combining unusual abilities and rewinding failed experiments, making it a good fit if you like testing tactical ideas without treating every mistake as final. Steam describes the campaign as about 14 hours; that is the storefront’s campaign estimate, not a guarantee of playtime for every player.
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Xbox Wire reported on 22 May 2026 that Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Deathwatch was announced for Xbox Series X|S with a planned winter 2026 release, and described it as a sequel to Daemonhunters (Xbox Wire). As of 4 October 2026, winter 2026 is still ahead, so this is an upcoming game, not an available recommendation. In the interview, Complex Games studio head Jonas Van Niekerk said: “The aim with both Daemonhunters and Deathwatch was to be independent enough that it’s completely fine to come into this game with no prior knowledge.”
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Best Value
- Sized For the XCom: The Board Game: This bundle is made for the XCom board game, providing standard card sleeves to match the three card sizes used throughout XCom. Each sleeve is dimensioned to fit XCom cards exactly, with no gaps, bunching, or excess material dragging during play or shuffling. These exact fit card sleeves hold every card secure in a clean, flat position. One bundle covers the complete XCom card library with no separate purchases needed.
- Soft Clear Polypropylene, Acid-free, PVC-free Sleeves: Each sleeve is formed from soft, clear polypropylene, providing clear sleeves for cards that keep art sharp and fully visible. These transparent card sleeves are made without acids or PVC, designed to avoid the yellowing and warping that affect low-grade plastic sleeves. Mayday Games polypropylene maintains clear visibility over time.
- 40 Micron Standard Sleeves, Ideal Weight For High-Card-Count Play: At 40 microns, these standard card sleeves are built for the demands of games like XCom, where large card counts make flexible, easy handling a priority. The lighter profile lets sleeves go on cleanly without the stiffness that thicker formats add, keeping gameplay smooth through every deal and shuffle. For players managing large XCom card sets across long sessions, standard 40-micron polypropylene delivers consistent sleeve coverage without bulk.
- Archival-Safe Storage For Long-Term Protection: These protective card sleeves are formulated without acids or PVC, helping reduce the two most common sources of card deterioration in standard plastic sleeves. Card surfaces, printed art, and card stock stay stable through years of storage and active play. Whether you are archiving a collector copy of XCom or sleeving a game played weekly, these sleeves are designed for regular gameplay and storage.
- 300 Sleeves, Complete XCom: The Board Game Coverage: This bundle includes 1 x MDG-7044 (57.5x89mm), 1 x MDG-7039 (41x63mm), 1 x MDG-7152 (70x120mm) standard clear card sleeves, totaling 300 card protector sleeves engineered to cover every card in the XCom game. Instead of sourcing individual standard size card sleeve packs and hoping for the right sizing, this single bundle delivers the exact count and correct dimensions for complete XCom game coverage, straight from Mayday Games.
Rank #4
- New Weapons and Equipment: Give your operatives an extra tactical edge with new projects from your engineering team and the Foundry
Rank #3
- 🔥 Team-Based Strategy – Partner up and work together to craft the perfect hand while staying one step ahead of your opponents.
- 🎯 Fast & Engaging Gameplay – Simple turns keep the action moving as you draw, pass, and complete goals.
- 🃏 Easy to Learn, Fun to Master – Accessible rules make it great for beginners, with plenty of depth for strategic players.
- 🎉 Perfect for Card Game Nights – Plays 4 or 6 players, making it a must-have for couples and team play!
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