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XCOM 2 Revealed, Coming to PC First in November

Check out first details, a new trailer, and gallery.

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Publisher 2K has revealed XCOM 2, the sequel to its acclaimed turn-based tactical action game, which is set to ship on PC first in November.

According to 2K the sequel "transports players 20 years into the future, where humanity lost the war against the alien threat that has established a new world order."

"The secret paramilitary organization known as XCOM is largely forgotten, and must strike back to reclaim control of Earth and free mankind from the aliens’ rule."

Check out the trailer below.

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Here's a story overview provided on the official XCOM 2 website:

"Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces and XCOM, the planet's last line of defence, was left decimated and scattered. Now the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda below and eliminating all who dissent from their new order.

"Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on the run, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to rise from the ashes, expose the insidious truth behind the occupation, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all."

In the game, the XCOM is now the invading force and must manage dwindling resources while evading the alien threat in a new mobile headquarters.

"Players must use a combination of firepower and stealth-like tactics to help XCOM recruit soldiers and build a resistance network, while attempting to expose the evil alien agenda and save humanity."

2K is touting procedurally-generated levels, which it says "will make each experience unique to the player," along with a "deeper level of modding support." The game will also feature five updated soldier classes, increased soldier customisation, a variety of new alien and enemy types, evolved tactical combat, "and more."

XCOM: Enemy Unknown designer Jake Solomon returns for the sequel as creative director. According to Solomon, the feedback from players has had a big part to play in the development on XCOM 2.

Click image to view in full screen
Click image to view in full screen

"The feedback from the passionate XCOM community played an important role in the development of XCOM 2," he said.

"We're thrilled to implement long-time fan requested features such as procedural levels and modding support, as well as adding more of what makes XCOM great like new aliens, enemies and soldier classes."

Other noteworthy elements of XCOM 2 are the new Advent enemies that "offer a distinct tactical challenge".

Here's a feature list of XCOM 2 features:

  • 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 artefacts. 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, enforces 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 armour to fit your preferred tactics.
  • Each Mission is a Unique Challenge: Go on missions around the world, from wildlands to the heart of the alien-controlled megacities, to the depths of alien installations. There are virtually infinite combinations of maps missions, and goals.
  • Create Custom Mods: Community-focused tools allow you to create your own campaign, tactical gameplay, aliens, classes, strategy game features, and share within the Steam Workshop.
  • Engage in Head-to-Head Multiplayer: Mix-and-match squads of humans and aliens battle head-to-head on randomly-generated maps.

Check out a screenshot gallery of the game above.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

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nigel15

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IGN states it is exclusively on PC - this will be explained this week via IGN and the creators


"And, later this week we’ll go in-depth with Solomon and DeAngelis on the reasons behind the bold move to take XCOM from a multiplatform series to a PC exclusive, and how XCOM 2 will be tailored to take advantage of that single platform’s strengths – followed by Firaxis’ exciting plans to support modders and their work."

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Salt_AU

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@nigel15: The one reason I can think of is "they don't like money". Good luck to them, they'll need it.

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hellknight40000

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@Salt_AU@nigel15: Nah, they'd probably just rather not have to dumb it down for consoles. That, and the original sold way better on PC. Also, look at games like Civilization. PC exclusive and they sell millions.


I don't think luck is going to be a factor here.

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Salt_AU

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@hellknight40000@Salt_AU@nigel15: Dumb down like the PC only World of Warcraft, or a different type of dumb down?

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Cloud_imperium

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@Salt_AU@hellknight40000@Salt_AU: Console versions obviously didn't sell enough. And World of Warcraft has more depth than any Console online game. FACT.

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Ronaldo27

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Yes! Who cares for E3? I already know everything I have to know for my next six months of gaming.

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coop36

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Awesome. The last one was alot of fun, like to see what new stuff they bring to the table.

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magul

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I was trying to find spare time for enemy within. This came fast!

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deth420

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what the hell! all of my hard work defending the earth from aliens, just to be handed over willingly.


funny i just re installed xcom last night. saw they updated the long war. No prisoners this time

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CatAtomic999

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@deth420: Good luck... don't depend on your MECs anymore. :P

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deth420

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@CatAtomic999@deth420: did they scale them back, in long war?

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CatAtomic999

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@deth420@CatAtomic999: The latest version makes them a lot more vulnerable to HEAT ammo. You have to use them more defensively, and can't just do the four MEC flamethrower bullrush... oh, also flamethrowers do a lot less damage. They still cause panic, though.

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parabola15

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Didn't we win in the first game?

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JonnyC0mbat

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I think some of us did, evidently not all of us.

*accusing stare at the failed Commanders*

Can't get the staff nowadays.

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Thathanka

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Sorry, I believe my performance may have had something to do with this :(

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i-rock-socks

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Sweet

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jedicommand7

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But I thought we won in the last game. Guess not.

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Richardthe3rd

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Three words:

DAY. ONE. PURCHASE.

Can't wait. Good God this will be awesome.

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SoulScribe

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@Richardthe3rd: 3 words:

Random. Number. Generator.

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Thanatos2k

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@SoulScribe@Richardthe3rd: That's five words

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SoulScribe

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@Thanatos2k@SoulScribe@Richardthe3rd: 5 words only if you use the RNG.

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Tom_Tucker

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Just in, why not join the Tom Tucker fan club.

It's only $10 to join for the first month with a $25 joining fee. Then £105 for the second month thereafter it's a flat rate of $110.

Plus $45 weekly hiding fees, because it's hidden you'll never need to question why.

Apply now with promo code SCAM15 and get a 10% off nothing but you'll feel good.

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Thanatos2k

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@tom_tucker: Why is it suddenly pounds for the second month, Tom? Dollars not good enough for ya!?

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Tom_Tucker

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Please just sign and asked questions somewhere else.

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SoulScribe

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@Thanatos2k@tom_tucker: Dolla dolla bill ya.

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SoulScribe

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@tom_tucker: I'd join but euros to dollar conversions is a little too much.

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Tom_Tucker

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It's the same price but in euros just for you young Jedi.

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SoulScribe

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@tom_tucker: Dealio

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GregoryBastards

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OMG im still in rehab because of my addiction to the first one.....

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simonbarfod

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lets google the one thing you have to invest in to not play the first 5 hours over and over 10 times

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MAD_AI

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PC first? According to IGN which broke the news it's PC exclusive, here's a quote:


"And, later this week we’ll go in-depth with Solomon and DeAngelis on the reasons behind the bold move to take XCOM from a multiplatform series to a PC exclusive, and how XCOM 2 will be tailored to take advantage of that single platform’s strengths – followed by Firaxis’ exciting plans to support modders and their work."


I guess we'll know for sure when the interview comes out next week but all this talk leads to PC exclusive, won't put it past Firaxis considering they've been PC focused for the most part with CiV.

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T-ESI

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@MAD_AI: If the last game came out on consoles, then I have a hard time believing this one won't eventually. This must be a misquote or something of the like. Not that it matters to me personally, I'm a PC Gamer. Just saying this 'sounds' odd.

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deth420

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@MAD_AI: did this com out on consoles?

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Thanatos2k

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@MAD_AI: Gamespot never gives PC credit. If it was a timed exclusive for Xbox it'd say "Xbox Exclusive" in the headline.

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SoulScribe

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I have a 70% Chance to buy this game. And you know what 70% means.

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CatAtomic999

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@SoulScribe: 70% = ZERO.

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BabeNewelll

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Steam sales

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SoulScribe

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@BabeNewelll: Not what I was going for, but close enough. It's an Xcom RNG joke. A gun can make 7 shots with a 75% to hit, fires 7 shots and misses all of them.

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straightcur

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@SoulScribe@BabeNewelll: That's how odds work.

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deth420

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@SoulScribe@BabeNewelll: even after reloading you still cant hit.

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JonnyC0mbat

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75%! How the hell did I miss buying it, it's right there!

Oh you useless sack of monkey poop!

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BabeNewelll

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A reminder I need to play it.

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SoulScribe

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@BabeNewelll: You will not like your chances. Unless it's 99% it's too risky. Lol

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asmoddeuss

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Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, must buy for me. I am in over-watch.

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