Rune 02 · Turn-based tactics · Firaxis Games, 2016
XCOM 2
Lead a resistance against an alien occupation with a squad of soldiers you name and grow attached to. Tense, tactical and dramatic.
Edition reviewed: XCOM 2 (2016).
Official artwork © Firaxis GamesWhat you do
Command squads in turn-based battles using cover and flanking, then manage your base, research and recruits between missions.
Who it suits
Tactics fans who enjoy tough decisions. Losing a favourite soldier is part of it.
01The opening
Your squad rescues the Commander, you, from captivity. The first missions teach cover, overwatch and how much a missed shot hurts.
02The midgame
The campaign becomes a race against an alien project, with base building and tough choices. Every soldier has a story.
03Where to stop
Return to the Avenger after a mission and save there. One or two missions make a good evening.
Why it works
- Tense tactical battles
- Soldiers you care about
- Mission-sized sessions
Watch out for
- Hard and sometimes punishing
- Best with the paid expansion
The score
Overall 4.5 out of 5 · Elder rune · how we score
Our verdict
The best squad tactics game. One mission, then rest your soldiers.
Written by the Rune Hall desk. Updated 23 October 2026. Facts were checked against the publisher and store pages at that date; prices and platforms can change.