Today marks the release of XCOM 2 for PS4 and Xbox One! The popular strategy game from developer Firaxis and publisher 2K Games released in February on PC and console players have waited patiently for its arrival on their boxes. New to the franchise? Check out our review of the PC version and read on for what you can expect from this Golden Joystick nominee.

Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces and XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, 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.

XCOM 2 Gameplay Concepts

• 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.
• Five soldier classes, increased to six via DLC, each with its own skill tree including new class abilities like Momentum, let you create specific soldiers for your tactical plan.
• 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 diverse cast of enemies from powerful new alien species to the ADVENT, enforcers of the alien regime, offer a distinct tactical challenge.
• Configure and build facilities 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.
• 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.

We streamed it on launch over a series of videos covering the story campaign as well as some alcohol infused Iron Man challenges that resulted in hilarious deaths of players and brain cells. Check out part 1 of our campaign playthrough to see the tactical game in action:

Our XCOM 2 Wiki is already nicely polished for everything you need to plan your rebellion, so give it a bookmark and keep it near. New players should start with our robust New Player Help Guide which is packed with tons of useful tips. There is a lot to learn about Soldier Classes, Facilities, Research Projects, Weapons, Engineering Projects, Utility Items and more and the wiki has you covered.

Leading the rebellion from your console today? Let us know what you think of the game in the comments!

Visit the XCOM 2 Wiki

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