When it comes to the XCOM series, gamers tend to fall into two distinct categories: those who appreciate the modern renditions by Firaxis and those who are nostalgic for the vintage 90s charm of the original X-COM games by MicroProse. If you find yourself leaning towards the latter, you’ll definitely want to check out Xenonauts 2, especially with its robust new update making waves.
Xenonauts 2 puts you in charge of a multinational task force tasked with thwarting an alien invasion. Operating covertly, you lead ground missions to drive back alien adversaries while establishing bases worldwide to secure global defenses. The game is set in an alternative 2009, where the Cold War continues to influence the political landscape, adding an extra layer of complexity to your strategic decision-making.
Ever since Goldhawk Interactive launched Xenonauts 2 on Steam Early Access in July 2023, the game has seen steady improvements. These updates have gradually polished the gameplay, making it more enjoyable and immersive. With the latest update, it’s an excellent opportunity for newcomers to dive in and a compelling reason for veterans to return.
The latest update, Milestone 5.8.0, introduces an intriguing new challenge: Mind Control. Now, certain alien soldiers with enough Psi-Strength can take control of one of your troops for an entire turn. The success of this tactic depends on proximity, as well as your soldier’s Bravery and Morale, making close encounters more perilous.
Supporters now have a defined protection level, categorized as normal, high, or low. The latter two levels affect the cost associated with recruitment or elimination. Additionally, Strategic Operations gain small daily value boosts each day they remain unused, reverting to normal once they’re employed.
The update also brings a slew of gameplay enhancements across various categories, including strategy, air combat, and tactical maneuvers. Some narrative-heavy scenes have been refined for clarity, and there’s now a third month in Phase 1 featuring Destroyer UFOs.
Among the more significant changes, explosive damage is now tiered according to distance, ranging from 100% to 50%. Moreover, Xenonaut aircraft no longer consume fuel during air battles, addressing a rare but frustrating issue for players.
For a detailed breakdown of all the improvements and bug fixes, be sure to check the complete patch notes. Keep in mind that if you’re planning to jump back into Xenonauts 2, you’ll need to start a fresh campaign to enjoy these updates. Previous saves from version 5.7.0 won’t carry over, but you can still access and play the older version through the Experimental Legacy branch.
Xenonauts 2 is available now on Steam Early Access. For tips on other exciting games to protect humanity, take a look at our top picks for the best space games and the finest robot games.
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