What are the pros of XCOM® 2?

Widely regarded as the gold standard and benchmark for the turn-based tactical strategy genre.. An exceptionally active modding community provides massive replayability and fresh content years after release.. Offers a deeply rewarding and challenging experience, particularly on higher difficulty settings like Commander.. Strong narrative and atmospheric elements that effectively tap into sci-fi and 80s nostalgia..

What are the cons of XCOM® 2?

Heavy criticism regarding 2K's mandatory data collection and perceived predatory Terms of Service.. Frequent technical issues including game-breaking crashes and the 'pure virtual function' error.. Notorious RNG mechanics where high-percentage shots frequently miss, leading to player frustration and lost progress.. Significant stability problems specifically reported when running the game with its DLC content..

XCOM® 2

XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity.

85%

Very Positive

DevelopersFeral Interactive (Linux), Feral Interactive (Mac), Firaxis Games

Publishers2K, Feral Interactive (Linux), Feral Interactive (Mac)

Release DateFeb 4, 2016

$19.99

Peak Players132.7K

Metacritic88

PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux

Strategy

AI Review Summary

XCOM 2 remains the definitive benchmark for the modern turn-based tactical genre, praised for its deep strategic freedom and intense, high-stakes combat. However, its legacy is currently marred by significant technical instability and player backlash regarding 2K's mandatory data privacy policies and launcher requirements.

Pros

Widely regarded as the gold standard and benchmark for the turn-based tactical strategy genre.95%
An exceptionally active modding community provides massive replayability and fresh content years after release.90%
Offers a deeply rewarding and challenging experience, particularly on higher difficulty settings like Commander.85%
Strong narrative and atmospheric elements that effectively tap into sci-fi and 80s nostalgia.70%

Cons

Heavy criticism regarding 2K's mandatory data collection and perceived predatory Terms of Service.95%
Frequent technical issues including game-breaking crashes and the 'pure virtual function' error.85%
Notorious RNG mechanics where high-percentage shots frequently miss, leading to player frustration and lost progress.80%
Significant stability problems specifically reported when running the game with its DLC content.65%

Notable Mentions

The game maintains an impressive average playtime of over 190 hours among reviewers.
The '99% chance to hit' meme remains a central point of discussion and frustration within the community.

Confidence: 76%

Based on the 177 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 21, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

4.8K

Peak · last 90 days

6.0K

All-time peak

132.7K

Price

Current price

$19.99

Lowest tracked

$2.99since Jan 5, 2026

Review Sentiment

Launch week

—

Last 30 days

90%

All-time positive

85%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews109.3K

Positive: 92.5K (85%)Negative: 16.8K (15%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

192h

Avg Playtime at Review

80%

Credible Reviews