Manor Lords’ XCOM-Inspired Strategy Game Reaches New Heights

For fans of the XCOM series, there’s often a clear divide: some swear by Firaxis’s modern take, while others have a soft spot for the original MicroProse classics from the ’90s. If you find yourself more aligned with the latter, then Xenonauts 2, particularly with its substantial new update, should definitely catch your interest.

In Xenonauts 2, you’ll take charge of an international defense team tasked with fending off an alien invasion. This strategy game lets you lead ground missions to repel the extraterrestrial threat while establishing bases worldwide to fortify global defense. It unfolds in a unique alternate 2009 where the Cold War has yet to thaw, adding an intriguing political layer to the unfolding drama.

Since its launch on Steam Early Access in July 2023, Goldhawk Interactive has steadily refined Xenonauts 2, leaning into both minor and major updates that enhance its depth and enjoyment. The latest update offers an excellent opportunity for newcomers to jump in, and for veterans to rekindle their interest.

The new patch, Milestone 5.8.0, brings forth a fresh challenge: Mind Control. Alien troops equipped with sufficient Psi-Strength can now seize control of your soldiers for an entire turn. Whether they’re successful depends on how close they get to your team, and the target’s Bravery and Morale make proximity a gamble.

The game’s supporter system sees refinement too, introducing tiers of protection such as normal, high, and low. These tiers now influence the cost of both hiring and removing personnel. Meanwhile, the Strategic Operations feature now accumulates small daily value increments the longer it’s left unused, resetting with each engagement.

Various gameplay adjustments span areas like strategy, air combat, and tactics. Some story-heavy sequences have been made clearer, and an additional third month for Phase 1, featuring Destroyer UFOs, enriches the narrative.

Among other notable changes, explosive damage now scales according to proximity—from a full 100% down to 50%. Moreover, Xenonaut aircraft no longer consume fuel during air battles, rectifying a rare frustration for players.

More details, including a rundown of bug fixes, are provided in the full patch notes. Be aware, though, if you update to this latest version of Xenonauts 2, you’ll need to start a new campaign as ongoing saves from version 5.7.0 won’t transfer. Nonetheless, the previous version is still accessible via the Experimental Legacy branch should you wish to continue your progress.

Currently, you can explore Xenonauts 2 on Steam Early Access. If you’re on the lookout for other thrilling experiences, check out our recommendations for the top space and robot games, perfect for those looking to delve further into sci-fi adventures.

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