XCOM 2: War of the Chosen is a massive, high-stakes expansion to the award-winning strategy title, designed to deepen and intensify the fight against the alien ADVENT occupation. Rather than acting as a mere post-game add-on, this expansion serves as an extension of the core campaign, introducing new layers of complexity, unpredictable enemy encounters, and powerful allies that transform the way you manage Earth's resistance.

A New Era of Resistance and Threat

In this expansion, the struggle for Earth takes a much more volatile turn. While you continue your mission to dismantle ADVENT, a new set of formidable antagonists known as The Chosen has emerged. These elite, powerful aliens—including the terrifying, nine-foot-tall Warlock—are personally tasked with recapturing the Commander. Much like a nemesis system, The Chosen act as an opposing player, conducting their own operations, building strength, and actively sabotaging your progress on both the tactical battlefield and the global strategy map.

However, you will not be fighting alone. Three new resistance factions have emerged to bolster your ranks: the Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars. Each faction brings its own unique philosophy and specialized Hero class soldiers to your squad, providing powerful new abilities to counter the growing alien threat. Beyond these allies, you must also contend with the Lost—undead remnants of humanity that can swarm the battlefield, forcing you to adopt entirely new tactical approaches to survival.

Expanded Gameplay Mechanics and Strategic Depth

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen introduces several key systems that enhance both the strategic and tactical layers of the game:

  • SITREPs: Dynamic mission modifiers that add unpredictable variables to standard mission types, ensuring no two encounters feel identical.
    • Resistance Orders: New strategic tools that allow you to prioritize your personal objectives and shape the direction of the war from the Avenger.
  • Covert Actions: Deploy your scientists, engineers, and soldiers on specialized missions to secure vital supplies and increase favor with new resistance factions.
  • Soldier Bonds: A deep character progression system where soldiers can develop relationships with compatible teammates, unlocking unique abilities and perks.
  • New Environments: Engage in combat across diverse new settings, ranging from abandoned cities devastated by bioweapons to underground tunnels and xenoformed wilderness.

Features for Veteran Commanders

The expansion is built for players who have already mastered the base game. With the introduction of the Spectre—a deadly alien capable of creating dark copies of your own soldiers—and the arrival of ADVENT Purifiers and Priests, the difficulty ceiling has been raised. For those looking to customize their experience, advanced campaign options allow for finer adjustments to mission length and difficulty, while new one-shot community challenges offer a way to test your skills against the best in the world.

Whether you are navigating the complex politics of new factions or managing a sudden ambush by a horde of the Lost, XCOM 2: War of the Chosen delivers a more complete, chaotic, and rewarding strategy experience. It is a must-play for anyone seeking to push their tactical brilliance to the absolute limit.

Platform Availability

Commanders can engage in the war on a wide range of platforms, including:

  • PC
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Xbox One
  • PlayStation 4