Expand Your War Against the Invasion in XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM: Enemy Within is a standalone expansion to the award-winning 2012 strategy title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. As a premium expansion, it retains the core gameplay mechanics that defined the "strategy game of the year" while significantly deepening the tactical and strategic layers of the conflict. Players step into the role of a commander leading a global resistance force against an extraterrestrial invasion, managing everything from high-level base research to intense, turn-based squad combat.

Deepened Gameplay and Strategic Evolution

While the foundation of the game remains rooted in tactical positioning and cover-based combat, XCOM: Enemy Within introduces several transformative mechanics that change how you manage your resistance. The expansion focuses on upgrading your underground base of operations to unlock unearthly new capabilities for your soldiers.

  • The Genetics Lab: This new facility allows for genetic modifications, giving your operatives powerful biological enhancements to combat alien threats.
    • and The Cybernetics Lab: For those who prefer heavy metal, this lab enables the deployment of devastating mechanized cybersuits, known as MECs. These massive suits provide blistering ranged attacks and bone-crushing melee capabilities on the battlefield.
  • New Strategic Resource (Meld): A new alien substance called Meld has been discovered. Players must secure this resource during missions to fuel research into advanced technologies and weaponry back at base.
  • Advanced Engineering: Utilizing the Foundry and new engineering projects, players can equip their troops with cutting-edge weapons and specialized equipment to gain a tactical edge.

New Threats and Narrative Stakes

The war has escalated, bringing new dangers to Earth's doorstep. Players must adapt their tactics to counter two entirely new alien species and a dangerous human insurgent organization known as EXALT. The expansion also introduces mission-driven story elements, including investigations into terrifying threats within abandoned fishing villages and high-stakes missions to defend the XCOM headquarters itself from direct alien assaults.

Multiplayer Combat

For players seeking a competitive challenge, XCOM: Enemy Within features an intense one-on-one multiplayer mode. This turn-based mode allows you to create custom squads from a wider array of units and abilities, testing your tactical prowess against other commanders in head-to-head combat.

Who Is This Game For?

With its high level of complexity and density, XCOM: Enemy Within is tailor-made for core strategy enthusiasts who enjoy deep management simulations. It appeals to players who thrive on high-stakes decision-making, where every loss of a soldier feels permanent and every successful mission provides the resources needed to survive another day. Whether you are looking for the heavy-hitting power of MEC suits or the precision of genetically enhanced troops, this expansion offers a rich, replayable experience for those who love challenging, turn-based warfare.

Platform Availability

This title is available across a wide range of platforms, including PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, iOS, and Android. Note that for mobile users, the game features graphically rich elements that may require modern hardware (such as iPad 3, iPad mini 2, or iPhone 5 and up) to run effectively.