GameWiki
GET YOUR BEARINGS
About XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM: Enemy Unknown puts players in charge of the secret paramilitary organization XCOM, tasked with defending Earth from a global alien invasion. As commander you allocate resources, research alien tech, and direct soldiers in tactical turn‑based battles.
The game blends strategic base management with turn‑based combat across more than 70 worldwide missions. It offers single‑player, multiplayer, and cross‑platform play, and runs on Windows and Linux with full controller support and Steam features such as achievements and cloud saves.
01 / THE GUIDE
Strategic Base Management
Players recruit, customize, and grow unique soldiers while overseeing personnel within the XCOM headquarters. Base expansion lets you detect and intercept the alien threat as you build facilities.
Managing resources includes researching alien technologies and upgrading the base to support larger squads and new equipment, directly influencing combat effectiveness.
- Prioritize research that unlocks defensive upgrades early.
- Balance soldier recruitment with facility construction to avoid resource bottlenecks.
02 / THE GUIDE
Turn‑Based Tactical Combat
Combat is conducted in turn‑based ground battles where you direct soldier squads and can deploy air units such as the Interceptor and Skyranger. Each turn allows precise movement and action selection.
The system couples tactical decisions with “incredible action sequences,” creating a blend of strategic planning and cinematic moments.
- Use cover effectively to reduce enemy fire.
- Deploy air units when ground forces are outmatched.
03 / THE GUIDE
Global Mission Structure
Missions span the globe, offering over 70 unique scenarios that involve interacting and negotiating with governments. Each location presents distinct tactical challenges and alien enemy types.
The worldwide threat model means success in one region can affect alien activity elsewhere, encouraging strategic allocation of forces.
- Plan missions based on regional threat levels.
- Maintain diplomatic relations to unlock additional resources.
04 / THE GUIDE
Multiplayer Features
XCOM: Enemy Unknown supports both single‑player and multiplayer modes, including cross‑platform multiplayer that lets players compete or cooperate regardless of operating system.
Steam integration adds achievements, trading cards, and cloud saves, enhancing the multiplayer experience with shared progress and rewards.
- Enable Steam Cloud to keep progress across devices.
- Use cross‑platform play to find matches quickly.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform Support
The game is available on Windows and Linux, with Firaxis handling the core development and Feral Interactive providing the Linux version. Full controller support is included for both platforms.
Additional Steam features such as Remote Play on TV and Family Sharing broaden accessibility for different play environments.
- Test controller configuration in the options menu.
- Utilize Remote Play to stream to a larger screen.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion