It’s never been cheaper to play one of the best turn-based tactics games ever on Steam

Firaxis / Take-Two

For a few years now there has been a consistent trickle of turn-based tactics games, which fill the fantastic genre with life and provide a steady stream of nourishment for its hungry fans – it could’ve been very different, though. In a world in which Firaxis, the developer of Civilization, never made XCOM: Enemy Unknown, turn-based tactics enthusiasts might have already been starved to death. Originally envisioned as a one-to-one remake of the original game from 1994, Enemy Unknown ended up improving on every aspect of its predecessor and single-handedly led the entire genre into a brighter future. How exactly did it do that?

Well, you can find out now for less than two dollars – XCOM: Enemy Unknown is 95% off on Steam until April 22, 2024, hitting its lowest-ever price. That’s a massive deal already, but do you know that’s an even greater bargain? Getting the XCOM: Ultimate Collection, which is off by 91% and not only includes Enemy Unknown with all its expansions, but also the complete XCOM 2 collection.

This is the best way to experience the series that has pretty much become eponymous for the entire genre – how often have you read the word XCOM-like or seen comparisons with it? It’s a great entry point for newcomers and the perfect opportunity to complete your collection, if you’re a veteran and want to revisit the series with some content you might have missed out on earlier.

In XCOM, you defend humankind from an alien invasion. You build up bases, recruit soldiers, and research technologies as you engage the enemy in deep and thrilling turn-based battles. Thanks to the infamous RNG elements – shots missing, critical hits coming at the worst moments – the fights will have you at the edge of your seat until the end. 

Pretty much every modern entry into this genre owes a debt to XCOM and you’d do yourself a disservice by not experiencing it. Enemy unknown may have already come out in 2012, but it’s perfectly fine to play even after a dozen years. Its systems and visuals are holding up nicely on PC and playing through it will prepare you for the awesome ride that is XCOM 2.