Xenonauts 2 gets new UFO and gear to deal with it in big update 1.3
Launched in Early Access in July 2023, Xenonauts 2 is the sequel to one of the most beloved turn-based tactics games since the original XCOM. On February 19, 2024, the large Update 1.3 was released for the game, adding tons of new material and challenges for alien hunters.
Cruiser-class UFOs are now available to the aliens and will make life difficult for the Xenonauts, especially as the crews of these new vehicles are equipped with powerful fusion weapons – a brand-new threat as well. Fortunately, your Xenonauts will be provided with some fresh toys to counter these challenges as well.
Xenonauts 2 is a must-have for fans of the original XCOM.
Hooded Horse
Naturally, you’ll be able to research and reverse-engineer those fusion weapons, adding them to your own arsenal and letting the aliens get a taste of their own medicine. In Update 1.3, you can finally upgrade your dropships and interceptors to a third tier, enabling them to survive the battle for air superiority far more reliably than before. Another huge boon for the Xenonauts will be the brand-new ARES platform, an upgraded version of the trusty MARS – this remote-controlled weapons platform is using alien technology to hover above the ground.
Additionally, an array of new maps has been introduced to spice up the early game and the fight against the cleaners in particular – a very welcome item on the list, since a lack of map variety was one of my gripes in the launch version last year.
On the technical side, the developers stated that the game should load around 30% faster than before across all sections. Tactical briefings have been moved into the loading screen as well, taking away another obstacle between you and the action. Speaking of which: Update 1.3 has brought lots of AI improvements, such as less suicidal civilians. That’s always nice.
You can check out the full patch notes for the update on the game’s community page.
If that’s not enough to make you interested in Xenonauts 2, perhaps the 30% discount on Steam that’s available until March 4, 2024, will.
