XCOM 2, one of the best PC strategy games ever, is this week’s Epic freebie

Flip-based tactical technique video games are having one thing of a renaissance for the time being, and Firaxis’ XCOM revival is an enormous a part of it. The Enemy Unknown alien-hunting remake was revealed slightly below ten years in the past, and the sequel refined its strategic and tactical techniques to close perfection. Right now you’ll be able to seize the PC model of XCOM 2 from the Epic Video games Retailer without cost, and also you completely ought to.

XCOM 2 is exclusive in quite a lot of methods, not least of which is the story. In contrast to most sequels, this one assumes that the participant failed the ultimate mission of the unique recreation, leaving Earth on the mercy of alien invaders. The narrative picks up 20 years later, after Earth has been fully conquered and the aliens at the moment are occupying rulers over a pacified human populace. Because the resurrected chief of the world’s final human protection drive, it’s important to use your small staff and cellular Helicarrier-style base to claw again a foothold from the invaders.

The gameplay of XCOM 2 will probably be acquainted to followers of the unique, or any turn-based technique recreation that makes use of grid-based fight. However with fewer assets and extra everlasting penalties for failure, the sequel focuses on a stealth aspect and smaller, tighter groups of operatives. You’ll have to improve your base and recruit extra staff members to entry higher weapons, armor, and alien expertise, maintaining with the escalating battle.

The Epic Video games Retailer model of XCOM 2 doesn’t have entry to the massive library of mods obtainable in Valve’s Steam Workshop, which is a disgrace. However as an additional promotion, Epic is providing the Assortment improve pack (with an growth pack and 4 DLC upgrades) for simply $10 further. The free primary recreation and discounted DLC will run till April twenty first. Should you’d choose the Steam model, it’s fairly low-cost for the time being too: simply $6 for the primary recreation and $13 for the Assortment add-on.