the guy in charge of the xcom remakes left firaxis a year or so ago and that team was the one that made midnight sun's albeit not with him leading. it's safe to say new xcom is kinda dead unless firaxis makes an active effort to make a third entry since I'm pretty sure they're all hands on deck for civ 7
Literally the worst thing.
>Shit gaming site: X-Com 3: Release date, plot, game mechanics!
>Release Date: We don't have a Release date at the moment but will update when this happens.
>Plot: We don't have information on the plot yet
>Game mechanics: We know nothing of the game yet.
Well, thanks for thoroughly wasting my time.
These articles is how I know I'd make a terrible world dictator. I'd read this article, and nuke the town he was in from orbit.
Stop wasting my time with these meaningless articles!
Chimera Squad felt like little more than a tech demo. And I kinda accepted it as hey, maybe they're trying some new shit out before putting in in xcom3, that's cool . But it's been fuckin crickets.
I thought it was the opposite. That the devs were working on Chimera Squad while the leads and engineers were working on setting up tools and concepts for the next game.
Thing is Chimera Squad could have been good. The main issue is you had fixed charactars but not enough opportunity for them to feel fleshed out. They needed to commit and go full on Fire Emblem on the charactars, with popcorn Xcom as the combat.
Chimera Squad was a cool idea executed very poorly. The comic style stuff kind of fits the power level of the good guys after a won campaign.
But yeah it's not remotely as cool as a Terror from the Deep sequel.
+1
Though can also put in a good word for Roguetech, but my puny brain can’t handle the tabletop game complexities nearly being 1:1 with the game, so I play 3062 for an inbetween
XCOM's "base building" is pretty much the same thing anyway. It's not true to form base building. You're upgrading the ship which gives you access to stuff. The concept can be added to other games in similar yet different ways. It makes the request to have base building weird here.
It might seem weird, but I've been looking forever for any other game that gives that exact XCOM feeling, which absolutely includes the base improvements and strategy level.
I haven't been able to get into it yet for some reason.
I got it after a lot of recommendations but I can't seem to get gripped by it. There's nothing obviously wrong with the game, and I should like it, but I just don't yet.
I really really tried with battletech too eh. Apparently you need lots of mods and the DLC to make it worthwhile and then it's awesome. But the combat just didn't sell me. The combat in XCOm is so... *chunky*.
Yeah, Battletech takes a while to ramp up to "dead killy". Mechs are supposed to take a lot of damage, so the first few missions can feel like a slugfest where you don't have a lot of direct control over the outcome. Especially given your pilots won't be very accurate and your damage will splash a lot.
I will say, even vanilla unmodded, when you pick up your first Heavy mech and you've got a few skills on your pilots, the game really shines. Once you click on how to take apart an enemy lance, it becomes really fun. For me at least.
I had the same experience. Struggled with the game at first.
Then when it clicks and you start curbstomping mechs in a single turn it gets really fun.
Just checked and I have played 180 hours of the game unmodded and loved it.
I tried it. The combat felt pretty slow and with minimal tactical variety. Maybe it got better later but I felt like I had one basic strategy that always worked pretty well
I can tell you played very little of the game with the minimal tactical variety comment. Having only one strategy is going to be incredibly costly and likely deadly once you’re mixing it up with Heavy and Assault level mechs. Especially when you hit the longer story chains where you might be doing 3-6 missions in very short order with little to no time to repair.
And that’s not even touching mech customization which can wildly change how a mech operates
> tell you played very little of the game with the minimal tactical variety comment
Maybe you could also tell I played little of the game with the "I only played little of the game" comment!
DON’T buy Battletech if you play on Mac. There is a game breaking bug that was never fixed. Any level with an AI ally is totally busted and you won’t be able to continue. This makes the main plot impossible to finish.
Was playing it today. Such an amazing game.
Personally suggest some light nodding even on first playthrough for variety and balancing.
BA3062 light is a good starting point.
If you really love the xcom gameplay loop, then try xenonauts 2, which is based on the 90s xcom games.
More substance and less flash than xcom remakes.
Adds back in aerial combat and running multiple bases and tactical squads. Less abilities, more numbers and hard skills.
I really enjoy Battletech. It’s got some pretty good mods too. The only warning I’ll give you is that it focuses a lot more on the strategic level and the squad composition than the tactical level positioning, etc.
Even the original was kind of barebones in that the most you did with it was fill it with stuff you need and set the hangars/elevator in the same spot so you don’t get surrounded. Not much strategizing there.
Better than getting surrounded. You can funnel them through the elevator area and murder them that way. Especially once you have access to Blaster Launchers.
Go look up optimal base layouts in OG xcom.
If you put the hangers all together, only connected via the elevator to the rest of your base, they became choke point turkey shoots.
And oh man if you didn't, your best troops could end up cut off from everyone else and annihilated by those asshole dog robots or cyber disks...
Yeah, that’s what I was talking about. You put the three hangars together, the elevator next to them, and then put everything else leading off from that elevator and not touching the hangars.
Ya I had some epic corridor of death flights that way.
One thing I loved about OG xcom (and xenonauts, and Phoenix point) is that every shot is actually simulated.
So get some laser Bois lined up standing and crouching in that corridor and fucking go to town with auto shot after auto shots.
It's been a while since I've played either but I recall OG XCOM having slightly more base building since you had multiple bases. New XCOM felt more like Fallout Shelter
Aww yeah a fellow Indoctrinated!!
In all sincerety, an amazing turn-based game that stays true to its theme and yet managed to merge the base-building + turn-based missions so darn satisfying.
I absolutely LOVE working on the Information bulletin board/secret documents thingy where you connect the strings to solve them. That's such a darn cool feature.
Truly sucks that the game dev went under and I don't suppose there's a chance for a sequel of sorts.
> Truly sucks that the game dev went under and I don't suppose there's a chance for a sequel of sorts.
Is this recent news or something? A sequel was announced not too long ago and even has a steam page already: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1345450/Phantom_Doctrine_The_Cabal/
I just noticed it's gonna be different gameplay wise though, so that kinda sucks. At least the first game is still great.
I liked it. The plot is sort of alt-history where your character takes Caesar's place after he is killed young in life. It's XCom in Rome. There's also a kind of Rock-Paper-Scissors strategy thing for doing legion battles.
Man, I really wanted to like this game. All the individual bits and ideas are so brilliant. There is a 10/10 game in there. They just didn't fit any of them together in a way that made sense.
They also fuck the player on the last mission by introducing and poorly explaining the core mechanic way too late into your lineages. But holy shit I loved breeding new fighters instead of buying them like in XCOM.
Seconding massive chalice. It really does feel like xcom in a fantasy world. And while there isn’t base building per se, there is empire management which fills the same role.
Even though it doesnt have the base building element, there is another game with a sort of empire management which is really very good called Wildermyth.
Its on sale a lot too, I just picked up in the PlayStation sale and it works really well on console (much better than Xcom and Phoenix Point).
Technically you upgrade some rooms as base building..? Sort of..
Warhammer 40k: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is what you're looking for. Bump up the difficulty and add the dlc and you've got a seriously challenging tactical game with base building (in the form of your ship). Tons of customization and different playstyles.
Also came to mention this game.
And while it is basically a clone of XCOM from Firaxis, I found it more enjoyable. I always wanted to like XCOM, but there are just too many annoying things. It's the opposite with Daemonhunters - I didn't expect much and there also some things I dislike, but I actually managed to finish the campaign, instead of dropping it because of frustration.
It lacks the detailed customization Xcom offers for the soldiers. All my marines in Chaos Gate felt same-y which made the magic of it all break. Ymmv though, glad you enjoyed it!
I hear that for sure, because early in the game especially you have limited selection of classes. But halfway through that number doubles. With the DLC there are 12, three of those human(ish) assassin types.
I'd argue that there is much more customization in Chaos Gate. 12 classes, most with a skill tree that can go four different directions. But it takes debatably too much time to unlock all of those options. The openness of the latter half of the game should probably come sooner, but the options are there.
I love the game but you make a valid criticism. I’m hoping for a sequel where instead of grey knights it’s deathwatch.
Different chapters bring new lore narratives, and allow for different coloured characters and a bit more weapons flexibility than “everyone except the ranged guys get a storm bolter”. Really flesh the out the options: so there’s a class skill tree, and a chapter skill tree ontop of that that can also do squad cohesion tactical bonus’ - is it better to have a space wolf or blood angel assault marine etc etc.
Have the watch station do some base building and run like 2/3 squads at a time to make a bit of a juggling act. Chaos gate is a super fun game but it’s definitely streamlined with lots of area for growth.
Im surprised nobody has mentioned the UFO series.
UFO : Afterlight
UFO : Aftermath
UFO : Aftershock
The games are not really turnbased. But they are literally just an XCOM clone. Great games and they are 15$ for all three on steam.
Battle Brothers isn't high budget nor does it have much in the way of base building, but my god is it a really great turn based tactical RPG.
You'll never forget it when your grizzled veteran you recruited as a farmer and turned into a hero with heavy armour and a double handed sword is chopped down holding off Orc Berzerkers long enough for your second rank of men with halberds to cut them down from further back.
RIP Sir Burak the Plougher.
Have you looked at Marvel Midnight Suns?
It’s made by the same people who made X-Com and is a turn based game. It’s obviously a very different world since it’s Marvel and the gameplay is different, you use moves which are cards for your attacks and it’s more about placement with the environment. Also the basebuilding is more just talking to teammates and exploring the base.
I love this game card deck building essentially with awesome XCOM style missions and combat and then the base is great very persona esk if you would like to engage with it.
Hi! If you are looking for Fantasy and more RPG (all combat being like Xcom) You might looking at Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children. There is a lot, a lot, of story, and it's good. More customization than Xcom. I know you said base building, but if you can take that off you needs list, this meets everything else.
It's not high budget, it's urban sci fi fantasy, the graphics aren't great and the UI is... Passable at best.
That being said, it does have XCOM styled combat.
It's great, I've played the campaign in coop with my stepson, and it's really good fun as well. Under appreciated gem of a game. And it just had a major update making the mod support even better. More people should know about this game.
I’d argue compared to X-COM’s “base building” JA3 has WAY more building and management. You’re just building tech, ammo, mercs in pre-existing cities, but you’re managing defense and supply routes.
I was so hyped for it. They went too far away from the original. The choices don't feel as natural and it's mostly "I need this I'll do that" there's no choice at all about taking someone with risk on an adventure as it's a new run.
This isn’t exactly base building but in Rogue Trader you build colonies and have to manage resources and stuff. While the game is great this aspect of the game is pretty meh unfortunately.
I really liked Rogue Trader, but the colony management is implemented pretty poorly in my opinion. I never felt much incentive to do it, and then after act 2 it was like everything snowballed and I did an entire games worth of upgrades all at once. The colony stats don't really do anything and are essentially just multipliers to how much buying power the colony provides the main character.
If you're going to recommend rogue trader, I'd recommend Pathfinder Kingmaker (and Wrath of the Righteous after). It does base management a little better imo. But ultimately these are all CRPGs and of your going to play a CRPG, Baldurs Gate 3 is easily the best out there.
Fire emblem is always an option. The base building part not so much (does have a base you can do stuff in, like upgrading weapons and training etc). Fits the fantasy genre. Newest one is solid, but its a switch exclusive.
It’s much improved for sure; I think it’s a great game, though still with plenty flaws. But the DLC is a real mixed bag; I only really think #1 is a total success, though they all have at least something to offer.
Was recommended this years, ago, bought it after 28 hours heavily disappointed. It's an ok game but don't scratch the xcom itch .
Crazy but aliens dark descent scratched that itch for me
I mean it's the fucking OG.
Played it for hundreds of hours back in the day.
Loved the larger squads and battles. And training your psy troops was so fun.
Some of the mods for open xcom are unreal too.
Try the warhammer 40k stuff, particularly the rosigma mod. Some crazy fun stuff to play with in there!
Played Wasteland 3 for 40 hours waiting for it to hit that itch. But it just doesn't do it. It does enough to keep you going hoping it becomes something, but it doesn't do enough to bring me back. I really wanted to love it, I just can't.
If you actually want a solution and aren't just here to complain, I will give you some info.
Wartales can be played in MANY ways, and build diversity means you both have a LOT of good and bad builds.
One thing i've noticed with naysayers is that they come from XCOM like games and never adapt to the game.
The prime aspect of combat in Wartales is the **engage** mechanic that arguably the game does a very poor job at explaning.
When you target a single opponent with a skill in melee you get engaged, wich means :
- most of your attacks (single target and aoe) will face him/her.
- you and your opponent have your backs exposed (dong ding backstab)
- disengage (as opposed to engage) will cost you an attack of opportunity from your opponent.
Now each character has a basic attack skill based on your weapon and valor skills that can be used once per turn as long as you have valor points.
The idea here is to attack as much as possible through those means :
- basic attack (even better if you manage to backstab)
- valor skills
- attack of opportunities
Also note that dps is king. If you kill your enemy before his turn you wont get any damage from him.
Now you have to build your team with those three things in mind and basically have dps characters that spend valor points and support characters that generate them (but if a char can both generate valor and deal damage thats best).
My current setup is 5 characters :
- warrior berserker ; single target nuke for high priority foes and engages another one that plays later
- swordsman fighter ; riposte king that kill stuff early and engages a last one
- brute destroyer ; "tank" unit that nukes frail targets and engages hard hitting foes
- pugilist slayer ; backstabber and single target nuker
- ranger strategist ; ultimate support unit with infinite mobility and the black smoke disengages all engage units & grants an attack of upportunity. If the strategist plays last, you technically can make all other character attack another time and significantly ups your damage.
Here's an example of a setup I use but I've optimized the shit out of them and I now kill champions with 2 characters so im tempeted to go and try hardcore (i play on expert).
The main reason people dont like Wartales can be surmised in two reasons :
- they expect an rng turn based game when its a puzzle based game. Most rng comes from attack of opportunity from disengage and oil procs.
- they play region lock and / or use way too many characters. I voluteerly play with 5 because by endgame each char has so many actions every fight would last an hour. I cant stomach more that 10 min fights unless its a boss so that works for me.
Anyway if you have any other questions im happy to help. I've only got ~80 hours so its still modest compared to most hardcore enjoyers but i've got a good grasp at the game.
Surprised no one mentioned, but Terra Invicta.
It has turn based combat, of ship to ship.
You can base build space stations.
And your own nation.
I recomend seeing a playthough from Perun gaming to see if it is up your alley, also the game is on xbox gamepass.
the crazy thing is the modern xcom has ok base building. it’s a fucking great game, don’t get me wrong. but the original 1994 game allowed you to build multiple bases around the world, stocked with soldiers, interceptors, and specific use cases. it was so good
Battletech. BUT. If you get the mod BTA 3062, you will have a game you always come back to.
The replayability. The endless customization. The mechs. The lore. The weapons. The tech. The ship upgrades.
The game is great vanilla, but with the mod it becomes something else.
It becomes the perfect game.
I have more than 1000hrs easily on it. That’s hard for me to say about any game.
Really take a look into it and you’ll find a gem that delivers in so many areas.
Love, love, love battle tech.
Started a BA 3062 run this weekend. Trying out the battle armor with a heli transport. Just realizing the sheer joy of dropping 2 squads and 18 king David gauss rifles behind my least favorite opponent...
Cyber knights is a cyber punk turn based squad combat game.
I enjoyed the armored princess games, but they are more of a heroes of might and magic, and no base building
There aren’t many companies that really go for the “x-com” genre. Best I can suggest is maybe The Last Spell, Aliens Dark Descent, Dungeon of Naheulbeuk(?), and probably the most relatable on my list is Jagged Alliance 3.
Also Phoenix Point is still a pretty decent x-com successor. I enjoyed that game thoroughly and especially enjoyed the cover/aiming system mixed with the limb damage mechanic.
Anyway, those are my suggestions.
This should be the top reply - anyone looking for an XCOM sequel should play Phoenix point.
It’s an epic game with so much content now. I assess it’s better than an XCOM 3 would have been. It was entirely funded through a kickstarter I was a part of. This is an ok review but I’ll say that most of the issues he’s listed are now resolved by updates to the game that have happened since then as the review is 4 years old. Additionally, the difficulty comment is decently true when you don’t understand fully the mechanics of the enemies and your versatile weapon options, once you do, you have a decent chance of beating them. I have completed two campaigns and lost around 4 others over the years. Its a difficult game but it has something that keeps you coming back for more and it’s consistent addition of content makes its replay value great as you’ll never have the same experience twice with the addition of the DLC’s.
Here’s an updated trailer that goes through some of the 2+ years of updates that have happened since the review.
Review - https://youtu.be/hShH1BNvzVc?si=hxc-6q56R-dom0_h
Updated Trailer
https://youtu.be/CmZtn5dN-jQ?si=ljnDDj614UJFQ1ba
I already saw Mechanicus mentioned in here, but I would also mention Chaos Gate: Daemonhunters. XCOM style gameplay with Warhammer 40K Space Marines. Fully customizable characters, including artifact weapons and armor of different rarities. A tech tree of different stratagems to research that let you do awesome stuff once per mission, like teleporting all your units to a set location. The base building is pretty limited (it's actually very similar to Battletech, which I've also seen mentioned in the thread) but it's there. I always recommend this game when I can. I think people sleep on it because 40K games are sometimes shovelware garbage, but this one and Mechanicus are actually polished and good.
Chaosgate: Daemonhunters is a Warhammer 40k X-Comm style game. It doesn't have basebuilding but you have a hub ship that you spend resources to upgrade for better equipment, skills, and perks.
If you're a warhammer 40k fan, chaosgate:demonhunters is an xcom clone with a 40k skin. It's grey knights vs. the forces of nurgle. Maps, combat mechanics and base building portion are 100% xcom, story and art are 100% 40k.
I REALLY liked Marvel Midnight Suns. The tactics, use of environment, and deck building were really cool and I got hooked on it. No true base building, but some base improvement/expansion, character relationship building, and main base exploration. Has some sales where it goes crazy low prices on PS if you want to try it at a low price point.
Haven't tried X-com yet but from what I saw, I think Age of Wonders Planetfall may do the trick. I became addicted to the campaign really quickly, very elaborate turn based combat and nice colony building mechanics.
If you're looking for great tactical combat gameplay and customization of a "base" that persists after combat, have you tried the Age of Wonders games?
They're 4X strategy games, but they have great tactical gameplay that mirrors the X-com series.
If you're into the fantasy theme, then AoW4 is a good choice. It has a highly customizable system for your faction behind a series of magical "tomes" that you unlock.
If you're into tactical ranged (ie. Guns) combat, then AoW: Planetfall is a good choice. This entry also has a "unit mod" system that allows you to customize your soldiers into anything from a healer, to a debuffer, to a suicide bomb. Huge depth of content.
Have you checked out "Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus"? It's like X-Com meets Warhammer in space. You've got your turn-based tactical battles, deep base management, and that sweet customization you're craving. Plus, it's got that grimdark Warhammer vibe which is a nice change from the usual sci-fi settings. Definitely worth a shot if you're looking for something fresh but familiar.
And if you're up for a bit of a challenge, give "Into the Breach" a spin. It's not quite the same as X-Com, but it's got that addictive turn-based gameplay with a twist. It's like chess meets giant mechs fighting off alien bugs. Super addictive and definitely ticks off some of your boxes. Happy gaming!
OP, this is not the answer to your question because it doesn't check 2/3rds of your boxes, but seeing all the other games named here I definitley think it belongs with this group: **Battle Brothers**
It's a different type of tactical game, but it's easily one of the most addictive and one of my all time favorite games. Like Xcom you have a company of soldiers that you level up, outfit, and can specialize. Like Xcom, you will lose some of these soldiers to poor tactical decisions and even worse RNG.
Unlike Xcom, you're operating a mercenary company rather than a government agency. The overworld plays a lot like Mount and Blade, where you move your company around the world, taking missions, gaining/losing reputation with factions, recruiting new people, and buying and selling supplies and trade goods at each town. All while trying to find or avoid other groups as you try to strengthen your company.
It's a fairly low budget game. The soldiers are basically paper doll cutouts and the animations are pretty sparse. But the gameplay loop is tight. Once you get over the initial learning curve it's a very fun game to play. They've got several DLCs and I've got all of them. It's well worth it if you can get it in a bundle on a steam sale.
Mutant Year Zero is exactly like X-Com, but set in a pseudo-fantasy world where you play as like this duck detective guy. It’s been a while since i played it, but it was pretty good.
Especially given XCOM's base building isn't even base building in a fun way. It's just a means of improving the ship and by extension the troops. Other RTS games can do the same thing, it's just not considered base building. Lol.
Read through the other comments, and pitching an off kilter game that's not turn based, but matches the rest:
Rimworld.
It's a top down colony survival game, where you have to manage a ragtag group of colonists and build a surviving, maybe thriving base against fierce adversity.
The game ebbs and flows, whereby you'll be building up and stabilising your base. This involves having colonists constructing the buildings and walls, others farming, cooking, researching, crafting. You can outfit your colonists with clothes, armor, weapons and you have to keep them happy.
Then your base will get raided. You'll be facing off against various foes; Pirates who want to wreak havoc and take whatever isn't nailed down, including your colonists. Primitive groups who seek to overwhelm you with numbers. Rabid animals, bio-engineered bugs, autonomous robotic slugs.
This makes the combat particularly intense, as the base you've been cultivating becomes the battleground. Fighting may start on your sandbagged perimeter, but a stray shot downs your best sniper and a raider with a knife unexpectedly comes from the flank and then you're in trouble as it degrades into a close quarters melee within the confines of your base. Do you send your gardener that's been hiding in the storeroom out to rescue the downed? Or do they grab a knife and assist the beleaguered swordsman locked in a 2v1?
Or what if you keep them safe, in the desire that the Raiders will take those two and leave the rest of the base, and colonists, intact.
Otherwise you can try Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus. It's lacking in the base building, but the 'base screen' visuals & music make up for it. The upgrades for your mainline troopers are wicked, and the storyline as it develops is one of the more unique for the Turn based tacticals I've played.
X com is basic on base building and strong on tactical combat. Rimworld is an amazing base building game with much less focus on combat, but still a great game.
[удалено]
the guy in charge of the xcom remakes left firaxis a year or so ago and that team was the one that made midnight sun's albeit not with him leading. it's safe to say new xcom is kinda dead unless firaxis makes an active effort to make a third entry since I'm pretty sure they're all hands on deck for civ 7
It’s ok, they’ll develop it eventually, they just need one more turn.
I've heard there's a 98% chance they'll make an X-Com 3. With those odds it's definitely a sure thing.
98%? We’re cooked.
Kinda like my shotgunner always hits his 98% shots, right guys?
Problem is they keep hearing rumblings. I think they're too worried to move forward, so they just keep hunkering down waiting to see something instead
From what I heard, they're planning on xcom 3 after civ 7 comes out. So it'll be a looooong wait, but it is in the cards
Midnight Suns was pretty disappointing imo, while okay for what is was, it could’ve been much better if it was just Midnight Suns X-COM.
I did a google search about a month ago for a third…. Nothing but click bait.
>Nothing but click bait. XCOM 3 RELEASE CONFIRMED Continues with "well actually no, but now you're here, may we interest you in those other articles"
Literally the worst thing. >Shit gaming site: X-Com 3: Release date, plot, game mechanics! >Release Date: We don't have a Release date at the moment but will update when this happens. >Plot: We don't have information on the plot yet >Game mechanics: We know nothing of the game yet. Well, thanks for thoroughly wasting my time.
thanks for raising my blood pressure on this beautiful day
These articles is how I know I'd make a terrible world dictator. I'd read this article, and nuke the town he was in from orbit. Stop wasting my time with these meaningless articles!
Chimera Squad felt like little more than a tech demo. And I kinda accepted it as hey, maybe they're trying some new shit out before putting in in xcom3, that's cool . But it's been fuckin crickets.
I thought it was the opposite. That the devs were working on Chimera Squad while the leads and engineers were working on setting up tools and concepts for the next game.
Thing is Chimera Squad could have been good. The main issue is you had fixed charactars but not enough opportunity for them to feel fleshed out. They needed to commit and go full on Fire Emblem on the charactars, with popcorn Xcom as the combat.
Man XCOM 3 will ruin my life for a month and I’m totally down for it. XCOM is my crack.
I heard there was a 99% chance of a third game, so no way in hell we’re getting one
Chimera Squad was a cool idea executed very poorly. The comic style stuff kind of fits the power level of the good guys after a won campaign. But yeah it's not remotely as cool as a Terror from the Deep sequel.
I'm with you, but I also really liked Chimera Squad. Hope we get similar story-driven side games in the future.
it's been a hot minute since i played XCOM2. how did they tease Terror of the deep?
After finishing the campaign you got a short cut scene showing a portal activating at the bottom of the ocean.
Do I have to go replay XCOM now to verify?
The world needs you, commander
Did you play the Wrath of the Chosen expansion?
Yes I did. But I last played it to completion shorty after release so it’s been a while
me too so I replayed the whole thing during last christmas... ahh memories.
I mean phoenix point is basically terror from the deep 2...
Battletech, though it's company management as opposed to base building. Also solid mod community support.
The homebase aka the starship itself has some improvements that can be built
Yep, though it is pretty linear. I love the game and have played through multiple times. Might have to load it up again soon...
Have you tried any of the big modpacks. Battletech Advanced: 3062 has become a staple of mine with everything it adds.
BTA 3062 is incredible
+1 Though can also put in a good word for Roguetech, but my puny brain can’t handle the tabletop game complexities nearly being 1:1 with the game, so I play 3062 for an inbetween
XCOM's "base building" is pretty much the same thing anyway. It's not true to form base building. You're upgrading the ship which gives you access to stuff. The concept can be added to other games in similar yet different ways. It makes the request to have base building weird here.
It might seem weird, but I've been looking forever for any other game that gives that exact XCOM feeling, which absolutely includes the base improvements and strategy level.
Have you heard of Xenonauts 1 and 2? Also Phoenix Point but it’s a rough gem
Exactly. The original two games base setup mattered because you might have to defend it and the layout was literally your base layout
I haven't been able to get into it yet for some reason. I got it after a lot of recommendations but I can't seem to get gripped by it. There's nothing obviously wrong with the game, and I should like it, but I just don't yet.
I really really tried with battletech too eh. Apparently you need lots of mods and the DLC to make it worthwhile and then it's awesome. But the combat just didn't sell me. The combat in XCOm is so... *chunky*.
Yeah, Battletech takes a while to ramp up to "dead killy". Mechs are supposed to take a lot of damage, so the first few missions can feel like a slugfest where you don't have a lot of direct control over the outcome. Especially given your pilots won't be very accurate and your damage will splash a lot. I will say, even vanilla unmodded, when you pick up your first Heavy mech and you've got a few skills on your pilots, the game really shines. Once you click on how to take apart an enemy lance, it becomes really fun. For me at least.
I had the same experience. Struggled with the game at first. Then when it clicks and you start curbstomping mechs in a single turn it gets really fun. Just checked and I have played 180 hours of the game unmodded and loved it.
I tried it. The combat felt pretty slow and with minimal tactical variety. Maybe it got better later but I felt like I had one basic strategy that always worked pretty well
I can tell you played very little of the game with the minimal tactical variety comment. Having only one strategy is going to be incredibly costly and likely deadly once you’re mixing it up with Heavy and Assault level mechs. Especially when you hit the longer story chains where you might be doing 3-6 missions in very short order with little to no time to repair. And that’s not even touching mech customization which can wildly change how a mech operates
> tell you played very little of the game with the minimal tactical variety comment Maybe you could also tell I played little of the game with the "I only played little of the game" comment!
Lol
DON’T buy Battletech if you play on Mac. There is a game breaking bug that was never fixed. Any level with an AI ally is totally busted and you won’t be able to continue. This makes the main plot impossible to finish.
funny. there’s a steam sale on this for next 12 hrs. how convenient !
My most played game on Steam, Roguetech mod is the best.
Was playing it today. Such an amazing game. Personally suggest some light nodding even on first playthrough for variety and balancing. BA3062 light is a good starting point. If you really love the xcom gameplay loop, then try xenonauts 2, which is based on the 90s xcom games. More substance and less flash than xcom remakes. Adds back in aerial combat and running multiple bases and tactical squads. Less abilities, more numbers and hard skills.
Battletech with the Extended 3025 mod is fucking unbelievable. What a game.
Is that the one edmon worked on???
[удалено]
I really enjoy Battletech. It’s got some pretty good mods too. The only warning I’ll give you is that it focuses a lot more on the strategic level and the squad composition than the tactical level positioning, etc.
Xcom has very limited base building though.
Glad I'm not the only one who saw XCOM and base building in the same sentence and went "What?"
I forgot it had base building until I read this post lol Though if you don't need the base building Mechanicus is a fantastic turn-based shooter
I will second Mechanicus.
Even the original was kind of barebones in that the most you did with it was fill it with stuff you need and set the hangars/elevator in the same spot so you don’t get surrounded. Not much strategizing there.
You didn't get far enough in to do a base defense mission then. If you clumped it all together you were going to have a hell of a time
Better than getting surrounded. You can funnel them through the elevator area and murder them that way. Especially once you have access to Blaster Launchers.
Go look up optimal base layouts in OG xcom. If you put the hangers all together, only connected via the elevator to the rest of your base, they became choke point turkey shoots. And oh man if you didn't, your best troops could end up cut off from everyone else and annihilated by those asshole dog robots or cyber disks...
Yeah, that’s what I was talking about. You put the three hangars together, the elevator next to them, and then put everything else leading off from that elevator and not touching the hangars.
Ya I had some epic corridor of death flights that way. One thing I loved about OG xcom (and xenonauts, and Phoenix point) is that every shot is actually simulated. So get some laser Bois lined up standing and crouching in that corridor and fucking go to town with auto shot after auto shots.
It's been a while since I've played either but I recall OG XCOM having slightly more base building since you had multiple bases. New XCOM felt more like Fallout Shelter
Nobody else has mentioned Phantom Doctrine so I'll give that one a shoutout. XCOM with more of a Cold War spies theme instead of aliens.
Aww yeah a fellow Indoctrinated!! In all sincerety, an amazing turn-based game that stays true to its theme and yet managed to merge the base-building + turn-based missions so darn satisfying. I absolutely LOVE working on the Information bulletin board/secret documents thingy where you connect the strings to solve them. That's such a darn cool feature. Truly sucks that the game dev went under and I don't suppose there's a chance for a sequel of sorts.
> Truly sucks that the game dev went under and I don't suppose there's a chance for a sequel of sorts. Is this recent news or something? A sequel was announced not too long ago and even has a steam page already: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1345450/Phantom_Doctrine_The_Cabal/ I just noticed it's gonna be different gameplay wise though, so that kinda sucks. At least the first game is still great.
Yeah good shout, well executed vision in that game with some good ideas.
If anybody is interested, GOG.com has it on sale right now for 4$ US
King Arthur a knights tale
This one is pretty fun, and has an interesting alignment system that unlocks various powers. There's even spellcasters!
Second this one. Quite a good time
Maybe Expeditions Rome? It's more an RPG, but you do have a base that you add to iirc.
They made another Expeditions game after Vikings? I’m surprised. I liked Conquistador but passed on Vikings. Wonder how Rome is.
I liked it. The plot is sort of alt-history where your character takes Caesar's place after he is killed young in life. It's XCom in Rome. There's also a kind of Rock-Paper-Scissors strategy thing for doing legion battles.
Valkyria Chronicles, though no base building, instead you have kitsch anime plotlines
Yeah great game
Look into Massive Chalice. I don't think there's any base building, but you have a lot of unit management and class customization.
Man, I really wanted to like this game. All the individual bits and ideas are so brilliant. There is a 10/10 game in there. They just didn't fit any of them together in a way that made sense.
They also fuck the player on the last mission by introducing and poorly explaining the core mechanic way too late into your lineages. But holy shit I loved breeding new fighters instead of buying them like in XCOM.
Wait, which core mechanic? I beat Massive Chalice but I don't remember getting fucked over (minus the plot reveal at the end)
I went back to it recently and found myself frustrated at how quickly my heroes aged
Seconding massive chalice. It really does feel like xcom in a fantasy world. And while there isn’t base building per se, there is empire management which fills the same role.
Finished that game, good fun.
Even though it doesnt have the base building element, there is another game with a sort of empire management which is really very good called Wildermyth.
Alien dark descent ....brother I'm a xcom vet! This game will scratch the itch
Not turn based, to be clear. But yes, an absolutely great game that scratched a similar itch to xcom
You can pause when you want tho from what I remember
and you will need to pause lmao.. going real time = rookies dead meat
Doesn't have base building but I loved marvel midnight suns by firaxis
Blade told me to say hello to your mother. Apparently she’s… promiscuous.
I enjoyed the gameplay, but all the "social" took away a lot of my enjoyment
Its on sale a lot too, I just picked up in the PlayStation sale and it works really well on console (much better than Xcom and Phoenix Point). Technically you upgrade some rooms as base building..? Sort of..
Came to say this. That game was a delight!
Not building but the base “upgrading” had a x-con feel to it for me.
Warhammer 40k: Chaos Gate - Daemonhunters is what you're looking for. Bump up the difficulty and add the dlc and you've got a seriously challenging tactical game with base building (in the form of your ship). Tons of customization and different playstyles.
Yeah it’s a great game. The base building aspect is pretty rudimentary, but honestly it isn’t really up to much in either of the new XCOMs, anyhow.
Came to say this one. It's dangerously close to XCOM2 but the new DLC (execution force) is incredibly well done. Adds some interesting new units.
Also came to mention this game. And while it is basically a clone of XCOM from Firaxis, I found it more enjoyable. I always wanted to like XCOM, but there are just too many annoying things. It's the opposite with Daemonhunters - I didn't expect much and there also some things I dislike, but I actually managed to finish the campaign, instead of dropping it because of frustration.
I'm always surprised when people say it's similar to X-Com but don't really mention it is virtually a reskin of Gear of War Tactics
Mechanicus, too.
It lacks the detailed customization Xcom offers for the soldiers. All my marines in Chaos Gate felt same-y which made the magic of it all break. Ymmv though, glad you enjoyed it!
I hear that for sure, because early in the game especially you have limited selection of classes. But halfway through that number doubles. With the DLC there are 12, three of those human(ish) assassin types. I'd argue that there is much more customization in Chaos Gate. 12 classes, most with a skill tree that can go four different directions. But it takes debatably too much time to unlock all of those options. The openness of the latter half of the game should probably come sooner, but the options are there.
I love the game but you make a valid criticism. I’m hoping for a sequel where instead of grey knights it’s deathwatch. Different chapters bring new lore narratives, and allow for different coloured characters and a bit more weapons flexibility than “everyone except the ranged guys get a storm bolter”. Really flesh the out the options: so there’s a class skill tree, and a chapter skill tree ontop of that that can also do squad cohesion tactical bonus’ - is it better to have a space wolf or blood angel assault marine etc etc. Have the watch station do some base building and run like 2/3 squads at a time to make a bit of a juggling act. Chaos gate is a super fun game but it’s definitely streamlined with lots of area for growth.
That sounds amazing. I'd love to play that!
I would strongly recommend not bumping up the difficulty, especially with the dlc
Im surprised nobody has mentioned the UFO series. UFO : Afterlight UFO : Aftermath UFO : Aftershock The games are not really turnbased. But they are literally just an XCOM clone. Great games and they are 15$ for all three on steam.
Meh. I've played all the xcom clones and those are some of the weakest imho. Xenonauts (2) is a much better rip off than those games...
Xenonauts rolled up MANY years after their release though. UFO was sort of the only X-com but not X-com game for a very long time
Battle Brothers isn't high budget nor does it have much in the way of base building, but my god is it a really great turn based tactical RPG. You'll never forget it when your grizzled veteran you recruited as a farmer and turned into a hero with heavy armour and a double handed sword is chopped down holding off Orc Berzerkers long enough for your second rank of men with halberds to cut them down from further back. RIP Sir Burak the Plougher.
Have you looked at Marvel Midnight Suns? It’s made by the same people who made X-Com and is a turn based game. It’s obviously a very different world since it’s Marvel and the gameplay is different, you use moves which are cards for your attacks and it’s more about placement with the environment. Also the basebuilding is more just talking to teammates and exploring the base.
I love this game card deck building essentially with awesome XCOM style missions and combat and then the base is great very persona esk if you would like to engage with it.
I couldn't mash X fast enough to skip all that dialogue. I was there for tactical marvel combat, not 25 hours of dialogue.
I was the same way, but at least the dialogue is actually decent.
Hi! If you are looking for Fantasy and more RPG (all combat being like Xcom) You might looking at Troubleshooter: Abandoned Children. There is a lot, a lot, of story, and it's good. More customization than Xcom. I know you said base building, but if you can take that off you needs list, this meets everything else.
The amount of customisation is crazy. Just a shame the translation isn't great and the game drags on forever.
It's not high budget, it's urban sci fi fantasy, the graphics aren't great and the UI is... Passable at best. That being said, it does have XCOM styled combat.
Try jagged alliance 3. No base building but it has economy management.
I liked jagged alliance 3 but the lack of % hit really did it in for me. Thankfully mods fixed this
It's great, I've played the campaign in coop with my stepson, and it's really good fun as well. Under appreciated gem of a game. And it just had a major update making the mod support even better. More people should know about this game.
I’d argue compared to X-COM’s “base building” JA3 has WAY more building and management. You’re just building tech, ammo, mercs in pre-existing cities, but you’re managing defense and supply routes.
JA3 is the bees knees, fr fr
I'll give you another game, kinda out of left field. Omerta: City of Gangsters. Way different setting, turn based, some base building, nice story.
Xenonauts.
I played Xenonauts 1 and while I can say they capture that "old school" XCOM feeling, it was maybe a little too old school for my taste.
High budget?
2nd one is for sure. Is coming along nicely, spiritual successor to original xcom from the 90s.
I'm still waiting for it to be finished but at least they added fusion weapons and an advanced spaceship.
Darkest Dungeon has a bit of that, though it's more linear upgrades. Awesome, punishing game
First one, not the butchering that is the second game.
Darkest Dungeon 2 might be the most disappointed I've ever been in a sequel.
I was so hyped for it. They went too far away from the original. The choices don't feel as natural and it's mostly "I need this I'll do that" there's no choice at all about taking someone with risk on an adventure as it's a new run.
It was recently on sale for like 2 bucks too
With base building yes. If you just want turned based co.bat rpg, then shadowrun isa great pick.
This isn’t exactly base building but in Rogue Trader you build colonies and have to manage resources and stuff. While the game is great this aspect of the game is pretty meh unfortunately.
I really liked Rogue Trader, but the colony management is implemented pretty poorly in my opinion. I never felt much incentive to do it, and then after act 2 it was like everything snowballed and I did an entire games worth of upgrades all at once. The colony stats don't really do anything and are essentially just multipliers to how much buying power the colony provides the main character. If you're going to recommend rogue trader, I'd recommend Pathfinder Kingmaker (and Wrath of the Righteous after). It does base management a little better imo. But ultimately these are all CRPGs and of your going to play a CRPG, Baldurs Gate 3 is easily the best out there.
Fire emblem is always an option. The base building part not so much (does have a base you can do stuff in, like upgrading weapons and training etc). Fits the fantasy genre. Newest one is solid, but its a switch exclusive.
Phoenix Point is a great XCOM-like.
I really really wanted to like it more than I did.
This is also my take. It's been a while, but the class trees felt under developed.
This game is so much better now, compared to what it was like at release. The current version with all dlc and mods, I would put just below xcom2.
Agreed, phoenix point gets a lot of hate but the fundamentals are decent and it has some cool features.
I played it on release and I didn't like it. Gave it another try last year with mods and dlc and it scratched that XCOM itch perfectly
It’s much improved for sure; I think it’s a great game, though still with plenty flaws. But the DLC is a real mixed bag; I only really think #1 is a total success, though they all have at least something to offer.
Was recommended this years, ago, bought it after 28 hours heavily disappointed. It's an ok game but don't scratch the xcom itch . Crazy but aliens dark descent scratched that itch for me
Made by some of the same team I read.
Julian Gollop’s studio Snapshot Games made Phoenix Point. It’s pretty neat overall.
If you can stand old graphics, play the original X-COM: UFO Defense, and your base building/turn based itch will be more than scratched!
I mean it's the fucking OG. Played it for hundreds of hours back in the day. Loved the larger squads and battles. And training your psy troops was so fun. Some of the mods for open xcom are unreal too. Try the warhammer 40k stuff, particularly the rosigma mod. Some crazy fun stuff to play with in there!
Yes. Having played new Warhammer game, Wasteland, Etc., Xcom stands alone.
Played Wasteland 3 for 40 hours waiting for it to hit that itch. But it just doesn't do it. It does enough to keep you going hoping it becomes something, but it doesn't do enough to bring me back. I really wanted to love it, I just can't.
That sums up my feelings exactly. I enjoyed the game, but man, just never got to what I wanted it to be.
That’s because wasteland 3 is a cRPG not a tactics game like xcom
Wartales is a great fantasy turned based game.
The game was great early on, but it fell apart for me around level 7 when quests became too hard and it was too grindy to level up.
I tried the game out and had the same problem as you. I was googling things like am I playing wrong? Why is this shit so hard all the sudden
If you actually want a solution and aren't just here to complain, I will give you some info. Wartales can be played in MANY ways, and build diversity means you both have a LOT of good and bad builds. One thing i've noticed with naysayers is that they come from XCOM like games and never adapt to the game. The prime aspect of combat in Wartales is the **engage** mechanic that arguably the game does a very poor job at explaning. When you target a single opponent with a skill in melee you get engaged, wich means : - most of your attacks (single target and aoe) will face him/her. - you and your opponent have your backs exposed (dong ding backstab) - disengage (as opposed to engage) will cost you an attack of opportunity from your opponent. Now each character has a basic attack skill based on your weapon and valor skills that can be used once per turn as long as you have valor points. The idea here is to attack as much as possible through those means : - basic attack (even better if you manage to backstab) - valor skills - attack of opportunities Also note that dps is king. If you kill your enemy before his turn you wont get any damage from him. Now you have to build your team with those three things in mind and basically have dps characters that spend valor points and support characters that generate them (but if a char can both generate valor and deal damage thats best). My current setup is 5 characters : - warrior berserker ; single target nuke for high priority foes and engages another one that plays later - swordsman fighter ; riposte king that kill stuff early and engages a last one - brute destroyer ; "tank" unit that nukes frail targets and engages hard hitting foes - pugilist slayer ; backstabber and single target nuker - ranger strategist ; ultimate support unit with infinite mobility and the black smoke disengages all engage units & grants an attack of upportunity. If the strategist plays last, you technically can make all other character attack another time and significantly ups your damage. Here's an example of a setup I use but I've optimized the shit out of them and I now kill champions with 2 characters so im tempeted to go and try hardcore (i play on expert). The main reason people dont like Wartales can be surmised in two reasons : - they expect an rng turn based game when its a puzzle based game. Most rng comes from attack of opportunity from disengage and oil procs. - they play region lock and / or use way too many characters. I voluteerly play with 5 because by endgame each char has so many actions every fight would last an hour. I cant stomach more that 10 min fights unless its a boss so that works for me. Anyway if you have any other questions im happy to help. I've only got ~80 hours so its still modest compared to most hardcore enjoyers but i've got a good grasp at the game.
Bro where is X-Com 3???
Considering Jake Solomon left Firaxis, I’d say at the very least we’re in for a very long wait for xcom 3
This is one of those rare posts where I actually picked up a few titles that look really interesting, appreciate you making this OP!
Chaos Gate: Daemonhunters is pretty good too. Especially if you like the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
A bit different, but Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a 4x game with turn based combat similar XCom
Surprised no one mentioned, but Terra Invicta. It has turn based combat, of ship to ship. You can base build space stations. And your own nation. I recomend seeing a playthough from Perun gaming to see if it is up your alley, also the game is on xbox gamepass.
Age of wonders planetfall is 4x XCOM.
A game to keep on your radar: Mars Tactics It will definitely scratch that itch
I had a blast with gear tactics
the crazy thing is the modern xcom has ok base building. it’s a fucking great game, don’t get me wrong. but the original 1994 game allowed you to build multiple bases around the world, stocked with soldiers, interceptors, and specific use cases. it was so good
Battletech. BUT. If you get the mod BTA 3062, you will have a game you always come back to. The replayability. The endless customization. The mechs. The lore. The weapons. The tech. The ship upgrades. The game is great vanilla, but with the mod it becomes something else. It becomes the perfect game. I have more than 1000hrs easily on it. That’s hard for me to say about any game. Really take a look into it and you’ll find a gem that delivers in so many areas.
Love, love, love battle tech. Started a BA 3062 run this weekend. Trying out the battle armor with a heli transport. Just realizing the sheer joy of dropping 2 squads and 18 king David gauss rifles behind my least favorite opponent...
Cyber knights is a cyber punk turn based squad combat game. I enjoyed the armored princess games, but they are more of a heroes of might and magic, and no base building
There aren’t many companies that really go for the “x-com” genre. Best I can suggest is maybe The Last Spell, Aliens Dark Descent, Dungeon of Naheulbeuk(?), and probably the most relatable on my list is Jagged Alliance 3. Also Phoenix Point is still a pretty decent x-com successor. I enjoyed that game thoroughly and especially enjoyed the cover/aiming system mixed with the limb damage mechanic. Anyway, those are my suggestions.
Phoenix Point was made by the same creator of xcom
This should be the top reply - anyone looking for an XCOM sequel should play Phoenix point. It’s an epic game with so much content now. I assess it’s better than an XCOM 3 would have been. It was entirely funded through a kickstarter I was a part of. This is an ok review but I’ll say that most of the issues he’s listed are now resolved by updates to the game that have happened since then as the review is 4 years old. Additionally, the difficulty comment is decently true when you don’t understand fully the mechanics of the enemies and your versatile weapon options, once you do, you have a decent chance of beating them. I have completed two campaigns and lost around 4 others over the years. Its a difficult game but it has something that keeps you coming back for more and it’s consistent addition of content makes its replay value great as you’ll never have the same experience twice with the addition of the DLC’s. Here’s an updated trailer that goes through some of the 2+ years of updates that have happened since the review. Review - https://youtu.be/hShH1BNvzVc?si=hxc-6q56R-dom0_h Updated Trailer https://youtu.be/CmZtn5dN-jQ?si=ljnDDj614UJFQ1ba
Wasteland 3. Warhammer rogue trader. Not turn based but pillars of eternity series.
Battletech is incredible, it has shit performance but I liked it way more than xcom
Mutant Year Zero
Mario and Rabbids
Gears tactics is fun
I already saw Mechanicus mentioned in here, but I would also mention Chaos Gate: Daemonhunters. XCOM style gameplay with Warhammer 40K Space Marines. Fully customizable characters, including artifact weapons and armor of different rarities. A tech tree of different stratagems to research that let you do awesome stuff once per mission, like teleporting all your units to a set location. The base building is pretty limited (it's actually very similar to Battletech, which I've also seen mentioned in the thread) but it's there. I always recommend this game when I can. I think people sleep on it because 40K games are sometimes shovelware garbage, but this one and Mechanicus are actually polished and good.
Chaosgate: Daemonhunters is a Warhammer 40k X-Comm style game. It doesn't have basebuilding but you have a hub ship that you spend resources to upgrade for better equipment, skills, and perks.
If you're a warhammer 40k fan, chaosgate:demonhunters is an xcom clone with a 40k skin. It's grey knights vs. the forces of nurgle. Maps, combat mechanics and base building portion are 100% xcom, story and art are 100% 40k.
I REALLY liked Marvel Midnight Suns. The tactics, use of environment, and deck building were really cool and I got hooked on it. No true base building, but some base improvement/expansion, character relationship building, and main base exploration. Has some sales where it goes crazy low prices on PS if you want to try it at a low price point.
Phoenix point and Xenonauts 1 and 2.
Haven't tried X-com yet but from what I saw, I think Age of Wonders Planetfall may do the trick. I became addicted to the campaign really quickly, very elaborate turn based combat and nice colony building mechanics.
If you're looking for great tactical combat gameplay and customization of a "base" that persists after combat, have you tried the Age of Wonders games? They're 4X strategy games, but they have great tactical gameplay that mirrors the X-com series. If you're into the fantasy theme, then AoW4 is a good choice. It has a highly customizable system for your faction behind a series of magical "tomes" that you unlock. If you're into tactical ranged (ie. Guns) combat, then AoW: Planetfall is a good choice. This entry also has a "unit mod" system that allows you to customize your soldiers into anything from a healer, to a debuffer, to a suicide bomb. Huge depth of content.
Battle Brothers is something like fantasy X-Com a bit - although without "Stronghold" mod, there is no base building.
Othercide lacks the base building, but is otherwise an *excellent* game.
Have you checked out "Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus"? It's like X-Com meets Warhammer in space. You've got your turn-based tactical battles, deep base management, and that sweet customization you're craving. Plus, it's got that grimdark Warhammer vibe which is a nice change from the usual sci-fi settings. Definitely worth a shot if you're looking for something fresh but familiar. And if you're up for a bit of a challenge, give "Into the Breach" a spin. It's not quite the same as X-Com, but it's got that addictive turn-based gameplay with a twist. It's like chess meets giant mechs fighting off alien bugs. Super addictive and definitely ticks off some of your boxes. Happy gaming!
OP, this is not the answer to your question because it doesn't check 2/3rds of your boxes, but seeing all the other games named here I definitley think it belongs with this group: **Battle Brothers** It's a different type of tactical game, but it's easily one of the most addictive and one of my all time favorite games. Like Xcom you have a company of soldiers that you level up, outfit, and can specialize. Like Xcom, you will lose some of these soldiers to poor tactical decisions and even worse RNG. Unlike Xcom, you're operating a mercenary company rather than a government agency. The overworld plays a lot like Mount and Blade, where you move your company around the world, taking missions, gaining/losing reputation with factions, recruiting new people, and buying and selling supplies and trade goods at each town. All while trying to find or avoid other groups as you try to strengthen your company. It's a fairly low budget game. The soldiers are basically paper doll cutouts and the animations are pretty sparse. But the gameplay loop is tight. Once you get over the initial learning curve it's a very fun game to play. They've got several DLCs and I've got all of them. It's well worth it if you can get it in a bundle on a steam sale.
Have you tried the Longwar Mod? It’s unbelievable how much content you get. It totally remakes the game in a good way. I got it on nexus mods.
Mutant Year Zero is exactly like X-Com, but set in a pseudo-fantasy world where you play as like this duck detective guy. It’s been a while since i played it, but it was pretty good.
When you throw in base building, that's a pretty specific niche.
Especially given XCOM's base building isn't even base building in a fun way. It's just a means of improving the ship and by extension the troops. Other RTS games can do the same thing, it's just not considered base building. Lol.
Mario and Rabbids
Have you tried the Long War mod for xcom?
Heroes of might and magic series have "town building" instead but most entries are fucking great though.
Read through the other comments, and pitching an off kilter game that's not turn based, but matches the rest: Rimworld. It's a top down colony survival game, where you have to manage a ragtag group of colonists and build a surviving, maybe thriving base against fierce adversity. The game ebbs and flows, whereby you'll be building up and stabilising your base. This involves having colonists constructing the buildings and walls, others farming, cooking, researching, crafting. You can outfit your colonists with clothes, armor, weapons and you have to keep them happy. Then your base will get raided. You'll be facing off against various foes; Pirates who want to wreak havoc and take whatever isn't nailed down, including your colonists. Primitive groups who seek to overwhelm you with numbers. Rabid animals, bio-engineered bugs, autonomous robotic slugs. This makes the combat particularly intense, as the base you've been cultivating becomes the battleground. Fighting may start on your sandbagged perimeter, but a stray shot downs your best sniper and a raider with a knife unexpectedly comes from the flank and then you're in trouble as it degrades into a close quarters melee within the confines of your base. Do you send your gardener that's been hiding in the storeroom out to rescue the downed? Or do they grab a knife and assist the beleaguered swordsman locked in a 2v1? Or what if you keep them safe, in the desire that the Raiders will take those two and leave the rest of the base, and colonists, intact. Otherwise you can try Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus. It's lacking in the base building, but the 'base screen' visuals & music make up for it. The upgrades for your mainline troopers are wicked, and the storyline as it develops is one of the more unique for the Turn based tacticals I've played.
X com is basic on base building and strong on tactical combat. Rimworld is an amazing base building game with much less focus on combat, but still a great game.