As profitable and critically acclaimed as XCOM 2 could also be, it won’t have finished a lot for you when you’re a fan of the unique X-COM video games. As an alternative, 2014’s Xenonauts was a extra true-to-form re-envisioning, and its Early Entry sequel simply obtained an enormous new replace.

Xenonauts 2 launched by way of Steam Early Entry in July 2023, virtually a full decade after its predecessor first got here out, and it’s been trucking alongside ever since. Its newest replace, Milestone 3 (model 3.0.8) is substantial certainly, introducing an all-new Cruiser UFO encounter, Fusion-tier weapons for the invaders and Xenonaut forces, and quite a lot of different fine details, such because the upgraded ARES fight drone. One other big enchancment is the swap over to the Unity 2022 model of the engine, although the addition of a brand new cellular weapons platform is clearly the extra thrilling tidbit.

Xenonauts 2’s Milestone 3 provides a bunch of latest content material, closing launch pending nonetheless

Described by the developer as “much less a direct sequel and extra a re-imagining of the unique imaginative and prescient, that includes a contemporary engine, a brand new setting, and refined mechanics,” Xenonauts 2 takes place in a neo-Chilly Battle setting within the late aughts, all of the whereas retaining the spirit of the unique X-COM alive and effectively.

Milestone 3 is, broadly, all about increasing the sport’s Early Entry marketing campaign mode. Based on the official weblog submit, Xenonauts 2‘s full marketing campaign received’t be playable from tip to toe earlier than Milestone 5, however model 3.0.8 continues to be an enormous step ahead. Notably, the marketing campaign’s size has been prolonged from 180 to 260 days, and a complete new stage of expertise is now out there for gamers to peruse.

A very powerful items of latest content material, all fueled by the tech discovered within the Cruiser UFO, are:

• The ARES fight platform (MARS improve)
• Pegasus dropship
• Gemini interceptor
• Fusion-tier armaments

Except for a bunch of latest content material, gamers may sit up for improved load occasions and correct borderless windowed assist due to the transition over to Unity 2022. Additional, the sport’s AI has additionally been improved, which ought to make the complete marketing campaign way more fascinating in moment-to-moment gameplay.

• Civilians at the moment are much less suicidal
• Melee items will “make higher selections” in fight
• AI items will transfer out of the best way of fireside and smoke and open doorways to shock tenting Xenonauts
• Cleaner items will behave extra aggressively and push in direction of the Xenonaut dropships when doable

Hooded Horse has additionally delivered a lot of enhancements to the pre-mission preparation display screen, Abduction, Knowledge Raid, Extract VIP, and Remove VIP missions, in addition to a set of balancing modifications.

The complete 1.0 launch of Xenonauts 2 hasn’t been referenced by the developer, however with at the least two extra main Milestone updates coming down the road, it doesn’t seem like on the horizon simply but.