XCOM®: Enemy Within

XCOM®: Enemy Within Take command of XCOM®: Enemy Within and defend your base on the continent. Build powerful labs, research Meld, upgrade MEC troopers, and outsmart new alien threats and EXALT.

XCOM®: Enemy Within

XCOM®: Enemy Within is a standout strategy experience that pairs striking sci-fi visuals with a mix of action and adventure. You step in as the commander of the XCOM project, managing everything from operations at home base to the unfolding battles beyond its walls. Your job is to set up a base on your chosen continent and keep the operation running smoothly—while you lead the organization’s global forces against an alien invasion that’s getting closer by the day.

Key Features

New Soldier Abilities

• Build the Genetics Lab to boost your operatives with physical augmentations, including upgrades for the chest, brain, eyes, skin, and legs.
• Build the Cybernetics Lab to craft the Mechanized Exoskeletal Cybersuit, or MEC.
• The new MEC Trooper class brings specialized abilities, and each MEC suit can be improved with fresh weapon options such as a flamethrower and a grenade launcher.

New Weapons and Equipment

• Unlock additional tactical advantages through new engineering projects and innovations produced via the Foundry.

New Enemy Threats

• Face two additional alien types, requiring you to adjust your approach and tactics.



• Confront a ruthless new hostile faction: EXALT.

New Strategic Resource

• Discover Meld, a valuable alien resource.
• Collect Meld during missions, then bring it back to base to use it carefully for new research and upgrade unlocks.

Fresh Tactical Challenges and Maps

• Stealth-style missions and intelligence-driven operations introduce new tactical problems across 40+ battlefields.

New Multiplayer Maps, Units, and Abilities

• Assemble your custom squad from a broader set of choices.
• Take on opponents in intense, one-on-one, turn-based matches using new units and abilities.

What You’ll Gain

• Gene Mod Research: You must study alien gene modifications to strengthen soldiers and unlock powerful improvements.
• MEC Trooper Suits: MEC Troopers offer heavy firepower and strong defense, making them ideal for turning difficult fights around.
• New Psychic Skills: Learn additional psychic powers to influence the battlefield—such as controlling enemies, generating protective shields, and supporting teammates from behind the front line.
• New Alien Types: Expect more monster varieties, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.



• EXALT Organization: The central storyline focuses on stopping EXALT, a faction attempting to showcase its advanced technology and cunning strategies to seize world control.



• Upgraded, Evolving Aliens: Enemies adapt over time, so your tactics must evolve alongside them.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Adds new abilities, weapons, and upgrade paths
• Introduces MEC Troopers and genetic modifications
• Expands gameplay with new maps and mission types
• Brings improved multiplayer content

Cons

• Requires the original base game

Conclusion

XCOM: Enemy Within is a brilliant expansion to an already excellent strategy foundation. With additional missions, technological upgrades, and the strategic value of Meld, it strengthens nearly every part of the original experience. If you enjoy turn-based firefights and deep customization, this upgrade is an important step in the XCOM legacy.