What is the best game similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

The closest game to XCOM: Enemy Unknown is Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, scoring 94/100 on our similarity scale. They share 6 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

The three closest games to XCOM: Enemy Unknown are: 1. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (94/100, 6 shared attributes) 2. Into the Breach (92/100, 9 shared attributes) 3. Shogun Showdown (92/100, 7 shared attributes). All share XCOM: Enemy Unknown's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 46 candidates across 13 dimensions.

Is Into the Breach similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

Yes, very much so — Into the Breach scores 92/100 similarity to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. They share 9 attributes, including deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RPG games are similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

The best RPG games similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown are Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, Into the Breach, Shogun Showdown and Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest. All share the RPG genre alongside other key XCOM: Enemy Unknown attributes like deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and single-player focus.

How is similarity to XCOM: Enemy Unknown calculated?

We compare XCOM: Enemy Unknown against every game in our catalog using 13 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the XCOM: Enemy Unknown experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

Are there free games similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

Yes — Dota Underlords is free and scores well on similarity to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.

46 Games like XCOM: Enemy Unknown that you should try

Games like XCOM: Enemy Unknown · Find similar →

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If XCOM: Enemy Unknown left you wanting more, this list of 46 similar games is for you. Each one shares part of its essence — deep RPG systems, punishing difficulty and procedural generation — and is ranked by a similarity score computed across 13 attributes. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon comes closest (94/100).

iRank89/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

Top games similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown

46 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Each one has been evaluated across 13 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon

iRank83

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalIsometricFantasy

IGDB83· 3

Year 2008Dev Nintendo SPD Production Group No. 2 · Nintendo

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalProceduralSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 94%· 22KIGDB90· 10OC88· 73

Year 2018Dev Subset GamesOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and deep simulation

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design and visual pixel, while skipping punishing difficulty

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreProcedural2D

Steam👍 95%· 6.7KIGDB90· 2OC87· 20

Year 2023Dev Roboatino · Goblinz PublishingPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and roguelike runs

≠ Stands apart with card game strategy, visual 2d and visual pixel, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam GOG

#4Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalHardcoreBase BuildingSkill TreeIsometric

IGDB90· 2OC86· 65

Year 2015Dev Nintendo SPD · Nintendo

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and roguelike runs

≠ Its own twist: strong narrative focus and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalIsometricRanged

IGDB75· 8

Year 2017Dev Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development · NintendoOn Android · iOS

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, deep simulation and turn-based strategy

≠ Its own twist: ranged combat, fantasy world and historical setting, while skipping roguelike runs

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreProceduralSci-FiSkill TreeIsometric

Steam👍 95%· 12KRAWG👍 83%· 46IGDB94· 1OC90· 11

Year 2015Dev Freehold Games · Kitfox GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and deep simulation

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, survival mechanics and strong narrative focus, while skipping multiplayer gameplay

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalProceduralSci-FiSkill TreeIsometric

Steam👍 85%· 108KRAWG👍 83%· 1.3KMC88IGDB85· 29OC87· 126

Year 2016Dev Feral Interactive · 2K GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Apple Macintosh

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and roguelike runs

≠ Stands apart with melee combat, post-apocalyptic world and historical setting, while skipping punishing difficulty

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#8Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalBase BuildingSkill TreeIsometric

IGDB90· 2OC85· 64

Year 2015Dev Nintendo SPD · Nintendo

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and roguelike runs

≠ Where it differs: brings strong narrative focus and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalIsometricFantasy

Steam👍 42%· 233RAWG👍 74%· 71MC77IGDB50· 1

Year 2001Dev Nival Interactive · NivalPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Where it differs: brings card game strategy and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam GOG

#10Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalIsometricFantasy

IGDB90· 1

Year 1996Dev Square · Nintendo

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Nintendo

#11RimWorld

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalProceduralSci-FiBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 98%· 239KRAWG👍 87%· 620MC87IGDB75· 2OC86· 11

Year 2016Dev Ludeon StudiosPlaytime ~19hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, deep simulation and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with survival mechanics, real-time strategy and sandbox freedom, while skipping roguelike runs

Details →

Steam GOG

#12Fire Emblem: Three Houses

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalIsometricFantasyThird Person

IGDB93· 9OC89· 122

Year 2019Dev Intelligent Systems · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, fantasy world and visual third person, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Nintendo

#13Might & Magic: Heroes VI

iRank58

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalBase BuildingIsometric

Steam👍 48%· 9.2KIGDB78· 3

Year 2011Dev Black Hole Entertainment · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, historical setting and setting medieval, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalIsometricFantasy

IGDB85· 6OC84· 112

Year 2023Dev ArtePiazza · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling and fantasy world, while skipping deep simulation

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloMultiplayerTacticalNarrativeFantasy

Steam👍 83%· 493RAWG👍 79%· 90MC78IGDB70· 1

Year 2003Dev Nival Interactive · Strategy FirstPlaytime ~1hOn PC

✓ Fits the turn-based CRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with card game strategy, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus, while skipping deep simulation

Details →

Steam GOG

Complete list of XCOM: Enemy Unknown alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with XCOM: Enemy Unknown, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Monster Train

RPG · Deck Builder

Bravely Default

RPG · Adventure

Fire Emblem Engage

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Northgard

RPG · Simulation

Jagged Alliance: Crossfire

RPG · Simulation

The Banner Saga

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Tactical Breach Wizards

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Invisible, Inc.

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Xenogears

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Keep Driving

RPG · Adventure

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Wargroove

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Chroma Squad

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Eador. Masters of the Broken World

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Gears Tactics

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense

RPG · Tower Defense

Darkest Dungeon®

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Dota Underlords

RPG · Deck Builder

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

RPG · Puzzle

Final Fantasy VII

RPG · Adventure

For the King

RPG · Adventure

Spice&Wolf VR2

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Torment: Tides of Numenera

RPG · Adventure

Gorky 17

RPG · Puzzle

Wizardry 6: Bane of the Cosmic Forge

RPG · Adventure

Sword of the Stars: The Pit

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Fate/Grand Order

RPG · Visual Novel

Derelict Star

RPG · Deck Builder

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

RPG · Turn-Based Strat

Explore games similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Turn-Based CRPGs Best CRPG Games Best RPG Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?: The closest game to XCOM: Enemy Unknown is Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, scoring 94/100 on our similarity scale. They share 6 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and single-player focus. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like XCOM: Enemy Unknown?: The three closest games to XCOM: Enemy Unknown are: 1. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (94/100, 6 shared attributes) 2. Into the Breach (92/100, 9 shared attributes) 3. Shogun Showdown (92/100, 7 shared attributes). All share XCOM: Enemy Unknown's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 46 candidates across 13 dimensions.
Is Into the Breach similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?: Yes, very much so — Into the Breach scores 92/100 similarity to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. They share 9 attributes, including deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?: The best RPG games similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown are Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, Into the Breach, Shogun Showdown and Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest. All share the RPG genre alongside other key XCOM: Enemy Unknown attributes like deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and single-player focus.
How is similarity to XCOM: Enemy Unknown calculated?: We compare XCOM: Enemy Unknown against every game in our catalog using 13 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the XCOM: Enemy Unknown experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.
Are there free games similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown?: Yes — Dota Underlords is free and scores well on similarity to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.