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Xenonauts 2

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentHow this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Xenonauts 2 is hard to replace: few games combine deep simulation, sandbox world and combat tactical in quite the same way. We compared Xenonauts 2 against over 6,700 titles across 13 gameplay attributes and found 42 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Crusader Kings III, Songs of Syx and Crusader Kings II lead the list, with Crusader Kings III reaching a 84/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes Xenonauts 2 special.

iRank83/ 100

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GenreStrategySubgenreGrand Strategy
Tags
Solo
Year 2026Dev Goldhawk Interactive

Quick answer

The closest game to Xenonauts 2 is Crusader Kings III — scoring 84/100 on our similarity scale. Songs of Syx and Crusader Kings II follow close behind.

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Top games similar to Xenonauts 2

42 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Xenonauts 2. 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.

#1Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalManagementSkill TreeIsometric
Steam👍 90%· 140KRAWG👍 89%· 465MC86IGDB91· 3OC90· 94
Year 2020Dev Paradox Developement Studios · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~12hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings real-time strategy, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping setting scifi

A grand strategy game about dynasties rather than borders: characters have traits, stress, secrets and lifespans, and most of the story comes from managing relatives who want what you have. Far more approachable than CK2. Warfare is the shallow part, and once you understand the systems the difficulty largely disappears past the first century.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting.

Genre100Combat100World100Progression100Visuals100Game mode54
#2Songs of Syx
Songs of Syx
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldManagementIsometricEarly Access
Steam👍 95%· 8.2K
Year 2020Dev Jake the Dev · Jakob de LavalPlaytime ~6hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with survival mechanics, vibe casual and open world exploration, while skipping deep RPG systems

Inspired by Nordic mythology and fused with nostalgia from the ’80s-’90s, Songs of Syx aims to deliver a unique city-builder experience on an epic scale. You start off as a colony-sim, and tend to your minions, micromanage your assets and try to stay off your neighbor’s radar.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100World79Progression40Visuals34
Crusader Kings II
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometricMultiplayer
Steam👍 91%· 74KRAWG👍 64%· 755MC82IGDB84· 2
Year 2012Dev Paradox Development Studio · Paradox InteractivePlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and deep RPG systems

≠ Stands apart with fantasy world, setting medieval and multiplayer gameplay, while skipping combat tactical

Crusader Kings II is a global RTS which takes place in the Middle Ages of Europe. The players will govern a house of nobility of that time, and ensure that its heritage will last for centuries.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 14 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100World100Visuals100Game mode53Setting46
Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldManagementDarkNarrative
Steam👍 86%· 2.0KRAWG👍 48%· 25MC75
Year 2015Dev Northway GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and deep RPG systems

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, horror tension and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping combat tactical

It's been a few years since the zombpocalypse turned the world's cities into graveyards and sent the few survivors into hiding. Now you must gather them up and restore civilization to a ruined city, one building at a time.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100World100Progression49Setting0Visuals0
Dwarf Fortress
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricStealth
Steam👍 95%· 31KIGDB84OC90· 13
Dev Bay 12 GamesOn Linux · PC · Mac

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, sandbox freedom and deep RPG systems

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, roguelike runs and open world exploration, while skipping combat tactical

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: combat and setting.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals100World61Progression42Combat0
Ultimate Arena
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSandbox WorldHistoricalIsometric
Steam👍 80%· 992RAWG👍 14%· 21
Year 2016Dev TriverskePlaytime ~4hOn PC · Linux

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for turn-based strategy, deep simulation and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings horror tension, cozy, relaxing feel and strong narrative focus, while skipping deep RPG systems

Many will enter, one will win. It has taken a few millennia for the art of the arena to be perfected, but we've finally done it. Ultimate Arena puts you in charge of the greatest battle royale, the one that you pick who fights and the conditions they fight under. Take charge by setting up landmines, deploying care packages, and initiating arena events.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100World67Visuals47Setting44
MASSIVE CHALICE
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementMagic
Steam👍 72%· 1.9KRAWG👍 36%· 131MC73IGDB70· 3OC74· 32
Year 2015Dev Double Fine ProductionsPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect deep simulation, turn-based strategy and deep RPG systems

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, roguelike runs and combat magic, while skipping sandbox freedom

Massive Chalice is a fantasy turn-based tactical game in the vein of XCOM. ###Plot The player assumes the role of an immortal leader in a fantasy kingdom. A dark power called Cadence repeatedly attacks the kingdom, corrupting everything it touches.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Xenonauts 2.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 11 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Combat71Progression50Setting47
Sid Meier's Colonization (Classic)
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloHistoricalManagementIsometricFantasy
Steam👍 96%· 1.1K
Year 2014Dev MicroProse Software · Nightdive StudiosPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and historical setting

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, fantasy world and base building, while skipping deep RPG systems

Special OfferOfficially Licensed Sid Meier's Colonization T-Shirts are available on Amazon! About the GameThe Tradition of Civilization Continues The New World lies before you with all its peril, promise and infinite possibility. Your colonists anxiously follow you to shore.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 12 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals86Setting58Progression51
Your Only Move Is HUSTLE
StrategyGrand Strategy
TacticalSandbox WorldMeleeNarrativeCozy
Steam👍 96%· 42K
Year 2023Dev Ivy SlyPlaytime ~4hOn PC

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, cozy, relaxing feel and melee combat, while skipping deep RPG systems

Equal parts deep, rewarding online PVP experience and creative sandbox for creating intense, shareable fight scenes, Your Only Move Is HUSTLE takes the classic fighting formula and turns it on its head. Take control of an over-powered fighter and use the power of precognition to plan out your every move, down to each moment.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting and visuals.

Genre100World100Combat77Setting0Visuals0
Sid Meier's Civilization® V
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalSci-FiSkill TreeIsometric
Steam👍 96%· 209KRAWG👍 91%· 2.0KMC90IGDB87· 5
Year 2010Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~27hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ If you enjoyed Xenonauts 2, expect turn-based strategy, deep simulation and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: ranged combat, fantasy world and setting medieval, while skipping deep RPG systems

Real-time strategy genre has always been about domination over your opponent, and Civilization in general expanded on the concept. Civilization 5 allows players to pick one of the 43 civilizations available in, including DLCs and the expansions.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: progression and game mode.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 16 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Visuals100Combat79Setting76Game mode49Progression34
Gnomoria
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloSandbox WorldManagementIsometricProcedural
Steam👍 75%· 3.5KRAWG👍 50%· 39
Year 2016Dev Robotronic GamesPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Shared with Xenonauts 2: deep simulation, sandbox freedom and turn-based strategy

≠ Where it differs: brings survival mechanics, roguelike runs and real-time strategy, while skipping deep RPG systems

Gnomoria is a sandbox village management game where you help lead a small group of gnomes, who have set out on their own, to thrive into a bustling kingdom! Anything you see can be broken down and rebuilt elsewhere.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: setting and progression.

On reception: its Steam reviews are mostly positive, against very positive for Xenonauts 2.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Visuals80World77Progression30Setting0
Advance Wars
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSci-FiIsometricMultiplayer
IGDB100· 1
Year 2001Dev Intelligent Systems · Nintendo

✓ Shared with Xenonauts 2: deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: multiplayer gameplay, visual 2d and visual pixel, while skipping deep RPG systems

Turn-based tactics stripped to essentials: unit triangle, terrain bonuses, capture points, and COs whose powers meaningfully change how you play. Readable within one mission. The campaign difficulty spikes sharply in its later maps, and there is no undo — a misread on turn three can cost a map you then replay from the start.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 25 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Setting57Visuals56Game mode55
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementIsometric
Steam👍 86%· 374KRAWG👍 88%· 1.4KMC88IGDB87· 20OC89· 95
Year 2016Dev Aspyr Media · 2K GamesPlaytime ~15hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Its own twist: fantasy world, multiplayer gameplay and base building, while skipping deep RPG systems

The sixth installment in Sid Meier’s Civilization series.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 10 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Visuals100Setting58Game mode54Progression51
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalSci-FiIsometricMultiplayer
IGDB91· 3
Year 2005Dev Intelligent Systems · Nintendo

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, turn-based strategy and combat tactical

≠ Stands apart with multiplayer gameplay and visual 2d, while skipping deep RPG systems

The dual-screen entry: two COs per army with tag powers, plus a much longer campaign than its predecessors. More systems on the board than any other entry. Those systems are also the criticism — tag powers can swing a map decisively, and the balance between COs is looser than in the earlier, tighter games.

It predates Xenonauts 2 by 21 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Visuals69Setting57Game mode55
Travellin Cats in China
StrategyGrand Strategy
SoloTacticalHistoricalManagementNarrative
Steam👍 92%· 1.0K
Dev KremlingamesPlaytime ~4hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Like Xenonauts 2, it's known for deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy

≠ Stands apart with strong narrative focus, open world exploration and visual 2d, while skipping sandbox freedom

Year 1976, the stormy Cultural revolution has died down, hard times of hongweibing and public critics are coming to an end. Old and sick Mao Zedong will soon leave China to his comrades from CPC.

Where it drifts furthest from Xenonauts 2: world and visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression72Setting67World0

Complete list of Xenonauts 2 alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Xenonauts 2, 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Xenonauts 2?
The closest game to Xenonauts 2 is Crusader Kings III, scoring 84/100 on our similarity scale. They share 11 gameplay attributes, including deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Xenonauts 2?
The three closest games to Xenonauts 2 are: 1. Crusader Kings III (84/100, 11 shared attributes) 2. Songs of Syx (72/100, 9 shared attributes) 3. Crusader Kings II (72/100, 8 shared attributes). All share Xenonauts 2's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 42 candidates across 13 dimensions.
Is Songs of Syx similar to Xenonauts 2?
Yes, very much so — Songs of Syx scores 72/100 similarity to Xenonauts 2. They share 9 attributes, including deep simulation and sandbox freedom. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What Simulation games are similar to Xenonauts 2?
The best Simulation games similar to Xenonauts 2 are Crusader Kings III, Songs of Syx, Crusader Kings II and Rebuild 3: Gangs of Deadsville. All share the Simulation genre alongside other key Xenonauts 2 attributes like deep simulation, deep RPG systems and turn-based strategy.
How is similarity to Xenonauts 2 calculated?
We compare Xenonauts 2 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 Xenonauts 2 experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.
Are there free games similar to Xenonauts 2?
Yes — Crusader Kings II is free and scores well on similarity to Xenonauts 2. It's a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.