XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM: Enemy Unknown Expansion Pack

Released

Release Date: November 12, 2013

Strategy, Science Fiction, Turn-based, Isometric View, Tactics, PS Plus Premium, Singleplayer

First huge add-on to the tactical strategy game, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, released in 2012. Created by the developer team at Firaxis Games, the expansion introduces many new features to basic game. One of the most important among them is a new resource – meld, a type of microscopic, robotic organisms that can modify human genotype. This allows humans to improve their body and even integrate mechanical parts into themselves.

9.0

Steam

6.0

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Ratings

 Videos: 5 

Images: 55 

XCOM: Enemy Within for PC, X360 and etc. is a large expansion for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, developed by Firaxis Games Studio, also known for Sid Meier’s Civilization V. The game introduces a lot of novelties. Among these there is a new type of resource, more weapons, upgrades, maps, skills, and new content designed for multiplayer.

One of the most important innovations is a new resource called “meld”. It is a kind of suspension made up of billions of cybernetic nanomachines – robotic organisms capable of modifying human genotype. This means that it is now possible to genetically “improve” human body or seamlessly connect it with mechanical components. This way soldiers can be genetically engineered. There are both offensive and defensive bio-modifications available.

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Connected to “meld” is also another soldier class introduced in XCOM: Enemy Within - Mec Trooper. In order to unlock it, you must first build a special building. You can send there one of your subordinates who then loses his current skills, but gains new ones. Through a series of medical treatments, amputations, and replacing human body parts with cold steel, you adapt your soldier for using Mechanized Exoskeleton Cybersuit, or MEC. The result is a cybersoldier, available in one of three versions: Warden, Sentinel, and Paladin. They all have different special abilities.

The new installment of XCOM also introduces medals that can be awarded to deserving commandos, thereby increasing their combat capabilities.

XCOM: Enemy Within for PC, X360 and etc. introduces two new types of aliens: the seeker and the mechtoid, as well as a human organization called EXALT, which aims to use alien technology to take control over the world.

PC version of the game, requires to have XCOM: Enemy Unknown installed. On consoles there is Commander Edition available, which consists of, in addition to the basic version of the game and Enemy Within, two DLCs - Elite Soldier Pack and the Slingshot Content Pack.

Platforms:

PC Windows November 12, 2013

Xbox 360 November 12, 2013

PlayStation 3 November 12, 2013

Android November 12, 2014

Apple iOS November 12, 2014

Developer: Firaxis Games

Publisher: 2K Games

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Game Series

14GAMES

XCOM Game Series

Tactical science-fiction strategies. The brand was created by Mythos Games and MicroProse studios. Currently the IP belongs to Take-Two Interactive and is developed by subordinate studios (including Firaxis Games, 2K Marin and Irrational Games).

XCOM Game Series

Base Game for XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Features

Downloads

Top downloads for XCOM: Enemy Within Video Game:

All Downloads

System Requirements

System Requirements for XCOM: Enemy Within Video Game:

PC / Windows

Recommended System Requirements:
Quad Core i5 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 9600 GT or better), 20 GB HDD, Windows Vista/7/8.

Ratings

Game Ratings for XCOM: Enemy Within Video Game.

90%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (1,998)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Expansion of Gameplay: The DLC adds significant depth and variety to the original game, introducing new enemies, story missions, and technologies to research. Players appreciate the mix of new tactical options and the overall enhancement of the gameplay experience.
New Content: The addition of almost 50 new maps, new units (like the Seeker and Mechtoid), and the introduction of the EXALT faction adds to the strategic complexity and replayability.
Gene Mods and MECs: Players enjoy the new mechanics of genetic modifications and mech suits, which provide unique enhancements to soldiers and alter gameplay strategies.
Tactical Challenges: New missions and mechanics, such as the time-limited Meld resource, encourage players to adopt more aggressive strategies instead of camping.

The main cons of the game

Technical Issues: A significant number of users report that the game fails to launch after recent updates, rendering it unplayable. Many have tried various fixes without success, leading to frustration among the player base.
Poor Execution of EXALT: While the concept of the EXALT faction is intriguing, players feel it is poorly executed, lacking depth and posing minimal threat, which diminishes the excitement of facing them.
Pricing Concerns: Some users suggest that the current price for the DLC is not justified, especially considering it is an expansion of an older game. They recommend waiting for sales or purchasing bundled offers instead.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Support for Technical Issues: Players express disappointment over the lack of support from 2K for the game's technical problems, especially for those using Windows 10 or higher.
Enhanced Threat from EXALT: Users feel that the EXALT faction could have been developed further to provide a greater challenge, suggesting the addition of more advanced weaponry or unique units to make them a more formidable opponent.
Quality of Life Improvements: Some players wish for better integration of mods and the removal of restrictive DRM features that have been criticized in the updated Terms of Service.

Summary

Overall, while XCOM: Enemy Within is praised for its content and enhancements to the original game, the current technical issues and concerns over the execution of certain features have led to a mixed reception among players.

Summary generated on: October 28, 2025

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Average score from votes.

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