XCOM: Chimera Squad takes over where the previous XCOM game left off, and it mostly earns its keep. The 2020 expansion for PC asks players to lead a squad made up of human soldiers and alien exoskeletons, fighting a war on two fronts. It is a smaller package than the full game, but it still delivers solid tactical depth and a new layer of storytelling.
Trailer, via XCOM.
Two Squads, One Mission
The core loop remains the same: move a team across a grid, fight, survive. What changes is the cast. Players command a squad split between humans and aliens, each with their own skills and weaknesses. That mix forces players to think about positioning and tactics in fresh ways, since an alien can absorb damage while a human can spot enemies from a distance.
Case Files and Objectives
Chimera Squad moves away from the open-world structure of the base game toward shorter, focused missions tied to individual case files. Each file presents a specific threat, a specific target, and a specific set of objectives. This shift narrows the scope but also tightens the focus, giving each mission a clearer sense of purpose.
The Numbers Hold Up
The game’s systems hold up well. Cover still matters. Overwatch still punishes careless movement. The alien abilities add new wrinkles without breaking the balance. Nothing here feels broken or unfair.
A Shorter Run
The campaign is shorter than the base game’s. That is a fair trade, given the narrower focus. Most players will finish the main story within a dozen hours, though side content and replayable missions extend the life of the game beyond that.
Replay Value
Chimera Squad includes a ranked difficulty mode and a challenge system that rewards careful play. Players who want a harder test can return to missions with tougher enemy numbers and better gear. That replayability gives the game a second life beyond the main story.
The Verdict
XCOM: Chimera Squad is a strong addition to the series, even if it is a smaller one. The dual-squad setup adds real variety, and the focused case-file structure keeps missions tight and focused. It does not reinvent the wheel, but it does not need to.
Score: 7.8 out of 10.
| Session | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Mission | Story | 30–60 minutes |
| Ranked Difficulty | Challenge | Varies |
| Side Content | Replay | Varies |
- Dual squad of humans and aliens
- Case-file missions
- Ranked difficulty
- Replayable missions
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