Is There Going to Be an XCOM 3?
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The burning question on every tactical strategy fan’s mind: Is there going to be an XCOM 3? The short, and perhaps frustrating, answer is: Not currently, but also, definitely maybe. While there’s no official announcement or concrete development news, key figures in the franchise have hinted at the series’ continued life. Let’s delve into what we know, what we don’t, and what might lie ahead for the beloved XCOM series.
The Current Status of XCOM
The last mainline entry, XCOM 2, was released in 2016 and its expansion, War of the Chosen, followed in 2017. Since then, we’ve seen the spin-off XCOM: Chimera Squad, which offered a different gameplay experience, but wasn’t a direct continuation of the main narrative. Jake Solomon, the creative mind behind both XCOM and XCOM 2, has stated that the series is “definitely not dead.” This, coupled with the series’ consistent popularity, suggests that a return is indeed possible. However, there are a few factors contributing to the uncertainty.
Jake Solomon’s Departure and New Venture
One significant development is that Jake Solomon, the director of the most recent XCOM titles, has left Firaxis Games. Solomon, known for his passion for the series, cited a desire to explore new creative avenues and take full control of his projects. He’s currently seeking funding to start a new studio in Baltimore, and while this move is exciting for the gaming community, it does add a layer of uncertainty to the immediate future of XCOM. While Firaxis still owns the IP, Solomon’s absence certainly shifts the dynamic of future development.
No Official Announcement, But a Seed of Hope
It’s crucial to remember that the absence of an official announcement does not mean a lack of activity. Game development is often a lengthy process with many projects in pre-production or early development that never see the light of day. So while we haven’t heard anything concrete about XCOM 3, the combination of the series’ profitability, Solomon’s “not dead” remark, and Firaxis’ established history makes the possibility more a question of “when” rather than “if.” It’s likely that development is either in early stages or simply not being publicly discussed, a common practice in the gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About XCOM
To provide a more complete picture for those eager for more XCOM information, here are 15 common questions related to the franchise:
1. How Many Years Passed Between XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2?
There’s a 20-year gap between the events of XCOM: Enemy Unknown/Within and XCOM 2. XCOM 2 is set in 2035, while XCOM: Enemy Unknown took place starting from 2015, putting the initial alien invasion at 1999 as mentioned in its lore.
2. What Happens After XCOM 2?
XCOM 2’s ending is intentionally open-ended. The Commander, having defeated the Elders, is pulled from the Avatar. It’s hinted that the remaining Ethereals could use the Avatar’s body to regroup and seek revenge, leaving the possibility for a future conflict. Chimera Squad takes place five years after the events of XCOM 2: War of the Chosen.
3. Should I Play XCOM Games in Order?
It is generally recommended to play the games in order of release:
- Start with XCOM: Enemy Unknown (or Enemy Within).
- Then move on to XCOM 2 (or War of the Chosen).
- Chimera Squad is a spin-off and can be played at any point after playing XCOM 2.
The core story runs sequentially through the titles. Starting with the first game allows you to appreciate the evolution of the gameplay and story.
4. Should I Start with War of the Chosen or XCOM 2?
It’s generally recommended to begin with the standard XCOM 2 game. War of the Chosen adds new, powerful enemy types, including the “Chosen.” These enemies can be overwhelming for newcomers. It’s best to experience the base game first, then delve into the expanded challenge of War of the Chosen.
5. What is Chimera Squad About?
XCOM: Chimera Squad is set in City 31, where humans and aliens are attempting to coexist peacefully. Players control a squad of diverse characters, both human and alien, in tactical missions. It offers a more character-driven experience with less base management than XCOM 2.
6. What are the Elders’ Motives in the XCOM Universe?
The Elders are searching for a cure, revealed by the Chosen, to counter a greater threat that they believe endangers the entire universe. Their invasion and experiments on Earth were part of this desperate search.
7. How Many Endings Does XCOM: Enemy Unknown Have?
There are two primary outcomes: a win, by completing the final mission, or a loss, by failing to defend the planet. There’s also a secondary condition where the volunteer soldier must survive.
8. Is XCOM Dead?
According to Jake Solomon, the series is “definitely not dead,” so it’s very much still on the cards for the future, despite no official announcements or ongoing work being publicly declared.
9. What is a S.H.I.V. in XCOM?
A S.H.I.V. (Super Heavy Infantry Vehicle) is a robotic unit that can be manufactured in XCOM: Enemy Unknown and is deployed as a replacement for human soldiers.
10. Why is it Called XCOM?
The acronym X-COM stands for “Extraterrestrial Combat.” This name was given to the clandestine military organization established to combat the alien invasion.
11. Is There a Time Limit in XCOM 2?
While XCOM 2 is less restrictive than the previous title, it does have a theoretical time limit. The aliens build structures that fill an “Avatar Project” progress bar, which can lead to a game over if left unchecked. However, players have some agency in reducing it.
12. What Happens if I Ignore Retaliation Missions in XCOM 2?
Failing a Retaliation Strike will reduce your region’s support and income, and you’ll have to re-establish contact with that region. It’s usually best to prioritize and deal with them in a timely manner.
13. Is XCOM 2 Kid-Friendly?
XCOM 2 is not particularly kid-friendly, as it contains graphic violence and depictions of soldiers smoking. The mature themes and tactical challenge might also be difficult for younger audiences to engage with.
14. What Does “Flanking” Mean in XCOM?
Flanking occurs when a unit moves to a position that negates an enemy’s cover bonuses. A flanked enemy will show a yellow shield icon and be more vulnerable to critical hits, making tactical positioning an essential element of combat. Red shields indicate that cover is not protecting an unit from being flanked.
15. What’s the Best Build Order in XCOM 2?
A balanced approach to your base building would be: Advanced Warfare Centre > Guerrilla Training School > Power Relay > Resistance Comms > Proving Grounds > Psi Lab. This is a good baseline, but will vary according to playstyle.
The Future is Unwritten
While the future of XCOM is uncertain, there is clearly a strong desire within both the development community and its fanbase for the series to continue. The hints dropped by Jake Solomon and the persistent popularity of the titles provide a solid foundation for hope. The development of XCOM 3 would undoubtedly be met with massive fanfare. As we wait for more information, now might be the time to dive back into the existing games and enjoy the tense, strategic gameplay that made XCOM a classic of the tactical turn-based genre. Be sure to stay tuned for any developments.