Aliens: Dark Descent

Real-time squad tactics where every marine death is permanent

Tindalos Interactive · Published by Focus Entertainment · Released Jun 19, 2023

Reviews: Very Positive; 88% of 19K
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 83% of 166 in 30 days
Playing now: 146; right now
Steam Deck: Playable
Last update: 2 years ago; Nov 22, 2023

What is Aliens: Dark Descent?

A top-down real-time tactics game where you command Colonial Marines trying to contain a Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe. Across large, persistent levels, you move the squad as a unit, avoid detection, issue combat orders, set up motion trackers and safe zones, and manage stress, resources, and permanent losses. Between missions, you develop marines and research technology at your base.

For you if...

+you enjoy tense real-time tactics mixed with stealth and horror
+you like customizing soldiers and managing limited resources
+you want a solo campaign with lasting mission consequences

Not for you if...

−you prefer turn-based combat or direct character control
−you want multiplayer or cooperative squad play
−you dislike permadeath, stress systems, or campaign time pressure

What players say

88% of 18,896 reviews are positive · 83% of 166 in the last 30 days

Players praise the way its look, sound, and squad combat evoke Aliens. The dominant complaint is technical trouble: players report progression-blocking bugs, crashes, and performance problems. Some also object to the campaign timer and restrictive save system.

Screenshots and trailer

Aliens: Dark Descent system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 or 11
Processor: AMD FX-6300 / Intel Core i3-6100
Graphics: 3 GB VRAM, AMD Radeon R9 380 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 60 GB available space
DirectX: Version 12
Notes: 30 FPS, 1920x1080 in low

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Full controller support
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 45
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing

Steam Deck: Playable

Some in-game text is small and may be hard to read
All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration
Shows Steam Deck controller icons
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck
External controllers are not supported for the primary player

Multiplayer and co-op

Single-player

Languages

Full audio: English. Text only: French, Italian, German, Korean, Polish, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish - Latin America, Traditional Chinese, Japanese.