PCGame

X-COM: UFO Defense

Turn-based alien defense with squad battles and global strategy

MicroProse Software, Inc · Published by 2K · Released Sep 4, 2008

Strategy

Reviews
Overwhelmingly Positive
96% of 3,292
Recent reviews
Very Positive
100% of 12 in 30 days
Players
37
daily peak, Nov 7, 2026
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Last update on Steam
Unknown
no patch notes on Steam
Minimum PC
–
not published

What is X-COM: UFO Defense?

This is an isometric, turn-based strategy game in which a government-backed organization defends Earth from aliens. You shoot down UFOs, lead soldiers through crash sites to recover alien equipment, and use it for research and manufacturing while monitoring government funding.

For you if...

  • +you like difficult, turn-based squad combat against aliens
  • +you enjoy making strategic decisions between ground battles
  • +you prefer slow, methodical play to quick matches

Not for you if...

  • −you want forgiving combat with few soldier losses
  • −you dislike managing research and equipment between battles
  • −you need a modern interface with clear guidance

What players say

96% of 3,292 reviews are positive · 100% of 12 in the last 30 days

Players praise the tense squad battles and the strategy surrounding them. They complain about the dated, confusing interface and harsh difficulty; several recommend OpenXcom for interface and bug fixes. Some also report crashes or corrupted saves.

Players over time

▲ +7% vs a month ago

Players online on Steam, one sample a day.

Highest since Sep 2026: 50 players on Oct 18, 2026.

Show the data
DayPlayers
Nov 7, 202637
Nov 6, 202635
Nov 5, 202629
Nov 4, 202631
Nov 3, 202632
Nov 2, 202643
Nov 1, 202641
Oct 31, 202637
Oct 30, 202633
Oct 29, 202639
Oct 28, 202632
Oct 27, 202628
Oct 27, 202641
Oct 26, 202633
Oct 25, 202644
Oct 24, 202634
Oct 23, 202638
Oct 22, 202650
Oct 21, 202641
Oct 20, 202632
Oct 19, 202638
Oct 18, 202650
Oct 17, 202640
Oct 16, 202627
Oct 15, 202629
Oct 14, 202635
Oct 13, 202630
Oct 12, 202647
Oct 11, 202642
Oct 10, 202629
Oct 9, 202632
Oct 8, 202645
Oct 7, 202631
Oct 6, 202622
Oct 5, 202631
Oct 4, 202640
Oct 3, 202629
Oct 2, 202637
Oct 1, 202628
Sep 30, 202634
Sep 29, 202624
Sep 28, 202627
Sep 27, 202638
Sep 26, 202630
Sep 25, 202628
Sep 24, 202627
Sep 23, 202617
Sep 23, 202632
Sep 22, 202631
Sep 21, 202637

Screenshots and trailer

X-COM: UFO Defense screenshot 1

X-COM: UFO Defense system requirements

As published by the developer.

Can my PC run X-COM: UFO Defense?

The published requirements do not name a graphics card we can compare.

Set up my PC →

Minimum

Processor
80386 processor or better
Memory
4Mb RAM

Does X-COM: UFO Defense have co-op or multiplayer?

No: single-player only, no multiplayer modes declared.

Does X-COM: UFO Defense run on Steam Deck?

Unsupported No: Valve rates it Unsupported on Steam Deck.

  • Not supported on SteamOS

PC version details

DRM
None declared on Steam
Controller
Keyboard and mouse
Platforms
Windows
Steam features
Family Sharing
Languages
Text only: English.

Does X-COM: UFO Defense use AI-generated content?

No AI-generated content is disclosed on the game's Steam page.

Self-reported by the developer under Steam rules: it covers AI content that ships in the game, not tools used to make it. Steam page checked on Oct 27, 2026. How to filter AI games on Steam

Tags

Games like X-COM: UFO Defense