In defense of XCOM: Chimera Squad

January 26, 2026 3 Min Read

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XCOM: Chimera Squad was announced shortly before its release and sold for a discounted price of $10. Despite the initial positive reception due to the lack of extensive marketing, the game received criticism for being a simplified version of XCOM. The strategy layer was especially criticized for being overly complex and tedious. Some user reviews on Steam even accused the game of being “preachy” and “SJW crap.” However, the absence of hidden enemy pods in Chimera Squad was praised as it allowed for a more dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Overall, while there were some negative reviews, many praised the game for its unique approach to combat encounters.

Lining up a shot on an aggressive acolyte during a slow-motion breach turn — (Image credit: 2K)

I enjoy the breach turn in Chimera Squad where you strategically position your squad and take out enemies in a single shot. It’s a thrilling moment every time, with the element of risk involved in trying to take down enemies efficiently before the fight even begins. Unlike XCOM 2, which can feel drawn out and artificial, Chimera Squad’s encounters are intense and fast-paced. The game’s interleaved turns system adds to the tension, requiring you to prioritize and strategize to take out enemies before they have a chance to act.

Cherub considers his next move during a firefight in a cathedral — (Image credit: 2K)

While the traditional Firaxis games feel like a board game, Chimera Squad resembles an RPG with unique characters having their own skills, backgrounds, and voice actors. Criticisms about Chimera Squad’s dialogue being labeled as “SJW crap” or “millennial” are absurd, as the banter in the game is reminiscent of classic screwball comedies or crime stories, not a modern phenomenon. Complaining about its style is comparable to criticizing a remake of an old movie for having “Buzzfeed-style millennial writing.”

Chimera Squad's Australian hybrid Zephyr says, — (Image credit: 2K)

Chimera Squad is a group made up of both humans and aliens who are trying to establish new lives on Earth after being freed from the mind control of the ethereals in XCOM 2. Some players may be disappointed if they always saw aliens as villains in XCOM games. However, the game includes humorous elements like jokes about mixing alien and human cuisine, such as a fusion restaurant and unique cereal. Critics had mixed reactions, with some disapproving of the diverse cast while others saw it as promoting law enforcement. Despite this, Chimera Squad is not a police force but an anti-terrorist team focused on preventing misuse of alien technology. The game’s exaggerated and light-hearted tone makes it difficult to analyze its political themes deeply, akin to a cartoonish version of G.I. Joe.

(I have a separate rant about how G. I. Joe is progressive and anti-war actually, but I’ll spare you that.)

Torque, Chimera Squad's viper teammate, wraps her coils around an enemy and says, — (Image credit: 2K)

In Chimera Squad, if one of the squadmates dies, the game ends, which is a stark contrast to regular XCOM where leaving someone behind or losing them is common. In XCOM, once soldiers are promoted, they become valuable and I usually reload to save them unless playing ironman mode. Losing top agents in XCOM can lead to a death spiral of struggling with a weaker team until the Chosen defeat you. Ending the run when losing top agents in XCOM 2 would be a relief.

Chimera Squad is different from XCOM and may not work in a potential XCOM 3, but as an expandalone budget spin-off, it is a great place to experiment with the game’s formula. The uniqueness of Chimera Squad allows for enjoyable replayability alongside XCOM 2.

Terminal shoots down from a height at a winged archon — (Image credit: 2K)

XCOM 2 has completely taken over my love for Enemy Unknown. When I attempt to replay Enemy Unknown, I feel nothing but regret that I’m not playing XCOM 2, as it is a superior version of the same game. Chimera Squad doesn’t replace XCOM 2; it enhances it like a perfectly matched dessert. Plus, at least it’s not a free-to-play mobile game.