Strategic auto battler Xenopurge is like XCOM meets Aliens, and it's out now

Aliens is a masterclass in building tension. With just a beeping sound and dots on a screen, James Cameron uses a motion sensor to ratchet up the fear before you even lay eyes on a Xenomorph. It's proof that terror works best when our imaginations fill in the gaps, as the uncertainty plays on our minds more than any monster can. This is the focal point of brand new strategy game Xenopurge, which has finally entered Steam Early Access with a sizable discount.

In Xenopurge, you control a squad of alien killers on yet another routine assignment. Sitting behind a desk adorned with keyboards, monitors, and myriad interfaces, it's your job to keep your soldiers alive and the mission on track. Joining some of the best auto battlers on PC, you do this by issuing orders and planning ahead. Think of it like XCOM or Gears Tactics, but you're stuck hearing your men's screams over the radio instead of in person.

Everything about Xenopurge is tactile. From navigating screens to pressing keys, your actions have far-reaching consequences. But don't worry, you can recruit new soldiers, bark more orders, and come up with entirely fresh strategies as you progress. With roguelite continuous progression, every single run in this strategy game will present you with a new challenge.

Now that Xenopurge is in Steam Early Access, there's an awful lot for you to get stuck into. The game currently has two playable squads, 20 commands, 25 pieces of equipment, and three difficulty modes per squad too. Developer Traptics says this represents over half of what will be in 1.0, with even more being added over time. You can expect new commands, squads, equipment, and even missions.

You'll want to get practicing, too, because Traptics adds that upcoming squads "will introduce entirely new mechanics that dramatically change how the game is played." The story will slowly unravel, but if you'd rather just command your troops, you can easily do that instead.

Traptics has now released Xenopurge in Steam Early Access. You can snag it at 22% off until Friday July 25, so expect to pay $9.74 / £8.24 until then. Just head here.

We've also got all the best roguelike games and grand strategy games, if you want more.

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