Gameplay / Features

XCOM 2 retains everything you like about the first game, and added more features that expands both the customization of the units and in dealing with combat in the ground and in the larger scheme of things.

There are five soldier classes with its own skill tree.

Combat is now more flexible because of the new concealment system. Ambush is now possible, which in the first game is almost impossible to pull off.

Looting is introduced with new gear and artifacts availble for the taking after destroying enemy forces.

New mission types like rescuing VIPs.

Fallen comrades can now be saved by carrying them into the extraction point.

Much diverse and menacing enemy units and alien spaces including hybrid humans and others.

Customize the Avenger rooms, giving the XCOM new capabilities on the battlefield.

Return of the Scientists and Engineers researching and building, respectively, alien tech for the units to use.

Mix and match squad members, be them alien or humans, and battle in a new multiplayer mode.

Terrain is now more varied, no map is exactly the same (well other than the tutorial).

Day one mod support with community tools to create campaign, alien, classes, gameplay additions, features. and others. Available through Steam Workshop.