XCOM: The Board Game – Evolution

Fantasy Flight Games, Galakta, Giochi Uniti · Board game · 2016
— Ludopedia 7.7 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 90 min Weight 2.7/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're already a fan of XCOM: The Board Game and are looking for an even greater challenge, XCOM: Evolution is the perfect fit. This expansion supercharges the real-time cooperative experience with new threats and resources, keeping the tension sky-high. It's for those who enjoy the pressure and complexity of managing a global war against aliens and traitors, with the chance to deploy some giant robots to help. A robust addition that elevates the base game's level.

Highlights
  • New threats and challenges
  • More complex mechanics
  • Introduction of MEC Troopers
  • Increases tension and immersion
  • Maintains real-time pace
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Increases complexity
  • Can be punishing
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hello, Commander! The war against the aliens rages on, and the cost is escalating. But as if the extraterrestrial threat wasn't enough, it seems a new shadowy force is at work, and if we don't act swiftly, XCOM could be destroyed from within! XCOM: Evolution is the expansion you needed to make your life even more complicated (in a good way, of course!) in XCOM: The Board Game. Get ready for brand new missions, even more treacherous enemies, and invasion plans that will test your limits. The mechanics have been tweaked to make every decision more dangerous and every success harder-won. As alien forces spread and peril increases, the sinister humans of EXALT emerge to take advantage of the chaos and infiltrate XCOM from within. Their treachery will lead to new crises, subvert your work, and threaten the vital resources you need to win the war. But not all is lost! Your team has also made some incredible advances since the war began. The discovery of the mysterious alien substance known as Meld promises to unlock astonishing breakthroughs in the field of biomechanics. And guess what? XCOM: Evolution allows you to pursue some of these advances, potentially bringing formidable new weaponry to the field in the form of imposing MEC Troopers! So, more challenges, more dangers, but also more tools to kick alien and traitorous human butts. The war has never been more thrilling!

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Galakta, Giochi Uniti, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer Mark Larson, Samuel Bailey

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,919owners
354wishlist
69want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is XCOM: Evolution a standalone game or an expansion?
It's an expansion! To play XCOM: Evolution, you need to own the base game XCOM: The Board Game. It adds new elements and challenges to the original experience.
How many players can participate with this expansion?
Like the base game, XCOM: Evolution supports 1 to 4 players, maintaining the intense cooperative experience for your group.
What is the average playtime with the expansion?
A game with the expansion typically lasts between 90 and 90 minutes, similar to the base game, but the added complexity might extend it slightly if your group is more deliberative.
Does the expansion significantly increase the game's complexity?
Yes, it introduces new mechanics like the EXALT threat and MEC Troopers, which add strategic layers and a bit more complexity. It's ideal for those who have mastered the base game and are looking for a new challenge.
What are the main highlights the expansion adds?
Key highlights include the EXALT enemy faction, which operates internally, new missions and invasion plans, and the ability to develop and deploy powerful MEC Troopers to combat threats.
Is this expansion hard to find?
As an expansion released in 2016, it might be a bit harder to find new copies. I recommend checking online specialty stores or second-hand board game communities.