Xenonauts 2 is going into Early Access on July 18

Hooded Horse have announced that the sequel to Goldhawk Interactive’s tactical alien defense game, Xenonauts 2 will go into Early Access on July 18.

The original Xenonauts was technically a 2014 fan apology for a perceived over-modernization of the series in Firaxis Game’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It was closer to the original 1994 version of the core gameplay, focusing on offering a layered and expansive campaign against alien invaders.

Xenonauts 2 wants to expand on that. Set in 2009 during a narratively extended Cold War, your task will be to protect Earth from different extraterrestrial threats. As it appears, this isn’t a continuation of Xenonauts, but a more “badass” version of it, with full 3D graphics and additional strategic depth. The developers themselves describe Xenonauts 2 as “less a direct sequel and more a re-imagining of the original vision, featuring a modern engine, a new setting, and refined mechanics”.

Xenonauts 2 is coming to PC via Early Access on July 18 on Steam, GOG, and Epic Game Store.