XCOM: Enemy Unknown: PC requirements and the PC you need

About XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game from Firaxis Games about defending Earth from an alien invasion. You run the secret XCOM organisation, building up your base, researching alien technology and deciding where to spend money, then command a small squad in tense tactical battles where soldiers who die are lost for good. You can play alone or against others online. It is rated PEGI 18. It is an older game that runs on modest hardware, so any of our gaming PCs handles it easily.

What XCOM: Enemy Unknown needs

In plain words: to play at all it needs almost any graphics, even the graphics built into the processor, and to play it well the makers suggest almost any graphics, even the graphics built into the processor, with 4GB of memory.

A low-spec PC or a high-spec PC?

This is a light game: almost any of our gaming PCs will run it comfortably at high settings.

On a PC that only just meets the minimum, the game will start and play, but on low settings: simpler shadows and textures, shorter view distances and fewer frames each second, so fast moments can feel less smooth. A 1080p screen is the sensible match.

On a PC that meets or beats the recommended spec, you can turn the settings up: sharper textures, proper shadows and lighting, more detail in the distance, and a smoother picture. A stronger PC also lets you use a sharper 1440p or high-refresh screen.

Questions about XCOM: Enemy Unknown on PC

How we match: we compare the graphics card and the memory in each PC with the makers' spec, because those decide most of how a game runs. For very new or demanding games, ask us and we will check the processor too. More help: graphics cards explained, how much RAM, which screen.