OpenXcom Extended takes over from OpenXcom for the classic X-COM / UFO: Enemy Unknown

Remember the classic X-COM / UFO: Enemy Unknown? It's one of my favourite strategy games from the 90s, and now the open source OpenXcom is switching hands.

OpenXcom is a game engine remake that uses the data from the original game (so you need to own it - or Terror from the Deep) with various added enhancements to have it run natively out of the box on modern platforms (like Linux!). However, there's also OpenXcom Extended that has a number of extras added to the base game while keeping it true to the vanilla experience. The Extended version is mostly quality of life features like UI improvements and various little things, like improved modding.

In a blog post on the OpenXcom website, the developer has told everyone that OpenXcom Extended is now basically the default you should go for:

OpenXcom Extended boasts many more features and modding capabilities than OpenXcom, and has been in active development since 2014 by Yankes and Meridian. Veterans and modders are well familiar with it, but new players might be intimidated. Which version is right for you?

Let me make it simple for you: OpenXcom Extended

OpenXcom has been in maintenance mode for years, while OpenXcom Extended has thrived. It’s time to make it official:

• OpenXcom Extended (OXCE) is the recommended version going forward, and the website and wiki will (eventually) be updated to reflect this. This is the “latest OpenXcom” to play.
• OpenXcom (OXC) will become the legacy/historical version, only accepting bugfixes and kept around for old systems and mods.

The king is dead, long live the king!

Getting it running on Linux via Steam is pretty simple thanks to projects like Luxtorpeda. You can use ProtonUp-Qt to add Luxtorpeda into Steam, then select it via the Compatibility tab for X-COM and it will let you pick OpenXcom Extended to run it with. Tracks playtime correctly too. Nice!

Pictured - OpenXcom Extended on Fedora KDE Linux

I might have to play through it again as it's been a good few years since my last attempt. Easily still to this day one of the best strategy games ever. If you've never played it — maybe it's time to fix that. You owe it to yourself.

See more on the OpenXcom website.