Top 10 Games Like Aliens Dark Descent

In the realm of strategy video games, titles like Aliens Dark Descent hold immense significance. They marry intricate strategy mechanics, deep narrative immersion, and detailed character customization, fostering a rich, immersive gameplay experience. This RTS genre challenges players to think critically and adapt quickly, making every decision consequential and rewarding. That is why I have listed here the 10 best titles that are like Aliens Dark Descent for you to play & invest hundreds of hours into them.

Game Like Aliens Dark Descent

Here is an overview of all ten games that are similar to Aliens Dark Descent. 

10. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Comparing Aliens Dark Descent and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, both games fundamentally rely on strategic squad-based gameplay but diverge considerably in mechanics and ambiance. In both titles, the player commands a squad of characters, each possessing unique abilities, thereby setting the stage for an in-depth tactical experience.

Mario + Rabbids, however, employs a turn-based strategy approach contrasting with Aliens Dark Descent’s real-time combat. This variance alters gameplay pacing and decision-making processes; in Mario + Rabbids, players are given ample time to plan their moves and predict enemy reactions, whereas Aliens Dark Descent’s real-time strategy necessitates quick reactions and decision-making under pressure.

Storywise, Mario + Rabbids’ whimsical mash-up universe populated by eccentric characters differs starkly from Aliens Dark Descent’s suspenseful Xenomorph-infested moon station. In terms of environmental interaction, Aliens Dark Descent encourages exploration with changes to level layout, such as welding doors, having lasting implications.

Mario + Rabbids, however, mainly utilizes environmental interaction for puzzle-solving, rather than altering the strategic landscape. Character customization also diverges with Mario + Rabbids focusing on unlocking abilities and stats while Aliens Dark Descent emphasizes both physical and mental health management.

Pros

• Turn-based gameplay allows thoughtful strategy.
• Whimsical setting and characters add charm.
• Rewarding puzzle-solving elements.
• Clear level progression through chapters.

Cons

• Combat may be too simple for some.
• The story might not appeal to everyone.
• Limited environmental interactions.
• Character selection constraints in battles.

9. Shadowrun Returns

Character customization in Shadowrun Returns and Aliens Dark Descent is extensive, yet different – Aliens Dark Descent manages physical and mental states within predetermined classes, while the RPG lets players form their characters from scratch and allocate ‘karma’ to any skill. In terms of exploration, both games present an interactable environment.

However, Aliens Dark Descent’s environmental changes are more permanent, affecting navigation paths. There’s an undeniable allure to games like Aliens Dark Descent, where every decision could be your last. Overall, both games share a similar strategic layer, yet they diverge significantly in combat style and character progression, presenting unique challenges for players in each.

Pros

• Wide range of character customization
• Tactical, turn-based combat
• Interactive exploration elements
• Diverse archetypes to play
• Unique ‘Karma’ progression system

Cons

• Gameplay could be too linear
• Managing a squad may be complex
• Multiple archetype mastery could be challenging
• Non-persistent environment changes
• Summoned spirits can turn hostile

8. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus

Aliens Dark Descent and Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus both delve into the realm of combat-focused strategy games, albeit with different emphasis points. Aliens Dark Descent’s real-time, top-down strategy contrasts with Mechanicus’ turn-based combat system, adding a distinctive flavor to each.

Unique mechanics in Mechanicus, such as resurrection and hidden enemy stats, create a different layer of strategic depth compared to Aliens Dark Descent’s more traditional RTS combat. The character management aspect is present in both, although Aliens Dark Descent focuses more on maintaining the physical and mental health of squad members.

Aliens Dark Descent’s persistent changes to the game’s environment significantly differ from Mechanicus’ narrative-driven progression. Finally, both games are set in richly detailed, sci-fi universes that promise deep immersion, yet the difficulty scaling issue in Mechanicus might somewhat hamper this experience. If you’re a fan of tactical strategy, you’ll find a lot to love in games like Aliens Dark Descent.

Pros

• Unique combat mechanics
• Thematic battles in the rich universe
• Extensive unit customization
• Variable difficulty options
• Engaging narrative events

Cons

• Difficulty scaling could be better
• Some mechanics may feel too complex
• Narrative choices can feel like random
• Lack of persistent environmental changes
• Might be confusing for non-40k fans

7. Phantom Brigade

Aliens Dark Descent and Phantom Brigade both incorporate strategic gameplay but in distinct ways. Aliens Dark Descent places players in an immediate, real-time combat scenario, while Phantom Brigade leans more towards guerrilla-style tactics against foes.

Character customization is present in both games, although Aliens Dark Descent puts more emphasis on both physical and mental health maintenance. While exploration is promoted in Aliens Dark Descent, it doesn’t appear as prominent in Phantom Brigade, which focuses more on equipment usage and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

With its emphasis on unit customization and tactical depth, Phantom Brigade secures a spot in the pantheon of games like Aliens Dark Descent. The key divergence lies in the narrative aspect: Aliens Dark Descent offers a deeply entrenched story set in the Alien universe, whereas Phantom Brigade’s story feels more like an abstract scaffolding with less character depth or lore to engage with.

Pros

• Strong focus on guerrilla tactics
• Extensive equipment options
• Simple enemy mechanics
• Unique modular mech system
• Potentially expandable with updates or mods

Cons

• Repetitive enemy types
• Minimal narrative depth
• Lacks character diversity
• Limited strategic modifiers
• Might need additional development or modding

6. Empire Of Sin

Comparing Aliens Dark Descent to Empire of Sin reveals a shared emphasis on real-time strategy but with different thematic and gameplay elements. Both games allow player squads to undertake missions, with Aliens Dark Descent’s squad combating Xenomorphs and Empire of Sin’s gang expanding a criminal empire.

Character traits and squad management are integral to both, influencing gameplay outcomes. Empire of Sin, however, offers an array of possible crew members and a deeper management system to control your empire’s operations.

The exploration in Aliens Dark Descent contrasts with Empire of Sin’s neighborhood control, emphasizing territorial acquisition and racket management. In terms of narrative, Aliens Dark Descent is set in a well-established cinematic universe, while Empire of Sin immerses players in the Prohibition era, creating distinct narrative experiences.

Pros

• Rich character selection
• Detailed empire management system
• Neighborhood-based territorial control
• Prohibition-era setting
• Roguelike game elements

Cons

• Complex management might overwhelm
• Less focus on exploration
• Limited narrative depth compared to Aliens Dark Descent
• Heavy reliance on conquest for growth
• Variable character traits can disrupt a player’s orders

5. Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden

While differing in theme, Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden shares the strategic depth that defines games like Aliens Dark Descent. Placing side by side the Aliens Dark Descent and Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden published by Funcom, similarities arise in their foundational RTS mechanics and squad-based gameplay.

Both games employ real-time exploration and turn-based tactical combat, with an emphasis on tactical positioning and ambush strategies. The respective characters of each game feature unique abilities and skills, contributing to diverse gameplay experiences.

However, while Aliens Dark Descent has its narrative rooted in the Alien franchise, Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden offers a branching storyline with a party of mutated characters, imbuing with a unique flavor. Notably, the focus on maintaining the squad members’ physical and mental health in Aliens Dark Descent diverges from Funcom’s game, where character growth is reflected more traditionally via a skill tree and equipment upgrades.

Aliens Dark Descent’s exploration, which is layered with unique game mechanics such as door welding and motion trackers, contrasts with the more standard flashlight exploration and looting mechanics in Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden. These differences ensure that despite sharing a genre, each game delivers a unique experience.

Pros

• Unique mutated character design
• Branching storyline
• Skill tree-based character growth
• Expansion content available
• Stealth elements in gameplay

Cons

• Lack of health management mechanics
• The more conventional exploration system
• Potentially less cohesive narrative
• Ambush tactics might be difficult for some
• Additional content requires separate purchase

4. Battletech

As one examines Aliens Dark Descent and Battletech, both reveal a common ground in their genre of real-time strategy games that center on commanding a squad, with mechanics allowing players to retreat when situations get dire. They both emphasize the significance of strategic planning, with the ability to influence the battle outcome.

Battletech’s emphasis on mechanical strategy and tactical thinking makes it a stalwart among games like Aliens Dark Descent Nevertheless, Aliens Dark Descent has a survival horror edge, pushing players to maintain the physical and mental health of characters in a hostile environment. On the other hand, Battletech leans more toward business management. Players negotiate contracts and manage resources to repay a growing debt, resulting in a different type of tension.

Battletech’s combat, driven by probabilities and outcomes, can result in unpredicted consequences. In contrast, Aliens Dark Descent allows a manipulation of time to strategically execute actions, thereby giving players a bit more control over battles. In Battletech, the delight of victory is often found in mastering the interplay of different unit types and abilities, while Aliens Dark Descent finds its charm in real-time tactics and survival mechanics.

Pros

• Detailed battle mechanics
• Robust business management system
• Intense, consequential decision-making
• Squad preservation mechanics
• Mech customization

Cons

• Possible unfair RNG outcomes
• Economic pressure might overwhelm some
• Missions can become too challenging
• Less emphasis on individual character
• The reputation system may discourage retreat

3. Hard West 2

At first glance, Hard West 2 and Aliens Dark Descent both delve into the concept of squad-based strategy, though they approach it with distinct themes and mechanics. Hard West adopts a heavily fictionalized version of the American Old West combined with supernatural elements, contrasting with Aliens Dark Descent’s science fiction horror set in a moon base.

Both games revolve around strategic decision-making and team management, but their tactical gameplay unfolds differently. Hard West, like Aliens Dark Descent, utilizes a top-down perspective but operates in a turn-based fashion as compared to Aliens Dark Descent’s real-time battles. Hard West 2’s unique lack of randomness, where the hit probability is replaced by a Luck System attribute, adds a unique twist to the genre that contrasts Aliens Dark Descent’s manipulation of time in combat.

The robust tactical framework of Hard West 2 earmarks it as one of the games like Aliens Dark Descent. Character improvement is central in both games, yet Hard West 2’s poker card system diverges from Aliens Dark Descent’s mental and physical health management. Furthermore, the ability to escape mid-mission, prominent in Aliens Dark Descent, is absent in Hard West.

Related: Hard West 2 Copper Vultures Gang

Pros

• Unique turn-based strategy mechanics
• Character abilities and improvement system
• An engaging blend of Western and supernatural themes
• Absence of randomness in combat
• Detailed cover system

Cons

• Absence of mid-mission retreat options
• Limited character narrative and development
• The unique luck system may confuse some
• No real-time combat option
• Reaction shots can add unexpected challenge

2. Gears Tactics

Gears Tactics, while in the same realm as Aliens Dark Descent regarding the top-down perspective and squad management, takes a strikingly different narrative and gameplay approach. While Aliens Dark Descent is set in a horrifying off-world environment, Gears Tactics places its plot on planet Sera, which is under threat by the subterranean Locust Horde, generating a significantly different atmosphere and story.

In terms of gameplay, both games revolve around a team of uniquely skilled characters battling hostile forces. Like Aliens Dark Descent, Gears Tactics utilizes the concept of perma-death, adding tension and realism. However, Gears Tactics operates in a turn-based format with free map exploration, compared to Aliens Dark Descent’s real-time combat and time manipulation. Also, Gears Tactics’s execution mechanic, which rewards all units with an additional action point, introduces an exciting layer of strategy absent in Aliens Dark Descent.

Gears Tactics, with its emphasis on character customization and tactical thinking, belongs in the list of games like Aliens Dark Descent. However, one notable disparity lies in the mid-mission escape, a crucial element in Aliens Dark Descent but not present in Gears Tactics. Further, the narrative scope of Gears Tactics appears more vast and involved, possibly offering a richer story-driven experience than Aliens Dark Descent.

Pros

• Thrilling turn-based tactical gameplay
• Rich and involving storyline
• Innovative execution mechanic
• Extensive character customization
• Free map exploration

Cons

• No mid-mission evacuation option
• No real-time combat
• Absence of multiplayer mode
• Non-grid map might confuse some players
• Character perma-death may frustrate players

1. XCOM 2

Comparing XCOM 2 with Aliens Dark Descent reveals a striking resemblance in the strategic gameplay but with divergent specifics. Both games are strategy-oriented and allow players to command a squad of soldiers against extraterrestrial threats. While Aliens Dark Descent has real-time combat mechanics and players can manipulate time to strategize, XCOM 2 employs a purely turn-based tactical combat system with elements of map concealment, enhancing the need for calculated decision-making.

In Aliens Dark Descent, the mental and physical health of the characters influences their performance and survival, whereas XCOM 2 uses a class-based system and unlocks character abilities as they gain experience. The permanence of the level layout changes in Aliens Dark Descent contrasts the procedurally generated maps in XCOM 2, which guarantee a unique environment with each playthrough.

The five starting classes in Aliens Dark Descent, and their distinctive abilities and weapons, somewhat align with the five soldier abilities in XCOM 2, but the latter also introduces the “Psi Operative” class which wields telepathic and psionic powers, diversifying gameplay strategies.

Both games have a base of operations – a moon base in Aliens Dark Descent and the mobile Avenger ship in XCOM 2 – where squad members can be upgraded and resources managed. The story of each game carries their gameplay forward, with Aliens Dark Descent continuing after Alien 3 and XCOM 2 being a resistance against alien occupation. The strategic interception of communications signals in XCOM 2 is akin to the resource-gathering objective in Aliens Dark Descent, with both games integrating the narrative into the gameplay for an immersive experience.

Related: XCOM 2 Mods Not Working

Pros

• Diverse soldier classes with unique abilities.
• Procedurally generated maps ensure variety.
• “Ironman” mode for increased challenge.
• Extensive customization options for characters.
• Interactive world elements like hacking and ambushing.

Cons

• No real-time combat mechanics.
• Absence of mental health system.
• Missions can feel repetitive over time.
• Lack of permanent changes to the environment.
• The automatic loss from Avatar Program can be frustrating.

In conclusion, the gravitas of titles like Aliens Dark Descent in the gaming industry cannot be overstated. These titles push the boundaries of interactive storytelling and strategic depth, shaping the evolution of the genre. They demonstrate how a compelling mix of high-stakes decision-making and narrative immersion can create unforgettable gaming experiences. And with this, I reach the end of Games like Aliens Dark Descent.