Firaxis announced it is ending the support for the “XCOM 2” multiplayer and Challenge Mode in the coming weeks. While the announcement did not specifically mention it, the shift is notably happening months ahead of the anticipated release of “Marvel’s Midnight Suns.”
“We will be retiring services for Multiplayer and Challenge Mode for the Steam version of the game,” the developer announced earlier this week. The “XCOM 2” Windows PC version will receive an update on Monday, March 28, that will ultimately remove these game modes.
“XCOM 2” launched in 2016 with a multiplayer feature that lets players go on battles against other squads that can be composed of both aliens and XCOM forces. But most players deemed it not a major component of the game, while others have previously noted that the multiplayer lacks key functionalities available in the single-player campaign. The Challenge Mode, on the other hand, featured daily challenges that can be completed as a solo player. One of the goals is to climb up a leaderboard by beating other players in their efforts to accomplish said challenges.
Firaxis noted that the change would not affect other platforms. This means “XCOM 2” players on Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch will be able to play multiplayer and Challenge Mode.
Since these features are not viewed as the main component of “XCOM 2,” most Windows PC players might not mind losing them after a few years. The developer also has a legitimate reason for sunsetting these game modes. “The decision to retire these services isn’t something done lightly, but it does allow us to refocus our resources,” Firaxis added.
The studio did not specify where its sources will be diverted from the “XCOM 2” multiplayer and Challenge Mode. But it is worth noting that Firaxis is currently developing “Marvel’s Midnight Suns.” The upcoming tactical RPG will have players assume the role of a new superhero named The Hunter. The game also features characters from several Marvel IPs, including Iron Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Captain Marvel, and Doctor Strange. The game is currently scheduled to launch later this year.


SoftBank and Intel Partner to Develop Next-Generation Memory Chips for AI Data Centers
Sony Q3 Profit Jumps on Gaming and Image Sensors, Full-Year Outlook Raised
AMD Shares Slide Despite Earnings Beat as Cautious Revenue Outlook Weighs on Stock
SpaceX Seeks FCC Approval for Massive Solar-Powered Satellite Network to Support AI Data Centers
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Acquires xAI in Historic Deal Uniting Space and Artificial Intelligence
Global PC Makers Eye Chinese Memory Chip Suppliers Amid Ongoing Supply Crunch
Sam Altman Reaffirms OpenAI’s Long-Term Commitment to NVIDIA Amid Chip Report
Google Cloud and Liberty Global Forge Strategic AI Partnership to Transform European Telecom Services
Nintendo Shares Slide After Earnings Miss Raises Switch 2 Margin Concerns
Oracle Plans $45–$50 Billion Funding Push in 2026 to Expand Cloud and AI Infrastructure
Tencent Shares Slide After WeChat Restricts YuanBao AI Promotional Links
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says AI Investment Boom Is Just Beginning as NVDA Shares Surge
Palantir Stock Jumps After Strong Q4 Earnings Beat and Upbeat 2026 Revenue Forecast
Nvidia Confirms Major OpenAI Investment Amid AI Funding Race
TSMC Eyes 3nm Chip Production in Japan with $17 Billion Kumamoto Investment
Nvidia, ByteDance, and the U.S.-China AI Chip Standoff Over H200 Exports 



