After nearly a decade of development and three years in early access, the sci-fi grand strategy game from the creators of XCOM’s popular Long War mod officially launches, earning an impressive 87% “Very Positive” rating on Steam.

After nearly a decade in the making, Terra Invicta has finally made its debut on Steam, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. This sci-fi strategy title takes the alien defense concept popularized by XCOM and expands it with faction-driven geopolitical tactics that echo the grand strategy genre, reminiscent of games like Crusader Kings. This unique blend is clearly striking a chord, even if the game’s complexity might deter some newcomers.

A glance at a screenshot of Terra Invicta reveals its intricate design: political maps, asteroid charts, and spaceship schematics layered with what some might uncharitably call Excel spreadsheets. Players must not only fend off an alien invasion but also navigate a web of rival factions worldwide while plotting to colonize the solar system.

Having reached version 1.0 on January 5, the game currently boasts an impressive 87% “Very Positive” rating in recent Steam reviews. One user review encapsulates the sentiment perfectly: “If you ever wanted a grand strategy game like Europa Universalis 4 mixed with a more aggressive version of Kerbal Space Program, all wrapped in a lengthy campaign where you might not realize you’ve made a mistake until 30 hours in… this is the game for you. For the right kind of gamer, this is it. You know who you are; go buy it.” Notably, this reviewer has logged over 900 hours of playtime.

Both positive and negative feedback highlight that if you don’t have several dozen hours to invest in mastering Terra Invicta’s complexities, it may not be the right fit for you. However, if you’re ready to dive into a massive grand strategy experience and have hundreds of hours to spare, this could be your perfect match.

Developed by Pavonis Interactive, a studio formed by key members of the team behind the Long War mod for XCOM, Terra Invicta began its journey in 2017. After a successful $200,000 Kickstarter campaign in 2020, it entered early access in 2022. Clearly, seven years of development have resulted in a game rich in depth and strategy.