XCOM 2 system requirements

You've thought about it long and hard, and now you've decided that you want to play XCOM 2. Only one question remains: Can you? The answer, I'm happy to say, is, probably, yeah. The system requirements turned up on Steam today and all in all, they're pretty light.

In your face with the facts!

The Sectoid:

OS: Windows® 7, 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E4700 2.6 GHz or AMD Phenom 9950 Quad Core 2.6 GHz
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5770, 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or better
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 45 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card

The Mechtoid:

OS: Windows® 7, 64-bit
Processor: 3GHz Quad Core
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: 2GB ATI Radeon HD 7970, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or better
Storage: 45 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card

Regardless of the hardware you bring to the table, you'll also require an internet connection for the ol' Steam authentication process.

And if you've thought about it long and hard, but still haven't actually decided whether you want to play XCOM 2 or not, be sure to have a look at our hands-on preview, which includes both words and video. The short version: If you're in the mood for aliens, you're in the mood for XCOM. XCOM 2 comes out on February 5.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.