XCOM 2 Launch Times Revealed, Pre-Load Now Available

XCOM 2 is set for release this Friday across all territories and is now available to pre-load if you’ve already preordered a copy of the game on Steam or possess a key you purchased from an online retailer like Green Man Gaming.

Developed by Firaxis, the upcoming turn-based strategy game is the sequel to the reboot of the 1990s classic, X-COM (with a dash). It’s also our number one most highly anticipated game of February 2016. Check out our list here.

The game offers more mission variation than ever before, and adds all new AI mechanics so aliens now seek out pods, or squads to belong to while in battle against the player instead of allowing themselves to be picked off one-by-one. These alien pods work the same way the player’s XCOM squad does by complementing each other with their abilities and tactics, making for a much more challenging experience.

In addition, the game sees tons of new customization options so players will be able to create exactly what they want in an XCOM squad.

Here’s when the game is set to launch:

Asia and Australia: 5:01am AEST February 5
Europe, Russia and Africa: 12:01am CET February 5
East Coast US: 12:01am February 5
West Coast US: 9:01pm February 4

If you pre-order the game now, you can get the Resistance Warrior Pack for free. It includes new customization options for your soldiers, including new headgear, facepaint, and outfits. It also comes with the “Survivor of the Old War” recruit, who’s based on the old XCOM team.