How to Install XCOM: Chimera Squad on Linux
I found Firaxis Games' XCOM from listacles of popular Steam games natively available on Linux. I finished the first story, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, and immediately played the XCOM: Enemy Within expansion pack. I did the same with XCOM 2 and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen downloadable content (DLC). I then learned that its sequel, XCOM: Chimera Squad, isn't natively available on Linux operating systems.
After years of hoping for a Linux port, I got curious about how the Steam Proton compatibility software for Linux might support Chimera Squad. To my surprise, the results were great with minor bugs throughout game-play. Below I'll explain how I installed XCOM: Chimera Squad on Linux operating systems (OSes).
Install XCOM: Chimera Squad on Linux
Follow the steps below to install XCOM: Chimera Squad on Linux via Steam.
- Ensure there are many recent, positive ProtonDB Linux and Steam Deck game compatibility reports.
- Install Steam from your Linux distro repositories.
- Purchase XCOM: Chimera Squad. Sales are common but random.
- From the Library page, on the left, select XCOM: Chimera Squad.
- Click the settings (gear) icon on the right, then "Properties."
- On the left, select "Compatibility."
- If recent reports for the latest version are good, select the top option. If some are bad, consider using the latest Proton version with good reviews.
- Allow Proton to install.
- Exit the settings window.
- On the left, click the blue button to install XCOM: Chimera Squad.
- Once installation is complete, press the green button to play XCOM: Chimera Squad.
- Choose "Play XCOM: Chimera Squad" and select "Play," unless you want to access the Mod Launcher.
You may be blocked from earning Steam achievements while using mods.
Spoiler Tips for XCOM Chimera Squad
Spoilers ahead.
How Long is XCOM Chimera Squad?
It took me about two weeks, with an average of 2-5 hours daily, to complete my first campaign.
Is XCOM Chimera Squad Good?
Yes, if you accept that its not XCOM 3. This is not a sequel to the main XCOM story and its worldwide effects. There's a lot of world-building from the XCOM Chimera Squad characters' dialog and radio banter, similar to XCOM 2. However, the Chimera Squad game is an experimental take on usual XCOM turn-based combat mechanics with a smaller scale story.
Do You Know Anything about an XCOM 3 Release?
No, I've not heard any XCOM 3 news or anything related to XCOM 3 confirmed. Will there be an XCOM 3? I don't think so, at least not anytime soon. Even XCOM co-creator Julian Gollop recently asked in a PCGamesN interview: "Where's XCOM 3?" Now seems to be a great time for another XCOM sequel since many fans seek similar games to "scratch that XCOM itch."
Many other franchises are creating XCOM-style games to capitalize on its popularity and to fill the gap while XCOM is abandoned. Phoenix Point, released in 2020, in its Steam description starts with "acclaimed strategy game from the creator of X-COM." Marvel's Midnight Suns, released in 2022, is an obvious example because Firaxis Games developed it. XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2 senior art director Greg Foertsch, now founder of Bit Reactor, is working on turn-based Star Wars Zero Company.
XCOM: Chimera Squad Gameplay Tips
I never had an issue with saves in Chimera Squad, unlike other entries in the XCOM franchise. However, there are a lot of reported and confirmed bugs. I've experienced a major bug during each playthrough. The most notable one was the inability to use Torque's poison spit ability.
Expect a strong sense of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and affirmative action initiative mixed with radical feminism or misandry (anti-male hate). Said plainly, expect a diverse cast and women periodically addressing men in a condescending manner. It reminds me a little of the Black Panther movie. Surprisingly, the one obviously black man on the team is competent, confident, and useful, at least for my gameplay style.
Spoiler: Its not recommended to investigate Sacred Coil first. The Sacred Coil final mission has a massive difficulty spike.
Good luck, commander.
