Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 — Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. While the game is designed for 4-player co-op, you can play the entire campaign solo with AI-controlled marine teammates. The game supports both online co-op and single-player with bots. Horde Mode also supports solo play with AI teammates, though it is significantly harder alone.

Yes. The game features a full story campaign with 8 missions across 4 acts, taking approximately 12-15 hours to complete on Standard difficulty. The story follows Colonial Marines investigating a new Xenomorph outbreak between the events of Aliens (1986) and Alien 3. The story is self-contained but references events from the first Fireteam Elite game.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 supports 1-4 players. The campaign and Horde Mode can be played solo with AI teammates or with up to 3 other human players online for a total of 4. This is an increase from the first game, which only supported 1-3 players.

Horde Mode is a new endless survival mode introduced in Fireteam Elite 2. You and up to 3 teammates defend a fixed location against increasingly difficult waves of Xenomorphs. Each 5th wave features a boss enemy, and new enemy types are introduced every 10 waves. The mode continues until your entire squad is wiped. See our Horde Mode Guide for detailed strategies.

The Expert Class is a new, fully customizable class introduced in Fireteam Elite 2. Unlike the fixed base classes (Gunner, Demolisher, Technician, Recon, Doc), the Expert Class allows you to mix and match primary abilities, secondary abilities, ultimates, and passives from any base class, creating unique hybrid playstyles. It is unlocked by completing the campaign or reaching Account Level 15. See our Classes Guide for build recommendations.

Yes. Full crossplay is supported between PC (Steam and Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A free Daybreak Account is required to use crossplay. Cross-progression is also supported across linked accounts. Switch 2 crossplay is not yet confirmed. See our Platforms Guide for details on how to set up crossplay.

At launch (August 25, 2026), Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is not confirmed for Xbox Game Pass. The first game was added to Game Pass approximately 8 months after its August 2021 launch, so there is a possibility the sequel may join the service post-release. However, this is not guaranteed. We recommend purchasing the game if you want to play at launch.

No. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is a current-gen only release, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam/Epic). There are no plans for PS4 or Xbox One versions. The original Fireteam Elite (2021) is available on PS4 and Xbox One if you have older hardware.

Yes, but only for Nintendo Switch 2 (the next-generation Switch console). The Switch 2 version releases in Fall 2026, several months after the other platforms. There is no version for the original Nintendo Switch. The Switch 2 version will include all content from other platforms plus all updates released up to that point. Crossplay for Switch 2 is not yet confirmed.

Yes. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is available on Steam for PC. It is also available on the Epic Games Store. Both PC versions support crossplay with each other and with console versions (PS5, Xbox Series X|S). Steam features include achievements, cloud saves, trading cards, and planned Workshop mod support post-launch.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 releases on August 25, 2026 for PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The Nintendo Switch 2 version releases in Fall 2026 (exact date TBD). Premium Edition and 40th Anniversary Edition owners get 3-day early access starting August 22, 2026. See our Release Guide for full details.

The Standard Edition is $39.99 USD. The Premium Edition is $59.99 USD (includes Season Pass, exclusive skins, digital artbook, and 3-day early access). The 40th Anniversary Premium Edition is $69.99 USD (includes everything in Premium plus original soundtrack, 5 exclusive anniversary skins, and the 1986 movie theme pack). Pricing may vary by region and platform.

Yes. Physical copies are available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The 40th Anniversary Edition includes a limited Steelbook case. PC is digital-only. Physical copies include a redemption code for digital bonus content and require a day-one patch download (approximately 5-8 GB).

All pre-orders (any edition) include: Endo Suit character skin, Colonial Marines Pulse Rifle skin, Hudson Smart Gun skin, 2-hour bonus XP boost, and the exclusive "Early Deployer" nameplate. Premium and 40th Anniversary pre-orders also get 3-day early access (August 22, 2026). See our Release Guide for full edition details.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 uses an updated version of Unreal Engine. The game features improved lighting, textures, character models, and optional ray tracing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. While not explicitly confirmed as Unreal Engine 5, the visual improvements and features (Nanite-like geometry, Lumen-like global illumination) suggest a significant engine upgrade from the first game's Unreal Engine 4.

Minimum: Windows 10 64-bit, Intel i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 8 GB RAM, GTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 8GB, 50 GB storage. Recommended: Windows 10/11, Intel i7-8700K / Ryzen 7 3700X, 16 GB RAM, RTX 2070 / RX 6700 XT, 50 GB SSD. High/4K: Windows 11, Intel i9-12900K / Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 GB RAM, RTX 4070 Ti / RX 7900 XT, 50 GB NVMe SSD.

Yes, optional ray tracing is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. Ray tracing features include improved reflections, global illumination, and shadows. Ray tracing can be toggled on or off in the graphics settings. Performance mode targets 60 FPS without ray tracing, while Quality mode offers ray tracing at 30 FPS (or 60 FPS on high-end PC hardware with DLSS/FSR).

The campaign can be played offline with AI teammates. However, an initial online connection is required for game activation and the day-one patch. Horde Mode matchmaking and online co-op require an internet connection. Some features like cross-progression, leaderboards, and in-game store also require online access. Check your platform's offline mode settings for details.

The main campaign takes approximately 12-15 hours on Standard difficulty. With Horde Mode, challenge cards, higher difficulty tiers, and class mastery, total playtime can extend well beyond 50 hours. 100% completion (all classes maxed, all weapons unlocked, all achievements/trophies) can take 80+ hours.

There are 5 base classes (Gunner, Demolisher, Technician, Recon, Doc) plus the new customizable Expert Class, for a total of 6 class options. Each base class has unique abilities, ultimates, passives, and weapon proficiencies. The Expert Class can mix and match abilities from any base class. See our Classes Guide for full breakdowns and builds.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 features 30+ weapons across 6 categories: assault rifles, SMGs/PDWs, shotguns, heavy weapons (LMGs, rocket launchers, flamethrowers), precision rifles, and sidearms. Each weapon supports multiple attachments (optics, barrels, underbarrels, magazines) for customization. See our Weapons Guide for a complete catalog and tier list.

Yes. The Premium Edition and 40th Anniversary Edition include a Season Pass with 4 DLC packs. The DLC will include new missions, weapons, classes, cosmetics, and Horde Mode content. The first game's Pathogen expansion was well-received, and the sequel's Season Pass is expected to follow a similar release cadence (approximately one DLC pack every 3-4 months post-launch).

No, you don't need to play the first game. Fireteam Elite 2 is accessible to new players with a self-contained story and a tutorial that covers all mechanics. However, owners of the first game receive exclusive bonuses in the sequel. If you find the first game on sale (it's often $9.99-$19.99), it's worth picking up for the bonuses alone.

Yes. Owners of the original Aliens: Fireteam Elite on the same platform account receive: Veteran Marine character skin, Pathogen weapon skin pack (3 skins), 2 bonus starting weapons (normally unlocked at level 5 and 10), exclusive Veteran nameplate, and a permanent 10% XP boost. Bonuses are auto-detected when you launch the sequel — no code needed. Cross-platform ownership does not qualify (you must own the first game on the same storefront).

No, save files do not transfer between the first game and the sequel. They are separate games with different progression systems, weapons, and classes. However, if you own the first game on the same platform account, you will automatically receive veteran bonuses in the sequel. Your progress in the sequel starts fresh.

Fireteam Elite 2 is a real-time third-person co-op action shooter focused on direct combat, weaponplay, and squad tactics. Aliens: Dark Descent is a real-time strategy game with pausable tactical command, resource management, and permadeath. Both are set in the Alien universe but offer fundamentally different gameplay experiences. See our Comparison Guide for a detailed breakdown.

For fans of co-op shooters and the Aliens franchise, yes — Fireteam Elite 2 is worth buying at $39.99. It offers a polished, fun co-op experience with significant improvements over the first game, including 4-player co-op, the customizable Expert Class, Horde Mode, and full crossplay. If you're unsure, wait for a sale or check if it comes to Game Pass (not confirmed). For solo players who prefer strategy, consider Aliens: Dark Descent instead.

Official mod support is planned for post-launch on PC (Steam Workshop). The first game had a small but active modding community, and Cold Iron Studios has expressed support for modding in the sequel. At launch, there may be limited mod support, with full tools and Workshop integration arriving in a post-launch update. Console versions do not support mods.

The game features an in-game store with cosmetic items (weapon skins, character cosmetics, nameplates) that can be purchased with premium currency (bought with real money) or earned through gameplay. There are no pay-to-win mechanics — all gameplay-affecting items (weapons, attachments, classes) are earned through gameplay or included in the Season Pass. Cosmetics only affect appearance.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is developed by Cold Iron Studios (the same studio that developed the first game) and published by Daybreak Game Company. The game is licensed by 20th Century Studios (owners of the Alien franchise). Cold Iron Studios was acquired by Daybreak Game Company in 2022, and the sequel represents their first major release under the Daybreak banner.