New free-to-play Xcom-like strategy RPG hits Steam charts with "Very Positive" reviews

The strategy RPG genre has always had a dedicated fanbase. Players who like tactical depth mixed in with compelling stories are always drawn to this genre. Now, Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium is stepping into the spotlight, and it’s off to a pretty strong start. Since its global release on February 11, 2025, the game has been climbing the Steam charts with "Very Positive" reviews, which is seemingly attracting longtime fans of the series and newcomers both. Before its full release, Exilium went through several closed beta tests, including a global beta in November 2024 and multiple earlier phases in China dating back to 2021.

Developed by Sunborn Information Co., Ltd., Exilium picks up a decade after the events of the original Girls' Frontline. The story follows the Commander, who’s left Griffin & Kryuger behind to navigate life in contaminated zones. What starts as routine bounty missions soon turns into something much bigger, with hidden conspiracies and shifting alliances. Along the way, the Commander teams up with Tactical Dolls (T-Dolls), each bringing their own backstories and unique abilities to the team.

The game sticks to turn-based tactical combat but adds a 3D twist. Players can use dynamic cover, break through destructible environments, and customize weapons with a 360-degree preview. Whether it’s handguns, shotguns, or machine guns, every loadout can be tweaked to suit different strategies. Outside of combat, the Dormitory system lets players interact with their T-Dolls, letting them unlock exclusive content.

While Exilium does include some suggestive character designs, the focus remains squarely on its strategic gameplay and story-driven missions. Early reviews are already in favor of its streamlined daily tasks, quick to complete without feeling like a chore. The learning curve is gentle, as per some other reviews. The system requirements are also pretty modest, with 8GB RAM and a GTX 750 or Radeon HD 7790 GPU recommended. However, please note that a Sunborn ID is required to play, along with agreeing to the game’s EULA during setup. 

Another standout feature of the game is its cross-platform availability. Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium is playable on both PC (via Steam) and mobile devices (Android and iOS). Considering its overall tactical depth, engaging storylines, and neat visuals, this game is shaping up to be one of 2025’s more exciting free-to-play games.

You can take a look at the game trailer below.