Live Hard, Die Hard distils the XCOM experience down into a gritty paste on iOS and Android

Take on a surprisingly fast-paced and thrilling XCOM-inspired experience

Live Hard, Die Hard challenges you to command your troops and advance research during a relentless alien invasion

An innovative split-screen layout lets you monitor frontline combat and support operations in real time

Back in the day, XCOM: UFO Defence—and later its acclaimed successor, Enemy Unknown—became instant classics thanks to their intense difficulty and epic alien invasion narrative. Today, these beloved titles are even available on mobile devices. But what if you're looking for a more focused and condensed version of that experience? That’s exactly where Live Hard, Die Hard steps in.

Available for purchase on iOS and Android, Live Hard, Die Hard divides gameplay into two distinct sections. At the top, your determined soldiers fight through alien hordes in a series of intense assaults aimed at capturing the Terminal Core—the central hub of their enemy’s conquest. You have just four weeks to build a top-tier strike team for that decisive final mission, so every choice counts.

On the lower half of the screen, you’ll manage your R&D division and medical facilities. This is where the XCOM parallels truly shine: here, you’ll conduct alien research—dissecting captured enemies, much to Dr. Vahlen’s approval—gradually unlocking new advantages against your extraterrestrial foes. It’s also where you’ll treat wounded soldiers returning from combat.

Surprisingly unrelated to the movie

Fans of the Long War mod will also spot several intriguing mechanics. For one, your soldiers aren’t just at risk of injury or death—they’re also affected by mental strain and fatigue from prolonged combat. It’s not as deep as Xenonauts, but it’s a welcome addition that adds a layer of realism.

Combined with essential tactical decisions—like when to call in air support, which units to rotate in and out, and when to retreat—Live Hard, Die Hard delivers a surprisingly rich and immersive experience, far beyond what its playful surface might suggest.

And if you’re craving more strategy-based action—whether to save Earth or reshape it—be sure to explore our list of the best strategy games on Android, featuring top picks for aspiring world conquerors.