Updated August 2025: We’ve updated this review with new images, fresh internal links, and a look at how Aliens: Fireteam Elite stacks up against 2025’s best new PC games. If you’re still wondering whether this co-op xeno-blaster is worth your time, the answer’s below, and yes, we still think it slaps.
If you’re into squad-based shooters with sci-fi horror flair, Aliens Fireteam Elite Review still has plenty of acid to spit in 2025. Originally launched in 2021, this co-op third-person shooter has aged better than expected, thanks to solid updates, a loyal player base, and a gameplay loop that just doesn’t quit. So… is it still worth playing? Let’s break it down.
What Kind of Game Is This, and Who’s It For?
Set in the classic Alien universe, you play as a Colonial Marine aboard the USS Endeavor, responding to distress calls and swatting down xenomorphs by the dozens. You can play solo (with AI bots), but Fireteam Elite shines brightest when you’ve got two real humans watching your back, ideally ones who won’t shoot the sentry turret you just dropped.
Whether you’re a longtime Alien fan or just dipping into tactical co-op shooters, this one offers enough firepower, flexibility, and fear factor to keep things interesting. It’s also more polished than some recent disappointments like Battlefield 6.
What Makes It Still Worth Playing?
First, it’s alive. Cold Iron Studios has kept this game updated, with the Pathogen expansion adding more missions, new enemies (inspired by Alien: Covenant), and better loadout options. There are now seven classes, from the turret-dropping Technician to the riot-shield-wielding Phalanx and each one feels useful, especially on higher difficulties. Fireteam Elite shows how co-op replay fits into PC Gamings Timeles’s Loop, where the fun is in coming back week after week.
Loadout freedom is real. Over 30 weapons and 70+ mods let you spec your marine however you like. Challenge Cards change up mission dynamics for extra spice, and enemy variety (20+ types) keeps you on edge. It’s not quite Left 4 Dead in space… but it’s trying.
- ✔️ Still nails that Alien franchise atmosphere
- ✔️ Genuinely great co-op mechanics and class variety
- ✔️ Excellent weapon and perk customization
- ✔️ Regular updates + challenge modifiers = replayability
What Hasn’t Aged So Well?
- ❌ Solo AI is still barely competent
- ❌ Missions can feel repetitive in long sessions
- ❌ Some levels drag — pacing could’ve used another pass
Who Will Actually Enjoy This in 2025?
This is a must-play for:
- ✔️ Fans of the Alien franchise or sci-fi shooters
- ✔️ Gamers who enjoy tactical co-op over chaotic run-and-gun
- ✔️ Players with mid-range PCs looking for stable performance
- ✔️ Anyone craving that “trapped-in-a-corridor-with-things-screaming” vibe
It’s not trying to be the next AAA mega-hit — it’s trying to be a damn solid co-op shooter with a chestburster’s worth of atmosphere. And it mostly succeeds. If that’s your vibe, check out our RPG picks for more immersive genre benders.
What About Mods or Community Support?
While Aliens: Fireteam Elite isn’t a mod-heavy title like Skyrim or XCOM, it does have a dedicated fanbase. The game’s Reddit community is still active, sharing loadouts, builds, and squad strategies. The devs have also stayed surprisingly responsive post-launch, patching bugs and tweaking class balance over time. You won’t find full mod kits or overhaul packs, but there’s a healthy sense of community engagement — enough to keep veterans invested and help newcomers survive their first acid bath.
How Does It Perform in 2025?
The good news? Fireteam Elite runs beautifully on modern mid-tier hardware. You don’t need a 4090 to keep frame rates smooth — even something like an RX 6600 or GTX 1660 Super will do the trick at 1080p Ultra. The game also plays well on the Steam Deck, with a verified status and only minor dips in high-density firefights. It’s more optimized than newer titles like Red Dead Online’s undead missions, which sometimes buckle on budget rigs.
How It Compares to Other Co-op Shooters
If you’re into games like Left 4 Dead 2, GTFO, or Warhammer: Darktide, you’ll feel right at home here — but with more acid and fewer jokes. Unlike L4D’s fast-paced chaos, Fireteam Elite leans into tactical pacing and class synergy. GTFO might be the tougher game, but Fireteam is more accessible. Compared to newer titles in 2025, it still holds its ground in raw atmosphere and ease of pickup, making it a go-to for squads that want something intense but manageable. See our Best New PC Games of 2025 for how it stacks up.
How to Get the Best Experience Today with Our Aliens Fireteam Elite Review
Play with friends. Tweak your loadouts. Use Challenge Cards to spice things up. Oh — and don’t forget to test your rig before diving in. We’ve got a quick PC performance guide if you’re unsure.
Want to join the fight? You can grab Aliens: Fireteam Elite on Steam — and yes, it still runs great on a budget build.
BTF’s Verdict: Should You Play This in 2025?
If you’ve got two friends, a weekend to burn, and a thing for pulse rifles — then yes. Aliens: Fireteam Elite remains a niche gem that nails its atmosphere and action. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. It just has to be fun. And it is.
