Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a third-person co-op survival shooter set in the Aliens universe. Players take on the role of Colonial Marines responding to threats on the planet LV-895 and the orbiting Katanga station, battling Xenomorphs and synthetic enemies in structured missions that emphasize teamwork, resource management, and positioning.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on advancing through linear mission spaces while completing objectives such as activating terminals, rescuing personnel, or securing areas. Combat involves cover-based shooting against swarms of enemies that attack from multiple angles, including vents and ceilings. Each fireteam consists of up to three players who can matchmake online or play privately, with the option to fill slots using AI companions for solo runs. Missions typically last 20 to 30 minutes and reward character progression through experience points, credits, and scrip. Five difficulty settings scale enemy health, damage output, revive mechanics, and friendly fire rules, with higher tiers unlocked after campaign progress. Weapon handling includes a range of firearms from SMGs to rocket launchers, supported by perks that modify abilities and a grid-based system for fitting skills into loadouts.
Game Modes
Four campaigns form the main experience, each divided into three missions for a total of twelve unique operations. These campaigns introduce story elements involving corporate experiments and escalating Xenomorph threats. Horde mode becomes available after completing the campaigns and challenges teams to survive ten escalating waves of enemies on dedicated maps, with rewards scaling based on performance. Challenge cards apply modifiers to runs for added variety, and tactical opportunities provide rotating daily or weekly objectives that grant extra rewards upon completion. The Pathogen expansion adds a new campaign focused on a mysterious pathogen affecting both humans and Xenomorphs, along with corresponding new weapons and perks.
Classes and Progression
Seven classes offer distinct roles: Gunner emphasizes firepower and team buffs, Demolisher handles explosives, Technician manages tech and support tools, Doc provides healing, Phalanx focuses on defense, Lancer delivers mobility and precision, and Recon unlocks after campaign completion for scouting advantages. Each class features two unique abilities and access to shared or class-specific perks. Players level classes individually to unlock options, then combine them into custom builds. Weapon customization covers attachments and modifications, while overall progression tracks stats across multiple playthroughs on increasing difficulties.
Is It Worth Playing?
The game maintains a Mostly Positive rating on Steam from over 27,000 reviews, reflecting steady player interest years after launch. It suits those who enjoy co-op shooters with class synergy and replayable missions against iconic enemies. Regular updates have added content like the Pathogen campaign and balance improvements, keeping the experience active for groups seeking Aliens-themed action. Solo players can progress with AI but may find higher difficulties more demanding without human coordination. Availability on Xbox and PC platforms supports cross-progression elements in some setups, making it accessible for fans of the franchise or similar survival co-op titles.
