11 Melee games like X2: The Threat that you should try

The resemblance to X2: The Threat is about as close as this list gets: they line up on genre, combat and game mode. The common ground extends to player trading and single-player focus.

Genre puts it alongside X2: The Threat, and so does a sandbox world, melee combat and single-player focus. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. Where the two diverge is game mode and progression: co-op play.

If X2: The Threat worked for you because of open world exploration, melee combat and a space setting, the same is here. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. The distance is in visuals and progression — its own ground is 3D presentation.

Genre puts it alongside X2: The Threat, and so does a sandbox world, melee combat and single-player focus. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. Where the two diverge is game mode and progression: multiplayer gameplay.

If X2: The Threat worked for you because of open world exploration, melee combat and single-player focus, the same is here. Both also lean on player trading and resource management. The distance is in setting and world — its own ground is historical setting.

The genre is the same as X2: The Threat’s, and with it open world exploration, melee combat and single-player focus. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. The distance is in setting and combat — its own ground is ranged combat and historical setting.

On paper it is what X2: The Threat is — a sandbox world, melee combat and single-player focus — though the resemblance is mostly at that level. To that it adds exploration and discovery. They part company on visuals and game mode: this one brings multiplayer gameplay and an isometric view.

Genre puts it alongside X2: The Threat, and so does open world exploration, melee combat and single-player focus. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a first-person view. The distance is in world and progression — its own ground is procedural generation.

Same family as X2: The Threat: open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. Both also lean on a third-person camera and single-player focus. The distance is in setting and combat — its own ground is stealth mechanics and a cyberpunk setting.

Shelved next to X2: The Threat for good reason: open world exploration, melee combat and single-player focus. Both also lean on exploration and discovery, and a third-person camera. The distance is in setting and progression — its own ground is fantasy world.

Genre puts it alongside X2: The Threat, and so does open world exploration, melee combat and a sci-fi setting. The common ground extends to exploration and discovery, and single-player focus. Where the two diverge is setting and game mode: a cyberpunk setting and multiplayer gameplay.