It looks like a
sequel to Aliens: Fireteam Elite is officially in the works—thanks to an accidental online leak. While Cold Iron Studios’ 2021 co-op shooter didn’t blast off as a massive hit, it has quietly built a loyal player base over the years. Now, new evidence suggests that the developer is ready to return to the Xenomorph-infested universe for round two.
The Original Game: A Slow Burn Success
When Aliens: Fireteam Elite launched in 2021, reviews were mixed. Critics called it a competent but unremarkable third-person co-op shooter—comparing it to titles like Back 4 Blood and Redfall. Still, the game’s intense atmosphere, varied class system, and co-op focus helped it earn a “Very Positive” rating on Steam from over 13,000 players.
Despite its rocky start, Fireteam Elite stuck around, averaging between 500–1,000 active players on PC over the years. The game even received a Nintendo Switch port in 2023, proving there was still life left in its Colonial Marine campaign.
ESRB Leak Hints at a Sequel
Rumors about
a new Aliens: Fireteam Elite sequel first appeared in mid-2024, but things got interesting when an M-rated listing briefly appeared on the ESRB website. The post—quickly taken down—confirmed a few key details before it vanished.
According to the leak, the new entry is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with Daybreak Game Company listed as the publisher. That’s a notable change since the first game was self-published by Cold Iron Studios with some help from Focus Home Interactive in Europe.
Why a Sequel Makes Sense
At first glance, greenlighting a sequel might surprise some fans given the original’s lukewarm launch. However, the game’s long-term player retention and positive community feedback tell a different story. Players praised the tense atmosphere, weapon variety, and class customization, even if critics pointed to repetitive missions and limited storytelling.
Cold Iron Studios may now have the chance to address those criticisms and deliver a sequel with deeper lore, smarter AI, and more dynamic missions.
The Alien Franchise Is More Alive Than Ever
It’s no secret that the
Alien franchise is having a resurgence. The success of Alien: Romulus and FX’s Alien: Earth TV series has reignited fan enthusiasm for the iconic sci-fi horror series. Many are still calling for a remaster of Alien: Isolation, often hailed as one of the best horror games ever made.
With the growing interest in all things Alien, the timing for a Fireteam Elite sequel couldn’t be better. Whether Cold Iron Studios can turn its solid co-op foundation into a true Alien masterpiece remains to be seen—but fans are definitely watching.
