'XCOM 2' available for free this weekend to Live Gold subscribers

Announcement photo for the "XCOM 2" free-to-play weekend promoFacebook/XCOM

Xbox Live Gold subscribers are in for a treat this weekend, with the turn-based strategy video game "XCOM 2" offered for free. This promo is part of the Xbox Live Gold's Free Play Days. Gamers can easily avail the promo by accessing the Gold Member area on the dashboard.

Players also have the chance to purchase the standard and deluxe editions of the game from the Xbox Store at 60% off. The original price of the game is $59.99 from the store, and it is now offered for only $24.00. Meanwhile, the digital deluxe edition is now available for $30, down from its regular price of $74.99. The special offer will end on Oct. 29 at exactly 11:59 p.m. PDT.

The main story of the game revolves around a group of humans engaged in a mission to defeat an alien regime, called "Advent." The gameplay of "XCOM 2" highlights tactical missions instead of an all-out battle. Players can choose different factions with unique abilities to be deployed.

"XCOM 2," developed by Firaxis Game, is the sequel to the turn-based tactical video game "XCOM: Enemy Unknown." The original game was well-received by players and critics after its release on Oct. 9, 2012. More than three years later, "XCOM 2" was launched Feb. 5, 2016.

Firaxis Games released an expansion pack to the sequel on Aug. 29. "XCOM 2: War of the Chosen" introduced a new enemy called the "Chosen" and new factions. The extended pack is not included in the promo.

In August, the tactical shooter video game "Rainbow Six Siege" was also offered for free from Aug. 24 until Aug. 28. The initial promo lasted only until Aug. 27 but was extended by Xbox. During the third weekend of September, Xbox launched a similar promo and offered "Battlefield 1" for free.

Many gamers are hoping for a surprise extension for the "XCOM 2" promotional offer.