There is a version available that does not require EW but has less maps available.

This mod requires the Enemy Within expansion. Thankfully with the power of mods you can get 23 additional maps! All of which really drag the game down after a few dozen hours. One of the downsides to XCOM: EW is that eventually you learn where the aliens will spawn, how the maps are laid out, and what the best tactic is. This is also the easiest mod to install as it has its own custom installer. If you’re looking to get back into XCOM, then this is the one ‘must have’ mod. With units requiring rest after missions it becomes important to keep a roster of well rounded soldiers rather than having one squad of badasses.

Long War overhauls the campaign to make it longer, more difficult. These are the best XCOM: Enemy Unknown mods:Ī full overhaul of the campaign, the Long War mod was such a massive success that the modders (Pavonis Interactive) actually worked together with 2K and Firaxis to develop mods for XCOM 2 and refine their software.

Mods for xcom enemy unknown