GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Review Overview

What is GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM?

Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium is a turn-based tactics role-playing game that shares many mechanics with the XCOM franchise of games. Combat follows a simulation of operational warfare and military tactics where the players must command their T-Dolls—neural AI-driven androids with female appearances built as expendable units for military missions—in small-scale skirmishes with enemy squads.

The game takes place in 2074, 12 years after the events of the original Girls’ Frontline. Set in Eastern Europe, the private military company Griffin and Kryuger has been dismantled by the government due to the threat of becoming too powerful and uncontrollable, but the player, the Commander, still persists in leading a small group of Tactical Dolls– dangerous tactically trained and armed women– well after their forced retirement.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM features:
　⚫︎　XCOM-like turn-based tactics gameplay
　⚫︎　Narrative sequel to the original mobile game
　⚫︎　Detailed 3D models and 2D artwork
　⚫︎　Free-to-play with gacha mechanics
　⚫︎　Seasonal events
　⚫︎　Cross-platform play

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM's gameplay and story.

Steam		Google Play		App Store
Price	Free

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
It’s Like Reading a Novel Actions Have Consequences Accessible, Despite the Genre Audiovisually Stunning Simple Investment Considerations	AI Lacks the I Gacha Rates as Bad as Others Uncomplicated Team Building

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Overall Score - 90/100

GFL2 is an impressive blend of gripping storytelling, tactical gameplay, and stunning visuals. Its story delves deep into the emotional bonds between humans and T-Dolls, bringing its grim, immersive world to life with realistic, relatable characters. The gameplay offers tactical battles that reward careful planning, even if the enemy AI could use improvement. Topping it off, the game’s visuals and audio are absolutely top-notch, making it one of the most polished mobile games out there.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Story - 9/10

GFL2’s story really nails its themes of human-robot bonds, with the Commander treating T-Dolls like actual people instead of disposable tools. This respect leads to plenty of emotional connections, deep conflicts, far-reaching consequences, distressing tragedies, and some romantic subplots. What GFL2 truly excels at, though, is how real the characters feel—everyone’s got their own struggles, goals, and awkward conflicts, making the grim world feel alive and immersive.

Unfortunately, though, the twists don’t hit as hard if you’re unfamiliar with the original game’s story.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Gameplay - 8/10

Sure, GFL2 plays like most mobile games in that you can comfortably use all of its mechanics with just your mouse (or your fingers on a smartphone), but as an XCOM clone, it’s nearly flawless. Sure, it ditches XCOM’s RNG-based mechanics, but it keeps the tension of making critical commands under pressure. Enemies drop fast if they’re caught out in the open or flanked—but so will your units if you’re not careful. Unfortunately, the AI controlling enemies is kind of dumb, which takes some of the edge off.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Visuals - 10/10

Everything in GFL2 looks absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, it might just be the best-looking mobile game out there right now. The characters are beautifully modeled, the battlefields are immersive, the animations are smooth (if a little over-the-top), and the 2D artwork is stunning. Plus, it avoids that weird uncanny vibe that some high-res mobile games can have. The game knows exactly how good it looks, too, and it takes every chance to show off, especially with its characters and weapons in menus.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Audio - 10/10

If you’re expecting a fast-paced audio thrill ride of nonstop gunfire, you’re out of luck—that’s just not how turn-based games roll. But GFL2’s audio still delivers. The sounds of guns firing, grenades exploding, T-Dolls confirming orders, and enemies screaming in pain are all sharp and satisfying, just like you’d expect from a shooter. Add in some amazing, immersive background tracks, and you’ve got a real winner here.

That said, if they just transferred the voice acting for ultimate skill activation to run alongside the animation instead of after, it’d be perfect.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Value for Money - 8/10

Unfortunately for those of us on a tight budget, GFL2 follows the same gacha trends as many of its peers, with abysmally low SSR rates (a whopping 0.6% base rate), a coin-flip mechanic on event banners, and characters and weapons sharing the same pool on the standard banner. But on the bright side, you don’t actually need those high-rarity T-Dolls to dominate. Sure, the SSRs are great, but SR T-Dolls are more than enough to beat the game outright. Plus, the in-game economy is pretty decent, shop prices are reasonable, and, most importantly, you get to play a very good game for free.

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Review: Where Have You Been All My Life?

I’ll admit, I am pretty biased going into this review. I loved the original Girls’ Frontline mobile game, and I also love XCOM a lot. In fact, I still regularly follow story updates regarding the original title and played the spin-off, Neural Cloud, for a very long time. I also return to XCOM 2 semi-regularly, even if I have to resort to mods for a fresh experience (the VOCALOID mods are pretty neat).

Of course, my FOMO has essentially crippled any chances of me actually playing GFL again, and there’s only so much you can do with XCOM 2 after you’ve gone through Steam Workshop and Nexus Mods’ content.

That said, going into GFL2 is essentially a dream come true for me. A franchise that has a special place in my heart creating a canonical sequel in the genre I so adore? You can bet that I’ll be all over that.

And it certainly doesn’t disappoint. GFL2 feels like a breath of fresh air, honestly, especially after we’ve had a slew of major action mobile games like Aether Gazer, Snowbreak: Containment Zone, Wuthering Waves, Zenless Zone Zero, and so on. Turn-based tactical games, on the other hand, are few and far between (although we did have Sword of Convallaria recently).

It plays almost exactly like XCOM, albeit with certain differences (if the word “almost” didn’t already allude to that). For example, there is no accuracy in GFL2. Instead, distance and cover affect the damage you can deal using shot-type attacks and abilities. Explosives still essentially ignore cover, though, and some covers are destructible as well. On the other hand, GFL2 also sports many mobile RPG features such as character levels, exclusive and alternative weapons, gears with set bonuses, active and ultimate skills, and so on.

Essentially, it’s an amalgamation of one of the best turn-based tactics games there is (in my humble opinion) with tried-and-tested mobile RPG mechanics, written with the lore of one of the gripping mobile franchises on the market.

And it’s awesome.

Doesn’t Look Like a "Mere" Mobile Game

The very first thing you’ll notice about GFL2 is that it is extremely pretty. In many ways, if GFL2 were a fashion model, it could blow nearly all its peers—even established console JRPGs—out of the water with its elegant dresses, naturally beautiful countenance, and flawless figure. The designs and the game’s graphical fidelity alone elevate its visuals far above the competition.

It doesn’t even have to resort to exaggerating its characters’ proportions or creating a world that overwhelms your senses with stimuli.

A Slightly Rocky Start

Right from the beginning, GFL2 doesn’t follow the usual gacha game formula where a nameless protagonist (no, Honkai: Star Rail Trailblazers) is thrown into a massive conspiracy with no clue about what’s going on. Instead, GFL2 hits the ground running with a hectic yet calculated pace, placing you straight into an arc’s rising action.

There are pros and cons to this approach. For veterans of the original mobile game, it feels natural. GFL2 is a direct sequel to the original mobile game, after all. The same protagonist had been carried over, reinforcing the sense of continuity. But for new players, it can feel jarring; while their character isn’t conveniently clueless, they might end up confused instead.

Thankfully, the pace normalizes after a chapter or two. You’ll come to accept that the protagonist’s life is chaos, surrounded by enemies and with few allies. Once you settle in, though, you’ll discover a story packed with drama, close calls, and tragic pasts that keep the stakes high and the plot engaging.

Excellent Character Stories

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed across the Girls’ Frontline franchise, which includes the original mobile game, Neural Cloud, and Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery, it’s the focus on the intimate dynamic between the T-Dolls and their Commander.

… Okay, Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery is a bit of an exception, but the connection is implied in the lore.

Anyway, this dynamic often leads the Commander to make choices that defy pure pragmatism, adding emotional depth to both the Commander and the T-Dolls. It turns what could’ve been a cold, methodical story about sending disposable, combat-ready androids into battle into something deeply human and heartfelt.

The Commander treats their T-Dolls like family, showing care and respect, which not only results in romantic subplots but also gives the T-Dolls space to showcase their humanlike psyches. These human expressions are essential in a world like Girls’ Frontline, which isn’t shy about exploring themes of trauma and the psychological toll of war. Beneath their cheerful exteriors, each T-Doll carries a unique story, often shaped by their struggles and past.

This is especially true for the Commander and Groza, the protagonist’s most trusted partner. Their shared history, hinted to be deeply disturbing, explains the unshakable trust between them. Despite knowing Groza’s consciousness can be backed up—essentially granting her a form of immortality as long as a copy exists—the Commander frequently risks everything to ensure it never comes to that. This behavior inspires the rest of the T-Dolls, creating a tightly-knit organization united by shared respect, even as their personal goals vary.

It’s a fascinating and evolving dynamic that raises big questions as the story unfolds. What does the future hold for them? Could betrayal or the abandonment of convictions be on the horizon?

… And what happened to the AR Team?

Unparalleled Mobile Turn-Based Tactics Experience

If you’re an XCOM fan like me, or even just into turn-based tactics games, you’re seriously missing out if you don’t at least give GFL2 a shot. It captures much of XCOM’s core combat mechanics, swapping out the rest with mobile RPG-style features. You could almost call GFL2 a mobile RPG spinoff of XCOM, but with cute girls instead of dudes (and sometimes robots) with guns.

For the uninitiated, GFL2’s combat revolves around controlling units on a square grid. Each unit has a movement limit and attack range, which combine to form their “threat area”—the tiles they can hit. Every character also comes equipped with passive abilities, active skills, and a powerful ultimate, offering plenty of tactical options.

The battlefield is dotted with obstacles for cover, which is crucial since most attacks involve guns. Properly using cover is essential for survival, especially in tougher stages. On top of that, there are additional mechanics like status effects, debuffs, shields, and skill-specific effects like explosive damage. There are also explosive barrels, conveyor belts, controllable turrets, and the like. Mastering these elements is key to victory, as the game demands sharp tactical decision-making to avoid getting obliterated yourself.

That said, turn-based tactics is a genre that isn't readily accessible to everyone. Many such games are quite difficult and like to punish players for even the smallest mistakes. GFL2 largely doesn't fall into that category, at least in terms of design, though. It simply wants you to follow the basics, though it will punish you severely if you don't.

That said, there’s a small hitch: the enemy AI doesn't live up to the word that the “I” implies. Enemies, for example, will often ignore cover just to get a shot at you. Not only that, the Auto mode AI for your team can be just as frustrating—like sending a melee unit to attack an explosive barrel and injuring herself. Plus, the game as of the moment doesn’t offer enough characters to offer a good team building experience.

Despite these quirks, though, GFL2 offers a fun, accessible turn-based tactics experience that fans of the genre will definitely enjoy.

Terrible Gacha Rates

Here we go again with the sub-1% SSR rates and the dreaded coin flip mechanic. Seriously, can someone just throw us players a bone? The last game I remember with genuinely player-friendly gacha mechanics was Kuro Games’ Punishing: Gray Raven, and that launched on Global way back in July 2021.

Thankfully, GFL2’s SR units are strong enough to clear the game and even tackle high-level content. This makes it friendly for free-to-play players, sure, but let’s be real—nobody pulls gacha hoping for the consolation prize. The real draw in any gacha game is the highest-rarity characters, and we all know it.

Unless, of course, you were pulling for Youhu in Wuthering Waves, but I digress. The desire to snag those SSR characters drives many players to buy the game’s numerous cash shop bundles. Over time, as new SSRs are added, the cycle repeats, and players often end up spending more than they would on even AAA games.

But hey, that’s the deal when you choose to play gacha games. Whether you’re free-to-play or a big spender, we all signed up for this, didn’t we?

Is GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Worth It?

It’s Among the Best Mobile Games of the Year, Hands Down

I waited so long for GFL2 to drop on global servers that it honestly felt like a new kind of torture. Whether that “torture” included saving money by not spending on gacha anymore is beside the point—I’m just thrilled to finally have the game in my hands. It’s almost everything I hoped for, and then some.

That "almost," though, is doing a lot of work up there. The game has its issues: teambuilding feels a bit shallow for now, the Auto mode AI isn’t exactly bright, and the gacha rates could definitely use some improvement. Still, none of that overshadows how much fun the game is, especially when everything looks so incredible.

Fan of GFL or not, into turn-based tactics or not—you owe it to yourself to at least give this one a shot.

Steam		Google Play		App Store
Price	Free

GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM FAQ

Is GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM a sequel to GIRLS’ FRONTLINE?

Yes, it’s a direct sequel. However, you don’t need to have played the original in order to understand the story of GFL2. It certainly helps, though.

Who are the best characters to reroll for in GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM?

On launch, the best character to look for is Suomi. She is an incredible healer that also functions as a buffer, debuffer, and shielder.

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GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Product Information

Title	GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM
Release Date	December 3, 2024
Developer	Sunborn
Publisher	Sunborn, Darkwinter Software Limited
Supported Platforms	PC, Mobile
Genre	Turn-Based Tactical, Shooter, RPG
Number of Players	1
ESRB Rating	CADPA 16+
Official Website	GIRLS' FRONTLINE 2: EXILIUM Website

Alfonso Majarucon

Writer of things from game, anime and manga reviews to news and webnovels. Hopelessly addicted to story-driven games, especially cross-platform ones. Favorite games include Punishing Gray Raven, Arknights, Limbus Company, Elden Ring, Touhou, Soul Nomad and the Disgaea series (except 3 and 6). Avid..