There is growing evidence that we will finally get a sequel to the much-awaited Aliens: Fireteam Elite. We still haven’t seen a rock-solid official proof, but leaks strongly suggest that Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is in development, and that we also might get a surprise 2025 release.

Cold Iron Studios has gone silent ever since the rumors started circulating, and the breadcrumbs are multiplying fast. Aliens: Fireteam Elite was released in 2021 and received a lot of positive critics.

So, what do we know so far?

How the Rumor Started

It all started on the ESRB rating lists, where someone spotted a title named Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 (rated “M” for Mature), and indicated platforms like PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. This is a platform where games are submitted ahead of release to get their rating.

It doesn’t happen often, but ESRB sometimes shows up ahead of official reveals when publishers submit their games. Several outlets noticed the ESRB entry, which is where the story starts.

So, what does the “M” rating tell us about the upcoming Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2? Well, we should expect typical Alien-era content (blood/gore, strong language, and violence). We also know which platforms the new Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 game will be available on. But this wasn’t really a shocker.

Some even reported that a publisher name “Daybreak Game Company” appeared in certain leaked listings, which fuels speculation because Daybreak has ties to Cold Iron in distribution pipelines. Of course, we are talking about a leak, and we don’t know whether the publisher will be the same.

Any Official Confirmation

Not yet. Cold Iron Studios and the official Aliens channels haven’t posted an official “we’re making AFTE 2” press release. A couple of outlets note that companies were contacted and declined to comment.

Official silence is common until publishing/marketing teams are ready, so absence of a statement isn’t proof either way – but it means treat the story as likely-but-unconfirmed for now.

Where the “Project Macondo” Rumor Fits In (earlier leaks)

This isn’t the first time Cold Iron has been surrounded by leaks. Do you remember projects with codenames like Project Macando?

Some earlier leaks (and a handful of forum posts/community sources) suggested Cold Iron wanted a more structured campaign and new modes.

Those claims go long before the ESRB listing. So, if the ESRB item is real, it would line up with earlier tips that Cold Iron hasn’t completely stepped away from the Aliens license. I’d still rank Project Macondo as “community rumor” until Cold Iron/Daybreak/Disney confirms.

Possible Release Date For Aliens Fireteam Elite 2

Can we really get a surprise release in 2025? Or is it too much? Well, we don’t know for sure. Some sources suggest that a possibly late-2025 window is possible, but it will most likely be in early 2026.

Marketing teams need to prepare, and there is a lot of work even if the game is complete. ESRB ratings don’t guarantee a lunch, and we don’t really have a clue about the project’s completeness. Some developers rate their games in early development, and some are resubmitted later for another rating.

But I think we can all agree that we are excited to get the Aliens Fireteam Elite sequel, right?