Nowadays, the gaming industry has a situation where turn-based strategies are released more often than real-time strategies. Perhaps this is due to the fact that RTSs require more quick mechanical skills that are not so easy to master. And TBS skillfully combine the depth of the gameplay with its relative accessibility, in which you always have time to think carefully about the next step.

Perhaps that’s why new real-time strategy games don’t come out that often, and even those that do sometimes mix several subgenres. Nevertheless, we managed to compile a list of good modern RTS games that deserve your attention. Now it’s time for a similar list, but for turn-based strategies.

The variety of video games in the TBS genre is significantly higher, so we did not limit ourselves to years. Therefore, in this list you will find both world-famous classics and interesting modern and niche projects.

 

Age of Wonders 4

Platforms Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Genre tactics, global strategy
Year 2023

Age of Wonders 4 combines elements of turn-based strategy and 4X. The main gameplay revolves around building your own fantasy civilization, which you can develop and improve to your liking. And then you have to test its viability in clashes with other empires.

The game emphasizes a variety of situations and options for your own development. A special system of random events adds an additional element of surprise to the already quite multifaceted matches. Triumph Studios does not forget to regularly support the game with interesting updates.

For example, in June 2024, the Eldritch Realms expansion was released. As the name implies, it added more creepy and otherworldly creatures to the game. Fans of Lovecraft and the occult will love it.

 

Age of Wonders: Planetfall

Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Genre tactics, global strategy
Year 2019

Yes, Age of Wonders: Planetfall is an offshoot of the Age of Wonders series. Usually, it is strange to see several games from the same series in such selections. But Planetfall stands out quite a bit, so we decided to mention it as well.

The game captivates at least with its sci-fi setting, in which you can still see fantasy elements. The change in style has also affected the gameplay: it has more of an XCOM feel with its precise unit control and terrain assessment.

Otherwise, Planetfall retains the key features of the Age of Wonders series. You still need to improve your army, follow the development of civilization, explore the world around you, and do everything to win. A good storyline company will allow you to get acquainted with all the nuances of the game, in which even variations of “moral choices” are present.

 

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Platforms PlayStation Portable, iOS, Android
Genre tactics, role play
Year 2007

The Final Fantasy series is known primarily for high-quality and diverse jRPGs that regularly become cult titles. But it also managed to be remembered for an extremely high-quality tactical game with the straightforward name Final Fantasy Tactics. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is its enhanced and improved version, which is also available on smartphones.

The game is set in the fictional world of Ivalice, which is also featured in Final Fantasy XII, Vagrant Story, and Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood. The plot places great emphasis on political intrigue and the most realistic depiction of court intrigue. The War of the Lions version contains new cutscenes, characters, and a completely new English translation, which is already considered a reference in the case of Final Fantasy Tactics.

The gameplay is built around a system of professions that allows you to flexibly adapt your fighters to any situation. The game is not outdated at all, so it is a pleasure to play even today. And given the rumors of a potential remake, Final Fantasy Tactics may soon become relevant again.

 

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre tactics, role play
Year 2019

Fire Emblem is another classic role-playing game series that has a large fan base around the world, but is especially popular in Japan. Three Houses was the first installment of the series for the Nintendo Switch, and additionally, the first release for home consoles since 2007. Therefore, expectations from it were quite high.

However, Intelligent Systems and Kou Shibusaw did not disappoint players by creating tactics full of depth and variety. In addition, the developers have successfully implemented elements of relationship simulators in the game, thanks to which you can improve relationships with your favorite characters. In addition, the game limits you in time, so you won’t be able to do everything – you will have to choose what is more interesting and important to you. Those familiar with the Persona series will definitely experience similar gameplay moments.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is distinguished by its design, music, narrative approach, and many other nuances. It’s one of the best Switch exclusives that is definitely worth at least considering buying a Nintendo console.

 

Freeciv

Platforms Windows
Genre global strategy
Year 1996

Sid Meier’s Civilization series continues to be one of the best options to try yourself as a ruler of a nation in an interactive format. But longtime fans of the series always want more and better, and sometimes they don’t mind taking everything in their stride. This is how Freeciv, a free and open-source version of the game, was born.

They started developing it back in 1996. Back then, the developers focused on the first two parts of Civilization. During development, Freeciv has acquired a lot of additional mechanics and nuances. For example, 50 players can take part in one match at once, and the number of nations exceeds 550. If this is not enough, anyone can make changes to the game thanks to open source access.

Version 3.1.1 was released in April 2024, so now is the perfect time to try the game. And if you’re worried about your time, there’s a Longturn version that requires only one move per calendar day.

 

Gears Tactics

Platforms Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Genre tactics
Year 2020

In the eyes of the gaming community, Gears of War is perceived as a series of third-person shooters that popularized the Unreal Engine and set the trend for games with shelters. However, in 2020, a rather experimental project called Gears Tactics was released, which allowed us to look at the setting of the planet Sera from a different angle.

If you think about it, the turn-based tactics genre is a perfect fit for Gears of War, as it also relies on the competent use of terrain and cover in many ways. Gears Tactics also acts as a prequel to the first part of Gears of War and allows you to see the early days of the fight between humans and locusts.

Interestingly, the upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day will also be a prequel. So Gears Tactics can be played at least to understand all the potential references.

 

Into the Breach

Platforms Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Genre tactics
Year 2018

Into the Breach lacks in-depth character development, large-scale battlefields, and other things that players love about tactics and strategy. But this did not prevent the game from receiving many nominations, awards, and just love from the gaming community. What is the secret? Simply, Into the Breach exploits the very core of tactical games and makes it the center of gameplay, without any unnecessary distractions.

In the game, you control a squad of large robots that fight monsters. Monsters are trying to destroy citizens and infrastructure, so you have to protect everyone. The main feature of the game is that you always know where the monsters will go in their next turn. That’s why you can plan your actions in advance to give the enemy a decent fight.

Into the Breach is often compared to a somewhat more complicated chess game, because the digital indicators here take a back seat. Instead, you should always think about the location of units on the map and the sequence of several moves in a row. It’s pure tactics, and it was written by the famous game developer Chris Avellone.

And all Netflix subscribers can play Into the Breach for free on their smartphones.

 

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Platforms Nintendo Switch
Genre tactics
Year 2017

The crossover between Nintendo and Ubisoft in the format of a tactical game sounded wild at the conceptual level. At the announcement, no one could have imagined that something meaningful would come of it, and players took the leaked materials coolly. However, at the release, it turned out that Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is an interesting and, more importantly, highly accessible tactical game.

It may well become your first ever tactic because it has all the important elements of the genre, but they are implemented in a way that everyone can understand. Moreover, the contrast between the characters of the Super Mario universe and the Rabbids is sincerely funny and attractive. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is suitable for both children and adults, which is also a signature feature of Nintendo Switch games.

The sequel Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope tried to complicate the tactical gameplay moments, which is why it did not resonate with players and failed in sales. One of the rare games with Mario in the title that failed to sell well.

 

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Genre tactics, simulator, card game
Year 2022

Marvel has been trying to gain a foothold in the video game market for many years, but has had mixed success. With the exception of Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, the company has not yet received any high-profile and prestigious hits. However, it has a few less interesting projects, and Marvel’s Midnight Suns is one of them.

The authors of the Sid Meier’s Civilization and XCOM series were responsible for its development, but the gameplay is not standard. It combines a tactical component with elements of card collecting games. Cards are responsible for all the attacks of superheroes, so each mission is accompanied by some element of randomness.

When not on missions, a custom hero or heroine can communicate with their team to learn more about the thoughts, life, and motivations of superheroes. The writers have devoted a lot of time to these conversations, but they are not boring at all. It is a shame that the game did not find mass love among players and failed in sales, which is why the developers canceled the release of the Nintendo Switch version.

 

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Genre tactics
Year 2018

Mutant is primarily a tabletop role-playing game from the publisher Target Games, which has been quite successful since 1984. However, in 2018, the tactical video game Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden.

In addition to the setting, in which humans coexist with anthropomorphic animals, the game also stands out for its gameplay. You control a team of three characters that you can upgrade as the story progresses. Each character has its own specialization. Exploring the world takes place in real time, but when it comes to battles, the turn-based mode is activated.

The enemies here are strong and dangerous, so you need to plan the actions of the main characters correctly and attack secretly. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes with a pretty good story campaign.

 

Old World

Platforms Windows
Genre global strategy
Year 2019

Old World may seem like another Sid Meier’s Civilization clone, but instead of scale, it takes a clear focus. At the same time, it adds elements of Crusader Kings, such as manipulation of family lineage and political intrigue.

The game focuses on ancient times, so you won’t be able to live with your people from ancient times to the present. Instead, Old World offers tangible depth in many mechanics and a variety of ways to win. There are already significantly more resources in the game than in Civilization.

Add incredibly pleasant music to the mix and you have a game that will keep you playing for hundreds of hours. Support for modifications contributes to this.

 

Persona 5 Tactica

Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Genre tactics, role play
Year 2023

Persona has long been one of the main jRPGs of our time, and certainly the most stylish. Atlus has successfully combined a role-playing game with a simulator of an ordinary Japanese schoolboy, so the game does not get boring in many parts. The developers are not afraid to experiment with genres, so the Persona series includes not only role-playing games but also fighting and rhythm games. Persona 5 Tactica, as the name suggests, is Atlus’ experiment in tactical games.

Persona 5 Tactica takes place in parallel to Persona 5, but does not overlap with the main game. The main characters are transported to another dimension, which they have to rid of tyranny. Familiar elements of the series, such as summoning demon-persons, are present, but now you also have to move around the battlefield, which is divided into cells, in a step-by-step format. Nothing out of the ordinary for fans of the genre, but it’s done well.

Moreover, Persona 5’s signature style is still there, so the game sounds good and looks good. It’s not the worst option to return to your favorite characters.

 

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Platforms Windows, Linus, macOS, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android
Genre global strategy
Year 2016

What would this conversation about turn-based games be without mentioning Sid Meier’s Civilization? You may have already found references to the game above, as it has influenced many studios and developers. But the latest installment of the series is also worth mentioning separately on this list.

In Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, you have to choose one of the available nations and lead it to the heights of the civilized world. To do this, you need to gradually learn new technologies and institutions, expand your state, and take into account the geopolitical situation, which is constantly changing due to the actions of other players.

The basic game is relatively cheap, but keep in mind that Civilization VI is better played with all the add-ons and Gathering Storm can be considered a must-have By the way, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII has already been announced.

 

Songs of Conquest

Platforms Windows, macOS
Genre tactics, strategy
Year 2024

Heroes of Might and Magic III is considered to be a truly “people’s” game that is remembered and loved through the years. But it is impossible to argue that it is significantly outdated. That’s why Songs of Conquest can be used as an ideological descendant of Heroes of Might and Magic III.

A variety of races, turn-based battles, and a magic system – there’s everything to make Heroes fans feel at home. And cute pixel art adds to the game’s charm. If you get bored with the content of the game itself, you can create more with the map editor.

The game also has a great Ukrainian localization, which is always a plus.

 

XCOM 2

Platforms Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Genre tactics, strategy
Year 2016

Firaxis Games has managed to revive the XCOM series and present it to modern players. The new XCOM installments combine accessibility with depth, so you don’t get bored with the game. Naturally, the success of the relaunch led to the second part. But the developers decided to do something interesting with it.

XCOM 2 significantly changes the rules of the game, because you find yourself in the role of the losing side. The aliens control almost everything on Earth, and you have to be content with clandestine operations and small raids. XCOM 2 is hard to play, the tension is constant, and you’re limited in time, because the aliens are developing an ultimatum “project” that will put an end to all your attempts to win. But that makes it all the more interesting.

The game is best played with the War of the Chosen expansion pack, which adds three “bosses” to the game. They are constantly competing for territory and can affect almost any mission. Yes, the gameplay is getting even more complicated, so be prepared.

 

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Heroes of Might and Magic III

Platforms Windows, Linus, macOS, iOS, Android
Genre tactics, strategy
Year 1999

Mezha’s editorial team also includes real people who love video games. Therefore, it was obvious to everyone that it would be a sin not to mention Heroes of Might and Magic III in a text about turn-based tactical games. Yes, it’s outdated and perceived more as nostalgia than a competitive project, but that doesn’t stop players around the world from loving it.

A variety of campaigns and races, a large space for tactics, and Paul Romer’s magical music still allow you to enjoy the game to the fullest. Unfortunately, Ubisoft, which owns the rights to the Might and Magic series, is in no particular hurry to do anything with it. But you’ll find dozens, even hundreds of new campaigns among the fan-made content, so you won’t be bored.

 

Other cool turn-based strategy games

Battle for Wesnoth
Egypt: Old Kingdom
Endless Legend
Endless Space 2
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes
Football, Tactics & Glory
Humankind
Jeanne d’Arc
Phoenix Point
Predynastic Egypt
SteamWorld Heist
Wild Arms XF
Xenonauts

In fact, there are many more tactical turn-based games, especially if you dig into Japanese series like Tactics Ogre and Advance Wars. And Western projects in this genre are released all the time. It’s almost impossible to remember everything, so write your favorite TBS in the comments. We will add them as a separate list after the main text of the article.