The Best Turn Based Strategy Games for PC
Do you prefer long battles of wit and smarts over using brute force? Then, you must be a fan of Turn-Based Strategy Games, and you’ve come to the right place.
TBS has been around for what feels like forever. I mean, technically it all started with board games like chess and risk, and videogames were just finding new ways to replicate those classics.
Over the years, however, videogames have become their own thing. Thanks to some amazing titles, Turn-Based Strategy is one of the most popular genres in the PC world, and we’re here to count down the best of what it has to offer.
15) Battletech
Battletech Trailer
Developed by Harebrained Schemes and based on the famous board game franchise of the same name, Battletech (2018) was everything long-time fans of the series were hoping for. With a complex core gameplay with randomized elements, Battletech invites you to become the leader of a mercenary company and take missions to keep the lights on, because even mercenaries must pay their bills.
You also get to create your own mechs with a customization system that’s fun and essential to your strategy. The battles have an epic feel and the campaign mode is undeniably good. If you’re looking for a new strategy game, look no further than Battletech.
Battletech’s art style, especially in its campaign mode, is beautiful and incredible to look at
Nothing beats giant robots fighting things off
14) Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
Wasteland 2 Gameplay Trailer
As the long (long) awaited sequel to the critically acclaimed 1988 original, Wasteland 2 had everything against it; big shoes to fill from an early classic of the genre, and little interest due to the long time passed between games; so, the fact that it’s so good should almost be considered a miracle. Since the Wasteland series has many ties to the Fallout franchise, this 2014 release is also a throwback to the days of text-based strategy games.
In Wasteland 2, you live in a post-apocalyptic world after a nuclear war, and your only goal is to survive alongside your crew. Complemented by RPG elements, such as a player progression system and cosmetic customization. You create your own crew of in-game and created characters with unique abilities. The gameplay is punishing, and the permadeath system is tough (there’s also a great number of tough choices you need to take in the story mode), but it’s also a gratifying experience once you’ve become invested in your team. Overall, while it probably won’t reach the epic status of the original, Wasteland 2 is a fantastic game in and of itself, and you should give it a try.
With a top-down gameplay and rusty looking art style, Wasteland 2 is a perfect retelling of a past era in video games
Fight monsters and keep your squad alive
13) Endless Space 2
Endless Space 2 Cinematic Trailer
Few games in the last couple of years have mastered the four Xs of strategy quite like 2017s Endless Space 2, a science fiction videogame where you pick from a race of alien civilizations with the goal of exploring, expanding, exploiting and exterminating anything and anyone that comes in your way. Every race feels incredibly distinct, both from a visual and a gameplay standpoint.
Perhaps one of the more robust games in this list, Endless Space 2 was designed for fans of the strategy genre. It’s a complex experience and it seems to relish in how difficult it is at times. What makes it stand out from every other game is the fantastically fleshed out political system and the number of ways you can win games depending on the respective strengths and weaknesses of every civilization. All in all, Endless Space 2 is a game that puts a strong emphasis on research and dedication from the player, and its variety makes it something you should check out.
Battle other civilizations in space with the beautiful art of Endless Space 2
Customize your own ship for the wars ahead
Bonus
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Battle Chasers Cinematic Trailer
Heavily influenced by the Final Fantasy series, Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a small turn-based RPG that arrives as a sort of break from the dour looking future 4X strategy games so far in this list. Developed by Airship Syndicate, it tells a classic story of good vs evil from most games in this genre. You control a group of six character with different abilities and fight group battles against sorcerers and monsters. The battles have amazing details that distinguish them from other RPGs and the overworld design is perfectly crafted and charming. Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a perfect little game that should be on your radar if it isn’t already.
An amazing drawn art style, beautiful animations and character drawings make Battle Chasers: Nightwar a distinct adventure
Just a regular group of friends
Bonus
Phoenix Point
Phoenix Point Gameplay
Designed by Snapshot Games and the creator of the XCOM franchise, and schedule for release mid-2019, Phoenix Point has a huge name to live up to. The story will focus on different human factions as they fight for survival in a world that’s being overtaken by disgusting alien creatures. So far, the development of this has looked fantastic, and every detail has only made XCOM fans more excited. As well as what you’ve come to expect from XCOM (turn-based battles, permadeath and tactical combat systems), Phoenix Point will also look to add procedurally generated and 4X elements that should give fans an entirely revitalized experience once it’s released.
Lovecraft-inspired monsters and a grand strategy view shall define Phoenix Point once it’s launched
You're definitely in trouble
Bonus
Hard West
Hard West Cinematic Trailer
Leaving science fiction and fantasy worlds behind for a moment, we’re taking it back to the old west with Hard West. Released in 2015 and developed by CreativeForge, it bears many similarities to games like XCOM when it comes to gameplay. However, where it differs is in the setting. The American Old West is the perfect place for a game like this to take place. Use a party of characters to perform bank robberies and fight other groups and even supernatural characters. A hard setting with a punishing gameplay makes Hard West a game worth playing.
Hard West amazing setting comes along with a rough looking art-style that works amazingly with it
The West just became wilder
12) FTL: Faster than Light
FTL GameplayTrailer
Who knew such a difficult game would come in this small package. Developed by Subset Games, FTL is a roguelike strategy game that combines elements of real-time and turn based strategy to provide a challenging gameplay where you’ll die repeatedly. Be the captain of your own spaceship, plan battles ahead and defeat enemies to upgrade your ship and advance through procedurally generated levels that test your skills. The most noteworthy aspect of FTL, as mentioned before, is its difficulty, but while it can be frustrating at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding to finally win. Out of the indie representatives of the strategy genre, FTL is easily one of the best.
The top-down view and simple art-style are among the strengths of FTL
Still, prepare to die. You most definitely will
11) Into the Breach
Into the Breach Gameplay Trailer
While Subset did an incredible job with FTL, they surpassed themselves with this year’s Into the Breach, their take on mech battles. Inspired by Kaiju movies with time travel elements, you control soldiers who are the last line of defense in a future where giant monsters have attacked humanity. Some characterization options, and a progression system that makes sure you use all the different mechs at your disposition, give Into the Breach a fresh feeling every time you play it. The difficulty from FTL also carries into this game, the campaign mode is challenging and will have you playing for hours. The creators of FTL outdid themselves and made a fantastic game that should become popular in the following years.
Into the Breach, lets you fight giant monsters in a 16-bit inspired map
Get rid of monsters in every terrain
10) For the King
For the King Teaser Trailer
For the King is a cute-looking take on the table-top game genre developed by IronOak Games. You traverse a tiled map with a party of characters in a fantasy inspired world with vibrant colors. Like most table-top games, For the King has a well-defined class system and RPG-style combat and progression, characters have various abilities and feel different from one another.
The two features that distinguish it greatly from most RPGs are: Firstly, its multiplayer feature, you can play with friends online or locally which only makes it more fun. Secondly, this game is dependent on dice rolls to move around the map and cause damage in battles which makes it unpredictable in a fun way. The learning curve is a steep one, For the King will punish you for small mistakes and overall its charming look may be deceiving as this is a challenging game. Few turn-based games can be played with friends, so you should take this opportunity and give For the King a try.
Looks may be deceiving, as this cute-looking map in For the King is more challenging than anyone would expect
Character models are especially cute… and deadly, of course
9) Endless Legend
Endless Legend Faction Trailer
Before Endless Space 2, Amptitude Studies developed Endless Legend, the true sequel to the original Endless Space. However, unlike the original and 2, Endless Legend does not take place in space, but in a fantasy setting that takes the 4X aspects of the game to a whole new level. Choose from a list of 11 factions with drastically different playstyles and beat your enemies in the deepest strategy battles you can imagine. Endless Legend is an amazingly detailed game with a thorough lore and it’s a must have if you’re a 4X strategy fan.
Amazing art and beautiful landscapes are a treat in Endless Legend
This is one of the best maps I’ve seen in my life
8) Blood Bowl 2
Blood Bowl 2 Cinematic Trailer
A combination of sports, high-fantasy and turn-based strategy give Blood Bowl 2 a different feel from other games on this list. Imagine this as a 4X game, only with American Football. Different races get together to play Football and you get to control one of them and lead them to victory in tournaments. You get to play as one race or create a mixed team. While it’s just a sports game, strategy is by no means less important, as you must thoroughly examine your choices to advance or disable enemies on the field. This fun experience is a worthy addition to this list.
With fantastic animation and distinctly-looking character, Blood Bowl 2 is a small game that every strategy fan should play
Literally destroy your enemies on the field
7) Fallout Tactics
Fallout Tactics Cinematic Trailer
Fallout Tactics is a 2001 turn-based tactical spinoff of the massively popular RPG franchise. In it, you take control of a squad in the “Brotherhood of Steel”, a faction within the Fallout world that is about to engage in all out war. This is a game for hard-core strategy fans as its elements are really difficult to master. It features 3 different modes of combat that allow you to do several moves at the same time. Arm your squad with different characters and progress through a gripping story mode. Fallout Tactics is a worthy addition to Fallout you should be playing right now.
While it’s a 2001 game, Fallout Tactics has aged considerably well
You get to set people you don’t like on fire. What else could you ask for?
6) Age of Wonders 3
Age of Wonders III Gameplay Trailer
With fantastic battle animations and a sense of urgency in its gameplay, Age of Wonders III is by far the best in the Age of Wonders 4X strategy series. You are the leader of an empire that seeks to gain control over the world. The beauty of AoF is in the details, customization is incredibly strong and how you look influences how you play. The map has an amazing design and it’s something to behold. You also get to select classes and skill sets based on RPG games and take your troops to victory. Age of Wonders III is one of the most visually striking strategy games out there, and therefore, it deserves a spot on this list.
Be the master of this fairy tale world
Awe inspiring at times, let the magical world suck you in
5) Invisible, Inc.
Invisible, Inc. Cinematic Trailer
Become a secret agent for a day and play Invisible Inc. a strategy game where stealth is the focus. Developed by Klei Entertainment, Invisible, Inc. is a combination of Hitman and XCOM, your objective is determined at the beginning of every mission and you must do it without being detected. The gameplay accepts a variety of ways to accomplish every mission, including lethal and non-lethal actions against your enemies. Transverse through levels by hacking systems, distracting guards or even killing them if you must. With roguelike elements like randomized maps and missions, Invisible, Inc. is sure to bring hours of fun to players. Invisible, Inc. is a small excellent change of pace in a genre where big scale games seem to be the norm.
Paired with its great gameplay, Invisible, Inc. features a slick art style
Become the best spy in town
4) The Banner Saga
The Banner Saga Gameplay Trailer
While part 2 added a couple of new features, there’s an unrivaled charm in the original Banner Saga from 2014. Developed by Stoic Studio, you control a caravan of Norse people trying to survive a long war against a supernatural enemy. The focus is this game is placed on decisions, half of it plays like Telltale’s The Walking Dead, the other like Final Fantasy Tactics. The story will change depending on which choices you make, and the story compels you to make the best choices you can and keep your fingers crossed. Combat is fantastic, with small variables that depend on which characters you choose to take to battle. The Banner Saga was a big surprise when it came out, and four years later it remains a game with an aesthetic like no other.
With an amazing hand-drawn art-style and animation, The Banner Saga keeps you on your toes with a gripping story
Seriously! Just look at how awesome it looks
3) Valkyria Chronicles Remastered
Valkyria Chronicles Cinematic Trailer
Valkyria Chronicles is one of the most charming videogames developed in recent years by the once great publisher, Sega. Through the years it has acquired a cult following thanks to its incredible campaign and story. Inspired by World War II events, you take part in an all out war between European giants. Valkyria Chronicles is made great by its gameplay, that combines turn-based strategy and real-time gameplay, when taking your turn, you set your units in the map using a third person view and fight incredibly animated battles with a permadeath system that makes you become attached to characters. Valkyria Chronicles is the pinnacle of storytelling and gameplay combined and a title you must seek and play.
Take cover and don’t let them hit you! You don’t want to know what happens next
The best crew in videogame history
2) XCOM 2
XCOM 2 Gameplay
All over this list, I’ve been comparing most games to XCOM, there’s a reason for that. Enemy Unknown was developed by Firaxis Games and it’s a reboot of the classic 1990s series of the same name. In it, you take control of humans who must protect earth from an alien invasion in turn-based strategy battles with some randomized factors thrown for good measure. XCOM is iconic within the genre because is the perfect example of how to do these types of games.
The gameplay is rich as you manage every little detail of your quest, from customizing your characters to your headquarters. You move your units across the map the best way you can, in a challenging game that will make you come back for more. Customization and progression are what make XCOM special, as you create a bond with your soldiers that could be taken away at any point by the permadeath system. XCOM is excellence in turn based strategy gameplay and remains a must-have for any fan looking for a challenge.
Amazing animation and graphics are synonymous with the XCOM franchise
Make your own personal squad with some great fashion choices
1) Sid Meier’s Civilization V
Civ V Cinematic Trailer
Could it be anything else? Sid Meier has revolutionized strategy games for 35 years and while VI was a bit of a letdown, Civ V remains his masterpiece. Developed by Firaxis, Take control of civilizations and great historical figures from all over the world and conquer the amazingly designed maps in the best 4X videogame that has ever existed. It’s deep but also perfect for newcomers, everything the strategy genre can be has already been done in the Civilization franchise.
Gather resources, conquer other civilizations, study technologies and even learn yourself with the most fantastic 4X game in the market. While many have copied it over the years, Civilization is still the best Strategy game for PC.
Be the ruler of the greatest nation in the world
Become a force for peace or war. It’s up to you
As always, this is just my opinion. What do you think? What is your favorite strategy game? Let me know in the comments.
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