The 16 Best Turn-Based Strategy Games

Turn-based games date back to the first board games, such as chess and checkers, which have their roots in ancient times. These games, in which all players make moves in their own turn, within certain limits, still have an important place in the game industry today. In this article, we have brought together the best turn-based strategy games where you can pause the world and take turns when playing. 

XCOM 2

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

One of the best turn-based strategy games, XCOM offers the chance to lead a resistance group formed by the world states against alien invasion. It is a very popular game that depicts human and alien warfare from several perspectives dating back to the 1990s. We have to battle hard with our hero to change this scenario where humanity has been kidnapped prisoner and destroyed by aliens. In short, XCOM 2 is a dark space strategy game.

Panzer Corps 2

Platforms: PC

Those looking for a WWII-themed turn-based game can give Panzer Corps 2 a shot. The production, which has been greatly updated in the past, is a perfect fit for those who love technical details.


Also Read: The Best FPS Games for PC


Battletech

Platforms: PC

Battletech invites players to assemble troops wearing giant mechanical armor and launch relentless assaults in non-stop battles. You fight other players’ robots in fights in this game. Each robot has unique characteristics, models, and designs. Robots may also transport many types of weaponry.

Age of Wonders III

Platforms: PC

Age of Wonders, which successfully combines kingdom building, diplomacy and role-playing elements, both updates the solid aspects of the series and manages to be one of the best turn-based strategy games.

Warhamer 40,000: Mechanicus

Platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

Inviting players to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Mechanicus opens a window to humanity’s struggle against the alien race called Necrons. The game is also one of the best turn-based strategy games. 


Also Read: The Best Games for Low-End PCs


Darkest Dungeon

Platforms: PC, Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, iOS

Darkest Dungeon, the second game of which was announced recently, has been one of the most successful games of the past years. The game, which also does a great job in turn-based strategy, can be a great choice for strategy lovers.

Othercide

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Developed by Focus Interactive, Othercide invites players to fight against darkness as humanity’s last hope. In this turn-based tactical strategy game, you must use your units wisely and defeat the demons.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, which was released for free on the Epic Games Store last year, adopts the tactical gameplay of XCOM. The game, which allows us to manage the struggle of three mutants in a post-apocalyptic world, in a very delightful way, also manages to be one of the best productions on our list.

The Banner Saga 3

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4

The Banner Saga 3, which received more than 20 awards and was nominated for 4 BAFTAs, blends a gripping story with solid gameplay. One of the most successful productions in the game world, the production is an ideal choice for those looking for the best turn-based strategy games.

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4

Battlesector, another Warhammer 40,000 game on our list, makes the battle much more comprehensive. In the game where humanity is driving many military units against aliens, you have to think carefully about your every move.


Also Read: The Best Multiplayer Horror Games to Play with Friends


Gears Tactics

Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Combining the Gears of War series with the fast and turn-based strategy genre, Gears Tactics wants you to fight against monsters with a small team you set up in the Gears world.

Humankind

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Humankind, one of the most up-to-date games on our list, has come to satisfy your hunger for strategy that you can’t fill with Civilization. We recommend this turn-based strategy game for especially Civilization lovers.


Also Read: The Best RPG PC Games


Into the Breach

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, iOS, Android

Despite its minimal graphic design, Into the Breach offers the chance to engage in turn-based conflicts where you control giant robots.

Empire of Sin

Platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

Empire of Sin, where you build your crime kingdom, promises a comprehensive management simulation from turn-based skirmishes to general strategy elements.


Also Read: The Best Free Multiplayer PC Games


Endless Legend

Platforms: PC

Reminiscent of Civilization at first with its gameplay, Endless Legends takes you to a completely different universe in the later parts of the story. The turn-based game has very high-quality graphics despite its low storage. You can play with more than one race in the game and continue your development with your own strategy. It is one of the must-see games for those who want to play strategy games.

Total War: Shogun 2

Platforms: PC

One of the most advanced and more feature-packed games in the Total War series. For some, it’s still the best. It is a game that will be loved by those who love Japanese culture and want to win battles with their own samurai warriors. When it was released, it received almost full points from all game critics. For this reason, it should definitely be included in the recommendations of the best turn-based strategy games.

Written by Maya Robertson

The 13 Best Soulslike Games

The 12 Best Pirate Games for PC