10 Best Turn-Based Strategy Games

Turn-based strategy games are the ultimate test of patience, planning, and resisting the urge to throw your controller when a 95% hit chance somehow still misses. Whether you’re into commanding armies, managing empires, or just outsmarting your enemies one turn at a time, these games offer that perfect mix of brainpower and chaos.

But with so many out there, where do you start? Maybe you’re looking for a classic that shaped the genre, or maybe you want something new that lets you plot world domination from the comfort of your couch. Either way, I’ve got you covered.

This list rounds up the best turn-based strategy games—whether you love deep tactics, RPG elements, or just watching your master plan come together flawlessly (or, let’s be real, fall apart spectacularly). So grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

If you’ve ever dreamed of building an empire from scratch and dominating the world, Civilization VII is about to make those dreams feel a lot more real—and a lot more challenging. This latest entry in the iconic 4X strategy series brings fresh mechanics that give even veteran players something to think about. Gone are the days of rigid civ-leader pairings—Civilization VII lets you mix and match leaders and civilizations for some seriously unique gameplay combos. Imagine Napoleon running a high-tech civilization or Cleopatra with a military-focused empire. It’s a game-changer.

The three-era structure adds a strategic layer, forcing you to adapt to the shifting sands of time, from ancient empires to modern superpowers. But what really shines is the Legacy Paths feature—whether you’re focusing on science, culture, or military domination, every decision feels meaningful.

Diplomacy and combat are also overhauled, making your interactions with other leaders even more nuanced. War? It’s no longer just about overwhelming force—it’s about strategy, alliances, and taking the right risks. Civilization VII might be the latest in the series, but it feels like the kind of game that will keep you hooked for hours, thinking about your next move… and whether or not you’re ready for world domination.

XCOM 2

If you’ve ever dreamed of leading a ragtag group of resistance fighters against an alien regime, XCOM 2 lets you live that dream—and it’s not going to be easy. Released in 2016, this turn-based strategy game has you fighting to take back Earth from its alien invaders, one tactical mission at a time.

The combat? Nerve-wracking. Each soldier has unique abilities, and with the fog of war, you never know where the next enemy is lurking. You’ll be making tough choices about squad placement and whether you can afford to risk it all to get the upper hand. Plus, the War of the Chosen expansion brings even more factions and deadly enemies, upping the stakes.

But it’s not just about combat—XCOM 2 makes you manage resources, build up your resistance, and decide what risks are worth taking. And when one of your soldiers dies? It stings, because in XCOM 2, permadeath is real.

Challenging, rewarding, and brutal in all the right ways, XCOM 2 will keep you coming back, even after the 100th squad wipe. If you want a strategy game that really tests your smarts, this one’s for you.

Total War: Shogun 2

Total War: Shogun 2 is a tactical masterpiece that throws you into the heart of feudal Japan’s Sengoku period. You take on the role of a daimyō, leading one of several clans in a battle for supremacy, navigating diplomacy, strategy, and war. It’s a game that demands your full attention—every decision matters, whether it’s planning your next move on the campaign map or commanding armies on the battlefield.

The real-time battles are where the game really shines. You’ll control massive armies of samurai, archers, and cavalry, all while trying to outthink your opponent. The AI here is smart—think Sun Tzu’s Art of War smart—which makes each battle feel like a mental chess match. It’s all about positioning, timing, and knowing when to strike.

And if you’re into multiplayer, Shogun 2 doesn’t disappoint. You can test your strategies against players from all over the world. Plus, the expansion Fall of the Samurai takes things up a notch by adding modern warfare elements, bringing the action into the 19th century.

Into The Breach

Into the Breach isn’t your typical turn-based strategy game, but it’s a total gem if you’re looking for something that mixes brainy tactics with a dash of mechs and monsters. You’re tasked with defending cities from the Vek—giant monsters with a serious vendetta—by commanding customizable mechs. Sounds awesome, right?

The combat is simple to pick up but deep enough to keep you hooked. You’ll spend most of your time positioning your mechs to outsmart the enemy, trying to predict where the Vek will strike next. It’s like a puzzle, but with huge explosions and mechs punching monsters in the face.

What makes Into the Breach stand out is its roguelike elements. Each mission feels like a mini-challenge, and if you mess up, you can send your pilots back in time, taking their experience with them to help you in the next round. It’s a nice mix of strategy and “try, try again” that keeps things fresh.

Gears Tactics

If you love the Gears of War series but want to mix things up, Gears Tactics is your answer. Released in 2020, this turn-based strategy game brings the signature Gears action into a tactical setting, where you command a squad of soldiers against the Locust Horde.

Set 12 years before the original Gears of War, the game keeps things fast-paced with cover-based combat and tactical decisions that make every move count. The environments are stunning, and the gameplay is addictive, even if some missions could use a bit more variety.

It’s the perfect mix of Gears’ brutal action and strategic depth. If you’re into strategy games with a bit of a punch, Gears Tactics is definitely worth your time.

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector

If you’re a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and love turn-based strategy, Battlesector is a must-play. Released in 2021, this game pits the Blood Angels Space Marines against the Tyranid swarm on Baal Secundus, offering a 20-mission campaign packed with tactical depth.

The combat is all about positioning and planning, with each unit offering unique strengths and abilities. But it’s not just about the campaign—Battlesector also lets you dive into skirmish and multiplayer modes for endless replayability. And with the introduction of the Astra Militarum faction in late 2024, the strategic options just got even more exciting.

The game’s got solid voice acting and a tight tactical system, though some missions could use more variety. Still, if you want a Warhammer 40K experience that mixes strategy and action, Battlesector delivers.

Panzer Corps 2

Panzer Corps 2 is a tactical strategy game that puts you in command of WWII-era armies, and it doesn’t hold back. Released in 2020, it lets you lead massive forces across a 60-mission campaign, where every move counts. You’ll be in charge of tanks, infantry, and air units, each with unique stats that’ll make you feel like a true battlefield commander.

The game’s got over 1,000 different units, offering plenty of variety, and the strategic depth will keep you planning your next move for hours. Whether you’re playing solo or jumping into multiplayer with friends, there’s always something to challenge your tactical skills. 

It’s available on multiple platforms, so it’s easy to jump in no matter where you play. For anyone who loves a deep, thought-provoking strategy game with a strong historical foundation, Panzer Corps 2 is a solid pick.

The Battle for Wesnoth

The Battle for Wesnoth is a classic in the turn-based strategy world, and for good reason. This free, open-source game lets you command armies across a rich, high-fantasy universe, with epic campaigns and multiplayer modes that’ll keep you coming back for more.

The single-player campaigns are where the real fun is, offering hours of storytelling and tactical battles. There’s even a new version, 1.18, that dropped in 2024 with cool updates like new campaigns, achievements, and better graphics. Plus, the game is cross-platform, so whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or even iOS, you’re good to go.

The best part? It’s free, so you can dive in without any investment beyond your time. And if you’re the type who loves to tweak and contribute, Wesnoth is open-source, so you can join the community and add your own spin on things. If you’re into strategy games with plenty of depth and a rich world to explore, The Battle for Wesnoth is a must-play.

BattleTech

BattleTech isn’t just about big robots smashing each other—though, yeah, that’s definitely part of the appeal. Set in a galaxy where mercenaries rule the battlefield, this turn-based strategy game gives you control of a ragtag crew of mechs and pilots, all while navigating political intrigue and brutal warfare.

What really sets BattleTech apart is the depth. You’re not just throwing mechs into combat and hoping for the best—you’re managing your mercenary company, customizing your mechs, and making decisions that affect the course of the war. The combat is tactical, challenging, and satisfying, with a huge emphasis on positioning, equipment, and team synergy.

The story has its fair share of twists and turns, and the world-building pulls you in, especially if you’re a fan of the BattleTech universe. The mix of mech combat, strategy, and narrative is what makes BattleTech so addictive. It’s not a quick game, but if you love slow-burn strategy and watching your choices unfold over time, you’ll be hooked.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Okay, okay, I know Divinity: Original Sin 2 isn’t exactly a strategy game, but it earns its spot because it has excellent turn-based combat that’s as tactical as it gets. If you’re into RPGs with a fantastic turn-based system, Baldur’s Gate 3 is also pretty awesome, by the way.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the kind of RPG that makes you feel like you’re part of a living, breathing world—where every choice you make actually matters. You’re not just fighting bad guys for loot; you’re navigating a complex world full of magic, intrigue, and morally gray decisions. 

The tactical combat is a dream for strategy lovers. It’s turn-based, but with a twist: you can use the environment to your advantage, like setting oil on fire or electrifying puddles. Each battle feels like a puzzle, and your success depends on how well you plan and adapt.

The game’s story is massive and rich, with plenty of twists and turns. And the best part? You get to choose who you want to be. The character customization is incredibly deep, and each choice you make feels impactful.