15 Best Turn-Based Strategy Games of 2025

Turn-based strategy games are all about careful planning, tactical decision-making, and the satisfaction of seeing your strategies unfold perfectly. It gives you the time to think, experiment, and outsmart your opponents one move at a time.

And no matter what kind of strategic thinker you are, there’s a game out there for you. Some of them have 4X empire-building, others tight, high-stakes tactical combat, and a few even mix genres to create hybrid experiences that keep you on your toes.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up my favorite and best turn-based strategy games of 2025. I hope you find the one for you!

The Best Turn Based Strategy Games at a Glance

Game	Sub-Genre	Platforms	Replayability	Best For
Civilization VII	4X / Empire Builder	PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Grand-scale planners & history buffs
Age of Wonders 4	Fantasy 4X + Tactical Battles	PC, PS5, Xbox Series	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Players who love deep customization
Into the Breach	Tactical / Roguelike	PC, Switch, Mobile	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Fans of minimalist but brutal tactics
XCOM 2	Tactical / Squad-based	PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Switch	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Those who love permadeath & tension
Wartales	Open-world Tactics / RPG hybrid	PC, PS5, Xbox Series	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Sandbox adventurers
BattleTech	Mech / Tactical	PC, Mac, Linux	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Players who love heavy customization & mechs
Songs of Conquest	Fantasy / Tactical / 4X Lite	PC, Mac	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Heroes of Might & Magic fans
Tactical Breach Wizards	Tactics / Skirmish	PC	⭐⭐⭐	Fans of creative tactical setups
Shogun Showdown	Roguelike / Tactics	PC	⭐⭐⭐	Players who enjoy challenging, bite-sized sessions
Total War: Pharaoh	Grand/turn-based + RTS hybrid	PC	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Fans of historical empire building
Old World	4X + Narrative / Dynasty mechanics	PC	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Players who like dynasty and long-term strategy
The Battle for Wesnoth	Fantasy / Hex-based Strategy	PC, Mac, Linux, Mobile	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Lovers of classic, open-source fantasy tactics
Total War: Shogun 2	Grand Strategy / Turn-based + RTS	PC	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Fans of historical Japanese campaigns & large-scale battles
Gears Tactics	Tactical / Squad-based	PC, Xbox Series	⭐⭐⭐	Action-strategy fans who enjoy story-driven combat
Panzer Corps 2	Tactical / WWII Strategy	PC, Mac	⭐⭐⭐⭐	WWII strategy enthusiasts & hardcore tacticians

Our Top Turn-Based Strategy Games Reviewed

Civilization VII

Platforms	PC, Mac, PS5, Xbox Series
Release	2025
Sub-Genre	4X / Empire Builder
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Civilization VII is the latest entry in the legendary 4X series, putting you in the role of a world leader tasked with building a civilization from the ground up. You’ll explore new lands, manage resources, conduct diplomacy, research technologies, and engage in epic wars—all on a turn-based system that lets you think several steps ahead. And every choice you make can ripple across centuries of in-game history.

The game streamlines some of the complexity from earlier entries while introducing innovative new mechanics for city management, espionage, and diplomacy. The AI offers a serious challenge, and each playthrough feels unique because the maps are generated procedurally and there are tons of civilizations to master.

On the downside, its grand scale can be intimidating. A single game can take dozens of hours to complete, and the pace might feel slow if you’re used to smaller, quicker tactical battles. 

This game is best for players who love thinking several turns ahead, enjoy building complex empires, and thrive on long-term strategic planning.

Pro tip: Experiment with different civilizations early on to find a playstyle that fits you—some excel at military conquest, others at culture or science. Don’t underestimate city placement and trade routes; small strategic decisions early on can snowball into massive advantages later in the game.

Age of Wonders 4

Platforms	PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Release	2023
Sub-Genre	Fantasy 4X + Tactical Battles
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Age of Wonders 4 combines epic empire-building with tactical, turn-based combat in a rich fantasy world. You’ll manage your cities, research powerful spells, recruit fantastical units, and engage in carefully planned battles that reward smart positioning and clever use of terrain.

The game offers a huge variety of races and classes, letting you customize your civilization and army to match your preferred playstyle. Battles are visually stunning, highly strategic, and satisfying to master, and the game’s AI provides challenging, varied opponents without feeling unfair. 

However, you may not like it if you prefer fast-paced gameplay. Battles can take time, and the depth of systems might feel a bit overwhelming. 

Pro tip: Experiment with different races and unit compositions early in your campaign. Some combinations can create devastating synergies in battle, and exploring the magic system can turn seemingly difficult encounters into easy victories. Also, don’t neglect diplomacy, alliances can make or break your empire’s expansion.

Into the Breach

Platforms	PC, Switch, Mobile
Release	2018 (Advanced Edition 2022)
Sub-Genre	Tactical / Roguelike
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Into the Breach is a tightly designed tactical roguelike where you command a squad of mechs defending humanity from giant alien creatures. Each mission takes place on a small, grid-based map, and the game gives you complete information about enemy moves before you act.

Despite small maps and simple visuals, the strategic depth is enormous. Each mech squad feels unique, and the game encourages experimentation with loadouts, terrain manipulation, and mech abilities. Runs are quick enough to play in short bursts, yet long-term strategies and achievements give the game impressive replay value.

But it might not be for you if you prefer sprawling campaigns or narrative-driven experiences. Plus, it’s really challenging.

Pro tip: Focus on understanding enemy attack patterns before acting. Unlocking new mech squads early and mixing weapon types can completely change your strategy and make challenging missions far more manageable. Also, don’t forget to protect civilian structures—they’re key to scoring higher and unlocking advanced pilots.

XCOM 2

Platforms	PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Release	2016 (with expansions through 2022)
Sub-Genre	Tactical / Squad-based
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

XCOM 2 puts you in command of a resistance force fighting to reclaim Earth from alien occupation. You manage a mobile base, research new technologies, recruit and train soldiers, and deploy squads on turn-based missions across diverse battlefields.

Soldiers gain experience, develop unique abilities, and can form bonds that affect morale, while mission design encourages creative use of cover, flanking, and coordinated attacks. Procedurally generated maps and randomized enemy placements make each playthrough feel fresh, and the extensive modding community adds endless replay options.

But just like Into The Breach, this one can be really hard, almost punishing, especially the higher in difficulty level you go. Permadeath is a big thing here, so that can feel especially unforgiving.

Pro tip: Focus on building a diverse squad with complementary abilities and always consider cover and positioning. Don’t rush missions—sometimes delaying an action to plan a better strategy is the difference between success and losing a veteran soldier. Modding can also significantly enhance replayability, offering new missions, enemies, and even gameplay tweaks.

Wartales

Platforms	PC, PS5, Xbox Series
Release	2023
Sub-Genre	Open-world Tactics / RPG hybrid
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wartales puts you in charge of a band of mercenaries roaming a gritty, medieval open world. You’ll explore villages, dungeons, and wildlands while completing contracts, recruiting new mercenaries, managing your crew, and surviving tough battles.

Unlike tightly scripted campaigns, Wartales lets you carve your own path. You can trade, explore, fight, and craft your story as you go.

On the downside, the open-world design can sometimes feel overwhelming or grindy. Resource management is important, and careless decisions can lead to your mercenary band being wiped out.

Pro tip: Pay attention to your mercenaries’ fatigue and injuries—keeping your team healthy and rested is key to long-term success. Experiment with different party compositions and unit abilities to find synergies that make combat easier and more fun.

BattleTech

Platforms	PC, Mac, Linux
Release	2018
Sub-Genre	Mech / Tactical
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

BattleTech is a turn-based tactical game set in a futuristic universe of giant combat mechs. You command a mercenary company, customize your mechs, and deploy them in grid-based battles across diverse terrain.

You can modify every aspect of your units, from armor and weapons to internal systems. The game’s campaign combines tactical battles with strategic resource management, and its setting in the rich BattleTech universe adds tons of lore. Plus, the procedurally generated contracts and the choice-driven campaign provide strong replay value.

The downside is that the learning curve can be steep. Micromanagement of mech systems, heat, and movement can be complex, and battles can be slow-paced.

Pro tip: Experiment with different mech builds to discover powerful synergies, and always keep an eye on heat management—overheating can ruin even the most carefully planned turns. Don’t neglect contracts off the battlefield; resource and crew management are just as important as combat.

Songs of Conquest

Platforms	PC, Mac
Release	2022
Sub-Genre	Fantasy / Tactical / 4X Lite
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Songs of Conquest is a turn-based strategy game that combines kingdom management with tactical battles in a colorful, fantasy world. You command armies, explore maps, capture cities, and harness unique hero abilities to overcome enemies.

It kind of reminds you of Heroes of Might & Magic, combined with modern visuals and mechanics. The game also offers a variety of factions, maps, and scenarios, adding tons of replay value.

Unfortunately, its 4X elements are lighter than traditional grand strategy games, so empire management might feel shallow to some players.

Pro tip: Focus on building balanced armies with complementary hero abilities, and don’t ignore terrain advantages during battles—they can significantly shift the outcome of encounters. Exploring the map thoroughly early on helps secure resources and strategic positions for mid- to late-game success.

Tactical Breach Wizards

Platforms	PC
Release	2023
Sub-Genre	Tactics / Skirmish
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐

Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based tactical game where you command a small squad of wizards in procedurally generated missions. Each wizard has unique abilities—fireballs, teleportation, shields, and other spells—that you must use creatively to overcome enemy squads and obstacles.

Every mission can be approached in multiple ways, rewarding experimentation and strategic thinking.

However, it can be punishingly difficult, and the small squad size means mistakes are costly. Campaigns are relatively short, and the procedural nature of missions can sometimes feel repetitive.

Pro tip: Pay attention to enemy line-of-sight and use your wizards’ mobility to control the battlefield. Combining spells for chain reactions can completely turn a mission in your favor, so don’t be afraid to experiment and replay missions for better results.

Shogun Showdown

Platforms	PC
Release	2022
Sub-Genre	Roguelike / Tactics
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐

Shogun Showdown is a turn-based tactical roguelike set in a stylized version of feudal Japan. You command a small team of warriors, each with unique abilities and combat styles, as you battle through procedurally generated encounters.

The procedurally generated maps and enemy placement keep every run fresh, and the game encourages strategic experimentation. The art style and thematic design also stand out, giving the game a unique flavor compared to other tactics-focused roguelikes.

This one is also — you guessed it — hard. It really leaves little room for error. And sometimes the smaller scale battles can feel repetitive.

Pro tip: Focus on mastering each unit’s abilities and how they interact with the environment. Certain terrain features and skill combos can completely turn the tide of battle, so replaying levels with different strategies can unlock surprising advantages.

Total War: Pharaoh

Platforms	PC
Release	2023
Sub-Genre	Grand Strategy / Turn-based + RTS hybrid
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Total War: Pharaoh is a turn-based grand strategy game with real-time tactical battles set in ancient Egypt. You manage your empire on a campaign map, handle diplomacy, trade, and resource management, and lead massive armies into visually spectacular real-time battles.

You can plan sieges, control units with precision in real time, and make impactful decisions about diplomacy and economy. The game’s AI offers challenging opponents, and the layered mechanics provide a satisfying balance of long-term planning and immediate tactical execution.

If you’re new to the Total War series, the learning curve can be steep and the campaigns very time-consuming (but all worth it).

Pro tip: Use scouts and espionage units to gather intelligence on enemy positions before committing to major battles. Combining careful campaign planning with tactical battlefield maneuvers often turns the tide in what initially seems like hopeless scenarios.

Old World

Platforms	PC
Release	2021
Sub-Genre	4X + Narrative / Dynasty mechanics
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Old World is a turn-based 4X strategy game that blends empire-building with dynasty and narrative mechanics. You control a civilization over multiple generations, managing cities, resources, and military campaigns while dealing with dynastic succession, political intrigue, and character-driven events.

Characters in your dynasty have traits, ambitions, and relationships that influence how your empire functions. Plus, there are procedurally generated maps and events which makes it even more fun.

Keep in mind that the dynasty and event mechanics can be overwhelming if you’re accustomed to traditional 4X games. Campaigns can be slower-paced, and the focus on characters over purely strategic empire management may not appeal to everyone.

Pro tip: Pay attention to the traits and ambitions of your dynasty members—they can make or break your empire. Balancing political influence, military strength, and succession planning is key to maintaining a stable and thriving civilization over generations.

The Battle for Wesnoth

Platforms	PC, Mac, Linux, Mobile
Release	2003 (active updates ongoing)
Sub-Genre	Fantasy / Hex-based Strategy
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Battle for Wesnoth is an open-source, turn-based strategy game set in a high-fantasy world. You command armies on hex-based maps, engage in tactical combat, and complete campaigns that combine strategic unit management with story-driven objectives. There’s also a multiplayer mode and a strong modding community.

However, the graphics and interface can feel dated compared to modern strategy games, and you might get overwhelmed by the sheer number of campaigns and community-made content.

Pro tip: Start with the official campaigns to get a feel for unit strengths and terrain strategies, then dive into the community-made scenarios for unique challenges and fresh content. Utilizing terrain advantages and unit positioning is key to dominating battles.

Total War: Shogun 2

Platforms	PC
Release	2011 (with expansions through 2022)
Sub-Genre	Grand Strategy / Turn-based + RTS hybrid
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Total War: Shogun 2 is a turn-based grand strategy game combined with real-time tactical battles, set during Japan’s Sengoku period. You take command of a clan, manage provinces, build armies, and engage in epic battles where positioning, unit composition, and terrain play a crucial role.

The game’s AI gives you challenging opponents, and each clan offers unique units and bonuses that change your playstyle. The Sengoku period setting, detailed unit animations, and historically inspired battles create an immersive experience.

The downside is that the game can be intimidating, particularly managing both the campaign layer and battles simultaneously. The pace can be slow, especially during long campaigns.

Pro tip: Take advantage of terrain and unit variety during battles. Mountain passes, rivers, and forests can be used to funnel or ambush enemy forces, giving smaller armies a fighting chance against stronger opponents. Also, keep a balanced economy to support large armies without overextending your resources.

Gears Tactics

Platforms	PC, Xbox Series
Release	2020
Sub-Genre	Tactical / Squad-based
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐

Gears Tactics is a turn-based tactical game set in the Gears of War universe. You command a squad of soldiers battling the Locust Horde across a variety of missions.

The game features fast-paced, satisfying combat, memorable characters, and a variety of mission types. Squad progression and customizable skills allows you to tailor your teams to your preferred playstyle.

However, it can feel linear compared to other turn-based strategy games, with less emphasis on empire-building or long-term strategic planning.

Pro tip: Focus on combining squad abilities for devastating combos and make full use of cover and flanking mechanics. Completing side objectives and exploring maps thoroughly can also unlock better equipment and resources for tougher missions.

Panzer Corps 2

Platforms	PC, Mac
Release	2020
Sub-Genre	Tactical / WWII Strategy
Replayability	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Panzer Corps 2 is a turn-based strategy game focused on tactical battles and strategic campaigns set during World War II. You command historically accurate units, plan offensives, manage resources, and make high-stakes decisions on hex-based battlefields.

Units have realistic strengths and weaknesses, and terrain plays a critical role in combat. The game’s extensive campaign, variety of scenarios, and scenario editor provide strong replay value. I

The historical focus may feel niche, and the learning curve can be steep for newcomers to hex-based tactical systems.

Pro tip: Take advantage of terrain and combined arms tactics—using infantry, armor, and artillery together effectively can turn the tide of even the toughest battles. Exploring side scenarios and experimenting with different unit compositions can also dramatically improve your success rate.

Best by Sub-Genre

Tactics / Squad / Skirmish

These games focus on tight, turn-based battles with smaller squads or specialized units. Perfect for players who love tactical thinking and positioning.

• Into the Breach – Minimalist, puzzle-like tactical combat with intense short sessions.
• XCOM 2 – Squad-based tactical combat with permadeath and long-term progression.
• Tactical Breach Wizards – Creative spell-based squad combat with procedurally generated missions.
• Shogun Showdown – Roguelike tactical encounters with small squads and procedural maps.
• Gears Tactics – Story-driven, cover-based tactical combat in the Gears of War universe.

4X / Empire Building

Games in this category let you manage civilizations or kingdoms, expand your empire, and make long-term strategic decisions.

• Civilization VII – The ultimate grand-scale empire builder with massive replayability.
• Age of Wonders 4 – Combines empire-building with tactical fantasy battles.
• Old World – Dynasty-driven 4X strategy with generational consequences.
• Songs of Conquest – Fantasy 4X-lite with tactical battles and hero units.

Hybrid / Rogue-Elements / Smaller Indie Strategy

These titles mix tactical combat, roguelike mechanics, or indie sensibilities for unique experiences.

• Wartales – Open-world mercenary sandbox with tactical combat and RPG elements.
• Into the Breach – Quick, puzzle-like tactical roguelike.
• Tactical Breach Wizards – Procedurally generated missions with tactical flexibility.
• Shogun Showdown – Procedural roguelike tactical combat with small squads.

Grand Strategy / Historical Strategy

Games in this category focus on large-scale strategy, including empire management, diplomacy, and massive battles.

• Total War: Pharaoh – Historical grand strategy with large-scale real-time battles.
• Total War: Shogun 2 – Epic Sengoku-era campaigns with turn-based strategy and real-time combat.
• Panzer Corps 2 – Hex-based WWII tactical campaigns with a strategic layer.
• BattleTech – Tactical mech combat with strategic mercenary company management.
• The Battle for Wesnoth – Fantasy strategy with campaigns, multiplayer, and custom scenarios.

Tips Before You Buy — What to Consider

Difficulty & Learning Curve

Turn-based strategy games vary massively in complexity. Some, like Into the Breach or Shogun Showdown, are easy to pick up but brutally precise, rewarding tactical thinking in small maps. Others, such as Civilization VII or Old World, require long-term planning, patience, and a willingness to learn multiple layered systems. Consider how much time and mental energy you want to invest before diving in. Some games are perfect for short sessions, while others demand hours of careful strategy.

Turn Time (Long vs Short Turns)

Some games let you breeze through quick turns (Into the Breach, Gears Tactics), while epic empire builders (Civilization VII, Total War: Pharaoh) involve lengthy turns where you must juggle many systems at once. If you prefer a faster-paced experience with rapid decision-making, focus on smaller-scale tactical titles. If you love getting lost in multi-hour planning sessions, grand strategy or 4X titles are ideal.

UI / Accessibility (Mod Support, Controller Support)

User interface can make or break a strategy game. Complex 4X games often require menus and hotkeys (Old World, Age of Wonders 4), while tactical games usually offer streamlined UIs. Check whether your preferred platform supports a controller if you’re not playing on PC. Mod support is another huge plus because modding can greatly extend a game’s life.

The Battle for Wesnoth, XCOM 2, and Age of Wonders 4 all have active communities creating new campaigns, units, and mechanics. Even smaller indie titles like Tactical Breach Wizards and Wartales may support custom maps or fan-made scenarios. If you love experimenting with content beyond the base game, mod support is a major consideration.

Replayability / Expansions / Updates

Check whether a game offers expansions, frequent updates, or randomized content. Procedural maps, dynamic campaigns, and multiple factions make tactical games like Into the Breach or Songs of Conquest highly replayable. Long-term 4X and grand strategy games thrive on expansions (Civilization VII, Total War: Shogun 2) that add units, mechanics, and campaigns, giving new reasons to replay. Games with active updates and DLC often maintain strong communities, adding longevity to your experience.

Honorable Mentions / Upcoming Ones to Watch

While we focused on the biggest and most impactful turn-based strategy games above, there are several newer or smaller titles that are worth keeping an eye on:

• Gloomhaven (PC, Switch, 2023) – A digital adaptation of the popular board game. Combines tactical combat with RPG-style progression, perfect for fans of squad-based strategy.
• Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark (PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, 2019) – A tactical RPG with deep character customization, challenging missions, and gorgeous hand-drawn art.
• Regiments (PC, 2025) – A modern, smaller-scale WW2 tactics game with detailed units and battlefield management, promising a fresh approach to historical strategy.
• Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector (PC, PS5, Xbox Series, 2021) – Tactical combat with Warhammer 40K units; smaller scope but highly satisfying for strategy and tabletop fans.
• Age of Darkness: Final Stand (PC, 2023) – A hybrid strategy/roguelike where you defend against overwhelming hordes; indie, innovative, and brutal.
• Phantom Brigade (PC, 2025) – A mech-focused tactical RPG blending turn-based planning with real-time execution; highly anticipated for its unique gameplay system.
• Factions & Indie Expansions in The Battle for Wesnoth (Ongoing) – New campaigns, mods, and community content constantly refresh this classic indie strategy game.

These games may not have the recognition or scale of our main list, but they offer unique mechanics, compelling worlds, and fresh tactical experiences. Many of them are perfect for players looking for something different, experimental, or just plain fun.

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