The article is a personal ranking of the top 10 anticipated turn-based RPGs and strategy games for 2026, highlighting diverse titles like Commander: Europe at War, Liegecraft, Wild Tactics, Kriegsfront Tactics, Mars Tactics, Shadow of the Road, Critical Shift, Project Haven, MENACE, and Star Wars Zero Company, emphasizing the author's obsession with strategic gameplay and willingness to make sacrifices for these upcoming releases.
This article provides a curated list of 20 classic tactical RPGs, focusing on games over ten years old, including titles like Arc the Lad Collection, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Fire Emblem: Awakening, offering hours of strategic gameplay and memorable characters for genre fans.
Metal Slug Tactics brings the chaotic energy of the classic run-and-gun series to a turn-based strategy format, offering rewarding gameplay with excellent pixel art and animation. However, the game is hindered by an obtuse UI, frequent crashes, and a lack of comprehensive tutorials. While the game encourages constant movement and strategic positioning, players may find the experience frustrating due to glitches and insufficient guidance. A patch is recommended before purchase to fully enjoy the game's potential.
Capes is a solid turn-based strategy game for the Nintendo Switch that combines the tactical elements of XCOM with a superhero theme. Despite dated visuals and a predictable plot, the game excels in its engaging gameplay, unique hero abilities, and strategic depth. Fans of strategy games and comic books will find much to enjoy in Capes.
Steam is offering the turn-based strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War for free until May 30, allowing users to keep the game permanently once downloaded.
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2 has been announced at the Warhammer Skulls showcase, featuring a debut trailer. The game allows players to control either the Necrons or the Adeptus Mechanicus in multiple campaigns, with new environmental mechanics and a story by Black Library author Ben Counter. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S, though no release date has been provided.
Thunderful announces Steamworld Heist II, a sequel to the critically-acclaimed tactics game, featuring a new tropical setting, interactive world map, and a new cast of characters. The game retains the turn-based ricochet strategy of the original while adding a new job system and emphasis on exploration. Despite concerns about diminishing returns, the team is confident in the game's quality and aims to deliver the best installment in the series. Set to release on August 8, the game will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
Red Hook's upcoming free Kingdoms update for Darkest Dungeon 2 transforms the game into a turn-based strategy boardgame, where players defend a world map against eldritch creatures. The update remixes elements from the original Darkest Dungeon, incorporating persistence and an overworld, while maintaining the gruelling nature of the main game. Players must strategically manage a roster of heroes, customize their party at inns, and embark on quests to fend off assaults and track down bosses. The update will also introduce new enemy factions and a more straightforward DLC featuring a new faction and biome.
Strategy video games are popular for their focus on decision-making and high-level planning, offering a variety of sub-genres from slow grand strategy to fast-paced real-time strategy. The top strategy games include Football Manager for sports management, Starcraft II for sci-fi RTS, Total War: Warhammer III for tactical battles, Teamfight Tactics for auto battlers, Crusader Kings III for grand strategy, XCOM 2 for turn-based combat, Age of Empires II: Definite Edition for real-time battles, and Civilization VI for empire-building. These games offer deep gameplay experiences across various platforms, making strategy games accessible to a wide audience.
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, a turn-based strategy RPG previously available on PC, is set to release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on February 20. The game offers fast-paced tactical combat, squad customization, and a galaxy-spanning campaign, with digital pre-orders currently available for standard and "Purifier" editions, the latter including unique playable character Castellan Garran Crowe and additional downloadable content.
Rising Lords, a medieval-inspired turn-based strategy game, is set to release on Nintendo Switch on January 18th, featuring tactical combat, skill cards, board game mechanics, city building, resource management, and more. The game, set in the fictional kingdom of Aubelin, also offers cross-platform multiplayer, Challenge and Scenario Modes, and a map editor. After being in early access on Steam, the full version will be available on consoles later this month.
Persona 5 Tactica, a spin-off turn-based strategy game, offers a mediocre experience for fans of the Persona 5 franchise. While emotionally invested players may enjoy the opportunity to reunite with familiar characters, the story is weak, the combat simplistic, and the stages lack depth. The game's dialogue-heavy nature and limited character customization further detract from the overall experience. However, for diehard fans, the chance to spend more time with beloved characters may outweigh these shortcomings.
EA Sports is set to release a mobile game called EA Sports FC Tactical, which combines turn-based strategy with soccer. Unlike traditional sports games, players won't directly control the actions of the players on the field, but instead focus on in-game strategies such as player stamina and power-play management. The game features over 5,000 licensed players from top leagues and offers various modes including online-friendly matches and intense online competitions. EA Sports FC Tactical is available for pre-registration and is expected to launch on January 18, 2024.
Lamplighters League is a modern XCOM-style turn-based strategy game set in an alternate 1930s world filled with supervillains and Lovecraftian horrors. Players manage a team of thieves, scoundrels, and assassins to stop the villains' misdeeds. The game offers tile-based movements, upgradeable home bases, and engaging interactions between troops. With its intriguing blend of light stealth, heavy pulp style, and XCOM gun battles, Lamplighters League provides a meaty tactics game for fans of the genre.
Wargroove 2, the sequel to the popular turn-based strategy game, builds upon the success of its predecessor by delivering an engrossing, character-driven storyline with improved storytelling and character development. The game introduces new factions, campaigns, and unit types, although unit balance remains an issue. The addition of Conquest mode and a robust custom creation suite enhances the gameplay experience, while the multiplayer features provide a solid online experience. Overall, Wargroove 2 is an ideal sequel that offers a satisfying narrative, enjoyable gameplay, and longevity through user-generated content.
