Plan, position, strike: games where the better plan wins, not the faster finger.
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How to find games that really suit you:
Select up to 5 games you have played and enjoyed. Playalike compares 50 traits such as combat, story and atmosphere and suggests games that hit exactly the same spot, even across genres.
A sprawling D&D-based CRPG where inventive turn-based combat rewards creativity and nearly every decision reshapes the story and your bonds with its superbly written companions.
The landmark real-time strategy classic with three wildly different yet finely balanced factions and a gripping sci-fi campaign full of betrayal and intrigue. Its multiplayer shaped competitive esports like few games ever have.
The classic 4X strategy game: you guide a civilization across millennia, from its first settlement to the space age. Hex-based combat, city-states and multiple paths to victory create the famous "one more turn" pull.
A sprawling D&D-based CRPG where inventive turn-based combat rewards creativity and nearly every decision reshapes the story and your bonds with its superbly written companions.
A sprawling D&D-based CRPG where inventive turn-based combat rewards creativity and nearly every decision reshapes the story and your bonds with its superbly written companions.
The landmark real-time strategy classic with three wildly different yet finely balanced factions and a gripping sci-fi campaign full of betrayal and intrigue. Its multiplayer shaped competitive esports like few games ever have.
The landmark real-time strategy classic with three wildly different yet finely balanced factions and a gripping sci-fi campaign full of betrayal and intrigue. Its multiplayer shaped competitive esports like few games ever have.
The classic 4X strategy game: you guide a civilization across millennia, from its first settlement to the space age. Hex-based combat, city-states and multiple paths to victory create the famous "one more turn" pull.
2010PC, Steam Deck playable−75 %29.99 € 7.49 € 6 days left95 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 128,458 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Historical setting
Strong soundtrack
The classic 4X strategy game: you guide a civilization across millennia, from its first settlement to the space age. Hex-based combat, city-states and multiple paths to victory create the famous "one more turn" pull.
Blizzard's landmark RTS pairs a varied Terran campaign following Jim Raynor, where nearly every mission introduces a fresh twist, with a razor-sharp competitive multiplayer that defined esports for a decade.
Blizzard's landmark RTS pairs a varied Terran campaign following Jim Raynor, where nearly every mission introduces a fresh twist, with a razor-sharp competitive multiplayer that defined esports for a decade.
The timeless real-time strategy classic: build a medieval civilization, gather resources, advance through the ages and lead armies in historical campaigns or intense multiplayer matches.
The timeless real-time strategy classic: build a medieval civilization, gather resources, advance through the ages and lead armies in historical campaigns or intense multiplayer matches.
Valve's famously deep MOBA where two teams of five clash with over a hundred distinct heroes to destroy each other's base. Few games reward teamwork, game knowledge and precise execution as intensely.
2013PC, Steam Deck playablefree80 % positive
Very positive, 2,811,217 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Competing against other players
Challenging difficulty
Valve's famously deep MOBA where two teams of five clash with over a hundred distinct heroes to destroy each other's base. Few games reward teamwork, game knowledge and precise execution as intensely.
A timeless turn-based strategy classic where heroes explore adventure maps, build up towns and lead armies of mythical creatures into tactical hex-grid battles. Eight distinct factions and legendary hot-seat multiplayer have kept it beloved for decades.
A timeless turn-based strategy classic where heroes explore adventure maps, build up towns and lead armies of mythical creatures into tactical hex-grid battles. Eight distinct factions and legendary hot-seat multiplayer have kept it beloved for decades.
A classic 4X turn-based strategy game where you lead a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Era, planning cities district by district across the map. Win through conquest, science, culture, religion or diplomacy, and get hooked on the famous 'one more turn' loop.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable59.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 277,568 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Economy and management
Historical setting
A classic 4X turn-based strategy game where you lead a civilization from the Stone Age to the Information Era, planning cities district by district across the map. Win through conquest, science, culture, religion or diplomacy, and get hooked on the famous 'one more turn' loop.
Turn-based tactical battles against alien invaders where cover, positioning and class abilities decide the outcome. Between missions you manage your base, research and funding, and fallen soldiers are gone for good.
2012PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable14.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 40,494 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Turn-based combat
Shooting and gunplay
Turn-based tactical battles against alien invaders where cover, positioning and class abilities decide the outcome. Between missions you manage your base, research and funding, and fallen soldiers are gone for good.
A tactical CRPG whose turn-based battles let you creatively combine elements, surfaces and terrain. It pairs that with huge freedom of approach, origin characters with their own storylines and four-player co-op.
A tactical CRPG whose turn-based battles let you creatively combine elements, surfaces and terrain. It pairs that with huge freedom of approach, origin characters with their own storylines and four-player co-op.
Classic medieval real-time strategy with asymmetric civilizations, base building and economy management. Documentary-style campaigns about real historical battles sit alongside a competitive multiplayer scene.
2021PC, Steam Deck playable39.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 73,029 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Historical setting
Building and crafting
Classic medieval real-time strategy with asymmetric civilizations, base building and economy management. Documentary-style campaigns about real historical battles sit alongside a competitive multiplayer scene.
The sequel to the genre-defining roguelike deckbuilder: every run you assemble card and relic synergies and make tense tactical decisions climbing the Spire. New heroes, alternate acts and co-op play open up fresh strategies.
2026PC, Steam Deck verified−20 %22.99 € 18.39 € 13 days left61 % positive
Mixed, 189,620 reviews on Steam
Cards and deck-building
Runs that play out differently every time
Turn-based combat
The sequel to the genre-defining roguelike deckbuilder: every run you assemble card and relic synergies and make tense tactical decisions climbing the Spire. New heroes, alternate acts and co-op play open up fresh strategies.
A landmark strategy game that pairs turn-based empire management on a campaign map with massive real-time battles involving thousands of soldiers. Lead a Roman family or a rival power as you manage provinces, forge alliances and command legions in the field.
2004PC, Steam Deck playable94 % positive
Very positive, 13,115 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Strong soundtrack
Economy and management
A landmark strategy game that pairs turn-based empire management on a campaign map with massive real-time battles involving thousands of soldiers. Lead a Roman family or a rival power as you manage provinces, forge alliances and command legions in the field.
The classic 4X strategy game where you guide a civilization from the Stone Age to the space race, with religions, cultural borders and diplomacy. Famous for its 'one more turn' pull and the award-winning theme 'Baba Yetu'.
2005PC, Steam Deck playable−80 %19.99 € 3.99 € 6 days left92 % positive
Very positive, 2,819 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Historical setting
Strong soundtrack
The classic 4X strategy game where you guide a civilization from the Stone Age to the space race, with religions, cultural borders and diplomacy. Famous for its 'one more turn' pull and the award-winning theme 'Baba Yetu'.
2018PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €93 % positive
Compact turn-based tactics where three mechs defend cities from giant kaiju-like aliens. Every enemy attack is telegraphed in advance, so each turn plays like a tightly designed chess puzzle with roguelike runs and time-travel resets.
2018PC, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified14.99 €93 % positive
Very positive, 19,172 reviews on Steam
Puzzles and brain teasers
Turn-based combat
Runs that play out differently every time
Compact turn-based tactics where three mechs defend cities from giant kaiju-like aliens. Every enemy attack is telegraphed in advance, so each turn plays like a tightly designed chess puzzle with roguelike runs and time-travel resets.
Turn-based 4X strategy where you guide an empire through three historical ages, reshaping your civilization at each era transition. City building, diplomacy and warfare combine into the series' trademark one-more-turn pull.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified69.99 €48 % positive
Mixed, 45,664 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Historical setting
Economy and management
Turn-based 4X strategy where you guide an empire through three historical ages, reshaping your civilization at each era transition. City building, diplomacy and warfare combine into the series' trademark one-more-turn pull.
A deep grand strategy sandbox where you guide any of hundreds of nations from the late Middle Ages to the Napoleonic era through diplomacy, trade, colonization and war. Its complexity is daunting at first, but crafting your own alternate world history is endlessly absorbing.
2013PC49.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 92,176 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Sandbox with your own goals
Deep systems to master
A deep grand strategy sandbox where you guide any of hundreds of nations from the late Middle Ages to the Napoleonic era through diplomacy, trade, colonization and war. Its complexity is daunting at first, but crafting your own alternate world history is endlessly absorbing.
A grim fantasy RPG where you lead a band of memorable companions as a Grey Warden against the Blight. Tactical pausable combat, distinct origin stories and weighty moral choices shape the fate of Ferelden.
2009PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable29.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 10,538 reviews on Steam
Companions and relationships
Fantasy setting
Choices with consequences
A grim fantasy RPG where you lead a band of memorable companions as a Grey Warden against the Blight. Tactical pausable combat, distinct origin stories and weighty moral choices shape the fate of Ferelden.
A landmark real-time strategy game that blends base building with powerful hero units that level up in battle. Its gripping campaign, including Arthas' fall, defined Warcraft lore, while its multiplayer and map editor became legendary.
A landmark real-time strategy game that blends base building with powerful hero units that level up in battle. Its gripping campaign, including Arthas' fall, defined Warcraft lore, while its multiplayer and map editor became legendary.
A classic party RPG built on tactical turn-based fights where elemental combos like fire, water and oil can be chained creatively. It pairs an explorable world full of puzzles and humor with a co-op mode in which the two heroes can even argue over decisions.
2014PC, Steam Deck playable39.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 8,200 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Turn-based combat
Lots to discover
A classic party RPG built on tactical turn-based fights where elemental combos like fire, water and oil can be chained creatively. It pairs an explorable world full of puzzles and humor with a co-op mode in which the two heroes can even argue over decisions.
A turn-based grand campaign of diplomacy, city building and dynastic scheming across medieval Europe and the Middle East, paired with massive real-time battles involving thousands of troops. A landmark entry in the Total War series for anyone who wants to rewrite medieval history.
A turn-based grand campaign of diplomacy, city building and dynastic scheming across medieval Europe and the Middle East, paired with massive real-time battles involving thousands of troops. A landmark entry in the Total War series for anyone who wants to rewrite medieval history.
A landmark WWII real-time strategy game where cover, destructible environments and squad-level tactics decide every battle. Its cinematic Normandy campaign and enduring multiplayer set the standard for tactical RTS.
2006PC, Steam Deck playable−80 %32.99 € 6.59 € 6 days left94 % positive
Very positive, 12,755 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Co-op or multiplayer
Lavish presentation
A landmark WWII real-time strategy game where cover, destructible environments and squad-level tactics decide every battle. Its cinematic Normandy campaign and enduring multiplayer set the standard for tactical RTS.
A deep grand strategy simulation of World War II where you lead any nation, managing industry, research, diplomacy and front lines in pausable real time. National focus trees and alternate-history paths give it huge replay value.
2016PC, Steam Deck playable−70 %49.99 € 14.99 € 13 days left90 % positive
Very positive, 263,273 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Deep systems to master
Economy and management
A deep grand strategy simulation of World War II where you lead any nation, managing industry, research, diplomacy and front lines in pausable real time. National focus trees and alternate-history paths give it huge replay value.
A brutally hard real-time tactics game set in WWII, where you guide a squad of specialised commandos through enemy-held territory. Every mission plays like a stealth puzzle of vision cones, patrol routes and precise timing.
1998PC90 % positive
Very positive, 3,755 reviews on Steam
Sneaking and hiding
Challenging difficulty
Historical setting
A brutally hard real-time tactics game set in WWII, where you guide a squad of specialised commandos through enemy-held territory. Every mission plays like a stealth puzzle of vision cones, patrol routes and precise timing.
A new Fire Emblem tactics RPG built around a tournament where warriors fight to have their greatest wish granted. Familiar systems like combat arts and gambits are joined by new Blaze Arts, which let units trade health for powerful special moves.
A new Fire Emblem tactics RPG built around a tournament where warriors fight to have their greatest wish granted. Familiar systems like combat arts and gambits are joined by new Blaze Arts, which let units trade health for powerful special moves.
Combines a turn-based campaign map with huge real-time battles in Sengoku-era Japan. Diplomacy, intrigue, province building and agents like ninjas give strategic depth both on the map and on the battlefield.
2011PC, Steam Deck playable89 % positive
Very positive, 39,073 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Economy and management
Lavish presentation
Combines a turn-based campaign map with huge real-time battles in Sengoku-era Japan. Diplomacy, intrigue, province building and agents like ninjas give strategic depth both on the map and on the battlefield.
Combines a turn-based campaign map where you manage an ancient empire with huge real-time battles in which you tactically command entire armies. Diplomacy, economy and generalship all feed into one another.
2013PC, Steam Deck playable29.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 54,994 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Economy and management
Deep systems to master
Combines a turn-based campaign map where you manage an ancient empire with huge real-time battles in which you tactically command entire armies. Diplomacy, economy and generalship all feed into one another.
A real-time tactics stealth game set in Edo-period Japan where you command a team of five specialists and chain silent takedowns with Shadow Mode. Each mission is an intricate puzzle of sight cones, guard patrols and character abilities.
2016PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified39.99 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 30,930 reviews on Steam
Sneaking and hiding
Historical setting
A party of several characters
A real-time tactics stealth game set in Edo-period Japan where you command a team of five specialists and chain silent takedowns with Shadow Mode. Each mission is an intricate puzzle of sight cones, guard patrols and character abilities.
A genre-defining tactical RPG where you lead a party through isometric battlefields using a deep, flexible job system. Its dark, politically tangled story of betrayal and war is matched by challenging fights that reward careful planning and class combinations.
A genre-defining tactical RPG where you lead a party through isometric battlefields using a deep, flexible job system. Its dark, politically tangled story of betrayal and war is matched by challenging fights that reward careful planning and class combinations.
The classic real-time strategy game in a polished 4K remaster: build an economy, advance through the ages and lead medieval civilizations to victory in campaigns or competitive multiplayer matches.
2019PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable32.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 160,405 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Competing against other players
Co-op or multiplayer
The classic real-time strategy game in a polished 4K remaster: build an economy, advance through the ages and lead medieval civilizations to victory in campaigns or competitive multiplayer matches.
A demanding real-time tactics game set in World War II, where you guide a squad of specialists with unique skills through richly detailed maps you can explore freely, even inside buildings. Each mission plays like an intricate stealth puzzle that rewards careful planning and clever combinations of your team's abilities.
2001PC, PlayStation, Xbox4.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 2,413 reviews on Steam
Sneaking and hiding
Historical setting
A party of several characters
A demanding real-time tactics game set in World War II, where you guide a squad of specialists with unique skills through richly detailed maps you can explore freely, even inside buildings. Each mission plays like an intricate stealth puzzle that rewards careful planning and clever combinations of your team's abilities.
The remaster of the strategy classic tells a grim tale of intrigue, betrayal and honor amid the wars of Ivalice. You fight grid-based battles and shape your squad through a deep job system, now with full voice acting, improved visuals and new difficulty options.
2025PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified49.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 5,879 reviews on Steam
Build variety
Strong, story-driven narrative
Strong character progression
The remaster of the strategy classic tells a grim tale of intrigue, betrayal and honor amid the wars of Ivalice. You fight grid-based battles and shape your squad through a deep job system, now with full voice acting, improved visuals and new difficulty options.
A landmark stealth sandbox where you tackle missions across open Afghanistan and Africa any way you like, fultoning enemies away and growing your own mercenary base. Kojima's bleak revenge tale about Big Boss frames the systemic freedom.
2015PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck playable29.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 73,701 reviews on Steam
Sneaking and hiding
Open world
Sandbox with your own goals
A landmark stealth sandbox where you tackle missions across open Afghanistan and Africa any way you like, fultoning enemies away and growing your own mercenary base. Kojima's bleak revenge tale about Big Boss frames the systemic freedom.
The genre-defining MOBA where two teams of five pick from a huge roster of champions to push lanes and destroy the enemy base. Every match is a test of mechanics, teamwork and macro strategy.
The genre-defining MOBA where two teams of five pick from a huge roster of champions to push lanes and destroy the enemy base. Every match is a test of mechanics, teamwork and macro strategy.
The legendary tactics classic pairs tense turn-based squad missions against aliens with global base building, research and tight budget management. Soldiers die permanently, and every strategic decision can save or doom humanity.
The legendary tactics classic pairs tense turn-based squad missions against aliens with global base building, research and tight budget management. Soldiers die permanently, and every strategic decision can save or doom humanity.
A Wild West stealth real-time tactics game where you guide John Cooper's gang through huge, intricately designed levels and coordinate simultaneous moves with Showdown Mode. Every mission plays like an open-ended puzzle with many solutions, carried by a revenge story and banter between distinct characters.
A Wild West stealth real-time tactics game where you guide John Cooper's gang through huge, intricately designed levels and coordinate simultaneous moves with Showdown Mode. Every mission plays like an open-ended puzzle with many solutions, carried by a revenge story and banter between distinct characters.
An epic strategy hybrid: you conquer a vast fantasy world on a turn-based campaign map as one of four very distinct factions, then decide the fight in huge real-time battles with massive armies and monsters where tactical skill wins the day.
2017PC, Steam Deck playable59.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 85,177 reviews on Steam
Fantasy setting
Lavish presentation
Strong character progression
An epic strategy hybrid: you conquer a vast fantasy world on a turn-based campaign map as one of four very distinct factions, then decide the fight in huge real-time battles with massive armies and monsters where tactical skill wins the day.
An approachable, charmingly presented collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe, where you build decks and face other players in turn-based duels. Its playful humor, varied modes like Arena and Battlegrounds, and a meta that keeps shifting with each expansion make it stand out.
An approachable, charmingly presented collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe, where you build decks and face other players in turn-based duels. Its playful humor, varied modes like Arena and Battlegrounds, and a meta that keeps shifting with each expansion make it stand out.
Napoleon: Total War combines a turn-based campaign map with huge real-time battles of the Napoleonic era. You lead campaigns from Italy to Waterloo or oppose him, winning wars through strategy and battlefield command.
2010PC19.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 18,219 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Deep systems to master
Napoleon: Total War combines a turn-based campaign map with huge real-time battles of the Napoleonic era. You lead campaigns from Italy to Waterloo or oppose him, winning wars through strategy and battlefield command.
A landmark real-time strategy game where you guide an ancient civilization from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, gathering resources, building settlements and commanding armies. Historical campaigns and competitive multiplayer made it a genre classic.
A landmark real-time strategy game where you guide an ancient civilization from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, gathering resources, building settlements and commanding armies. Historical campaigns and competitive multiplayer made it a genre classic.
Real-time WWII tactics where you guide a squad of specialist commandos through detailed maps, treating each mission like an intricate stealth puzzle. Brutally hard, but deeply satisfying when a plan comes together.
Real-time WWII tactics where you guide a squad of specialist commandos through detailed maps, treating each mission like an intricate stealth puzzle. Brutally hard, but deeply satisfying when a plan comes together.
A tactical 5v5 shooter where attackers and defenders clash using unique operators and fully destructible walls, floors and ceilings. Communication, map knowledge and clever gadget use matter as much as aim.
2015PC, PlayStation, Xbox19.99 €82 % positive
Very positive, 1,570,000 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A tactical 5v5 shooter where attackers and defenders clash using unique operators and fully destructible walls, floors and ceilings. Communication, map knowledge and clever gadget use matter as much as aim.
A landmark of classic CRPGs: lead a hand-picked party through Amn, fight tactical real-time-with-pause battles under AD&D rules, and chase the sinister mage Irenicus. Memorable companions, romances and a huge web of side quests make it an epic adventure.
A landmark of classic CRPGs: lead a hand-picked party through Amn, fight tactical real-time-with-pause battles under AD&D rules, and chase the sinister mage Irenicus. Memorable companions, romances and a huge web of side quests make it an epic adventure.
2015PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.99 €91 % positive
A turn-based stealth tactics game where you guide a small team of agents through procedurally generated corporate facilities while a ticking clock pressures you. Every move matters, since mistakes can permanently cost you agents.
2015PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable19.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 5,113 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Sneaking and hiding
Sci-fi setting
A turn-based stealth tactics game where you guide a small team of agents through procedurally generated corporate facilities while a ticking clock pressures you. Every move matters, since mistakes can permanently cost you agents.
A genre-defining tactical shooter built around meticulous mission planning: you assemble squads, plot routes and actions, then carry out counter-terror raids where a single hit can be fatal.
A genre-defining tactical shooter built around meticulous mission planning: you assemble squads, plot routes and actions, then carry out counter-terror raids where a single hit can be fatal.
A colossal real-time strategy game with huge maps, seamless strategic zoom, and hundreds of land, sea and air units, capped by game-changing experimental superweapons. Three warring human factions battle for the galaxy in the Infinite War.
2007PC, PlayStation, Xbox9.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 2,342 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Co-op or multiplayer
Economy and management
A colossal real-time strategy game with huge maps, seamless strategic zoom, and hundreds of land, sea and air units, capped by game-changing experimental superweapons. Three warring human factions battle for the galaxy in the Infinite War.
A competitive 5v5 tactical shooter that blends unforgiving, precision gunplay with distinct agent abilities. Team coordination and round-by-round strategy matter as much as raw aim.
A competitive 5v5 tactical shooter that blends unforgiving, precision gunplay with distinct agent abilities. Team coordination and round-by-round strategy matter as much as raw aim.
You lead a mercenary company through a gritty, procedurally generated medieval world, juggling contracts, gear and recruits. The turn-based battles are brutal, and losing your men is part of the experience.
2017PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable29.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 26,421 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
A party of several characters
Melee combat with weapons or fists
You lead a mercenary company through a gritty, procedurally generated medieval world, juggling contracts, gear and recruits. The turn-based battles are brutal, and losing your men is part of the experience.
A classic real-time strategy game where you lead Greek, Egyptian or Norse civilizations, calling on god powers, heroes and mythical beasts like cyclopes and minotaurs. Its globe-trotting campaign following Arkantos and deep competitive multiplayer made it a genre favorite.
A classic real-time strategy game where you lead Greek, Egyptian or Norse civilizations, calling on god powers, heroes and mythical beasts like cyclopes and minotaurs. Its globe-trotting campaign following Arkantos and deep competitive multiplayer made it a genre favorite.
A classic real-time strategy game about colonizing the Americas, blending economy building, army command and a persistent Home City that grants card-based bonuses. Its physics-driven battles and strong multiplayer made it a standout of its era.
2005PC, Steam Deck playable90 % positive
Very positive, 32,290 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Co-op or multiplayer
Economy and management
A classic real-time strategy game about colonizing the Americas, blending economy building, army command and a persistent Home City that grants card-based bonuses. Its physics-driven battles and strong multiplayer made it a standout of its era.
As a daimyo in Sengoku-era Japan, you conquer the country on a turn-based strategy map and fight your battles in real time with large armies. Its appeal lies in historical authenticity and tactical terrain and unit management.
2000PC9.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 1,014 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Economy and management
As a daimyo in Sengoku-era Japan, you conquer the country on a turn-based strategy map and fight your battles in real time with large armies. Its appeal lies in historical authenticity and tactical terrain and unit management.
A tower-defense strategy game where you recruit and train operators with distinct roles, then deploy them with careful placement and timing in tricky missions. It pairs a bleak dystopian story with a striking art style.
A tower-defense strategy game where you recruit and train operators with distinct roles, then deploy them with careful placement and timing in tricky missions. It pairs a bleak dystopian story with a striking art style.
A turn-based tactical RPG from the Battle Brothers developers: you lead an elite strike force against an alien menace, equipping infantry and fielding tanks and mechs in demanding, carefully planned battles.
2026PC, Steam Deck playable39.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 12,816 reviews on Steam
Sci-fi setting
Turn-based combat
Strong character progression
A turn-based tactical RPG from the Battle Brothers developers: you lead an elite strike force against an alien menace, equipping infantry and fielding tanks and mechs in demanding, carefully planned battles.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−90 %29.99 € 2.99 € until tomorrow92 % positive
Lead the last city on a frozen, steam-powered Earth, juggling heat, coal and food while signing laws that test your morals. A bleak, tense city-builder where survival constantly clashes with humanity.
2018PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck playable−90 %29.99 € 2.99 € until tomorrow92 % positive
Very positive, 115,212 reviews on Steam
Dark, serious atmosphere
Post-apocalyptic setting
Resources and survival
Lead the last city on a frozen, steam-powered Earth, juggling heat, coal and food while signing laws that test your morals. A bleak, tense city-builder where survival constantly clashes with humanity.
You captain a starship on the run, rerouting power, directing crew and making tough calls in pausable real-time battles. Every run is procedurally generated, brutally tense and often ends in glorious failure.
2012PC, Steam Deck playable9.99 €94 % positive
Very positive, 63,081 reviews on Steam
Runs that play out differently every time
Sci-fi setting
Pixel art
You captain a starship on the run, rerouting power, directing crew and making tough calls in pausable real-time battles. Every run is procedurally generated, brutally tense and often ends in glorious failure.
An addictive poker roguelike where Jokers, card upgrades and wild synergies push your scores to absurd heights. Every run plays differently, and the hunt for the perfect build never gets old.
2024PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck verified13.99 €97 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 162,769 reviews on Steam
Pixel art
Cards and deck-building
Runs that play out differently every time
An addictive poker roguelike where Jokers, card upgrades and wild synergies push your scores to absurd heights. Every run plays differently, and the hunt for the perfect build never gets old.
Tactics games reward thinking over reflexes: you win by reading the situation, positioning carefully and making every action count. The list above spans a wide range, so it helps to decide first whether you want turn-based play, where you can take your time over each move, or real-time strategy, where planning has to happen under pressure. Difficulty varies a lot too, and so does structure: some games are long story campaigns, others are built around short, repeatable runs or competitive matches.
If you want deep tactical combat inside a big story, Baldur's Gate 3 is the standout, with D&D-based turn-based fights that reward creative solutions and choices that reshape the plot and your companions. XCOM 2 is the pick for tense squad tactics, since permadeath means a single bad move can cost you a soldier for good. Heroes of Might and Magic III combines town building and map exploration with hex-grid battles, and its hot-seat multiplayer makes it great for sharing one PC with friends.
Prefer real-time decisions? StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty offers a varied campaign where almost every mission adds a new twist, plus a famously sharp competitive multiplayer. For something bite-sized, Slay the Spire turns tactics into card combat, with every run asking for new combinations, which makes it easy to play in short sessions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best turn-based tactics game for beginners?
Civilization VI is a friendly starting point thanks to its steady pace and multiple ways to win. XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a good next step if you want squad combat, though it is tough and losing soldiers stings.
Which tactics games can I play with friends?
Heroes of Might and Magic III is known for its hot-seat multiplayer, and the Civilization games support multiplayer matches. Dota 2 is entirely team-based, while StarCraft II and Age of Empires II offer competitive and team matches.
Are there tactics games with a strong story?
Baldur's Gate 3 is the obvious choice, with superbly written companions and decisions that reshape the story. The original StarCraft and StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty also feature gripping sci-fi campaigns full of betrayal and intrigue.
Not quite your taste?
Tell us your favourite games and we'll find recommendations that fit you exactly.
