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 € 7 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
Fantasy setting
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
A party of several characters
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
Building and crafting
Historical setting
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.
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 € 7 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
Turn-based combat
Puzzles and brain teasers
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
Lavish presentation
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 € 7 days left94 % positive
Very positive, 12,755 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Co-op or multiplayer
A party of several characters
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 playable49.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 263,273 reviews on Steam
Historical setting
Deep systems to master
Sandbox with your own goals
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.
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
Lavish presentation
Economy and management
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.
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
Strong, story-driven narrative
Build variety
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
Lavish presentation
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 € 2 days left92 % 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 € 2 days left92 % 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.
A real-time stealth tactics game set in World War II where you guide a team of specialists, each with unique skills, through tricky infiltration and sabotage missions. The appeal lies in careful planning and coordinated takedowns of patrols.
A real-time stealth tactics game set in World War II where you guide a team of specialists, each with unique skills, through tricky infiltration and sabotage missions. The appeal lies in careful planning and coordinated takedowns of patrols.
A landmark real-time strategy game set in an alternate history where Allies and Soviets battle over Europe with tanks, spies and Tesla coils, framed by gloriously campy live-action cutscenes and Frank Klepacke's iconic soundtrack.
1996PC, PlayStation, Steam Deck playablefree80 % positive
Very positive, 425 reviews on Steam
Strong soundtrack
Fast pace
Competing against other players
A landmark real-time strategy game set in an alternate history where Allies and Soviets battle over Europe with tanks, spies and Tesla coils, framed by gloriously campy live-action cutscenes and Frank Klepacke's iconic soundtrack.
The definitive competitive tactical shooter, where two teams fight short, high-stakes rounds over bomb sites and precise aim, utility usage and team coordination decide everything. Source 2 adds reactive volumetric smoke to a famously unforgiving skill ceiling.
2023PC, Steam Deck playable13.29 €85 % positive
Very positive, 9,972,361 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Shooting and gunplay
The definitive competitive tactical shooter, where two teams fight short, high-stakes rounds over bomb sites and precise aim, utility usage and team coordination decide everything. Source 2 adds reactive volumetric smoke to a famously unforgiving skill ceiling.
Tactics games reward thinking over reflexes. The appeal lies in reading a situation, weighing risks and watching a careful plan pay off, whether that means flanking an alien from high cover or timing a spell so it hits three enemies at once. On PC this list mixes turn-based games, where you can take all the time you need, with real-time strategy and team games that also demand speed and execution, so decide first which kind of pressure you enjoy.
Other things to weigh are how punishing a game is, whether you want to play alone or with others, and how long a single session or campaign runs. XCOM: Enemy Unknown and XCOM 2 are the purest squad tactics here: every move matters, and losing a veteran soldier is permanent. Baldur's Gate III suits players who want a long, story-rich campaign where turn-based fights reward creative use of the environment and party abilities. Heroes of Might and Magic III combines map exploration and town building with hex-grid battles and is famous for hot-seat multiplayer.
If you prefer shorter bursts, Slay the Spire packs tactical decisions into card-based runs that each play out differently. For grand-scale planning across centuries, Sid Meier's Civilization VI offers several paths to victory and that well-known one-more-turn pull. StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the pick if you want tactics under real-time pressure, with a varied campaign before you face the demanding multiplayer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best turn-based tactics game on PC for beginners?
XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a good starting point because its squad combat is easy to grasp, though its permanent soldier losses still make it tense. Slay the Spire is another approachable option thanks to short runs that teach you as you go.
Which tactics games on PC can I play with friends?
Heroes of Might and Magic III is known for hot-seat multiplayer, and both Civilization V and Civilization VI support multiplayer matches. Dota 2 is built around teams of five, while Age of Empires II and StarCraft II offer competitive real-time matches.
Is XCOM 2 harder than XCOM: Enemy Unknown?
Both are tagged as difficult and both feature permanent death for soldiers. XCOM 2 sets you against an alien occupation rather than an invasion, so you play as the underdog, which many players find adds pressure, while Enemy Unknown is often recommended as the gentler entry point.
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