10 – Battletech
Developed by Harebrained Schemes and released in 2018, Battletech faithfully captures the essence of the BattleTech universe, with its compelling strategic gameplay, and intense mech combat. In Battletech, players assume the role of a mercenary commander leading a ragtag group of Mech Warriors and BattleMechs in a war-torn galaxy. From engaging in tense mech battles to managing the repair and customization of your MechWarriors and BattleMechs, the game demands careful planning and adaptability.
9 – Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate Daemonhunters
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters asks the age-old question “What if Warhammer 40.000, but also XCOM?”. And the answer is a delectable space romp leading a squad belonging to the mysterious chapter of the Grey Knights. Even though it’s far from innovative- especially when pitted against other games in this list- Daemonhunters executes its core mechanics so well in tandem with the Warhammer 40,000 universe atmosphere that it’s a must-play for anyone who loves the setting and turn-based strategy.
8 – Wartales
In Wartales, players take on the role of a fledgling mercenary company leader, tasked with building up their team and making a name for themselves in a land full of danger and opportunity. If this is starting to sound awfully similar to Battle Brothers, it is because it must be. You’ll be exploring dungeons, battling wild creatures, completing daring quests, and making decisions of questionable moral stances. Wartales has also a delightful turn-based layer that plays perfectly. With its in-depth turn-based tactics, detailed art style, and fascinating world, Wartales stands out as one of the best turn-based strategy games to play in 2024.
7 – Civilization
The Civilization series can be, at the same time, equally ranked as one of the best turn-based strategy games series ever made, as well as the best 4X series. The reason the entire catalogue is here is because there’s a bit for everyone with each entry. My personal favourites are Civilization 2, Civilization 4, and Civilization Beyond Earth. However, there’s no denying that Civilization 5 and Civilization 6 are probably the most-played entries in the series. It’s just that the military side of those never managed to engross me as much as the previous ones did.
6 – Invisible Inc.
Invisible, Inc. is the literal definition of “a thrilling turn-based strategy game”. One that puts players in the shoes of an elite group of spies on the run, on high-stakes heists in a dystopian future, to get back the corporations that attacked you. It packs a sleek art style, and an addictive gameplay loop of quick turn-based missions, go to base to upgrade your agents and go back into the field. With each turn spent in the randomly generated enemy base, the stakes get higher, as enemies get stronger. It’s no wonder Invisible, Inc. is hailed as one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made, even in 2024, offering a captivating blend of stealth, strategy, and espionage. To this very day, it’s one of those games I keep permanently installed on every system I own.
5 – Xenonauts 1 and Xenonauts 2
The adage “better be safe than sorry” persists for good reason, and Xenonauts 2 embodies this sentiment, enhancing upon its predecessor in every conceivable aspect. While still in development, Xenonauts 2 already showcases remarkable improvement over the original Xenonauts. With its current state, I confidently endorse it. Xenonauts 2 renders the first installment nearly obsolete, save for nostalgia or a preference for its Cold War setting. Offering an irresistible opportunity for both seasoned series veterans and newcomers alike, Xenonauts 2 propels players into leading humanity’s resistance against extraterrestrial threats. Even in its Early Access phase, Xenonauts 2 emerges as a promising evolution of a classic, positioning itself as one of the best turn-based strategy games ever.
4 – Jagged Alliance 3
Sometimes, you just have to admit you were wrong. And how wrong I was. When Jagged Alliance 3 was first unveiled at the tail end of 2021, Strategy and Wargaming reacted more with “ugh!” than “yay!” – “Again, similarly to what was said about Men of War II, I don’t think Jagged Alliance 3 will ever be able to capture the magic that made the previous games so great when they first came out. The landscape of gaming just isn’t the same anymore, especially when it comes to the turn-based-tactical sub-genre, where there are so many great games out there that JA3 won’t get away without being compared to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Gears Tactics, Phoenix Point, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate- Daemon Hunters, Marvel: Midnight Suns and so many other. Can the team behind JA3 differentiate their game enough to make it stand out? By the looks of their 2022 showcase trailer, the answer is firmly negative“- However, after spending more than two weeks with the game, it’s fair to say those first impressions were totally wrong, and Jagged Alliance 3 is fantastic. A serviceable meta-layer that’s more tycoon-management/RPG, interwoven with complex turn-based tactical skirmishes creates the basis for one of 2023 best turn-based tactical games, and one of the best turn-based strategy games that ever saw the light of day.
Jagged Alliance 3 is a fantastic return to form, and proof that in competent hands, the turn-based tactical genre can always get better. Finally, after all these years, we can get together to say that Jagged Alliance is no longer a strategy series that had its high point in the mid-90s, and everything that came after is just the result of untalented studios riding the IP to snatch an easy paycheck. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
3 – Marvel: Midnight Suns
It’s hard to put into words just how amazing Marvel: Midnight Suns really is. The best way to describe it is XCOM meets Marvel, meets Persona 4, in a genre-blend that works surprisingly well. There’s an overarching story with surprising plot twists and heroic moments. The battles are done using a well-designed and complex turn-based card system that creates ample opportunity for customizability and player expression.
After every mission, you’ll spend some time on the Abbey (the party’s base), where some side-quests take place, you unlock new costumes, explore its grounds, uncover every character’s motivations and personal dreams and demons (some literally), upgrade cards, customize your Hunter’s room and looks. It’s a lot. It reminds me fondly of games from yesteryear, with just so much content I can see myself playing it for another hundred and fifty hours (yes, that’s how long it took me).
It’s a shame that the departure of Jake Solomon and the poor commercial performance of the title placed a burial stone on further content, but what’s already there is more than enough, and its going to be a cult classic in a few years.
2 – Into The Breach
From the creators of FTL (Faster Than Light), Into The Breach stands as one of the most innovative turn-based strategy games ever made. Commanding a squad of mechs, players are tasked with defending humanity’s future against alien monsters reminiscent of off-brand Kaijus. Each enemy move is anticipated in advance, and every mech squad possesses distinct tools to counter them, often involving unit and terrain manipulation.
The game redefines the significance of positioning, with gameplay revolving predominantly around it. Players can strategically hurl enemies into traps, arrange them for devastating laser strikes, or provoke them into attacking each other. In Into The Breach, enemies’ attacks are as potent a weapon as your own.
Words scarcely capture my admiration for Into The Breach. The game received a substantial update in 2022, introducing five new mech squads and forty new weapons, which is simply chef’s kiss.
1 – XCOM
XCOM, the remake of the early 90’s turn-based favorite, stands as a hallmark in the turn-based strategy genre. It revolutionized the genre by refining the management aspects of its meta-layer and base building, while also enhancing tactical battles to be more concise, less frustrating, and less grindy than its predecessor. Over a decade since its release, XCOM remains one of Steam’s highest-rated turn-based strategy games.
Both XCOM and XCOM 2 offer compelling narratives, but their true allure lies in their challenging campaigns that captivate players for countless hours. Visually stunning, these games excel in delivering perfectly balanced tactical battles. XCOM 2 introduced a plethora of new weapons, classes, and stealth mechanics, adding refreshing layers to the gameplay. The tension of permanently losing a cherished team member remains a poignant aspect of the experience.
Undoubtedly, these two titles reign supreme as the best turn-based strategy games you can immerse yourself in for 2024. It’s an added bonus that they both hail from the same acclaimed series.
Want to read more lists? Check them all here.
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