In this article, we will take a look at the best turn-based strategy games on PC.

Turn-based strategy games allow you to take your time and decide the best course of action. This is the most relaxing type of strategy game, although they offer a decent intellectual challenge, depending on the title.

Here we will take a look at the best old and new turn-based strategy games for PC and other platforms.

20. Field of Glory II - 2017 ( PC )

Field of Glory II is the best turn-based historical strategy game you can find right now.

Field of Glory II - Trailer

Field of Glory II is a tile-based table-top-like strategy game based on several historical battles and campaigns. Here you take control of several units on the battlefield, from cavalry to archers and infantry, and play out numerous battles based on real historical events.

Historical table-top experience

In this game, you will have little to no base-building, but instead, focus entirely on the battlefield tactics and maneuvers. Field of Glory really feels like a tabletop experience made into a video game, as its turn-based combat with movement points and different levels of unit experience could remind us of tabletop games like Warhammer.

If you are into historical strategy games and always wanted to replay real historical battles and change history - this game is for you!

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

The first phase of every ancient battle is a staring contest. Actually, it's the hardest part of any battle.

Field of Glory II - Gameplay

System Requirements:   

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7 / 8 / 10
• Processor: 2.0GHz i5/A8 or better
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1GB DirectX 9 Compatible Graphics Card
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX-compatible sound card                   

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7 / 8 / 10
• Processor: 2.0GHz i5/A8 or better
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Discrete 2GB DirectX 9 Compatible Graphics Card
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX-compatible sound card

 

19. Unity of Command 2 - 2019 ( PC, MacOS )

Unity of Command II will have you rage quit every now and then, but always come back to this complex but addicitive game.

Unity of Command 2 - Announcement Trailer

Unity of Command 2 is a simple yet complex turn-based game based on WW2. In this hex-based game, you take control of an allied or axis army during some of the most important battles of WW2. Here you have to remember to expand supply lines, watch the suppression levels, and many other interesting systems that make the gameplay so challenging and addictive.

 A hardcore WW2 strategy game

Unity of Command 2 is a very hard game, as you will struggle with even the first battles of the main campaign. Here you will need to take your time to analyze the enemy lines and where to breach them. Sometimes concentrating your troops or bombing certain positions could do the trick, although each mission requires a different approach to them.

Overall, this is one of the most unique WW2 strategy games on the market. Highly recommended.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

This game is so hard I am pretty sure it was much easier to win the actual ww2 battles it is based on

Unity of Command 2 - Gameplay

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

System Requirements:                                                 

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows® 10 or newer (64-bit)
• Processor: Dual-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: OpenGL 3.3+ supporting GPU with 1GB VRAM
• Storage: 5 GB available space
• Additional Notes: Optimized for Low settings / 30FPS @ 720p. Legacy AMD Radeon graphics cards, older than and including the Radeon Rx 200 series, may work but are not officially supported.

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows® 10 64-bit
• Processor: 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processor or AMD equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 970 or AMD equivalent
• Storage: 5 GB available space
• Additional Notes: Optimized for High settings / 60FPS @ 1080p

 

18. Battle Brothers - 2017 ( PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S & X )

Battle Brothers is a surprise hit from a small indie studio which were able to blend Fire Emblem and XCom gameplay with high-fantasy setting and open-world gameplay with great success.

Battle Brothers - Launch Trailer

Battle Brothers is an indie hex-based medieval strategy game where you take control of a mercenary company in a low-fantasy world. The world is procedurally generated, creating different biomes full of bandits, orcs, goblins, and undead to fight and loot.

The most addictive and interesting part of Battle Brothers is its tactical hex-based combat, where the position and the ability of each member will decide the fate of the whole group.

Having bellowed veterans risking their lives alongside some recruits makes this game so exciting, as this game comes with a hardcore perma-death system, similar to games like Fire Emblem.

Open-world tactical fantasy

Battle Brothers is a great successor to hex-based tactical games like X-com, fire emblem, and Heroes of Might and Magic, adding some interesting features and ideas.

Some features can remind us of other open-world games like the simulated free market economy, where you can influence the prices of many items by trading and selling your loot.

This game is getting constant updates and new content, which means it's still growing and attracting more fans each day.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

Here we have orcs and humans playing medieval rugby.

Battle Brothers - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
• Processor: 1.2 GHz
• Memory: 1024 MB RAM
• Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 compatible video card with 512 MB
• Storage: 1500 MB available space
• Additional Notes: Make sure your video drivers are up-to-date!         

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
• Processor: 2+ Ghz
• Memory: 2048 MB RAM
• Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 compatible video card with 1024 MB
• Storage: 1500 MB available space
• Additional Notes: Make sure your video drivers are up-to-date!

 

17. HUMANKIND - 2020 ( PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One )

HUMANKIND will have you travel through time and see the evolution of the society you created.

HUMANKIND - Official Launch Trailer

HUMANKIND is a 4X turn-based strategy game where you control a nation throughout the history, as it evolves from the stone age to the modern day. This game is very similar to Civilization and even was called “ Civilization Killer” by some fans, as it takes the old Sid Meiers formula and expands on it.

Create your own nation

One of the most unique features of HUMANKIND is its customized culture system. In a game like Civilization, you choose one of several nations to play as, but here you can choose and mix several cultural ideas into one, creating your own culture and identity. 

This shakes the old Civilization formula a little bit, introducing interesting blends of cultures and ideologies. But this also applies to city-building and expansion. In HUMANKIND you can build outposts that can turn into cities and even merge two cities into one mega-city. 

These and many other new features make this game a solid rival to the old but battle-proven CIvilization series.

Fun Factor Score: 70/100

After building every wonder in my capital, trying to build the best city in the world, I ended up with Las Vegas 2

 

HUMANKIND - Gameplay

System Requirements:                 

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7, 64-bit
• Processor: Intel i5 4th generation / AMD FX-8300
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 770 / AMD R9 290
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 25 GB available space    

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7, 64-bit
• Processor: Intel i5 6th generation (or better) / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 (or better)
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 (or better) / AMD RX 5500-XT (or better)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 25 GB available space

 

16. Heroes of Might and Magic V - 2006 ( PC, MacOS )

Heroes of Might and Magic V is a mythology extravaganza, as here you will find almost any mythological creatures out there.

Heroes of Might and Magic V - Trailer

Heroes of Might and Magic V is the fifth game in the acclaimed Might and Magic series. In this game, you can choose from several fantasy factions and heroes and fight the turn-based battles on a grid-based map and explore the open world full of monsters based on different mythologies around the world. This is an interesting mix of RPG and strategy games, as leveling your heroes and monsters is an essential part of the game loop.

This fifth installment offers full-rendered 3D graphics with quite decent battle animations and cinematic cameras during the attack. This game is the first one in the series to go full 3D, which works pretty well due to the art style, which can remind you of Warhammer or Warcraft games. 

A descendant of a long dynasty of games

Heroes of Might and Magic V was a polemic title when it first came out, but with time many fans started to appreciate it more and more, as it finally became a classic must-have for any Heroes of Might and Magic series fans.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

Mythological monsters are also like humans, as they solved their differences in a cultural fight to the death.

Heroes of Might and Magic V - Gameplay

System Requirements:         

• OS: Windows® 2000/XP (only)                
• Processor: Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon™ 1.5 GHz (Pentium® 4 2.4 GHz recommended)            
• Memory: 512 MB (1 GB recommended)                
• Graphics: DirectX® 9 compliant w/ 64MB RAM (128 MB recommended) (see supported list*)                
• DirectX Version: DirectX® 9 or higher                
• Sound: DirectX® 9 compliant                
• Hard Drive: 2+ GB                
• Multiplay: Broadband Internet connection                
• *Supported Video Cards at Time of Release: NVIDIA GeForce 4 / FX / 6 / 7 families (GeForce 4 MX NOT supported), ATI Radeon 8500 / 9000 / X families, Matrox Parhelia
   

15. Darkest Dungeon - 2016 ( PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, MacOS )

Darkest Dungeon is a dark Lovecraftian dungeon crawler with a lot of promising features.

Darkest Dungeon - Release Trailer

Darkest Dungeon is a hardcore turn-based strategy that will challenge your patience and your sanity. This is one of the most difficult and unforgiving games you can play nowadays. But it's also one of the most rewarding strategy games on the market. It takes time to learn its mechanics, but when you do, you will be hooked for a long time.

In Darkest Dungeon you control a small party of heroes that must explore several ruins and dungeons and survive doing it. You start at your central castle, which serves as a central hub for your operations. From here you can send parties to different missions that will get more challenging every time.

A true Lovecraftian experience

In Darkest Dungeon you will not only manage the health of your heroes but also their sanity. Yes, in this indie title, mental sanity is a proper stat that can be boosted or neglected, creating paranoic knights or kleptomaniac mages, all depending on your hero's traits and personality.

This game has a lot of Lovecraft inspiration, from the overall dark tone to several direct references to the occult eldritch creatures. But this game is not only dark and Lovecraftian in its hand-drawn art style, but also in its core gameplay and themes.

In Darkest Dungeon you will need to fight against ancient monsters and the undead, with each battle being an almost impossible and titanic task to complete against all odds, making it thematically close to the idea of the unstoppable cosmic creature we call Chtullu.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

This game is still the main topic of every talk with my therapist.

Darkest Dungeon - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: Open GL 3.2+ Compliant
• Storage: 2 GB available space
• Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7+
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: Open GL 3.2+ Compliant
• Storage: 2 GB available space
• Additional Notes: 1080p, 16:9 recommended

 

14. Endless Legend - 2014 ( PC, MacOS )

Endless Legend is a unique mix of Civilization games with fantasy titles like Warcraft.

Endless Legend - Launch Trailer

Endless Legend is a turn-based sci-fi fantasy game with a similar gameplay style to Civilization games series. This game differs by creating an interesting fantasy/sci-fi world more similar to games like Starcraft and Warcraft.

Each faction has its own unique abilities, quests, and gameplay features, which makes them much more distinct compared to real-world nations from Civilization games.

A unique and vibrant world to explore

Endless Legend is flawless in its execution. With beautiful music, unique heroes, and stylized cutscenes, this title offers a unique spin on the typical 4X strategy formula, giving us one more Civilization-like game but with something really special this time.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

When you play as undead, corruption for once means something somehow positive for your nation.

Endless Legend - Gameplay

System Requirements:                          

Minimum:

• OS: Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
• Processor: 2.5Ghz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 or equivalent
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1GB nVidia Geforce GT460 or equivalent, 500 MB ATI HD4850 or equivalent
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible Audio
• Additional Notes: Minimum Resolution: 1280 x 720             

Recommended:

• OS: Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
• Processor: 3.5Ghz Intel Core i5 or equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1GB nVidia Geforce GTX660 or equivalent, 1GB ATI HD7850 or equivalent
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible Audio
• Additional Notes: Minimum Resolution: 1280 x 720

 

13. South Park: The Stick of Truth - 2014 ( PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch )

South Park: the Stick of Truth is one of the funniest RPG games currently on the market.

South Park: The Stick of Truth - Release Trailer

South Park: The Stick of Truth is a hand-drawn turn-based RPG game based in South Park episode. The first thing that catches the eye of this game is that it looks like a real episode of the South Park series, including the signature art style, animation, and voice actors.

This game uses a well-known Final Fantasy type of battle system, where you take turns using your characters and their unique abilities/spells. But this game is far from being another Final Fantasy clone.

A true South Park video game experience

South Park: The Stick of Truth is not just a South Park game visually, but also thematically. This title has a lot of typical South Park humor all over the place, including some easter eggs for dedicated fans of the series. This is a hilarious game through and through, with many jokes with references from other episodes of South Park.

 This game is a must-have for anyone who is a fan of South Park, as it really feels like a full-on new episode made by Matt Stone and Trey Parker.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

You see the unique mount in the stable. Level 25 Catmare

South Park: The Stick of Truth - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• OS: WindowsXP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8 (both 32/64bit versions)
• Processor: Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2180 @ 2.0 GHz or AMD Athlon64 X2 3800+ @ 2.0 GHz
• Memory: 2 GB GB RAM
• Graphics: nVidia GeForce 8800GT or AMD Radeon HD2600XT (512MB VRAM with Shader Model 4.0 or higher)
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card with latest drivers

Recommended:

• OS: WindowsXP SP3, Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8 (both 32/64bit versions)
• Processor: Intel Core2Duo E4400 @ 2.0 GHz or AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ @ 2.3 GHz or better
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9800GT or AMD Radeon HD4870 (512MB VRAM with Shader Model 4.0) or better
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Card with the latest drivers

 

12. Total War: Warhammer II - 2017 ( PC, MacOS )

Total War: Warhammer II is a huge game with numerous factions and sub-factions to play as.

Total War: Warhammer II - Announcement Cinematic Trailer

Total War: Warhammer II is a new edition to Total War series but this time based on the famous Warhammer universe. This mix is one of the best decisions that Creative Assembly, creators of the Total War series could do, as it worked like a charm here.

Similar to other Total War games, here you control one of the several factions and their leader. You build and move armies on a turn-based world map and fight the battles in a full-3D real-time strategy mode. So far very similar to most Total War games.

A new evolution for the Total War series

What Total War: Warhammer brings to the table is actually a lot. From unique heroes and very different factions to a huge variety of units and abilities. This is a huge game, with almost every faction and sub-faction from the Warhammer universe and a fully realized world map, this title is a wet dream of every Warhammer fan.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

   Boys being boys, sieging another city, and killing all civilians (don't worry, they are orcs).

Total War: Warhammer II - Gameplay

System Requirements: 

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7 64Bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo 3.0Ghz
• Memory: 5 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 460 1GB | AMD Radeon HD 5770 1GB | Intel HD4000 @720p
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space     

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7 / 8 (8.1)/ 10 64Bit
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-4570 3.20GHz
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 4GB | AMD Radeon R9 290X 4GB @1080p
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space

 

11. BattleTech - 2018 ( PC, MacOS )

BattleTech is a perfect game for realistic sci-fi lovers, as each mech here has its own unique complex system that could be damaged or destroyed.

BattleTech - Release Trailer

BattleTech is a turn-based mech battle similar to the BattleTech universe, famous for its tabletop, card, and video games about futuristic robots. The original table-top BattleTech was famous for its hardcore nature and realism, as even one lucky shot could destroy your mech completely.

This game is a virtual adaptation of the original tabletop game, making it the most realistic video game in this series. BattleTech offers you numerous missions and a huge variety of mech to fight with an emphasis on the pilot's experience and abilities.

Tactical Mech fighting simulator

BattleTech has a unique blend of X-Com-like gameplay with typical BattleTech-like realism when it comes to different parts and systems inside each mech. Many weapons can overheat, damaging some of the nearby components, or maybe a even lucky shot to your ammo cache could change the tide of battle here.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

In the future humanity learned to solve their disputes in a civilized manner, by destroying half the planet as they fight in their mechs.

BattleTech - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or Higher
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-2105 or AMD® Phenom™ II X3 720
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 560 Ti or AMD® ATI Radeon™ HD 5870 (1 GB VRAM)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 35 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device
• Additional Notes: Multiplayer is compatible between Windows, Mac, and Linux versions.  

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or Higher
• Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-4460 or AMD® FX-4300
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia® GeForce™ GTX 670 or AMD® Radeon™ R9 285 (2 GB VRAM)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 35 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device
• Additional Notes: Multiplayer is compatible between Windows, Mac, and Linux versions.

 

10. Divinity: Original Sin 2 - 2017 ( PC, PlayStation 4 Xbox One, Nintendo Switch )

Divinity II: Original Sin is a great return to classic-style RPG games like Baldurs Gate and Icewind Dale.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Trailer

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a sequel to the highly acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin, a game that was a part of the revival of the old-style RPG games like Baldurs Gate and Icewind Dale. 

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an isometric RPG with highly customizable characters and a vast world to explore. This title has a very interactive story, where each decision or conversation will actually influence the final outcome. And in a typical old-school RPG fashion, this title has a very interesting and epic main storyline.

A return to the glory days of RPG games

One of the best things about this game is its complexity. Here you have thousands of different spells, abilities, and items that work more similar to the complexity of Japanese RPGs, where several systems coexist with each other, creating one complex but the connected world.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

I saved the villager from the monster but also saved him from the burden of having a house, as it was burned down during combat. You are welcome!

Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit or Windows 8.1 64-bit or Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 550 or ATI™ Radeon™ HD 6XXX or higher
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space
• Additional Notes: Minimum requirements may change during development.

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7 SP1 64-bit or Windows 8.1 64-bit or Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i7 or equivalent
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or AMD R9 280
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 60 GB available space
• Additional Notes: Recommended requirements may change during development.

 

9. Democracy 4 - 2020 ( PC )

Democracy 4 is one of the most complex games when it comes to politics, as you can manage almost any social-economic aspect of your country.

Democracy 4 - Release Trailer

Democracy 4 is a turn-based political simulator, that sometimes feels more like work than a game, but in a good way, somehow. This is a sandbox experience, where you can change almost anything about the country your rule, from taxes applied to particular industries to healthcare or military budget.

This title has very minimalistic and simple graphics, but the design is clean enough to not distract from the most important here: the complex systems at work.

Hardcore Politics simulator

The pure number of possibilities here is astounding, as Democracy 4 takes it almost too far when it comes to possible actions to take. The title is very complex and hard to get into, as sometimes it looks and feels like you are interacting with a spreadsheet, but if learn the basics, you will find a complex world of simulated political intrigue.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

When you feel like you haven't done much at work, you can always go home and play this gem

Democracy 4 - Gameplay

System Requirements:                        

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7,8,10
• Processor: intel i5 1.6GHZ
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: intel HD3000
• Storage: 800 MB available space
• Sound Card: any

    Recommended:

• OS: Windows 7,8,10
• Processor: intel i7
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: intel HD3000
• Storage: 800 MB available space
• Sound Card: any

 

  8. Endless Space 2 - 2017 ( PC, MacOS )

Endless Space 2 expands on every small detail that made the first game one so special.

Endless Space 2 - Launch Trailer

Endless Space 2 is a turn-based 4X strategy game and a sequel to the highly acclaimed Endless Space. This game expands on its predecessor in almost every level, from better graphics to expanded interactive menus and battles.

This title gives you control of one of the several factions. Each one has its own distinctive gameplay and objectives, making this game highly replayable and more similar to RTS games like Starcraft, where each race had absolutely different gameplay, music, and story.

An epic 4X space opera

Endless Space II uses a turn-based system for its campaign but a unique card system for the battle, where you choose between different tactics and then watch them play out in an epic movie-like battle scene. This and the unique heroes that have their own quests and objective makes this strategy game one of the most unique 4X games out to date.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

After conquering the galaxy, space doesn't feel so endless after all.

Endless Space 2 - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows (64bits only) 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
• Processor: i3 4th generation / i5 2nd generation / A6 series
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: Intel HD 4000 / AMD Radeon 5800 series / NVidia 550Ti
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 8 GB available space
• Sound Card: DX11 compatible
• Additional Notes: Minimum Resolution: 1280 x 720                                                 

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows (64bits only) 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
• Processor: i3 5th generation (or newer) / i5 3rd generation (or newer) / FX4170 (or newer)
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD Radeon 8000 series or newer / NVidia GTX 660 or newer
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 8 GB available space
• Sound Card: DX11 compatible
• Additional Notes: Recommended Resolution: 1920 x 1080

 

 7. The Banner Saga - 2014 ( PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, MacOS )

Banner Saga is one of the most beautiful hand-drawn indie games on the market.

The Banner Saga - Trailer

Banner Saga is a turn-based medieval game inspired by Scandinavian mythology. Banner Saga follows a group of heroes in charge of a Warband made of human and Varl warriors, the latter being a strange race of giants with horns.

This game has a very beautiful and interesting hand-drawn art style, that sometimes looks like an animated movie. The music and sound design are also top-notch, giving this game a very folky Viking-like feel.

Hand-drawn Viking adventure

 The gameplay here is somehow similar to X-Com games, but with some changes like the armor system, where you need to destroy the armor point first to get to the enemy's health.

Overall, Banner Saga is a very challenging but addictive game that uses the classic tactical turn-based formula but adds a lot of personal styles and visual artistry.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

Once again, somebody has to die because Chris spilled his drink on some baddies.

The Banner Saga - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7 SP1
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Storage: 4 GB available space  

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 10
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Storage: 6 GB available space

 

  6) Total War: Medieval II - 2006 ( PC, MacOS )

Total War Medieval II is one of the best fully 3D strategy games out there.

Total War: Medieval II - Official Release Trailer

Total War: Medieval II is a turn-based strategy game that takes place in medieval Europe and parts of the middle east and Asia. In a similar style to other Total war games, you play as a king of one of several historical nations, from France to Russia, to Ottoman Empire and Egypt. In this title a big emphasis is made on the dynasty tree and your line of succession, giving assassination intrigue more importance.

A Total War Classic

Total War: Medieval II is a best-seller game for the Total War series, being eclipsed probably only by Total War: Rome. This game is a culmination of years of experience developing strategy games with 3D graphics that started with Rome. Even compared to later games from the series, like Napoleon or Empire, Total War: Medieval II still holds up to this day as one of the most influential strategy games of the last 15 years.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

Crusader knights on their way to baptize infidels one swing at a time

Total War: Medieval II - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• Microsoft® Windows® 2000/XP
• Celeron 1.5GHz Pentium 4® (1500MHz) or equivalent AMD® processor
• 512MB RAM
• 11GB of uncompressed free hard disk space
• 100% DirectX® 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card and latest drivers
• 100% Windows® 2000/XP compatible mouse, keyboard and latest drivers                
• DirectX® 9.0c
• 128MB Hardware Accelerated video card with Shader 1 support and the latest drivers. Must be 100% DirectX® 9.0c compatible            
• 1024 x 768 minimum display resolution            
• Internet (TCP / IP) play supported; Internet play requires broadband connection and latest drivers; LAN play requires a Network card.

 

  5. Panzer Corps 2 - 2020 ( PC )

Panzer Corps 2 is one of the most important WWII turn-based games in the world, as this game inspired numerous indie titles with same premise.

Panzer Corps 2 - Cinematic Trailer

Panzer Corps 2 is a hex-based and turn-based WW2 strategy game that takes you to play a decisive part in many of the most important battle and campaign of the world war 2.

This game has little to no base-building, as it mostly centers on the main battles and campaigns of that time period.

Hardcore but fun WW2 strategy game

This strategy takes many things into account, such as terrain, as here your tanks will not just roll over any other unit in its way, being mostly trapped and destroyed in forests and urban terrains. This makes this game a little hard to learn but very rewarding and challenging when you learn the basics.

This title is a visually simple, but really complex strategy game that has a huge number of fans all over the world due to its simple but effective design and gameplay.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

Two nations fighting for the oil in some random desert country, sounds familiar huh?

Panzer Corps 2 - Gameplay

System Requirements:                        

Minimum:

• OS: 64-bit Windows 8/10 (the game runs on Windows 7 but no support will be provided)
• Processor: Intel or AMD, Dual Core or better (Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system)
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia or AMD, 2GB VRAM
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 12 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound device

Recommended:

• OS: 64-bit Windows 8/10 (the game runs on Windows 7 but no support will be provided)
• Processor: Intel or AMD, Dual Core or better (Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system)
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia or AMD, 4GB of VRAM
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 12 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound device

 

  4. Age of Wonders III - 2014 ( PC, MacOS )

Age of Wonders III is a third installment in a long series of games that blends tactical gameplay with high-fantasy setting.

Age of Wonders III - Announcement Trailer

Age of Wonders III is a hex-based and turn-based strategy game with a gameplay that feels like a blend of Civilization and Heroes of Might and Magic games. This is a fantasy game with a lot of emphasis on magic, monsters, and heroes, which can be used in tactical battles in a similar vein to Civilization games.

Authentic Fantasy 4X game

 Age of Wonders series is famous for its importance for the fantasy 4X genre, as only games like Heroes of Might and Magic could compete with this series. Age of Wonders III is the first fully-3D game in the series, which might bring a new revival for the Age of Wonders series as a whole.

Fun Factor Score: 80/100

Yet another battle between two nations for the oil in the desert

Age of Wonders III - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ @2.6 Ghz
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: nVidia 8800 / ATi Radeon HD 3870 with 512MB or Laptop integrated Intel HD 3000 with 3GB system ram
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 10 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
• Additional Notes:
• Requires a 1024x768 screen resolution.
• Requires an open IPv4 connection for online multiplayer.
• A Triumph Account is required to use the game's online services. The game's single-player and Hot Seat modes are fully playable using the guest account.

Recommended:

• OS: Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz or AMD Phenom X4 9900 @ 2.6 Ghz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: nVidia Geforce 460 1GB or AMD Radeon HD 6850 1GB
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 10 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9 Compatible
• Additional Notes: A 1920x1080 screen resolution.

 

  3. Into the Breach - 2018 ( PC, MacOS, Nintendo Switch )

Into the Breach is an indie strategy masterpiece that was created by a small team of two. Same team developed the fan-favorite FTL game before this one.

Into The Breach - Official Launch Trailer

 Into The Breach is a simple game on the surface but very complex when you start to get deeper. This is a new type of chess, sort of speaking, where each movement has its counter-movement, with thousand possibilities in between.

In this game, you control a group of 3 pilots that must survive a series of battles against huge monsters and save the city and its population. The pilots have several types of mechs to choose from, each one with its own unique abilities and special attacks.

An indie strategy masterpiece

The most interesting and unique feature is the positioning of the units and how you can influence them. Sometimes you will notice that simply pushing the enemy away from the building will do the trick, which this game actually incentivizes.

Into the Breach is a simple indie game with 8-bit graphics that don't seem much at first look, but under the surface, you will find one of the best strategy games of the last 15 years.

Fun Factor Score: 95/100

Gonna tell my kids this was chess.

Into The Breach - Gameplay

System Requirements:  

Minimum:

• OS: Windows Vista/7/8/10
• Processor: 1.7+ GHz or I better
• Memory : 1 GB RAM
• Graphics: Must support OpenGL 2.1 or higher. Intel HD 3000 or better.
• Storage: 400 MB available space

                      

  2. XCOM 2 - 2016 ( PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, MacOS ) 

XCOM 2 is the sequel to the highly-acclaimed first XCOM, which at the same time was a remake of the original X-Com: Ufo Defense, a classic strategy game from the 1994.

XCOM 2 - Launch Trailer

 X-Com series had a huge revival with a new remake title simply called XCOM in 2013. With that game, the interest in the series was renewed, which offered the possibility of expanding the game with the sequel. Here is where the stars aligned and Firaxis Studios were able to create one of the best and most addictive strategy games of the last century.

XCOM 2 will take you to the future earth, where combined human and alien forces will need to work together to stop another alien invasion of the earth.

High-stake tactical action

XCOM 2 takes what made the original XCOM so good and expanded on it in every way. Better graphics, more variety when it comes to weapons, enemies, and characters, and most importantly, a smarter AI system that will challenge you on almost every level.

XCOM 2 has this high-octave tension and crazy action that makes it so cinematic and addictive. Each decision and near-miss will challenge your patience but will give you a just challenge to overcome. XCOM 2 is a must-have game for any tactical strategy game lover.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

We should defund the Men in Black, cause they obviously didn’t prevent this alien from migrating here illegally.

XCOM 2 - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• OS: Windows® 7, 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E4700 2.6 GHz or AMD Phenom 9950 Quad Core 2.6 GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5770, 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or better
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 45 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card
• Additional Notes: Initial installation requires one-time Internet connection for Steam authentication; software installations required (included with the game) include Steam Client, Microsoft Visual C++2012 and 2013 Runtime Libraries and Microsoft DirectX.

Recommended:

• OS: Windows® 7, 64-bit
• Processor: 3GHz Quad Core
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 2GB ATI Radeon HD 7970, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or better
• Storage: 45 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible sound card

 

 1. Civilization VI - 2016 ( PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, MacOS )

Civilization VI lets you choose from 20 different nations, each one with their own unique building, units and policies.

Civilization VI - Launch Trailer

Civilization series is the grandfather of almost every 4X strategy game. This masterpiece helped create a whole genre of games and continued evolving into something different.

Here we have the last edition of the series with Civilization VI. Compared to Civilization V, for example, this title actually polished and enhances almost every small thing that Civilization V did wrong, giving a very professional and smooth experience through and through.

The big daddy of strategy games

Civilization VI has a lot of new features and additions to the well-proven Civilization formula. One of the most noticeable is the world congress, where you can use political points to vote in favor or against numerous bills and propositions, from embargoes, and wars to economic policies and events. This edition really expands on diplomacy, giving more room for political intrigue and pressure.

Civilization VI is currently being updated and expanded upon, with the last update adding natural disasters and world climate change, adding new life to the already almost endless game.

Fun Factor Score: 90/100

The one thing I learned from Civ games, is that never trust Gandhi with nuclear weapons

Civilization VI - Gameplay

System Requirements:

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7x64 / Windows 8.1x64 / Windows 10x64
• Processor: Intel Core i3 2.5 GHz or AMD Phenom II 2.6 Ghz or greater
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: 1 GB & AMD 5570 or nVidia 450 or Intel Integrated Graphics 530
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 12 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device
• Additional Notes: Initial installation requires one-time Internet connection for Steam authentication; software installations required (included with the game) include Steam Client, Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 and 2015 Runtime Libraries, and Microsoft DirectX. Internet connection and acceptance of the Steam™ Subscriber Agreement are required for activation. See www.steampowered.com/agreement for details.

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7x64 / Windows 8.1x64 / Windows 10x64
• Processor: Fourth Generation Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz or AMD FX8350 4.0 Ghz or greater
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: 2GB & AMD 7970 or nVidia 770 or greater
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 12 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX Compatible Sound Device