Summary
- Some top Nintendo Switch tactics games are exclusive, like Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and Fire Emblem: Three Houses.
- Each game offers unique gameplay, engaging stories, and deep tactical combat.
- From battles to character customization, games like Unicorn Overlord and XCOM 2 provide challenging and satisfying experiences.
Tactics games are incredibly popular and are part of a booming genre, spawning new and excellent releases seemingly every year, whether they are indie gems or part of a long-running and popular series. Many of these essential gaming experiences make their way to Nintendo’s top-selling hybrid console, some of which are even exclusively on the Switch.
7 Best Tactical Indie Games
The indie scene isn't loaded with tactics games, but that works in favor of these titles, which stand out as the best indie tactics games around.
Given how many stellar tactics games there are on the Nintendo Switch, some must-play titles had to be omitted. However, that means that these are the absolute cream of the crop on the hybrid console, ranked here based on a combination of their general quality and popularity with players.
10 Disgaea 5 Complete
Deep And User-Friendly Battles
Disgaea 5 Complete
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Nippon Ichi Software
- Publisher(s)
- Nippon Ichi Software, NIS America
Containing the base game Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance and all DLC, the Nintendo Switch port is known as Disgaea 5 Complete. The ultimate goal of the game is to defeat Void Dark, a demonic entity who has destroyed numerous Netherworlds with his army of over one million, called The Lost.
Players venture to the various Netherworlds to recruit Overlords to their cause, and party-building is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game. There is a vast array of playable classes, each with its own weaponry and attacks, and this game is surprisingly welcoming to new players despite its complexity.
9 Valkyria Chronicles 4
An Engaging Story With Enhanced Gameplay
Valkyria Chronicles 4
- Released
- September 25, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Following the success of the first three titles in the series, Valkyria Chronicles 4 adds a new Grenadier class to give players an extra tactical edge on the battlefield. Controlling Commander Claude Wallace and his friends, players must battle the weather and hordes of enemies, some of which even possess godlike powers.
The new “Last Stand” mechanic sometimes gives a fallen unit the opportunity to have an impact on the battle before succumbing to their fate, such as performing a counterattack or giving an ally a boost. Engaging gameplay, a vibrant art style, and likable characters all make this arguably the best entry in its series.
8 Into the Breach
Chess With Mechs
Into the Breach
- Released
- February 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Played on an eight-by-eight grid and often compared to chess, Into the Breach features plenty of tactical elements for players to sink their teeth into. Set in the far future, players use their gargantuan mechs to battle a race of giant space monsters known as the Vek in turn-based combat with roguelike elements.
Sacrifice plays a major role in combat, forcing players to make tough decisions about allowing mechs to be destroyed, or even important buildings. As players advance through the levels, they must alter their tactics on the fly, due to the fast-paced nature of the gameplay and changing circumstances on the different battlefields.
7 Invisible, Inc.
Tactical Stealth And Espionage
Invisible, Inc.
- Released
- May 12, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Klei Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
In Invisible, Inc. The key word is stealth, as it is absolutely crucial in this XCOM-inspired game about spies and espionage. Players have three days to prepare for their final mission and must choose tasks leading up to that end goal very carefully, as journey lengths and mission difficulty can eat away that valuable commodity called time.
Adding to the tactical element is resource scarcity and the specific skillsets of operatives. Some agents can be recruited who will potentially bring their own unique abilities, giving players an extra edge in conflict or infiltration. Levels are randomly generated, so gameplay never gets old and will continuously test the tactical acumen of players.
6 XCOM 2 Collection
The Measuring Stick Of Turn-Based Tactics
XCOM 2
- Released
- February 5, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
There is a reason that all tactics games are compared to the XCOM series, and players were very excited to play XCOM 2 in handheld mode on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Featuring the full game, plus DLC and the War of the Chosen campaign expansion, defending Earth against the invading aliens with that frustrating yet satisfying combat is incredibly popular for a reason.
It only sits so high on this list due to the few technical troubles that have plagued the game, especially at launch. Despite the occasional stuttering and crashes, most players will take the graphical trade-offs so that they can enjoy this masterpiece on the go, since the story, solid combat, and deep squad customization options are well worth it.
5 Tactics Ogre: Reborn
Character Class Variety And A Deep Story
Tactics Ogre: Reborn
- Released
- November 11, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, Strategy
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Originally released in 1995 as Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together, it was later updated and ported to the Switch and its contemporaries as Tactics Ogre: Reborn. Touted as the inspiration for Final Fantasy Tactics, this game features branching paths and multiple endings, as the choices of player character Denam can drastically change the game world, Valeria.
One major change from the original is that all cutscenes are now fully voiced, and enemy AI has been improved to change their own tactics on the fly. This, combined with the revamped class system, means that combat never gets old, and players can really tweak their characters in countless ways, so each playthrough is unique.
4 Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Edition
Tough But Fair And Family Friendly
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
- Released
- April 21, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Mild Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Wayforward
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
A remake of two Game Boy Advance exclusive titles, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp Edition is a fast-paced, turn-based simulation of continental conflict. Each of the Commanding Officers hails from different regions of the map, each possessing their own strengths and weaknesses, and their special moves can change the tide of battle drastically.
Managing resources and units effectively is paramount to success, and importance is also placed on capturing bases and buildings, as well as defending them. Gameplay can be surprisingly challenging but fair and extremely addictive. Plus, the art style is vibrant and eye-catching, making Advance Wars welcoming to players of all ages.
3 Unicorn Overlord
Compelling Story And Captivating Combat
Unicorn Overlord
- Released
- March 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Vanillaware
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
While many players may look past this gem due to its name, Unicorn Overlord is among the best tactics games ever made. Despite many finding the story of Alain and the power struggle in the Zenoiran Empire quite generic, the later narrative elements and side stories all came in for significant praise, and that’s without mentioning the tight gameplay.
Combat is complex but enjoyable, mixing elements of resource management, real-time strategy, and pre-battle tactical planning. It’s tough but very fulfilling to get it right. Battles are large-scale and there are over 60 unique characters, including humans, angels, and hulking beasts, so combat is always refreshing.
2 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Deep Strategy With That Signature Mario Charm
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
- Released
- October 20, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Milan, Ubisoft Paris
- Genre(s)
- Strategy
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Following on from its predecessor Kingdom Battle, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a crossover of Mario and Rabbids featuring turn-based battles. Unlike the previous game, it now features a more open layout on the battlefield, rather than a grid, and some environmental weapons, which adds some real-time elements to the game.
10 Franchises That Would Make A Great Musou Game
Musou games, traditionally reserved for the Warriors series, have been branching out, and could continue to do so with these iconic game series.
New playable characters include Bowser, a Rosalina-style rabbid called Edge, and even Rayman in the DLC. Roster-building and character upgrades continue to be rewarding, and utilizing great teamwork through team jumps and strategic positioning adds a surprising level of depth to a game aimed at people of all ages.
1 Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Very Tactical And Massively Replayable
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Released
- July 26, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Set on the continent of Fodlan and featuring a school and time management system outside of combat, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is regarded as among the best in the Fire Emblem series. Playing as a professor in the academy and former mercenary, players decide at some point which of the three noble houses they will side with for the remainder of the playthrough.
Even the social simulation and tutoring aspect of the gameplay can have an impact on tactics, teamwork, and the course of battles, so efficiency in every part of the game is important. The different paths and story outcomes make each replay different, especially given the depth of the character roster, the myriad combat arts, and the plethora of weapon options available.