Much like the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck has garnered praise over the years due to its functioning as both a home and handheld console. Known for its versatility, the Steam Deck has a diverse range of games for players to enjoy.
7 Best Turn-Based Strategy Games From The 1990s, Ranked
In the 1990s, PC gaming was becoming mainstream and strategy game developers exploited improvements in hardware to create much more detailed worlds.
In a spot of good news for fans of turn-based gaming, the Steam Deck is brimming with exciting entries in the genre. From innovative rogue-like action to strategic fantasy battles, admirers of the genre can rest easy knowing they are spoiled for choice on the innovative gaming device. Thanks to its powerful hardware wrapped up in a neat, portable device, the Steam Deck ensures players can take their turn-based antics with them, wherever they go.
5 Slay The Spire
A Thrilling Combination of Rogue-Like Elements and Deck-Building
Slay the Spire
- Released
- January 23, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Mega Crit
- Publisher(s)
- Humble Bundle
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Deckbuilding
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
This acclaimed deck-builder sends players through a dangerous, procedurally generated spire. In order to get the job done, gamers must make their way through to the top of the spire, tackling a variety of threats and boss fights along the way.
Slay the Spire went through two other combat systems before settling on the Intents system. Intents allow players to enjoy a slick, straightforward turn-based experience that takes a minimalist approach to stats, allowing players to enjoy the action without the risk of overthinking the combat. The combat also comes in line with a curious, card collection-focused feature, enhancing the strategic value of the game as players put together the most effective deck of abilities they can to get to the top of the spire.
4 Into the Breach
A Tactical Epic Where Players Control Mechs to Defend Against Alien Threats
Into the Breach
Into the Breach takes gamers into a bleak future where Earth has been horribly overrun by the Vek. Suitably fearsome and gigantic, the monstrous Vek proves to be more than formidable as foes for players to strategically take down.
In a neat bit of fun for kaiju and mecha action fans out there, player characters must take control of giant robots in order to combat the Vek threat. The turn-based action forces players to think tactically, as they arrange their unit’s attacks on the enemy whilst dealing with monstrous offense as well. With a distinctive, visual aesthetic and thought-provoking, challenging gameplay, Into the Breach is a rewarding experience for turn-based gaming fans.
3 Civilization 6
Players Can Enjoy Empire-Building With Deep Strategy and Engaging Turn-Based Gameplay
Sid Meier's Civilization 6
As is to be expected from the classic Civilization series, this well-regarded installment begins with players developing a small settlement long ago. From there, it’s up to the player to turn their minor community into an empire as they move through thousands of years of world history.
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The turn-based strategy epic requires players to focus on all areas of their settlement, ranging from the cultural and political structures, all the way up to technological advancements as they move closer to more modern history. With a large number of empires and features to discover, Civilization 6 is an impressively layered, immersive game with rich, strategic combat against both other human players and AI.
2 XCOM 2
Players Fight Alien Occupation in This Challenging Tactical Effort
XCOM 2
- Released
- February 5, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Released over two decades after the original Enemy Unknown, XCOM 2 throws players back into a world invaded by fearsome aliens. With the humans now soundly defeated, the titular XCOM forces front a rebellion against the Earth’s ruthless alien rulers.
The turn-based action is a perfect fit for the game, as gamers get to lead a unit of soldiers into a high-octane battle. The use of time limits and demands ensures a fast pace, forcing players to get dangerous objectives done quickly and efficiently. Praised for its neat variety of alien enemies to take down, the game’s thought-provoking, tactical action ensures it is a rewarding alien warfare epic.
1 Divinity: Original Sin 2
A Compelling RPG With Deep Turn-Based Combat
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Released
- September 14, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Players take control of the mighty Godwoken in this suitably fantastical installment in the Divinity series. With great supernatural power, players must tackle the villainous Voidwoken and expel them from the Rivellon fantasy world setting of the game.
One of Original Sin 2’s greatest strengths is its notable emphasis on character progression. Players can develop their characters’ strengths and personality traits through a variety of means whilst exploring the world on offer. With its isometric viewpoint, the game captures the tactical thrills of turn-based combat perfectly, allowing players to take in the whole battlefield before them when making crucial strategic decisions. Widely praised for its storytelling and combat, Original Sin 2 is a modern classic of the RPG genre.
10 Turn-Based RPGs With Simple But Great Combat
Turn-based RPGs can sometimes be overwhelming to newcomers, but the following games keep combat simple and beginner-friendly.