Best Turn-Based Strategy Games Like XCOM

The long-running XCOM series began in 1994 with X-COM: UFO Defens e (also known as UFO: Enemy Unknown) and started to receive mainstream attention in 2012 thanks to the critically acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which acted as a reboot for the series. The newfound mainstream attention has not been due to changes in its core values, however. XCOM: Enemy Unknown and its sequels have kept the punishing difficulty intact.

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XCOM: Chimera Squad struggled to impress fans of the series, exemplified by its brutal User Score on Metacritic. Consequently, many fans will want similar games to the originals to play. For tactical fans looking for some excellent turn-based strategy games like the XCOM series, there are many options available.

Updated July 20, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: XCOM provides a diverse range of gameplay features, including resource management mechanics and strategic planning for upcoming battles. However, at its core, the turn-based combat is what draws players into its nightmarish battlefield against the alien invaders. Whether set in medieval times or a post-apocalyptic world, there are many turn-based strategy games that are similar to XCOM in one way or another. As such, this article has received an update to feature even more of the best options available.

27 Jeanne D'Arc

An Excellent Fantasy-Based War To Engage XCOM Fans

Jeanne d'Arc is a fantasy-themed tactical RPG based on the real-life Joan of Arc, a crucial figure during the Hundred Years War. It blends historical events and figures into its fantasy realm, featuring captivating characters that players will quickly become invested in.

Jeanne d'Arc isn't as challenging as XCOM, but there is a difficulty spike around halfway if players haven't spent time in free battles and upgrade their recruit's weapons and armor. It features beautiful anime cutscenes with a Saturday morning cartoon vibe, reminiscent of the 1990s Prince Valiant cartoons, complete with grand heroes and villains. The formerly PSP exclusive is also available on the PS4 and PS5.

26 Mordheim: City Of The Damned

A Challenging Strategy Game Set In The Warhammer Universe

Mordheim: City of the Damned is a tactical RPG set in the Warhammer universe, based on the tabletop game by Games Workshop. Mordheim is a nightmarish city where players must choose between four factions, The Mercenaries of the Empire, The Cult of the Possessed, Sisters of Sigmar, and Skaven.

Fans of the fantasy Warhammer will be familiar with the challenges and the evil that await them in Mordheim, but XCOM fans unfamiliar with the universe will get a kick out of not knowing what awaits them in the city's skirmishes, the challenging tactics, and varied factions. Mordhiem: City of the Damned offers a lot of customization options and tons of lore to delve into for those new to Warhammer.

25 Advance Wars 1+2: Reboot

Two Classics With Resource Management And Engaging Gameplay

Advance Wars 1+2: Reboot is a remake of the first two Advance Wars titles on the Game Boy Advance, allowing a new generation of Nintendo fans to experience two of the best strategy games ever made. Intelligent Systems, the creators of the Fire Emblem series, developed the original Advance Wars games, but unlike Fire Emblem, Advance Wars doesn't feature deep storytelling or characters.

The developers Wayforward handled the remake and the team has done a terrific job modernizing two classics loaded with content. The remakes include quality-of-life features like being able to fast-forward through animations and, more importantly, retake turns to try a new strategy. The simplistic visuals hide a deep strategic set of games that are surprisingly welcoming to newcomers.

24 Kartia: The Word Of Fate

An Accessible Yet Challenging Strategy RPG With Great Art Design

Kartia: Word of Fate, also known as The Legend of Kartia in European territories, is a turn-based strategy RPG developed by Atlus. The art design was collaborated by famed Final Fantasy illustrator Yoshitaka Amano and Shigenori Soejima, best known for his work on the Persona series and Catherine.

Kartia is a grid-based strategy game set in a fantasy universe. There is a lot of dialogue and character development, so fans of the genre who appreciate good stories will get a lot out of it . Players summon Phantoms into battle with the aid of Kartia cards; the team can create new Phantoms by merging specific cards to change their stats in battle. The combat is challenging, but the rock, paper, and scissors-style gameplay will click after a few rounds.

23 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Engaging RPG Storytelling Where Decisions Matter

For fans looking for large-scale open RPG elements with their tactical turn-based combat, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the most epic experiences available. As a title that plays like a spiritual successor to classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate, the world evolves and develops based on the player's choices, and many fights will depend on the protagonist's choices and actions.

The turn-based tactical combat implements terrain, positioning, and elemental environmental advantages. All of which will appeal to fans of the fighting in XCOM. For fans who love losing hours in a tactical with deep RPG mechanics, Divinity: Original Sin 2 would make a solid addition to their collection.

22 Baldur's Gate 3

An Incredible RPG With Deep Terrain-Based Tactical Combat

Baldur's Gate 3 is one of 2023's most celebrated RPGs on consoles and the PC. The Dungeons & Dragons- themed RPG takes players on a journey in a fantasy world where choices matter and can change the protagonist's relationship with his comrades.

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However, the turn-based combat implements weather, terrain, and the character's abilities. The high-stakes battles and the risk of losing companions will resonate with fans of the XCOM series, and the excellent character development and the fantastic story are the icing on the cake.

21 Gladius

Build A Team And Take On Rival Gladiators In This LucasArts Classic

Developed by Lucasarts, Gladius is a turn-based tactical adventure set in a fantasy-themed Ancient Rome. The base building and training fighters will appeal to fans of XCOM's planning and building phases. Players can choose their gladiator school and its region to take on rival schools until the plot builds toward something more grand.

Players can customize and outfit their warriors and work on their stats RPG-style to improve their abilities in the arena and the battlefield. Gladius has depth, but it's one of the most accessible in-depth tactical RPG experiences from the PS2, GameCube, and Xbox generations.

20 Front Mission 1st: Remake

A Remastered Classic With Turn-Based Combat To Challenge XCOM Fans

Front Mission 1st is a faithful remake of the 1995 classic from the SNES and the PS1. The PS1 and SNES versions never made it outside Japan in the 90s. A Nintendo DS remaster in 2007 that only made it to the US. Thanks to the quality of life improvements and updates to the visuals, Front Mission 1st: Remake is the definitive version. Moreover, it's a global release that fans in all territories can get their hands on before playing the rest of the series.

It is a grid-based tactical RPG similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, only players take control of giant mechs named Wanzers. Front Mission 1st can be played from two perspectives. The opposing OCU and USC forces are Royd and Kevin, respectively. The environment and terrain play a part in the success of defensive tactics like utilizing cover. There are multiple difficulty levels to choose from once they are unlocked. General mode offers a challenge that even the most seasoned XCOM players will struggle with.

19 Triangle Strategy

XCOM Fans Will Love Deep Narrative And Critical Decisions That Change The Story

2022 was a good year for strategy fans. For those wanting a game with political intrigue and mature storytelling, Triangle Strategy is a love letter to classics like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre that will scratch that itch.

With its stunning HD-2D visuals, Triangle Strategy is the perfect mix of old and new. It is an accessible title that gradually gets more in-depth and more challenging. There is replay value, thanks to its branching storyline and multiple endings. XCOM fans will appreciate the complexities of the grid-based combat system. Attacks and elemental magic can be used in conjunction with the terrain and the environment to enhance or weaken attacks.

18 Fire Emblem: Engage

Tactics And Base Building For XCOM Fans

Fire Emblem: Engage is another critically acclaimed title in one of the longest-running tactical RPG series on consoles. Leaning toward a more anime style than anything in the XCOM series, Fire Emblem: Engage is just as deep and engaging. It dials back the social sim aspects of its predecessor s but focuses more on strategy and combat elements.

Although not as technical as the headquarters in XCOM, the home base in Fire Emblem: Engage is known as Somniel. Here, players can develop their characters, ready them for combat, manage funding to unlock new weapons, and more. Hanging around at the floating fortress Somniel has surprising depth, but most of it is optional, and fans can focus on the gameplay and the narrative instead if they wish to.