The 10 Tactics Games Everyone Should Play at Least Once

Tactical RPGs are some of the most under-appreciated games of all time. It makes sense, though. The most hardcore entries of the Tactics genre tend to be overlooked by most gamers, making it a much more niche subgenre of an already niche genre. That being said, Tactics games are some of the most important games we have as gamers. Although, they do require patience to be enjoyed to their full effect. On the other side of that massive barrier of entry are some true masterpieces, but if you don’t know where to start, we have you covered. Here are the definitive 10 tactics games everyone should play at least once.

Shining Force

• Release Date — March 20, 1992
• Publisher — Sega / THQ / Atlus
• Developer — Climax Entertainment, Sonic! Software Planning Amusement Vision
• Review Aggregate Score — 84% (Generally Favorable, Specifically the IOS re-release)
• Platforms — Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance, iOS, Microsoft Windows

Shining Force is the first tactics game I have ever played, and honestly, it’s a great entry into the franchise. This title has a lot in common with most games in the genre. Shining Force is a turn-based title with battles taking place on the grids. The game is very simple, which is what makes it such a perfect entry point into a seemingly complex genre. The story follows the player character and their mission to defeat evil Kane and prevent them from resurrecting Dark Dragon.

Fire Emblem Awakening

• Release Date — April 19, 2012
• Publisher — Nintendo
• Developer — Intelligent Systems
• Review Aggregate Score — 92% (Universal Acclaim)
• Platforms — Nintendo 3DS

Fire Emblem is a franchise that has many great games, but none of them hold a candle to the greatness that is Fire Emblem Awakening. While this game might be a tad bit too anime for many gamers’ liking if it resonates with you, you’ll absolutely love it. Fire Emblem Awakening shines in its music, difficulty, and story. However, the thing that really makes it stand out is how the interpersonal relationships between the cast flourish. Especially since control is never taken away from the player, allowing them to play matchmaker if they prefer.

Final Fantasy Tactics

• Release Date — June 20, 1997
• Publisher — Square, Sony Computer Entertainment
• Developer — Square
• Review Aggregate Score — 83% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — PlayStation

There are three types of Final Fantasy fans and one of them is those who swear that Final Fantasy Tactics is by far the best Final Fantasy game. Customization is one of the main draws of this genre and Final Fantasy Tactics perfectly nails it. This gives the game nearly infinite replay value, so if you enjoy this title, you’ll probably enjoy it for the rest of your gaming life. When you ask why people love this game so much, most will probably reply, “It’s just fun.” And they’re right.

XCOM 2

• Release Date — February 5, 2016
• Publisher — 2K
• Developer — Firaxis Games
• Review Aggregate Score — 88% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — Linux, OS X, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Another tactics gem for similar reasons as the previous entry is XCOM 2. While its customization is one of the many points of greatness, the game has great enemy variety as well. Enemy Variety is very underappreciated in modern games, so it’s important to shine a light on games that do it well. Also, if tactical strategy and challenge are what you want out of these games, then look no further than XCOM 2.

Valkyria Chronicles

• Release Date — April 24, 2008
• Publisher — Sega
• Developer — Sega, Media.Vision
• Review Aggregate Score — 86% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — PlayStation 3, Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Valkyria Chronicles is a unique experience that you can’t quite get anywhere else. While yes, it is a tactics RPG. It is also a third-person shooter, and above all a puzzle game. In a way, tactics games are all puzzles, but this game feels more like one than the others. This game deserves your time off of its uniqueness alone and if you like it, 3 sequels are waiting for you.

Wasteland 3

• Release Date — August 28, 2020
• Publisher — Deep Silver
• Developer — inXile Entertainment
• Review Aggregate Score — 85% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS

Wasteland 3 is another unique tactics game. It takes place in the frozen wastelands of a post-apocalyptic Colorado. This alone makes it stand out amongst its contemporaries. Another main draw is that the entire main campaign can be played cooperatively with another player. While it might not have too much in common with the rest of this list, It still deserves to be here with how well it handles its tactical mechanics. This game is a phenomenal time and is just as good as other multiplayer RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

• Release Date — December 2, 2022
• Publisher — 2K
• Developer — Firaxis Games
• Review Aggregate Score — 83% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Marvel’s Midnight Suns might not be the best game on this list. It also might be carried by the Marvel IP. Despite the fact this title was a critical success, it didn’t sell well maybe because while the tactics gameplay mechanics were decent, the other aspects such as customization and playable characters are nowhere near as good as other entries on this list. If you love superheroes and Marvel then this game might be perfect for you. This title has a very specific audience and if you’re a part of it, you’ll have a great time.

Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga

• Release Date — June 10, 2022
• Publisher — indie.io
• Developer — Dancing Dragon Games
• Review Aggregate Score — 81% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — Windows

I am an RPG Maker pundit so I will push great games developed in it every single chance I get. That being said, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is fantastic. It encompasses everything that makes this genre so great. It’s addictive, its sound design and graphics evoke nostalgia while also having a modern touch, and has a well-written story. This title is simple enough to draw you in but complex enough to keep you interested and entertained for many hours. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is a good game in every sense of the word.

Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark

• Release Date — April 30, 2019
• Publisher — 1C Entertainment
• Developer — 6 Eyes Studio
• Review Aggregate Score — 82% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is another independent title that stands out in the genre. It’s similar to XCOM 2 and Final Fantasy Tactics in its mechanics. Its main draw is customization and battle mechanics. If gameplay is king for you when it comes to the games you play, or even if you’re just looking for a new tactics game to consume, Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is worth a shot. Especially if you love fine-tuning an experience to something tailor-made specifically for you.

Unicorn Overlord

• Release Date — March 8, 2024
• Publisher — Sega, Atlus
• Developer — Vanillaware
• Review Aggregate Score — 86% (Generally Favorable)
• Platforms — Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Graphics aren’t the most important when it comes to these games but Vanillaware games are gorgeous. Unicorn Overlord is no different and on top of great unique tactics mechanics and customization, the game is gorgeous to look at as well. Its story is classic, maybe even a bit too cliché but that’s okay. Not every game needs to reinvent the wheel, and while Unicorn Overlord does bring new ideas to the genre, it is still very much influenced by the many games that came before it.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CheatCC/Jazz Stewart.