Best Fantasy Turn-Based Strategy Games, Ranked

The strategic thrills of turn-based gaming go hand in hand with the often battle-heavy nature of epic fantasy. When paired up, the two genres can offer players a unique, immersive experience that provides both magic and war-focused action.

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Thanks to the turn-based mechanics, players can enjoy the freedom of carefully constructing their next move, whilst getting engrossed in fantasy storytelling. From tactical, high-stakes wars to complex, narrative-altering decision-making, turn-based, fantasy games can provide a satisfying blend of technical strategy and high-concept plotting. Here are six such epics that managed to keep gamers hooked.

6 Total War: Warhammer 2 – A High-Intensity, Turn-Based Epic

Blending the iconic world of Warhammer with the intense, strategic gameplay of the Total War series, this epic sequel is brimming with thrilling battles. Featuring a real-time tactics system, this 2017 release managed to eclipse its predecessor on every front.

The game’s immersive turn-based campaign provides players with opportunities to conquer territories, engage in diplomacy, and form dangerous alliances. Such exciting developments stem from the epic battles that make up the bulk of the playing time, throwing gamers into heated, real-time conflicts with a diverse selection of powerful factions. The fantastical blend of potent magic, intimidating monsters, and world-building within the Warhammer Fantasy universe quickly established this as a standout entry in Warhammer‘s long history of thrilling video games.

5 Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance – Takes The Disgaea Series In A More Challenging Direction

This tactical RPG took gamers on a wild ride through the hectic Netherworlds, chock-full of intense turn and grid-based combat sequences. With a noticeably grittier plot than previous entries in the series, this 2015 release took Disgaea in a new and exciting direction.

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The narrative zeroes in on Killia, a demon looking for payback against the Void Dark. The vengeful nature of the odyssey displayed in this game is a key part of its appeal, providing players with a harsher, darker adventure that fits perfectly with the high-stakes, strategic action on hand. With a wide range of side quests, classes, teammates, and exciting post-main game challenges on offer, Disgaea 5 gives gamers plenty of bang for their buck. Coupled with a distinctive art style and a catchy soundtrack, Alliance of Vengeance is a consistently engrossing piece of turn-based gaming.

4 Final Fantasy Tactics – A Landmark Entry In The Classic Series

Since first hitting the shelves all the way back in 1997, Final Fantasy Tactics has enjoyed a strong cult following. It impresses players and critics alike with its epic battles and intricate gameplay mechanics.

Taking gamers to the kingdom of Ivalice, this turn-based Final Fantasy installment sports a deep, thoughtful narrative, supremely immersive gameplay, and complex tactical combat. In battle, players must think carefully about the abilities they want to utilize against a variety of dangerous opposition and terrain. Tactics also provides players with a rich character progression system and extensive customization options, further assisting in players being able to tailor their team’s talents for their own brand of play style. Thanks to its impressive visuals and soundtrack on top of everything else, Final Fantasy Tactics is a timeless gem in the turn-based strategy category.

3 Heroes Of Might And Magic 3 – An Immersive, Battle Strategy Extravaganza

Boasting seven different campaigns to play through, from the third entry in the classic Heroes of Might and Magic series wowed players with its narrative variety and gameplay options. With competitive online play to enjoy on top of everything else, this fantasy epic has plenty of replay value.

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The game impressively balances exploration, strategic battles, and resource management for an immersive experience. Over time, players get to enjoy building their own armies, developing their heroes, and conquering vast portions of the fantasy world of Antagarich. With charmingly nostalgic graphics by modern standards, the battle-focused epic intrigues players with its collection of factions, atmospheric soundtrack, and alarmingly addictive gameplay loop. Overall, it remains a landmark moment in turn-based strategy gaming decades after its initial release.

2 Fire Emblem: Awakening – A Masterclass In High-Stakes, Tactical Action

Picking up a whopping 2000 years after the events of the first two entries in the series, Fire Emblem: Awakening throws players into more of the tactical battlefield action the series is known for. Awakening manages to both live up to the legacy of the originals whilst also tweaking its signature gameplay style for a more modern generation of gamers.

Players are thrust into a post-war period in Ylisse, with the world now divided into three troubled kingdoms. The game’s tactics-focused battles require considerable planning and forethought from gamers, as they must consider everything from weapons and skills to unit placement. Much like its predecessors, Awakening also has a permadeath feature, adding an extra layer of urgency and tension as players run the risk of losing allies for good. With its effective blend of challenging gameplay and immersive storytelling, this Fire Emblem chapter continues to stand out as a seminal turn-based piece of gaming.

1 Divinity: Original Sin 2 – A Dark Fantasy Epic

Sporting a rich and complex lead storyline, this Divinity installment transports players to the impressively detailed world of Rivellon. Gamers take control of a Sorcerer and must make tough decision that will change the fantasy world on offer forever.

When it comes to turn-based strategy, Divinity: Original Sin II is an effective piece of isometric viewpoint gaming. With a litany of powers and weapons to sift through, players must decide the best course of action when confronting the game’s diverse array of adversaries. The game also offers players a high degree of creative freedom when it comes to both character customization and overall progression. With engrossing, tactical gameplay and an immersive narrative, this fantasy game works like a charm in providing players with effective, turn-based thrills to enjoy.

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