8 Best Quick Turn-Based Strategy Games You Can Play With Limited Time

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Summary

  • Some turn-based games like Solasta have pause features, ideal for players with time constraints.
  • Players can enjoy quick-paced combat in XCOM, missions requiring a set number of turns.
  • Games like Sea of Stars offer short sessions, a classic JRPG experience with engaging turn-based combat.

Many gamers have quite busy lives, which means as much as they want to sit and play games all day, many obstacles get in the way of this happening. Thankfully, there are plenty of titles that are aware that they can’t go on forever, allowing players to pause them whenever or have stories that don’t take weeks to complete.

Some players that enjoy turn-based strategy titles have felt that these games can take hours to play, especially with some of them having battles which can take hours to complete. Players that are looking for turn-based strategy games that they can play while only having a short amount of time to enjoy them should look no further than these games.

8. Solasta: Crown Of The Magister

An Epic RPG With Simple Turn-Based Combat

While Solasta: Crown of the Magister may not be the shortest game, those that enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons but don’t have the time to invest in it with friends are sure to enjoy this turn-based RPG title.

In the game “Solasta: Crown of the Magister”, players will discover that the strategy battles are designed to be user-friendly, as they are easy to grasp and don’t take as much time as some other role-playing games in the genre. A notable feature is that players can save their progress and exit the game at any point, even during combat, providing them with the flexibility to step away from the game whenever they need to attend to other tasks.

7. Xcom: Enemy Unknown

A Personalized Sci-Fi Strategy Title

Those who prefer a strategic gaming experience with a sci-fi theme and flexible scheduling will appreciate “XCOM: Enemy Unknown“. This turn-based strategy game offers players full control over their strategies without demanding constant attention.

The combat within XCOM is some of the best in the turn-based strategy genre, with players encountering various missions that expect them to complete them in a certain number of turns, otherwise the mission is over. While there may not be a clock ticking down, completing it in a number of turns means each mission can be enjoyed separately while also allowing the player to stop whenever they need to.

6. Fire Emblem Engage

Simple Grid Combat And A Great Story

The Fire Emblem franchise is another great turn-based strategy RPG that has been going strong for countless years. These games are great not only for their story, but also for the incredible diversity of the missions to complete.

On the Nintendo Switch, players have been charmed once more with Fire Emblem Engage, which is perfect for any player that is running short of time to play a game. Firstly, due to it being on the Switch, a player can take the game with them if needed to spend a few moments playing. Secondly, like Xcom, since the battles are missions that must be completed in a certain number of turns, the length it takes can also be shorter.

5. The Banner Saga

Battles Go Quickly In This Viking Saga

Besides the remarkable replayability caused by the choices and therefore the story of The Banner Saga, one of the best features of this turn-based strategy title that makes it so great for a player that is running on little time is how quick-paced the combat is in this strategy title.

Even with the assortment of classes and characters the player encounters, the field of combat never feels so cluttered that it takes ages to get through it. Players may find that a lot of their time in turn-based strategy games is attempting a mission again. However, in The Banner Saga, whether a player wins or loses the story will continue onward, as everything has a consequence.

4. Wildermyth

Dungeons And Dragons Played Solo

As mentioned previously, with the likes of Solasta, Dungeons and Dragons is a commonly loved game that takes a lot of time to play. Thankfully, video games have made titles that are inspired by these tabletop games that can not only be enjoyed single-player, but also allow players to spend a shorter amount of time playing them.

Wildermyth is a great experience for any player looking for a short, turn-based strategy game, as there are multiple short campaigns to choose from that can even be stopped if the player doesn’t have enough time to complete the campaign in one sitting. Not to mention that the turn-based battles within are also quite quick-paced to make for an easier time.

3. Octopath Traveler

Eight Adventures With Plenty Of Breaks

It’s not surprising that the game Octopath Traveler, with eight distinct characters each having their individual tales, has garnered numerous accolades following its debut. What might come as a surprise is encountering this turn-based strategy title when one considers the length of its narrative.

However, like many modern titles, Octopath Traveler is another that can be easily paused, saved and enjoyed at a later date if needed. As players progress through Octopath Traveler and discover the weaknesses of enemies, the combat of this turn-based title becomes even quicker, allowing the player to enjoy it when they only have a short amount of time to spend on games.

2. Into The Breach

A Simple Yet Effective Turn-Based Strategy Title

Minimalistic combat as seen in Into the Breach is some of the best for players looking for a game they can enjoy while they have a quick 30 minutes or an hour to spare. In this turn-based strategy game that is available on both PC and mobile, players protect cities using powerful mechs.

Every new attempt to protect the city comes with its own randomly generated challenge to make each turn in this title feel different. Since Into the Breach can also be enjoyed on mobile, the game is both short and accessible no matter where a player is, allowing them to give it a go even when they only have a spare few minutes.

1. Balatro

A Strategic Deck-builder With Character

To some players’ surprise, one of the best turn-based strategy games for those that only have a short amount of time to enjoy a title is a roguelite deck-building game by the name of Balatro. As a predominantly roguelite title, the game goes on for as long as the player can survive, though it is possible to win it.

Players that only have a few moments to enjoy a title can take their time at a couple of poker hands in this addictive gameplay loop. Though anyone interested in playing should be warned that they will likely find themselves so hooked they forget that they can only play Balatro for a few moments.

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2025-03-16 06:42