The Best Turn-Based Strategy Games To Play If You Love XCOM and XCOM 2

Introduction

The 2012 game XCOM: Enemy Unknown is widely credited with bringing turn-based strategy games back into the mainstream and sparking a continuing surge in popularity. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with promising new titles like Star Wars: Zero Company on the horizon. While we eagerly await its release, here’s a list of the best turn-based strategy games for fans of XCOM to enjoy!

15 – The Banner Saga

The Banner Saga trilogy was very popular in 2014, but the series lost momentum after the third game wasn’t well-received. However, the first two Banner Saga games are still considered excellent examples of storytelling and turn-based strategy. Players guide a caravan through a crumbling world where choices and characters have lasting consequences across all three games. The game’s stunning 2D art style beautifully contrasts with its dark and somber narrative.

14 – Hard West 2

Many of the games discussed here put their own spin on the XCOM formula, which is natural – most developers like to add unique elements or improvements. Generally, this is a positive thing. Hard West 2 stays fairly true to the original XCOM, but really shines with its incredibly unique setting! It’s a dark and twisted take on the Wild West where you lead a group of cowboys with supernatural abilities, on a quest to find the Ghost Train. Expect a challenging, intense, and violent experience, complete with a ricochet system that leads to some over-the-top and satisfying takedowns.

13 – Expeditions: Rome

The Expeditions series is known for creating critically acclaimed games that often gain popularity years after their release – examples include titles like Conquistador, Vikings, and Expeditions: Rome. In Rome, you play as a young Roman officer whose father is murdered, forcing you to leave Rome and join a military campaign in Greece. This RPG combines a compelling story with strategic, turn-based combat where you lead a team of skilled Praetorian Guards. You’ll travel and battle across the ancient world, from Greece and North Africa to Gaul. Gameplay involves tactical turn-based fights, followed by customizing and equipping your units for upcoming challenges. The game also boasts impressive graphics, and the developers have just begun work on their next project.

12 – Phantom Brigade

Phantom Brigade, created by Brace Yourself Games, initially faced some criticism, partly due to being available only through the Epic Games Store. (I, like many others, think exclusive game deals aren’t ideal.) The game takes place in the war-ravaged country of Fyrland, where you command a small group of mech pilots fighting against a much larger invading force. What really sets Phantom Brigade apart is its unique combat system: you can see a few seconds into the future. This lets you plan your moves – dodging attacks, raising shields, and launching counter-attacks – by scrubbing through a timeline like you’re editing a video. Then, you hit ‘execute’ and watch the action unfold with realistic physics. A major update (version 2.0) recently added even more missions, deeper strategic choices, and a new pilot management system, evolving the game into something very similar to the well-loved XCOM formula.

I’ve spent a good amount of time with the 2.0 update and I’m really impressed. The level of detail in how each project is simulated is fantastic, the terrain is incredibly destructible, and managing your mechs is much improved. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend visiting its Steam page to see what everyone’s been saying. I definitely give it a strong recommendation! Plus, it’s currently available in a bundle with another great game, Invisible Inc., which I’ll be discussing later.

11 – Kriegsfront Tactics Prologue

Nuno, you’re right to ask if I’ve lost my mind! Kriegsfront is still in development. But honestly, its prologue is one of the most impressive demos I’ve ever played – it’s packed with content and incredibly well-made. You control a team of mechs fighting in the jungles of the 1970s. I was really surprised by how much it resembles the gameplay of XCOM, but with a lot more freedom in customizing your mechs. Plus, it has a detailed system where you can target specific parts of an enemy mech, causing real damage. If you’re looking for something to play this weekend, the prologue is free and will easily fill a Sunday afternoon.

2026-05-09 16:43