Master Your Moves: Tactical RPGs That Will Test Your Strategy Skills!

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Summary

  • Tactical RPGs require deep thinking for victory – tough battles, complex systems, and crucial decisions.
  • Banner Saga, Fire Emblem, and XCOM 2 are top-tier tactical RPGs with demanding gameplay.
  • Games like Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea 5 offer infinite customization and strategic depth.

In contrast to some games designed for leisurely play, strategic role-playing games (tactical RPGs) do not allow for a laid-back experience. Instead, they consistently demand focused strategizing, leading to either a disappointing loss or an exhilarating triumph.

These tactical RPGs, whether they offer intricate gameplay with layers, demanding mastery over long play sessions, or present a challenge that’s simply relentless, always demand players to focus intently and strategize thoughtfully before taking their next action.

8. The Banner Saga

A Norse Tragedy

2014 saw the unassuming debut of The Banner Saga, a game that quietly gained a devoted following which swelled as two additional sequels were rolled out in quick succession. Both sequels, like the original, showcased the same captivating art style and engrossing tactical RPG gameplay, eventually cementing its place among the top tier of tactical RPGs based on historical events.

The grid-style combat system compels players to ponder deeply about positioning their cherished characters in potentially perilous situations. Furthermore, the narrative structure as a lengthy journey necessitates challenging choices to be made, which can influence future encounters. Each decision demands careful consideration, especially for such endearing characters.

7. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Back to School

In essence, although tactical Role-Playing Games (RPGs) originated in the Western world through wargaming, these games have since crossed borders and found a particularly successful niche in Japan, where they’ve produced some of the most outstanding tactical RPGs, such as the unstoppable Fire Emblem franchise.

Fire Emblem games are famed for their compelling narratives, captivating characters, and challenging gameplay, due in part to their unique feature where characters can be permanently lost. The most recent addition to the series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, is considered one of the franchise’s finest works, boasting some of its steamiest romantic subplots, and its battles demand strategic thinking that rivals the best tactical RPGs available.

6. XCOM 2

Fight The Chosen

The classic XCOM game can be rightfully considered among the initial digital tactical role-playing games, a title it still holds today thanks to its reboot in the 2010s and the introduction of XCOM 2. These titles are recognized for their challenging dice rolls, tough battles, and fallen comrades during alien combat.

Experiencing situations that can lead to tension, as one misstep could snowball into catastrophic outcomes, erasing hours of work and fine-tuning the ultimate team with optimal classes. With their backs against the wall, players must strategize their way out of tight corners, leading to some of the most exhilarating tactical RPG gameplay ever created.

5. Triangle Strategy

The Legend Reborn

Fans of tactical RPGs have long lamented the absence of a worthy modern sequel to “Final Fantasy Tactics”. Although it appears that such a game may never materialize, Square Enix has shown they’ve been listening by offering a solution in the form of “Triangle Strategy”, which was released in 2022 and serves as a spiritual successor to “Final Fantasy Tactics”.

Similar to its spiritual forebearer, Triangle Strategy necessitates a comprehensive grasp of its intricate and challenging mechanics, which might make it somewhat perplexing for novice players, but is an unparalleled joy for seasoned gamers who appreciate strategic gameplay that encourages careful thought.

4. Gloomhaven

The Table-Top Legend Rises

People familiar with the tabletop game, Gloomhaven, understand the intense strategic pressure it creates, as players must strategize their actions well ahead, navigating through intricate and challenging underground expeditions that are notoriously tough to conquer.

True strategic depth isn’t solely dependent on team makeup but is significantly influenced by the unique mechanic that allows players to choose the primary action from one card and the secondary action from another. This often leads to challenging decisions, identifying redundancies for maximum efficiency, and ultimately finding oneself in predicaments where no favorable choice seems available. In such situations, strategic thinking becomes the key to staying alive.

3. Into the Breach

Alien Chess

After the phenomenal success of FTL, there was much curiosity about how Subset Games would top the ingenious yet challenging game design of their ship combat simulator. The solution arrived in 2018 with one of the most deviously simple but intellectually stimulating games ever created – Into the Breach, also regarded as one of the finest TRPGs available on the Switch.

In essence, “Into the Breach” is a game that blends elements of chess, XCOM, and apocalyptic sci-fi stories. It features a grid layout where players are given a glimpse into their opponents’ future moves, requiring them to strategize using limited resources to reduce damage and retaliate effectively. The simplicity of the beginning quickly escalates into intricate challenges, often leading to lengthy contemplation over the same game board for more than an hour as players strive to find the optimal solution.

2. Disgaea 5

Infinite TRPG Hits

As a die-hard tactical RPG enthusiast, I crave raw, intense gameplay experiences that can quench my thirst for action and keep me hooked for the long haul. For gamers like me who prioritize strategic combat above all else, there’s simply no better series out there than Disgaea.

Disgaea 5 might well be the crown jewel in the series, offering an intricate strategy RPG experience that’s brimming with endless dungeon exploration and character modification opportunities. The goal here is to amass superior equipment, boost stats, and take on progressively tougher challenges – a dream come true for strategic minds who enjoy untangling tactical gameplay puzzles.

1. Final Fantasy Tactics

The Legend

Without a doubt, nothing else could surpass this list. Not only is Final Fantasy Tactics frequently ranked among the greatest tactical RPGs ever created, but it also stands as one of the best RPGs in general. This timeless classic has become a cherished cornerstone of the RPG genre, admired not just for its compelling narrative, but also for its refined and challenging tactical gameplay, which served as a blueprint for numerous subsequent Final Fantasy titles.

On a grid-style battlefield with an isometric perspective, battles aren’t just about quick reflexes; they revolve around CT (Charge Time), which means actions aren’t instantaneous but depend on the speed of each unit. Add in factors like terrain, height differences, and directional aspects, and what might seem straightforward quickly becomes intricate. To excel, players must think strategically well ahead.

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2025-02-21 08:34