Top 8 Most Complex Tactics Games: Are You Up for the Challenge?

Tactics games, whether they’re turn-based or real-time, represent a distinctive genre that appeals to a specific group of gamers. Unlike fast-moving and reflex-heavy action games, these games favor a more deliberate, strategic style of play.

1980s saw the rise of tactical games primarily on PCs, enriching the gameplay dynamics of conventional turn-based RPGs and strategy games. Key elements such as resource allocation, troop placement, and ground-influencing factors like terrain were integrated. To put it simply, these games provide an engaging experience for those ready to tackle them. Given their heavy emphasis on strategy and foresight, it’s no wonder they have earned a reputation for complexity since then.

8. Final Fantasy Tactics

The Series’ First Foray Into The Tactics Genre

In contrast to previous games, Final Fantasy Tactics introduced a tactical gameplay style rather than the turn-based RPG format players were accustomed to. The game takes place in the tumultuous Kingdom of Ivalice, still reeling from the Fifty Years War and on the verge of another conflict. True to the franchise’s reputation, it offers intricate narratives, memorable characters, and rich lore.

For veterans of the series, the strategy-focused gameplay might seem familiar, but for newcomers who are not acquainted with the franchise, it could be a whole new ballgame. With as many as five characters to handle in combat and over twenty distinct classes, plus hundreds of abilities to combine, the sheer variety of character builds can make this classic role-playing game quite complex. Navigating through its 30-plus hour main storyline requires some strategic thinking.

7. Wargroove

An Ambitious Indie Inspired by Advance Wars

Drawing inspiration from timeless strategy games, Wargroove is a more recent addition that offers impressive depth for an independently developed title. Set on the imaginary continent of Aurania amidst full-scale conflict, players are tasked with visiting different destinations to amass an army and defend against an impending assault.

In simple terms, Wargroove adheres to the classic formula of turn-based strategy games, making its mechanics easy to grasp. However, it adds depth by offering a variety of commanders, each equipped with unique abilities that affect unit performance in specific scenarios. For instance, movement costs on biome and terrain tiles differ, which can be altered based on the chosen commander or units’ skills. Beyond strategically positioning your troops, managing resources, and planning ahead, the game becomes intricate due to its numerous aspects that need attention.

Although the 16-bit graphics may seem “straightforward,” the diverse array of play styles available in Wargroove can become intricate rather rapidly.

6. Solasta: Crown Of The Magister

A Faithful Dungeons & Dragons Based Tactical RPG

Solasta: Crown of the Magister stands out in this collection as it is heavily influenced by the widely recognized and intricate tabletop RPG. Developing a game based on the principles of such an extensive and long-lived tabletop RPG isn’t a simple or straightforward task for an independent project, making it quite ambitious. In Solasta, players will craft a team of four characters, leading them as they explore ruins and dungeons in search of the legendary “Crown of the Magister”.

Clearly, since the gameplay in Solasta closely adheres to the rules of Dungeons & Dragons, it’s not surprising that its complexity arises. Veteran players might find this straightforward, but newcomers to D&D could initially struggle with many aspects of Solasta due to their first impressions. To begin with, consider character creation – selecting a background, class, and race. These are standard RPG choices. However, each decision can significantly influence the group’s overall performance, making common dungeon-crawling and puzzle-solving more challenging.

5. Shadow Tactics: Blades Of Shogun

Stealth-Focused Tactics Meets Edo-Era Japan

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is particularly renowned for its intricate, stealth-oriented, real-time battle system, which distinguishes it from many other games that use turn-based tactics. Players find themselves immersed in the detailed and expansive settings of Edo-period Japan, where they manage a team of five characters, each possessing distinct abilities like expertise in long-range attacks or trap-laying.

The game’s complexity arises from its intricate mechanics, where successful combat relies on coordinating multiple character actions in sync. Additionally, since it incorporates stealth elements, players must balance staying concealed with being nimble and quick-witted, requiring some degree of strategic thinking. Initially, Blades of Shogun may seem puzzling, but as players learn to adapt unit positions according to the situation and characters’ abilities, they can expect an engaging challenge that offers a satisfying payoff.

4. The Banner Saga 3

The Finale For This Epic Viking-Themed Trilogy

The third and final game in The Banner Saga series, set within the same Viking-inspired universe as its predecessors, delves deeper into the narrative and character development, concluding the trilogy’s storyline. Maintaining the tactical turn-based gameplay from the previous games, which are known for their quality design and accessibility, the game maintains a level of difficulty, particularly due to the limited resources within the game.

In The Banner Saga 3, the intricacy isn’t primarily found in its gameplay mechanics, but rather in its rich narrative and the multitude of choices it offers. The tale unfolds based on numerous decisions made by the player, be they actions or dialogue. These choices can significantly impact the game’s progression, and the consequences aren’t always straightforward; many times, they carry a substantial moral burden, making certain decisions challenging, especially when one becomes emotionally involved in the story and characters.

3. Fire Emblem: Thracia 776

A Lesser-Known Yet Unique Entry For The Popular Series

Although Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 may not be as popularly known within the Fire Emblem series, it is highly respected among fans for being one of its more challenging and complex titles. As the fifth game in the Fire Emblem franchise, it introduced a greater level of complexity compared to its predecessors, particularly for those new to the tactical genre. Beyond just overseeing the fundamentals of a frequently large group of characters, players must also manage their fatigue levels, both during and outside of combat. The limited resources available can make the early game particularly harsh.

Mention that the map layouts can be harsh and complex, featuring tough terrain and formidable foes. The gameplay requires players to manage several aspects simultaneously. To make things even more demanding, these games often include a permanent death feature, a hallmark of the Fire Emblem series.

2. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

Ogre Battle Goes Tactical

The game titled “Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together” is well-known within the series for its intricate mechanics and storylines, offering multiple paths and presenting a challenging experience overall. Its battle system takes into account terrain and unit placement, as well as limited resources like money and spell items, necessitating thoughtful and accurate strategy.

In this version of the game, if a character is eliminated, it’s a permanent goodbye. This adds an extra layer of intensity, since every decision matters. The storyline in this game is intricately woven, and its outcome depends on player decisions, introducing an additional level of complexity that makes the game tough yet satisfying for strategic thinkers.

1. X-COM: UFO Defense

A Masterclass In The Tactics-Based Genre

Primarily because of its vintage, “X-COM: UFO Defense” is undeniably the most intricate game on the list and has gained legendary status within its genre. When it was first released in 1994, it also pioneered a new era for strategy games.

Defend Earth from Alien Invasion: A Strategic Battle Experience”

In this game, you’re entrusted with directing individual soldiers to safeguard our planet against an extraterrestrial onslaught. Besides defending the earth, you’ll construct defenses and explore advancements in technology. What makes this game intriguing is its innovative fusion of turn-based tactics with real-time simulation and management.

As a player, you’ll juggle both construction and research tasks concurrently in real time, while simultaneously devising strategic plans for combat during your turns. This classic tactical adventure offers a rich blend of challenge and reward as you navigate through its engaging gameplay.

2025-01-31 12:06