5 – Darkest Dungeon
If you don’t have Darkest Dungeon yet, then stop everything you’re doing and go and get it, right now! This riguelike, turn-based RPG was such a major success that it helped propel the idea of Lovecraftian horror into the mainstream, as well as the introduction of negative (and some positive) character traits and morale statuses into other strategy games. Darkest Dungeon is one of the most transformative turn-based strategy games ever made, and it remains an amazing experience in 2025, and its tough and uncaring nature will have you struggling and panicking as much as the characters you’re leading.
4 – Marvel: Midnight Suns
One of my favorite games of all time, Marvel: Midnight Suns, has just recently been receiving its due. From the team that brought us the amazing XCOM: Enemy Unknown, this game just takes the formula, exchanges weapon and equipment management for cards with abilities, and then gives the player an amazing story and enemies to fight through. The first game I have ever played to 100% completion.
3 – Endless Legend
Endless Legend is a high-fantasy Civilization, but much better in every aspect: combat, research, exploration, empire management, lore, and even narrative storytelling. If you’re on the lookout for a new 4X, this is the one to go for, and for a fiver, the most obvious choice on this list.
2 – Tactical Breach Wizards
Released in 2024, and created by the same team that brought us Gunpoint, Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based battle game where players must lead a team of special operative wizards (yes, really) to uncover a sinister conspiracy. It’s more of a puzzle-lite, with a couple of solutions you can find, depending on your team composition, but it’s a lot of fun, the campaign is super enjoyable, and pulling off perfect missions is satisfying as heck. Read my review if you want to know my full opinion on it.
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