10 – Battletech
Developed by Harebrained Schemes and released in 2018, Battletech faithfully captures the essence of the BattleTech universe, with its compelling strategic gameplay, and intense mech combat. In Battletech, players assume the role of a mercenary commander leading a ragtag group of Mech Warriors and BattleMechs in a war-torn galaxy. From engaging in tense mech battles to managing the repair and customization of your MechWarriors and BattleMechs, the game demands careful planning and adaptability.
9 – Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate Daemonhunters
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters asks the age-old question “What if Warhammer 40.000, but also XCOM?”. And the answer is a delectable space romp leading a squad belonging to the mysterious chapter of the Grey Knights. Even though it’s far from innovative- especially when pitted against other games in this list- Daemonhunters executes its core mechanics so well in tandem with the Warhammer 40,000 universe atmosphere that it’s a must-play for anyone who loves the setting and turn-based strategy.
8 – Wartales
In Wartales, players take on the role of a fledgling mercenary company leader, tasked with building up their team and making a name for themselves in a land full of danger and opportunity. If this is starting to sound awfully similar to Battle Brothers, it is because it must be. You’ll be exploring dungeons, battling wild creatures, completing daring quests, and making decisions of questionable moral stances. Wartales has also a delightful turn-based layer that plays perfectly. With its in-depth turn-based tactics, detailed art style, and fascinating world, Wartales stands out as one of the best turn-based strategy games to play in 2026.
7 – Civilization
The Civilization series can be, at the same time, equally ranked as one of the best turn-based strategy games series ever made, as well as the best 4X series. The reason the entire catalogue is here is because there’s a bit for everyone with each entry. My personal favourites are Civilization 2, Civilization 4, and Civilization Beyond Earth. However, there’s no denying that Civilization 5 and Civilization 6 are probably the most-played entries in the series. It’s just that the military side of those never managed to engross me as much as the previous ones did.
6 – Invisible Inc.
Invisible, Inc. is the literal definition of “a thrilling turn-based strategy game”. One that puts players in the shoes of an elite group of spies on the run, on high-stakes heists in a dystopian future, to get back the corporations that attacked you. It packs a sleek art style, and an addictive gameplay loop of quick turn-based missions, go to base to upgrade your agents and go back into the field. With each turn spent in the randomly generated enemy base, the stakes get higher, as enemies get stronger. It’s no wonder Invisible, Inc. is hailed as one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made, even in 2026, offering a captivating blend of stealth, strategy, and espionage. To this very day, it’s one of those games I keep permanently installed on every system I own.
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