1 – XCOM
XCOM, the remake of the early 90’s turn-based favorite, stands as a hallmark in the turn-based strategy genre. It revolutionized the genre by refining the management aspects of its meta-layer and base building, while also enhancing tactical battles to be more concise, less frustrating, and less grindy than its predecessor. Over a decade since its release, XCOM remains one of Steam’s highest-rated turn-based strategy games.
Both XCOM and XCOM 2 offer compelling narratives, but their true allure lies in their challenging campaigns that captivate players for countless hours. Visually stunning, these games excel in delivering perfectly balanced tactical battles. XCOM 2 introduced a plethora of new weapons, classes, and stealth mechanics, adding refreshing layers to the gameplay. The tension of permanently losing a cherished team member remains a poignant aspect of the experience.
Undoubtedly, these two titles reign supreme as the best turn-based strategy games you can immerse yourself in for 2026. It’s an added bonus that they both hail from the same acclaimed series.
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