Welcome! Today we’re counting down our picks for the best tactical RPGs that you should check out.
And without further ado, let’s dive right in.
#25. FRONT MISSION 3: Remake
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Before we continue, I want to tell you something. When people say “tactical RPG,” they usually throw in anything with grid combat and skill trees. But in this video, we’re focusing on actual RPGs with tactical combat—not turn-based strategy games that just sprinkle in some stats and progression and call it a day.
That means role-playing is the core experience, where you build characters, make narrative choices, and live through their journey. So yeah, the tactics matter, but they support the RPG, not replace it.
Anyway, this remake is decent if you loved the original back in the day.
#24. Shining Force II
- Release Date: 1993
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Okay, this is one of those legendary tactical RPGs that proves you don’t need galaxy-brain systems to be good. This one is pretty simple—no insane build math, no overwhelming mechanics—and that’s actually its biggest strength. It’s easy to understand, easy to get into, and still satisfying to play all the way through.
And because of that simplicity, it’s way more accessible than a lot of modern tactical RPGs. And the best part? It’s available through the Sega Genesis Classics collection on modern platforms, so you don’t need to hunt down your old dusty Genesis anymore.
#23. Shadowrun Trilogy
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Alright, now if you’re wondering why I didn’t list them one by one, it’s because every game in the trilogy is solid. Instead of splitting hairs, I’m just recommending the whole package.
Now let’s be real—the first game is easily the weakest. It’s shorter, simpler, and a bit rough around the edges. So, if you’re not a completionist, you can honestly start with Dragonfall or Hong Kong and miss nothing crucial.
And yes, this leans into CRPG territory, but don’t get it twisted, because these are actual tactical RPGs with deep dialogue, real builds, and meaningful choices.
#22. The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos
- Release Date: 2020
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Now, if Shadowrun was all moody cyberpunk politics, let’s flip the tone completely. This one leans hard into parody. It makes fun of classic fantasy tropes, like nerdy wizards, stupid barbarians, and dumb hot blonde elves—basically the whole package.
But don’t mistake the cartoon style for something shallow. This isn’t a kiddie game. Some of the jokes are surprisingly mature, and the writing actually lands more often than you’d expect.
And the combat is surprisingly solid. Positioning matters, and mistakes definitely hurt. So yeah, if you’re okay with a goofy presentation, don’t sleep on this. It’s seriously underrated.
#21. Solasta: Crown of the Magister
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S, X1
Okay, if you prefer your tactics a little more… rules-heavy, let’s talk about this game. This one is basically made for DnD fans. If you understand advantage rolls, spell slots, and why positioning in vertical spaces matters, you’ll feel right at home.
And of course, the combat is easily the strongest part of the game. It’s tight, it’s faithful to the tabletop ruleset, and it actually rewards smart decision-making.
But let’s be honest—the story is kinda there, but it’s not exceptional. Still, if you used to play tabletop back when you still had your hair, give it a shot.
#20. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S, SWITCH 2
Now, if Solasta was all about strict tabletop mechanics, Rogue Trader swings back hard into pure role-playing. And in my opinion, this is a very, very good RPG. The writing is sharp, gritty, and packed with dark humor.
Also, it honestly reminds me of the first two Fallout games—meaning there’s a lot of witty dialogue and morally messy situations.
Anyway, the combat feels a bit like XCOM, but easier and less punishing. So yeah, it’s still tactical, still satisfying, and still very much an RPG. Oh, and if you’re a 40K fan, this isn’t optional. This is mandatory.
#19. Cyber Knights: Flashpoint
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC
Alright, now this cyberpunk indie is basically the new kid on the block, and it’s already building a strong reputation.
At first glance, the combat feels a lot like XCOM—which means tight maps, careful positioning, overwatch traps, and calculated risks. But don’t get it twisted. This isn’t just mission-to-mission strategy. There’s a lot more reading, dialogue, and decision-making because, unlike XCOM, it’s still an RPG at its core.
I mean, you’ll manage relationships, make narrative choices, and shape outcomes. So yeah, for an indie project, the depth here is honestly impressive. Don’t underestimate this one.
#18. The Banner Saga
- Release Date: 2014
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Now this Viking tactical RPG might catch some of you off guard. In this game, the combat works a little differently than what most players expect. Sometimes killing an enemy actually makes the remaining ones stronger. Yeah, it sounds backwards, but that’s exactly what makes the fights interesting.
So yeah, instead of mindlessly wiping enemies out, you have to control the flow of battle and think several turns ahead.
Oh, and when I say The Banner Saga, I mean the whole trilogy. Playing only the first game won’t feel satisfying because the story continues across all three.
#17. TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children
- Release Date: 2020
- Platform: PC
Okay, this tactical RPG basically feels like someone took the mission structure of XCOM and then stuffed it full of JRPG-style progression systems.
I mean, seriously, the character builds here can get pretty wild. It’s almost like someone tried to cram the depth of Final Fantasy Tactics into an XCOM-style engine. And surprisingly, it works better than it probably sounds.
Now the story itself is… okay, I guess?
But let’s be honest, the real meat here is the gameplay. So yeah, if you enjoy deep builds and tactical combat, this one can easily eat hundreds of hours.
#16. King Arthur: Knight’s Tale
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S
Alright, you may be getting bored here, but here’s another RPG that clearly took inspiration from XCOM, with a dark Arthurian setting as its flavor.
And yes, the combat here is excellent. Think of it as fantasy XCOM, but with far less RNG. And in many cases, there’s no annoying miss chance ruining your plans.
That also means the game can be brutal. If you’re careless, the enemy will absolutely wreck your party. But if you plan well and execute properly, you can dismantle them before they even get a chance to respond. And honestly, that feels incredibly satisfying.
#15. Expeditions: Rome
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC
Now this one might surprise you. This one is technically a CRPG, and not exactly the type of tactical RPG most people picture.
But yes, it’s still worthy enough to be on this list. And… sure, the exploration aspect isn’t that great, but let’s be honest—you’re here for the tactical combat, obviously.
And as expected, the battles absolutely deliver. Squad positioning, abilities, terrain advantages—it’s all there.
Now, I know some CRPG purists might disagree with this one. But hey, this video isn’t about CRPGs. It’s about tactical RPGs, and this one earns its spot.
#14. Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance
- Release Date: 2015
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Among the many entries in the series, this one is often praised as the best so far. Fans love it for the insane character builds, ridiculous damage numbers, and the kind of grinding that can easily eat hundreds of hours.
But now, let’s be honest. If you hate grinding or you can’t stand the series’ over-the-top, silly humor, this one is probably a no-go.
So even among tactical RPG fans, the whole series is still a niche. Yeah, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you do enjoy this kind of madness, this is what you need.
#13. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Okay, if you’re looking for something chill, you might want to stay far away from this game. This game is absolutely not for beginners. It’s dense, complicated, and perfectly willing to destroy you if you’re not ready to invest serious time, energy, and probably a bit of your mental health.
The character builds alone can feel like doing homework, and the difficulty can be brutal if you don’t understand the systems.
So yeah, if you’re new to CRPGs, this might not be the best starting point. But for hardcore nerds and basement dwellers? This is basically paradise.
#12. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1
Now here’s an interesting one. Marvel’s Midnight Suns feels like someone mixed a Marvel TV series, XCOM-style tactics, and a card game into one package.
And usually when you hear something like that, it screams cash grab. But surprisingly, that’s not the case here.
The combat is actually very good. The card system adds a lot of strategy, and once you understand how the abilities interact, the fights become pretty satisfying.
So if you’re a Marvel fan, this one is basically a must-play. And if you’re not? Well, give it a shot—unless you absolutely hate Marvel stuff.
#11. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
- Release Date: 2005
- Platform: SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Among the many entries in the series, this one is often considered one of the most praised Fire Emblem games ever made. While some games on this list lean heavily toward gameplay systems, this one shines more through its story and characters.
But don’t get the wrong idea—the gameplay is still excellent. The tactical battles remain tight, challenging, and rewarding.
And thankfully, it’s much easier to play today. The game is available on the Nintendo Switch Online service. So if you don’t mind jumping into a title that’s over twenty years old, I think you should get this one.
#10. Valkyria Chronicles
- Release Date: 2008
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Now here’s a game that does things differently. This one mixes tactical gameplay with real-time movement, and surprisingly, the hybrid system works really well. And yes, tactical RPGs aren’t limited to pure turn-based combat, just so you know.
Now here’s the catch. The rewards you get from missions are mostly based on how fast you finish them. So if you like taking your time and playing carefully, that can be a bit annoying.
But if you’re more interested in the story, the characters, and all those anime tropes and fan service, this one might be right up your alley.
#9. Wasteland 3
- Release Date: 2020
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1
Now, this game is like that one perfect meal—you know, not flashy, not experimental, just cooked exactly right. The combat’s tight, the writing’s sharp, and the pacing never overstays its welcome. Basically, everything just works.
However, here’s the thing: it’s also kinda… forgettable. Like yeah, you enjoyed every bite, but two weeks later? You’re like, “Wait, did I actually finish that game?”
But still, if you want a solid, well-balanced, isometric tactical RPG that respects your time and delivers a damn good experience, this game definitely won’t disappoint. Just don’t expect lasting emotional damage.
#8. Triangle Strategy
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
You’ve probably seen this game show up on just about every “best tactical RPGs” list out there, and honestly, it deserves the attention. The game puts a huge focus on story, choices, and political drama.
Now, the battles themselves aren’t as dense or mechanically crazy as something like Final Fantasy Tactics or XCOM. But they’re not meant to be constant adrenaline rushes either.
Instead, they’re part of a bigger narrative experience. You move through long story segments, big decisions, and then major battles that actually matter.
One thing though—this game is slow-paced. So think about that before jumping in.
#7. Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
This one is a tactical RPG that some people overlook for the wrong reasons. The game tends to turn people off at first because of its art style, and for others, the story doesn’t exactly blow them away either.
But if you’re here for the tactical gameplay and don’t care too much about those things, this game is actually excellent. The job system is deep, the battles are well designed, and there’s plenty of room to experiment with builds.
In the end, it’s a clear love letter to the classics like Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre.
#6. Wildermyth
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Not every tactical RPG needs to consume your entire life. This one is the type of game you play once, enjoy a lot, and then maybe revisit years later.
And the gameplay feels like a simplified version of XCOM mixed with a bit of RimWorld energy. But instead of heavy base building systems, the game replaces that with story cards that shape your adventure.
The tone is also much more whimsical than most tactical RPGs. It’s basically a fantasy tactics game filled with dad jokes, quirky characters, and unexpected story moments. So, if you’re 30 or older, get this.
#5. Tactics Ogre: Reborn
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Okay, this popular JRPG comes with a bit of controversy. Some fans of the original game—or especially the PSP version—weren’t too happy with this release. It changes several mechanics that longtime players were already comfortable with, and that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.
But at the same time, the game improves quite a few things as well. Quality-of-life upgrades, smoother pacing, and some mechanical adjustments make it easier to approach for modern players.
So if you’ve never played Tactics Ogre before, this might actually be the best version for you.
#4. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles
- Release Date: 2025
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Few games define the genre like Final Fantasy Tactics. The original was already one of the most beloved tactical RPGs ever made, and this version finally makes it far easier to experience on modern platforms.
And it’s not just a simple port either. This remaster comes with a bunch of quality-of-life improvements and some expanded content that smooths out the experience without ruining what made the original great.
So if you somehow missed this classic before, now’s the perfect time to jump in. At the end of the day, it’s basically a beautiful recreation of an already beautiful game.
#3. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Few games fit what I’d call a true strategy RPG better than this game. And by that I mean an RPG with strategic gameplay, not some strategy game with a few RPG elements slapped on top.
And since this is a proper RPG, the story and characters play a huge role in the overall experience. You’ll spend a lot of time talking to students, building relationships, and making choices that shape the narrative.
So don’t expect nonstop battles from start to finish. The tactical fights are important, of course, but the game really shines when everything comes together.
#2. Divinity: Original Sin II – Definitive Edition
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XSX/S, X1, SWITCH 2, SWITCH
Most gamers have probably never touched this game. Hell, a lot of them probably haven’t even heard of it. But in the RPG world? It’s widely considered one of the best CRPGs ever made.
The writing is sharp, the choices actually matter, and the turn-based combat is genuinely fun instead of feeling like a chore.
And the tactical side is where it really shines. With the right positioning, abilities, and environmental tricks, you can turn what looks like an impossible fight into a completely winnable one. So yeah, it’s not your typical tactical RPG, but it’s absolutely worth playing.
#1. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, XSX/S
Now, this is the isometric CRPG that brought real RPGs back into the spotlight. It didn’t just win awards—it swept them. Everyone’s praising it—whether they’re hardcore old-school nerds who grew up on dice rolls, or total newcomers who just found out what turn-based even means.
The writing’s sharp, the choices actually matter, and the amount of freedom is ridiculous. It’s funny, brutal, emotional, and chaotic all at once. Basically, this isn’t just a good RPG—it is the standard now.
And yeah, it may not be the typical grid-based tactical RPG, but still, the tactical combat is satisfying.
So, do you agree with our picks?
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