Civilization is the marquee turn-based strategy series for players to dig into. Spanning over 6 main titles with Civilization 7 In development too, the concept of the series is pretty simple, players take turns to build up their civilizations and conquer the world, either that be through military might, tactics, economic development, or an interconnected web of alliances, there’s something in there for everyone.
Civilization 7, while recently announced to be in development is still a long way away. Now the good news is there is a ton of new strategy games with similar basic mechanics out there for players to try. There’s everything from more hardcore and difficult titles to more casual games to hard-hitting storyline-focused epics. The Turn-Based Strategy genre has a lot of scope, and here are some of the best games to scratch that Civilization itch while waiting for a new installment.
6 Europa Universalis 4
This is the most like-for-like turn-based strategy game out there for Civilization fans. Europa Universalis IV takes a similar premise and delves deeper into it. The game is set in the 16th Century, and lets players take control of anything spanning from the Ottoman Empire to a small tribe in the Indian Subcontinent. Players must propagate their nation’s political stance and build up their country in terms of social development, religion, and economics. All this while establishing a succession plan, not angering the countries around them, and of course channeling their inner Genghis Khan and conquering everything they can.
The game stands out as the best in its niche and one of the best games Paradox Interactive has ever made. Europa Universalis IV is best for more experienced players who are looking for a deeper dive into the genre and the ability to multitask problems on a much wider playing field. It stands out as one of the most challenging and fulfilling strategy games out there.
5 Banner Saga 2
The Banner Saga series was a surprise. No one expected a game with such striking visuals, brilliant art style, and characters worth investing in. Player choices actually matter throughout the entire trilogy.
Banner Saga 2 picks up where the original game left off, with the new roster being dependent on earlier player choices. The combat while a simple turn-based chess-esque style is challenging and rewarding. There are a ton of unique perks, different characters who excel in different roles, and a host of different ways to tackle each chapter. The caravan and travel system coupled with the choices the players make along the way lead to a unique and refreshing experience.
4 XCOM 2
XCOM stands next to Civilization as one of the longest-running and most successful turn-based strategy series out there. XCOM 2 was released over a decade ago, but It's still one of the most difficult strategy games out there. The added depth of accuracy and environments that actually matter are somewhat unique to the genre, but they work so well in XCOM 2.
XCOM 2 also has a fantastic base-building system and a multitude of ways to customize characters. The perma-death mechanics make the loss of characters all the more painful. Players can spend hours investing in a soldier only to lose them to an errant attack. Varied map design, enemy classes, and A.I. behavior contribute to making this one of the best turn-based strategy experiences of all time.
3 Fire Emblem Engage
It's difficult to make a list of strategy games of any kind without including an entry from the Intelligent Systems hit franchise Fire Emblem. As the most recent entry into the series, Fire Emblem Engage is the obvious inclusion to make. The game features classic turn-based combat with player and enemy phases allowing players to plan their entire attack or defense in advance.
Fire Emblem Engage adds more depth to the tested and faithful weapon triangle system. Along with this are large sprawling maps in the vein of some of the earlier games in the franchise. The new emblem system adds a new level of management to the game and lets players time when they want to peak their offense.
There are different difficulty options players can choose from, with maddening mode being particularly difficult but super fun to play through. Fire Emblem Engage can serve as a fun and breezy entry point into the genre or a way for longstanding fans to broaden their horizons. All in all, it’s a solid game and can surprise players with how much planning is required.
2 Banner Saga 3
Banner Saga 3 was the perfect ending to the six-year Viking epic. While the gameplay is more of the same with slight changes here and there. This game is still amazing.
Banner Saga 3 represents hopelessness. No matter what the player does, characters die, and the world doesn’t get better. There’s madness and devastation at every turn, and under this gloomy backdrop, the player must navigate their small party of faithful Vikings to salvation.
The art and music are on point as always, and every choice a player makes is full of weight. At some point over the course of the trilogy, most players find themselves doubting every decision they make wondering if they did the right thing or not. That is exactly what makes Banner Saga 3 special and why it stands as one the best turn-based strategy games for any fans of the genre to try.
1 Tactics Ogre Reborn
Tactics Ogre Reborn is the long-awaited remaster of the critically acclaimed game Tactics Ogre Let Us Cling Together. The game features a simple turn-based strategy system with turns decided based on characters' speed, so enemies and player units are mixed up adding to the difficulty. The game also features a multitude of different classes and species. It has everything from long-range spellcasters to status-effect bombs to dragons. The elevation system coupled with the most detailed and diverse customization system players can find in any strategy game lead to a highly personalized and fun experience.
Civilization fans will love the combat, but what really sets this game apart is the story. From the character development and voice-acting to the choices players are forced to make. Everything has been fine-tuned so well that this game makes for one of the premium turn-based strategy experiences out there.
Civilization 7 is currently in development.