Top 5 Turn-Based Games To Play in 2025

Turn-based games tend to reward strategy. In this list, we have discussed about top five turn-based games you should play in 2025.

Turn-based games will never get boring (Image via ATLUS)
Turn-based games will never get boring (Image via ATLUS)

Turn-based games require strategy and patience. Whether you’re into tactical RPGs or something more relaxed, the genre has a lot to offer. Modern turn-based games are more dynamic and immersive than ever before. Developers are combining traditional gameplay elements with fresh innovations, making the turn-based genre accessible to newcomers while still providing deep strategic challenges for veterans.

Ranked from fifth to first, here are the top five turn-based games you must play in 2025.

(This list reflects the writer’s personal preferences.)

5) XCOM 2

Fighting against aliens can be tricky
Fighting against aliens can be tricky (Image via 2K Games, Feral Interactive)

XCOM 2 is the sequel to the original XCOM title. This sci-fi turn-based game puts you in command of an elite organization tasked with reclaiming Earth from an alien invasion. You control a squad of up to six soldiers, each of whom belongs to a different class. Navigate a grid-based map to complete various objectives while engaging in tactical battles that require careful planning.

Every decision matters, as one wrong move can alter the course of the fight. Despite releasing more than eight years ago, it still holds up to modern titles due to its gameplay. Lastly, if you enjoy turn-based games that demand strategic thinking in every single battle, this game is for you.

4) Sid Meier’s Civilization 6

Never stop going forward in time
Never stop going forward in time (Image via 2K Games, Aspyr)

Sid Meier’s Civilization 6 is a turn-based strategy game where you lead a civilization from ancient times to modern supremacy. With its district system, strategic city planning, and varied victory conditions, every decision shapes your empire’s fate.

The Eureka and Inspiration mechanics make research more engaging, while diplomacy, warfare, and culture offer multiple paths to victory. You start from the ancient era and continue researching to progress through later eras. Furthermore, you can pick an important figure who was historically famous and utilize abilities tied to their faction.

Despite releasing in 2016, Civilization 6 remains a top-tier strategy game, thanks to its expansions, AI improvements, and active modding community. DLCs like Golden Ages, Natural Disasters, and Climate Change add dynamic challenges, ensuring every playthrough feels fresh even now. Additionally, you can bring your friend for a PvP experience as well.

3) Darkest Dungeon 2

Even heroes need to rest sometime
Even heroes need to rest sometime (Image via Red Hook Studios)

Darkest Dungeon 2 is the second title in the Darkest Dungeon series by Red Hook Studios. This game is a turn-based, roguelike dungeon crawler set in a very grim world. Additionally, each run is different as you set out with a band of four party members to hunt down horrifying monsters. Furthermore, with sixteen playable heroes to choose from, you can form teams varying in strengths and weaknesses.

Resource management is very important, as running out of certain materials can result in massive debuffs for the team. There is also an affinity system between heroes, which can either add powerful combo attacks or provide debuffs to heroes. You can spend countless hours on this turn-based game experimenting with abilities and synergies.

2) Octopath Traveler 2

A party on an adventure feels like a family
A party on an adventure feels like a family (Image via Square Enix)

Octopath Traveler 2 is the sequel to Octopath Traveler (2018), developed by Square Enix and ACQUIRE Corp. This is a turn-based RPG with an interconnected story between eight different characters. The story is mostly lighthearted. You travel through the world of Solistia, which has recently entered an industrial period. Furthermore, the main selling point of this title is the ability to start as any character and follow through with their personal story.

Throughout the journey, the game is designed to seamlessly connect your story with other characters, creating a smooth and natural flow. Each character has their specialties, which they can use in and out of battles. This turn-based game is perfect for those who want to experience a compelling narrative through the diverse perspectives of its characters.

1) Metaphor: ReFantazio

Become the king regardless of who you are (Image via ATLUS)
Become the king regardless of who you are (Image via ATLUS)

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a turn-based RPG from Atlus, the developers behind the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. The game is set in a dark fantasy world where various races coexist in the Kingdom of Euchronia. Following the assassination of the king, a new ruler must be chosen.

You must traverse the kingdom, solve problems, and rally support to prevent a tyrant from seizing the throne. In particular, the narrative places a strong emphasis on friendship and relationships, making human connections a key aspect of the story.

The combat system is equally engaging, featuring special forms known as Archetypes, which grant different effects depending on the character. Not to mention, new synergies and skills continuously unlock, ensuring the experience remains fresh and exciting. If you’re a fan of turn-based RPGs, this game should be on your wishlist.

Finally, here’s another list for you to choose more games from.


Looking For More?

Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!