Tactical Masterpieces to Watch Out for in Gaming

22 June 2025

Gaming has come a long way since the days of 8-bit sprites and simple mechanics. While button-mashing and chaotic explosions will always have their place, there’s something uniquely satisfying about a game that challenges the brain, not just the reflexes. Tactical games offer players the ultimate puzzle: how do you outthink your opponent, adapt to changing conditions, and come out on top? Whether it’s commanding armies, managing resources, or making heart-pounding strategic decisions with every turn, these masterpieces will scratch that itch for anyone who loves flexing their mental muscle.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably lost countless hours obsessing over a move in a strategy game, only to realize it’s 3 AM and you still haven’t showered (no judgment). Tactical gaming requires deep immersion, critical thinking, and, often, endless patience. So buckle up as we dive into some standout tactical gems you should definitely add to your radar.

What Makes a Tactical Game a Masterpiece?

Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s take a moment to define what sets the tactical genre apart from, say, shooters or RPGs. Tactical games are all about decision-making. They force you to think two, five, or even ten steps ahead, much like playing chess but with jaw-dropping visuals and immersive worlds.

A masterpiece in this genre doesn’t just demand strategies; it rewards creativity. Do you take the high ground for a positional advantage? Sacrifice resources now to gain the upper hand later? Or maybe you play to your strengths and take the long, hard road to glory. The best tactical games provide a sandbox of choices, with every decision carrying weight. And let’s face it, few things feel better than finally executing a master plan like a seasoned tactician.

Now, let’s break down some modern and classic tactical wonders that you simply can’t ignore.

1. XCOM 2: The King of Turn-Based Combat

If tactical gaming has a royal family, XCOM 2 is undoubtedly a crowned prince. Developed by Firaxis Games, this turn-based tactical masterpiece throws you into a dystopian future where aliens have taken over Earth. Sounds intense, right? Well, it gets better… or worse, depending on how much you enjoy sweating through life-or-death decisions.

The game is brutal (in the best way possible). Every move matters. One wrong click, and it’s goodbye to that soldier you spent hours leveling up. But it’s not just about combat. Building your base, managing resources, and balancing global resistance against overwhelming alien forces make you feel like the ultimate strategist. Every mission is a nail-biter, and the permadeath system amps up the stakes to nerve-wracking levels.

XCOM 2 is a fantastic entry point if you’re new to the genre. Plus, mods galore keep the experience fresh, even years after release.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Tactical Love Affair

Nintendo’s Fire Emblem: Three Houses combines tactical mastery with one thing you probably didn’t expect: relationships. Yes, this game somehow pulls off an intricate tactical core and lets you play matchmaker. It’s like if chess and a soap opera had a really talented baby.

Set in a war-torn fantasy world, you play as a teacher guiding students through tactical battles while also managing their daily lives. Think Hogwarts, but with spears and wyverns. The decisions you make—both on and off the battlefield—shape relationships, alliances, and even who manages to walk away alive in the game’s many jaw-dropping twists.

The grid-based combat might look simple at first glance, but the depth and variety of strategies you can employ are mind-boggling. Want to charge in with cavalry? Go for it. Prefer a slow, calculated approach with archers and mages? Totally viable. Just be prepared to cry a little when the stakes get personal.

3. Divinity: Original Sin 2: The Role-Playing Strategist’s Dream

If you’ve ever wanted to mix tactical combat with deep storytelling, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the game for you. This critically acclaimed RPG by Larian Studios doesn’t just give you choices—it makes you earn every victory like a true strategist.

The turn-based combat system is the heart of the experience. It’s not enough to know your spells or weapons; you need to read the battlefield like Sherlock Holmes. Fire? Water? Poison clouds? The environment plays a massive role, and clever use of it can be the difference between victory and a humiliating defeat.

What really makes Divinity: Original Sin 2 special, though, is the freedom. Want to sneak past enemies instead of fighting? Sure! Prefer to charm your way out of a sticky situation? Go ahead. The game respects your intelligence and rewards experimentation, making it a standout tactical RPG you won’t forget anytime soon.

4. Into the Breach: Small Scale, Big Brain Energy

Ever heard the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover”? That applies perfectly to Into the Breach. On the surface, this indie gem from Subset Games might look like a simple 2D grid-based strategy game. But don’t let its minimalist visuals fool you—this game packs more tactical depth than some triple-A titles.

You command a team of mechs trying to save humanity from insect-like creatures called the Vek. The battlefield is small—just an 8x8 grid—but the decisions you make are monumental. Every enemy telegraphs their moves ahead of time, so success depends entirely on how well you can out-maneuver them. It’s like playing a game of cat-and-mouse… if the mouse happened to control giant robots.

Each mission feels like solving a puzzle. You’ll constantly juggle whether to save a civilian building, block an enemy attack, or finish off a foe before they wreak havoc. Oh, and did I mention the roguelike mechanics? Yeah, losing isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. But each failure teaches you something new, which is the essence of tactical gaming.

5. Total War: Three Kingdoms: Large-Scale Tactical Warfare

If you prefer your strategy on a grander scale, Total War: Three Kingdoms by Creative Assembly might be your perfect match. Instead of focusing on individual units or small squads, this game lets you manage entire armies and navigate the political complexities of ancient China.

The blend of turn-based strategy and real-time tactical combat is what makes this game so special. You’ll spend hours making alliances, crafting battle plans, and carefully choosing when to strike. Then, when the dust of diplomacy settles, it’s time to unleash thousands of troops on massive battlefields.

The attention to detail is staggering. Flanking maneuvers, terrain advantages, and troop morale all play crucial roles in determining success. Plus, historical accuracy adds an extra layer of depth for history buffs. It’s like being a general and a politician all at once—and wow, is it satisfying when everything goes according to plan.

6. Banner Saga Series: Artistry Meets Strategy

Few games manage to combine storytelling, tactical combat, and stunning visuals as seamlessly as the Banner Saga series. These Norse-inspired games feel like interactive graphic novels, with every choice shaping your journey and the fates of your characters.

Combat follows a grid-based system, with a heavy emphasis on positioning and resource management. Each character has unique abilities, which you’ll need to master if you want to survive—and trust me, survival is never guaranteed. The games are challenging, but in a way that feels fair. Every misstep is a learning opportunity, and every victory feels well-earned.

But honestly? What really sets this series apart is its emotional weight. Characters can (and will) die, often because of choices you’ve made. It adds a layer of tension that’s rare in tactical games, making the series a must-play for anyone who loves meaningful decisions.

Why Tactical Games Deserve Your Time

Tactical games aren’t just about winning—they’re about the journey. They teach patience, perseverance, and adaptability. They challenge you to think critically and reward you with the sweet, sweet satisfaction of outsmarting your opponent (or the AI, which, let’s be real, often feels smarter than most humans).

If you’re the type who loves the thrill of solving complex puzzles, the rush of pulling off a perfectly executed plan, or the agony of realizing the trap you fell into was your own fault, tactical games are calling your name.

So what are you waiting for? Dust off that controller, fire up your PC, or grab your Switch. These tactical masterpieces aren’t going to conquer themselves.