turn-based strategy game Archives

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I’ve ever played

Ex Sanguis is a turn-based strategy game showcased during Steam Next Fest, featuring a grid-based system similar to XCOM. Players control a team of soldiers called Stillae, utilizing Action Points (AP) and unique abilities to execute commands. The game has a narrative centered around saving a dying planet and is noted for its stylish execution and visually striking aesthetic, characterized by a blood-themed color palette. It incorporates robust gameplay mechanics, including destructible environments, roguelike elements, and RPG-style builds. Ex Sanguis is set to launch in early access soon, and players can wishlist it and explore the demo on Steam.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Menace isn’t XCOM, and that’s okay

Menace is a turn-based strategy game that distinguishes itself from the XCOM series by offering a grander, more theatrical experience reminiscent of Company of Heroes and Starship Troopers. It features larger-scale confrontations and a unique squad structure where each member operates as an individual unit, allowing for a focus on overwhelming force rather than precision strikes. The game includes named characters commanding groups of up to eight soldiers, but the large number of troops can dilute emotional connections, making losses feel less impactful. The developer has invested in character development, but the emotional bond is weaker compared to smaller squads. The game is currently in early access and is expected to evolve before its full release.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Trust Me, I Nailed It is a turn-based strategy game where you make sick video edits of a really rubbish hero

Trust Me, I Nailed It is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to create video edits transforming a warrior into a legendary monster slayer. The game features a fictional software called World Movie Weaver, reminiscent of Windows Movie Maker, where players manage enemy attack patterns on a grid-based battlefield. Players can orchestrate movements, execute attacks, and block damage using clips, with modifiers allowing for teleportation and invulnerability. The narrative unfolds through emails and posts on the Mana Scroll Network, enhancing player engagement. The game will be available for free on February 6th.

AppWizard

December 27, 2025

Gabe Newell wanted this cult-classic FPS to be one of the first games to launch on Steam, but its creator said “ehhh” nah

Steam was launched in 2003 as a platform for updates to Valve's games and became a full-fledged storefront in 2005. Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, reached out to Adrian Chmielarz in the early days to feature the game Painkiller on Steam, but Chmielarz was hesitant as they did not hold the rights to the game. Painkiller's Black Edition was eventually released on Steam in 2007. The emergence of digital storefronts like Steam has transformed game development, allowing smaller developers greater access to audiences without the need for traditional publishers. Steam has revolutionized video game distribution, despite challenges like game discoverability, and has become essential to the PC gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

D&D’s new turn based tactics PC game should be a delight – but without VR, I’m not finding the fun

Demeo x Dungeons and Dragons: Battlemarked is a cooperative multiplayer strategy game set in D&D's Forgotten Realms, available on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Meta Quest, primarily designed for virtual reality (VR). The game features turn-based strategy gameplay with players choosing from various D&D classes and species, represented as virtual miniatures. It is not a virtual tabletop or a direct adaptation of D&D 5e rules. The graphics are low in polygon count but rich in character, and the game emphasizes quick play sessions without the discomfort of VR-induced nausea. The control scheme reflects its VR origins, requiring players to pick up and place figures, which feels cumbersome on a flat screen compared to other games. The game is set to release on November 20, and the reviewer notes that their experience has been limited to single-player due to illness in the office.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

The Witcher 4 might be miles away, but Geralt and Ciri are honing their blades for some turn-based tactics this month

Sword of Convallaria will feature a crossover event with characters from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, starting on November 28. The event will introduce at least four iconic characters, including Geralt, Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri, with Ciri expected to be available for free. The game is a grid-based strategy title reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics, and players can access it without upfront costs. Each character has unique abilities, and the crossover does not have a predetermined end date. The game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its gameplay and narrative, while others criticize its gacha mechanics.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Warhammer 40k Dawn of War dev’s new turn-based tactics game pays homage to one of the greats, and you can try it for free

Relic Entertainment has released a new turn-based strategy game called Earth vs Mars, which is available on Steam along with a free demo. This game is the first title from Relic Labs, a label focused on experimental projects. In Earth vs Mars, players defend Earth from a Martian invasion using a weapon called the Splice-O-Tron to create hybrid soldiers. The game features over 30 campaign missions, various modes including AI challenges and online multiplayer, and draws inspiration from classic games like Advance Wars. It is currently offered at a discounted price of .79 until November 12, after which it will revert to .99.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

As the Steam Next Fest wraps up, Valve shares some of the seasonal event’s most-played demos – and they range from chaotically comedic co-op games to brutal Braveheart-inspired roguelikes

Valve has compiled a list of the 50 most-played demos from Steam Next Fest 2025, featuring a mix of anticipated releases and indie games. Notable titles include: - Half Sword: A medieval combat simulator praised as a "massive early breakout." - Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era: A turn-based strategy game with over a million wishlists. - YAPYAP: A co-op horror game that combines magic and comedy, utilizing players' voices for protection. - Tears of Metal: Earned an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating for its engaging narrative and gameplay. - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: A zombie apocalypse game where players act as a doctor to prevent infected individuals from breaching a military stronghold. - Cairn: A zen rock-climbing experience that has become popular for its tranquil yet challenging gameplay. - Skate Story: A skateboarding adventure game. - Desktop Defender: A casual idle game offering a laid-back gaming experience. The event showcased a diverse range of titles appealing to various gaming preferences.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

Over 100,000 people have tried this grimdark XCOM-like, and its demo just got a major update

Menace, a turn-based strategy game inspired by grimdark themes, has attracted over 100,000 players to its free demo, which has received 600 reviews and a 'very positive' rating on Steam. Developer Overhype Studios is releasing a substantial update during Steam Next Fest, including balance changes and an expansion of playable content. The update will introduce ten new missions titled Thwart Invasion, along with additional weapons and walkers. The official release of the game is scheduled for February 5, 2026.

AppWizard

October 10, 2025

Binding of Isaac dev rejects writing “safe” things, creates a strategy game where you can give cats cancer

Designer and artist Edmund McMillen has announced his new project, Mewgenics, a randomly generated turn-based strategy game featuring cats and elements of breeding simulation. The game has been in development for six years and is inspired by McMillen's experiences with real cats and the implications of breeding practices. It includes gameplay mechanics influenced by neurodiversity, such as traits like ADHD and autism affecting cat abilities. Mewgenics features a complex system with thousands of potential combinations for players. The game is set to release on February 10, 2026, on Steam.