turn-based tactics game Archives

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Even though turn-based and real time RPGs ‘have their loud, vocal advocates,’ Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre

Tim Cain discussed RPG combat styles on his YouTube channel, emphasizing a balanced view between turn-based and real-time gameplay. He highlighted the "real-time with pause" (RTWP) system, which allows players to queue commands while the game is paused, as a unique blend of strategy and action. James Brawley, a lead designer for the upcoming turn-based tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, acknowledged the merits of RTWP and expressed optimism about its resurgence, indicating a significant audience for this style. Both combat styles have unique strengths and can coexist, influencing the future of RPGs.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2 review

Mechanicus 2 is a follow-up to the original Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus, developed by Bulwark Studios and published by Kasedo Games, priced at £31.50. It is available now on Windows 11 but does not support multiplayer or Steam Deck. The sequel features two distinct campaigns, allowing players to choose between the Adeptus Mechanicus and the necrons, offering a deeper exploration of the necrons' complexities. Unlike its predecessor, Mechanicus 2 limits players to five named leaders with basic upgrade trees, reducing customization options. Technical issues include subtitle bugs and performance problems, and the soundtrack is less impactful than the original. The game lacks the charm and innovation of the first installment, despite being enjoyable as a casual experience.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

40K XCOM-like Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters is getting a sequel and this time we’ll get to purge ‘seven distinctive enemy factions’

In 1998, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate was released as a turn-based tactics game featuring the Ultramarines and Chaos. In 2022, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters was launched, focusing on the Grey Knights and their battle against Chaos, drawing inspiration from the XCOM series. Daemonhunters received feedback regarding limited enemy diversity, primarily featuring Nurgle's minions. A sequel is announced to introduce seven distinct enemy factions. The Warhammer Skulls showcase revealed updates including a release date and DLC roadmap for Dawn of War 4, a new Skitarii class for Darktide, a platformer with a ratman protagonist, and tiger warrior DLC for Total War: Warhammer 3. Updates will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Menace’s first major early access update overhauls its least interesting faction and jettisons its reviled promotion tax system: ‘We have done away with it’

Menace is a turn-based tactics game currently in early access, receiving positive feedback for its engaging strategy despite some initial issues. A major update, called the 'Redacted' update, has been released, introducing significant changes to core features and mechanics, enhancing gameplay and addressing previous concerns. Additionally, the gaming community is looking forward to the upcoming release of Star Wars: Zero Company, which draws inspiration from Mass Effect and X-COM.

AppWizard

April 2, 2026

One of the Best Games of the 2010s Is Now Free for Millions of PC Gamers

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a turn-based tactics game developed by 2K Games and Firaxis Games, is available for free to Amazon Prime members with a GOG account until July 1. The game, originally released in 2012, is a reimagining of the 1994 classic UFO: Enemy Unknown and has a Metacritic score of 91. Players can expect around 30 hours to complete the main storyline, with completionists potentially investing up to 70 hours. The offer includes the “Complete Pack” version, which features the XCOM: Enemy Within expansion and all previously released add-on content.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Bargain PC Bundle Drops 15 Games to $1 Each, Including 98% Classic

Humble Bundle is celebrating its 15th anniversary by offering a collection of 15 curated games for a total price of £7.41, with a retail value of £118.46. The games have positive ratings between 72% and 98% on Steam and support Comic Relief, a UK charity. Notable titles include: - Rocket Rat: A whimsical game priced at £4.99. - Necroking: A turn-based tactics game with an 84% positive rating. - Kingsgrave: A dark fantasy RPG with a 72% positive rating. - Janosik: A retro-style action platformer with a 96% positive rating. - Pile Up! Box by Box: A 3D puzzle platformer with a 95% positive rating. - Lunark: A cinematic platformer with an 86% positive rating. - Distraint Deluxe Edition: A psychological horror game with a 93% positive rating. - Distraint 2: A sequel to Distraint Deluxe Edition with a 96% positive rating. - Orten Was The Case: A puzzle/adventure game with a 98% positive rating. - The Invisible Hand: A game about stock market manipulation, normally priced at £9.99. - Technotopia: A city-building and deck-building game. - Dropsy: Warm Damp Hug Edition: A point-and-click adventure game. - ION Shift: A first-person shooter. - Undead West: A bullet-hell game with a supernatural narrative. - Janosik 2: A sequel to Janosik with enhanced gameplay. - Glitchhikers: The Spaces Between: A meditative journey game. The bundle is available until April 15, and all game keys must be redeemed before April 15, 2027.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

This week’s new PC games are a treasure trove of the scary, eerie and occult, plus a charming Star Trek game

A diverse array of new PC game releases includes: - Book Smugglers: A point-and-click adventure set in 19th century Tsarist Lithuania focused on forbidden literature. - Stormbridge: A combination of tower defense and city-building elements. - Dobbel Dungeon: A turn-based tactics game using dice rolls in an ogre-battling setting. - Astrobotanica: An early access puzzle and survival game featuring an extraterrestrial botanist on prehistoric Earth. - Alien Morgue: A game where players conduct autopsies on extraterrestrial beings. - Under The Island: A top-down dungeon puzzler with six distinct biomes. - Ritual Party: A multiplayer experience blending humor and horror. - Placid Plastic Deck: A Quiet Quest: A card-battler with a suspicious premise. - Beyond The Doors: A surveillance simulation involving mysterious requests. - Roach Post: A roguelite puzzler using cockroaches to assemble postage stamps. - Forgotlings: An action-adventure game set in a world of sentient objects. - Blank: A platforming experience in a cavernous origami world. - Kill The Witch: An early access 2D action platformer featuring a witch with a baseball bat. - The Killing Stone: A cursed board game set in the Arctic. - Star Trek: Voyager - Across the Unknown: A strategy management game based on the TV series. - FUR Squadron Phoenix: A space simulation game with vibrant gameplay mechanics. - PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse: A mystery horror novel about ghastly fishwomen. - Demon Tides: A platformer inspired by the N64-to-Gamecube era. - Styx: Blades Of Greed: An open-world goblin stealth game. - Love Eternal: An introspective horror platformer. - Key Fairy: A hand-drawn, pacifist bullet-hell game. - Nightsoil: A game exploring turd collection in an emotive context. - Ys X: Proud Nordics: An updated entry in the Ys series with bumpslash combat mechanics. - Horripilant: An incremental dungeon clicker with grotesque creatures.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

If you’re struggling to play tactics sim Menace, it could be because your antivirus is randomly deleting files

Menace, a turn-based tactics game, has launched in early access with notable updates. Players are advised to whitelist the 'GameAssembly.dll' and 'Menace.exe' files due to some antivirus programs incorrectly classifying the former as malware. The first update introduces new adversaries, including pirate veteran scavengers and a pirate heavy machinegun truck. Enhancements include an optimized splash screen for ultra-wide monitors and significant balancing changes, such as a new heat mechanic for laser and plasma rifles and the addition of motion scanners to pirate EMP units.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

This mech themed XCOM-like just got a gargantuan update that overhauls its campaign, redesigns its overworld, and adds personalities to pilots with ‘over 100’ unique traits

Brace Yourself Games released Phantom Brigade 2.0, an update to the mech-themed, simultaneous turn-based tactics game originally launched in 2023. The update addresses criticisms of the initial version, which included repetitive missions and basic enemy AI. Key enhancements in the 2.0 update include a reworked campaign with new maps and quests, an expanded overworld with new provinces, improved mission generation for a dynamic environment, over 100 unique pilot traits and abilities, and revamped gameplay mechanics for better tactical encounters. Early player feedback shows a positive reception, with recent Steam reviews indicating a 90% positive rating. The game is currently available at a discounted price of £12.50 until December 3.

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.