Turn-Based Strategy Games: Classic & Modern Picks for 2026

The Art of Patient Strategy

Turn-based strategy games offer time to think. Every decision is deliberate, every consequence considered. Victories come from superior planning.

Classic Turn-Based Strategy

Chess

The original TBS. The variant scene keeps it fresh — Knight Chase proves chess-based turn-by-turn gameplay can feel modern and exciting.

Civilization Series

Build empires from Stone Age to Space Age. The "just one more turn" formula perfected.

XCOM Series

Squad-based tactical combat where every soldier counts. Permadeath raises the stakes.

Modern Turn-Based Innovation

Knight Chase — Turn-Based Chess Evolved

Knight Chase evolves chess's turn-based foundation. Each turn: move your knight, potentially collect a power-up, permanently block a square. The power-up system (Ruler, Compass, Eraser, Teleport, Freeze) means your options change dynamically — decide the optimal moment for each one.

Into the Breach

Deterministic turn-based combat. See exactly what enemies do next — satisfying optimization each turn.

Slay the Spire

Deck-building meets turn-based combat in this genre-defining roguelike.

Why Turn-Based Strategy Endures

TBS games reward what humans do best: think deeply. Discover more in our strategy board games guide or explore tactical mobile games for TBS you can play anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions