While many tactics games take on drier themes, such as the over-usedsetting of World War 2or the Middle Ages, there are all manner of tactical experiences that use the realm of science-fiction and fantasy as the backdrop to their gameplay.
However, some settings are made all the more evocative by combining traditional, grounded settings, such as the aforementioned Middle Ages or modern-day urban environments, with fantasy elements. Games such asBattle Brothersbring low fantasy elements into a traditional Medieval setting, while other titles, such asTactical Breach Wizards, bring magic into an otherwise pedestrian setting.
Half ofMarvel’s Midnight Sunsconsists of wandering around a hub and interacting with questionably-written NPCs that, for some, offer little else but a tedious checklist. However, this Marvel game is also a tremendously satisfying tactics game that blends turn-based strategy withdeck-building and card playin Marvel’s signature blend of urban fantasy.
Marvel’s Midnight Sunsis an accessible deck-builder in which players use cards to maneuver their heroes around small arenas, battling through tactical encounters akin to games such asXCOM. The game also features a heavy emphasis on environmental hazards. Although the tactics can be satisfying, players who don’t enjoy the non-combat segments of the game will have a hard time sticking withMidnight Suns.
Based on thetabletop role-playing gameof the same name and developed by the team behindPathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous, Owlcat Games,Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Traderis a party-based RPG with tactical turn-based combat. The deep RPG systems and strategic combat makeRogue Tradera satisfying and replayable game, but its story-rich campaign is perhaps the game’s biggest draw.
In the game, players take control of a Lord-Captain and their crew, adventuring across the galaxy and fighting all manner of enemies in the addictive grim-dark world ofWarhammer: 40,000. The richly detailed universe ofWarhammer 40,000is also replete with fantasy elements that blend with the dark science-fiction setting to offer a truly unique backdrop for the game’s narrative.
Taking place in the rich cyberpunk-fantasy setting of the tabletop role-playing game,Shadowrun,Shadowrun: Dragonfallis an RPG with tactical turn-based combat. Although it’s technically a sequel toShadowrun: Returns,Shadowrun: Dragonfallcan be played without any prior knowledge of the series, allowing it to be enjoyed as a standalone game.
As is the case withallShadowrungames,Shadowrun: Dragonfallfeatures an urban fantasy setting with cyberpunk themes and visuals, putting players in a city populated by fantasy races. The game’s narrative and RPG systems may be more attractive than its turn-based combat, but every encounter offers enough strategic depth to remain engaging throughout.
3Caves Of Qud
A Lore-Rich, Tactical RPG In A Sci-Fi Fantasy World
Caves Of Qudisa traditional rogue-likewith minimal visuals, but it’s carried by immense attention to detail and extreme levels of replay value. In terms of tactics,Caves Of Qudisn’t the most in-depth experience, and players rarely control more than one character. However, its rogue-like, turn-based combat is frequently tactical and takes careful planning to be successful. Resource management and efficient use of abilities also play a heavy role during combat, resulting in intense encounters.
Caves Of Qud’sworld, however, makes it worth exploring. The game takes place in a sci-fi fantasy world dense with lore and rich with interesting locations and NPCs.Caves Of Qudis predominantly rooted in science fiction, but the heavy application of fantasy elements is arguably what makes its retro-futuristic world so interesting to play in.
Battle Brothersisa deep sandbox RPGwith unforgiving, tactical turn-based combat that takes place in a gritty medieval world with fantasy elements. As a strategic sandbox,Battle Brothersoffers little in the way of narrative, instead charging players with commanding and maintaining a profitable mercenary company in its harsh open world.
Combat is the main strength ofBattle Brothers, and its most frequent activity takes place on a hexagonal grid and features mechanics for morale and simulated injuries. This, along with the importance of positioning, terrain, and a balance of ranged and melee attacks keeps the combat strategic. However, certain encounters tend to swing dramatically when players make mistakes, leading to situations that spiral out of control. While it can feel like there’s no way out at times, this snowballing combat keeps things intense and can often lead to memorable moments.
Created by Tom Francis' studio, Suspicious Developments (the same studio behindGunpointandHeat Signature),Tactical Breach Wizardsis an accessible but incredibly satisfying tactics game that featuresturn-based combatand, as its title gives away so freely, wizards.
Tactical Breach Wizardshas a variety of strengths, from its unique blend of urban fantasy, humor, and conspiracy, to its puzzle-box combat encounters that fuseInto The BreachwithXCOM.Tactical Breach Wizardsbreezes along with its witty, likable characters and consistently spices up its gameplay with intricately designed puzzles and clever magical abilities.
