Fans of turn-based Tactics games have had some pretty fun things to play in recent years, thanks to the genre seeing notable releases with major IPs and indies alike. There are even more to look forward to over the next year, with the first being the recently released Star Wars Zero Company.
Between the Permadeath and Ironman modifiers, grid-based movement, and social elements, you have all the classic elements of the genre here. Anyone new to these types of games will be happy to know that many others can provide a similar experience. Here are the best games to play after you've got your fill with Star Wars Zero Company.
5. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
The first game to go on this list is Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. While everything on here covers a different setting or thematic genre, a post-apocalyptic story with mutated humans and anthropomorphic animals is undeniably a standout.
The gameplay is a fun mix of stealthy real-time movement outside of combat along with traditional grid-based movement during combat. A dark story with a lot of violence also makes this the most mature game on this list. Those in the mood for a real challenge will surely enjoy their difficult takes on the Ironman and Permadeath modifiers as well.
4. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
If you'd rather play something easier and based around some cute whimsy franchises, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will be a joy. It could be argued that its predecessor offers a more classic experience, but the sequel provides more variety.
Gameplay sees the biggest difference, with the grid-based movement replaced by a free movement area system that emphasizes more creative strategies. Each primary location also offers an open-world type of exploration with side quests and secrets. In addition to a deeper story and voice acting for the Rabbids, the DLCs include a rogue-like challenge mode and two story expansions.
3. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Next up is another Nintendo Switch game, albeit one that belongs to a foundational series for the turn-based tactics genre. The original Fire Emblem pieced together many of the iconic elements that you see in Star Wars Zero Company and other titles on this list. What better entry to play than 2019's Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the one that caught everyone by storm?
As Byleth, you'll choose to lead one of three school houses, each representing a separate faction. In addition to each having their own storylines, you'll be able to meet different students and help them grow into stronger warriors both in battle and at school. Even if you don't play with the permadeath settings, the storylines you choose to pursue and the way you develop your units allow for a ton of replay value.
2. Marvel's Midnight Sons
This game stands out the most when it comes to gameplay. Marvel's Midnight Sons doesn't feature a grid movement system nor any sort of cover. Attacks and actions from your team of heroes are instead primarily handled through a card system.
The main reason I'm including this on the list is because of The Abbey. This is where you’ll be in between missions as you spend time with the different heroes you've gathered so far. Considering Star Wars Zero Company does something similar with The Den, and this is the last Firaxis project that some at developer Bit Reactor worked on, Marvel's Midnight Sons is worth a look if you vibed with the social aspects.
1. XCOM 2
It's hard to imagine anything else deserving to be at the top of this list. Even though it's the oldest, having come out in 2016, it's aged gracefully over the years. XCOM: Enemy Unknown features many of the same highlights, but I have to go with its sequel, XCOM 2, as the prime modern example of this genre of games.
The most unique aspect is the procedural generation of maps and enemy placements. Having both ensures that no campaign feels the same. The options to customize and develop your units are just as effective at making you feel bad when they're killed as other games’ actually written characters. Time-based mission objectives and the Doomsday Clock-like Avatar Project make every choice feel important. Add on layers of mechanics and decisions, and you’ve got hours of guaranteed fun.
There is an element from Star Wars Zero Company in all of these titles, and you're sure to have a fun time strategizing with any of them. If you're interested in the next big tactical RPG, you'll want to keep an eye out for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave coming out in September.
