The best turn-based strategy game with a story. Rated

Important points

• Turn-based strategy games are more than just gameplay. The narratives in games like Banner Saga 3 and Fire Emblem shine.
• Banner Saga 3 delivers a satisfying conclusion with player-driven choices shaping the story in a beautiful and melancholy winter story.
• From Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis, these games flawlessly balance complex storytelling and gameplay.

Turn-based strategy games are a genre that focuses heavily on gameplay. Whether it's actual combat or micro-management of the player's army and equipment. The best part about this genre is that it has an amazing and often underappreciated story that drives the gameplay forward. With the recent renaissance of the genre passing Unicorn Overlord, Triangle Project Strategy, and latest Fire Emblem games, this is the perfect time to dive deeper into the best stories the genre has to offer.

Although many games of this type have very similar themes that underline their stories. But it's been fascinating to see how different developers and franchises have handled these themes and made them their own. Many turn-based strategy games have good, practical stories. But the games below definitely stand out. Not only in the genre But also in strategy games in general.

Updated on December 4, 2024 by Musaab Ahmed: The turn-based strategy genre is one that has been fortunate to receive a steady stream of amazing games in recent years. Whether it's an ambitious mainstream game like Fire Emblem or a more niche project. that continually reinvents the wheel With the recent increase in the release of high-quality turn-based games, fans of the genre are spoiled for choice. With the recent release of Metal Slug Tactics and the upcoming release of two new turn-based games, Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus 2 and MENACE, this is the perfect time to revisit turn-based strategy games. With the best stories

7 Triangle Project Strategy

A modern retelling of a classic medieval trope.

Triangle Project Strategy It is one of the latest and most underrated strategy games. Even if it's not very glamorous. Fire Emblem game, and it wasn't a miraculous success either. unicorn overlord, It's a great turn-based strategy game that has an incredible story of its own. Triangle strategy It centers on the struggle of three nations and ruling classes for control of the region's resources. The game doesn't have an amazing story. But it is quite realistic. Which makes Serenoa's decision even more interesting. Whether it's the brutal mirror reflection of reality that can be drawn through Rosellan's fate, the brutal reality of royal blood narrated through Roland, or the decisions that spark personal vengeance for usurpation. greater good Well, there are many things that this game has to offer.

Triangle strategy Full of fun enemies Cunning political ploy and a riveting story told at a rapid pace. All of this ties in nicely with the strong vocal performance. Including great art and animation. Although some characters may seem general Too much or one-dimensional? But the overarching narrative is strong. And the world-building is good enough to keep players invested.

6 The Banner Saga 3

A satisfying conclusion to an excellent trilogy.

at Banner Saga Trilogy is one of the best indie developed strategy series. Stoic Games has created a surprising trilogy. Strong gameplay Amazing visuals and art and a wonderful story Banner Saga 3 Picking up the rest of the previous two names. A small Viking convoy is trying to survive the apocalypse. In the story Sage Banner 3 It is directly determined by the player's choices in the previous two games. Not only does it make every difficult decision extremely important, But it also ensures players will live with the consequences of their actions for hours on end.

Even though it's a little short Banner Saga 3 It is the culmination of a beautiful and tragic story. This is properly supported by stunning visuals and a great soundtrack. The story of a cold, cruel winter. Unfortunately, the game ends very quickly. Because it has one of the best stories a strategy game has seen in years.

5 Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Ike's coming-of-age story hits every point.

Fire Emblem Because the franchise is one with a solid story. It's quite formulaic, though, and often a bare-bones story. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance very different The story follows the story of Ike and his succession of mercenaries. As they navigate a complex political world on the brink of disaster, The game has many lovable characters such as Mordecai, Mist, Oscar, and Boyd, among others. The supporting dialogue of most of the main cast does a great job of bringing out their personalities and filling in the gaps in the narrative. Main story

path of brightness It's a story with a lot of themes: slavery, racism. class division And it's definitely a fantasy fantasy story full of political intrigue, tragedy, and lots of action. The game manages to balance all of this and deliver a strong and entertaining story. Which is part of why it's one of the fan-favorite games in the franchise.

4 Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis

A great foray into the art of a good prequel.

Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis It's an old school JPRG with a rustic and colorful feel. It stands out as one of the most underrated turn-based strategy games in the genre. set to be another sequel Demon Warrior The game follows the story of Alphonse, a knight of Lodis who is sent to the land of Ovis, where he learns about the cruelty of those he serves. The game follows Alphonse as he gradually Unravel the conspiracy set up by the powerful. which involves the oppression of the island Conquering a continent and some mysterious weapons

However, like all Demon Warrior In the game, choice is important. The direction of Alphonse's campaign can vary greatly depending on the player's choices. The story also depends on the gameplay. Since the deaths of some important characters have a direct impact on the narrative, what makes them Knight of Lodis, that is. The advantage is that it is able to balance a complex and tragic narrative in such a way that the player can sympathize with Alphonse's actions while also being aware of his flaws. The fact that each branch of the story can be chosen is of equal quality. It was a remarkable achievement in the GBA era as well.

3 Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions

The quintessential turn-based story.

The common theme of most turn-based strategy games is a story centered on a large-scale war between kingdoms. clash of ideologies and political manipulation Although some may feel that these trophies are overused, But the truth is that games like Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions It handles these themes so well that they don't matter.

War of the Lions It is a dramatic story centering on a young swordsman named Ramza as he deals with the heated conditions of his world. The land of Ivalice is a land filled with elites. manipulative nobleman and religious exploitation Players will witness a complex and exciting story unfold through Ramza's eyes. But the game is well paced and never lags. The cutscenes are a delight, and every interaction between Ramza and his childhood friend Delita is a definite highlight.

2 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

A divided path with no losers

three houses It is one of the most successful games in this genre. And for good reason. The overall story of the game centers on three characters: Dimitri, Edelgard, and Claude, who will be the rulers of three kingdoms. Join a monastery to practice your role. The three lords and their fellow students built their respective monastery 'houses'. And players can choose who will join.

The story quickly shifts from the story of an ambitious student on a daily mission to an unsettling, mature narrative centered on a political conflict. The end is the fueling of ambition and the disconnection between friendship and duty. Players will be told three different stories surrounding three Lords. Dimitri's is a story of sorrow. mental trauma and resentment Players follow him to accept their own flaws and use them to become better parents. A more mature story The story is well paced and showcases the best things about the story. Fire Emblem The story can Edelgard and Claude also had great campaigns. based on ambition personal grievances and their need for land and people. Overall, this is a great turn-based strategy game. And everyone who plays this type of game should try it out.

1 Demon Warrior: Rebirth

A gripping and emotional story.

This game has one of the best stories that players can find in a strategy game. The game is filled with heart-wrenching decisions. It has a dark story that doesn't shy away from pushing the player to difficult decisions and bloodshed the protagonist Denam. He can go from being an ideal rebel to an assassin knight orchestrating a rebellion to something. in between Either way Denham suffers betrayal and tragedy as he travels around this beautiful but tragic world.

Ogre Tactic: Reborn The voice acting adds to the richness of the story. Because it increases reactions in the most difficult parts of the story. Whether it is decisions made in Balamusa or encounters with the knight Lancelot, the game also has a rich world. Filled with fun and complex characters, rich lore, and hundreds of hours of story to pass through. This game is not only one of the best turn-based strategy games out there. But its story is also one of the best in the game.