Turn-based combat was at its pinnacle in the '80s and '90s. However, after that, real-time combat increased in popularity and seemingly took over the industry. In fact, it seemed like turn-based combat was just going to slowly fade away. That never happened, though. Some developers kept releasing turn-based games.
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Posts 1 By Hilton WebsterIn the process, they discovered various ways to enhance the depth and engrossing nature of this type of battle system. This led to a bit of a resurgence of these types of games. As a result, even a very contemporary system like the PS5 is home to many great turn-based titles. The following ones are the best the console has to offer.
8 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Like Follow Followed Turn-Based RPG JRPG Fantasy Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 92/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released April 24, 2025 ESRB Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) Sandfall Interactive Publisher(s) Kepler Interactive Engine Unreal Engine 5 Cross-Platform Play No Cross Save NoWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONClair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set in a partly destroyed world containing a large monument with a number written on it. Each year, a creature known as the Paintress lowers that number by one, and everyone above that age is instantly wiped out. Your characters are part of an Expedition that attempts to put a stop to this cycle.
This premise is unique and very creative. The same could be said for the turn-based combat. It includes dodges, parries, and quick-time events (QTEs). So, it combines elements of real-time combat with the turn-based system to great success.
7 Sea Of Stars
4.0/5 Sea of Stars Like Follow Followed RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 89/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released August 29, 2023 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language Developer(s) Sabotage Publisher(s) Sabotage Engine Unity Multiplayer Local Co-Op Number of Players 1-3WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThe story of Sea of Stars follows two heroes as they attempt to rid the world of monsters known as Dwellers and the individual responsible for creating them. So, it's a classic sort of RPG tale.
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Posts 2 By Ryan TaffeIn fact, the entire game is a bit of a throwback to classic RPGs from the '90s. As such, it has a cool pixel art style and uses a fixed isometric camera view. The throwback feel continues into the turn-based combat. It isn't deeply complex like many turn-based systems these days. Instead, it is simple and satisfying.
6 Metaphor: ReFantazio
5.0/5 Metaphor: ReFantazio Like Follow Followed RPG JRPG Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 93/100 Critics Rec: 98% Released October 11, 2024 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) Studio Zero Publisher(s) Atlus Engine GFD Number of Players 1 Steam Deck Compatibility PlayableWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONMetaphor: ReFantazio is set in a medieval fantasy world, which is currently without a ruler, as the one who is supposed to be in charge is currently in a long slumber due to a curse. So, a tournament to decide the successor is being held, and you're part of it. Many aspects of the game are brilliant, including the combat.
The game includes both real-time and turn-based combat. You can slash through ordinary enemies as you wander around, but for bigger foes, you can transition into a turn-based battle. During turn-based fights, you can use your regular weapons and the abilities of your Archetype, which are special beings that help you in battle. Naturally, these abilities are effective, and they also look visually appealing and are quite cinematic at times.
5 Unicorn Overlord
Unicorn Overlord Like Follow Followed Tactical RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 88/100 Critics Rec: 98% Released March 8, 2024 ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Vanillaware Publisher(s) Sega, Atlus Engine unity Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONAn evil empire has taken over the fictional continent of Fevrith in Unicorn Overlord, and it's up to you to get it back. However, you can't accomplish that with a single individual, so much of the game is about building up your army and taking back territory bit by bit. This leads to a bunch of battles with your adversaries. These are large-scale skirmishes where you move your units around the battlefield. When one of those groups collides with the enemy, it turns into a little turn-based battle.
What makes this game different from many others in the genre, though, is that these turn-based encounters play out on their own. You don't manually attack or anything like that. Instead, it's all about how you've prepared your units. Therefore, factors such as their positioning and the skills they possess are crucial. Consequently, it's even more strategic than the average turn-based title.
4 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
5.0/5 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Like Follow Followed RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 90/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released January 26, 2024 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Simulated Gambling, Strong Language Developer(s) Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Publisher(s) Sega Engine Dragon Engine Franchise YakuzaWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALA game series successfully reinventing itself isn't something that happens often, but it worked for the Like A Dragon series. The series used to contain only action-adventure beat 'em ups. Now, they also include turn-based RPGs, such as Infinite Wealth. The game follows the two series protagonists, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, who don't just stick with their familiar setting of Japan. They spend much of the game in Hawaii this time around.
The series has a reputation for being wacky, which is seen in the game's combat. Your party members and some enemies have a slew of wild and over-the-top attacks that they use to great effect. It adds a layer of extra personality to battles, helping Infinite Wealth stand out among other turn-based games.
3 Marvel's Midnight Suns
Marvel's Midnight Suns Like Tactical RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 90% Released December 2, 2022 ESRB T For Teen Due To Language, Mild Blood, Violence Developer(s) Firaxis Games Publisher(s) 2K Games Engine Unreal Engine 4 Franchise MarvelWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThere are a bunch of great superhero games out there, but it’s rare for them to be turn-based titles. After all, superhero adventures are typically more about action than strategy. Yet, Midnight Suns does a good job of providing both.
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Posts 1The story of the game is about your character and a slew of Marvel heroes attempting to take down a dangerous villain named Lilith. Each of your characters has different skills and attacks. Yet, you don’t necessarily get access to them all during each fight. After all, the game uses a card system where each card contains some kind of action, and you only have access to a few cards at a time. Each turn, you pick which ones to play.
2 Persona 5 Royal
5.0/5 Persona 5 Royal Like JRPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 94/100 Critics Rec: 98% Released March 31, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Atlus, P-Studio Publisher(s) Atlus Engine Proprietary Engine Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise PersonaWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIn Persona 5 Royal, you control a group of teenage vigilantes who have the ability to enter a realm called the metaverse. From here, they can access their target's subconscious and attempt to steal their malevolent intent. Those targets are evil adults they meet in the real world.
It is within the metaverse where the group participates in turn-based battles against various enemies. During these skirmishes, they make use of Personas, which are manifestations of their psyche. With them, you can unleash deadly and stylish special attacks. Each Persona is different, and you can use many during the game, which keeps things varied and fresh.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
5.0/5 Baldur's Gate 3 Like Follow Followed RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 96/100 Critics Rec: 97% Released August 3, 2023 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Larian Studios Publisher(s) Larian Studios Engine Divinity 4.0 Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op Cross-Platform Play Full cross-platform play.WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALBaldur's Gate 3 is a very deep RPG about a group of adventurers who have been implanted with a tadpole and go on a journey to remove it. In the process, they have to stop a dangerous force from killing everyone. It makes for a compelling story, featuring a diverse array of interesting characters.
The game's combat offers a great deal of variety, as no two battles feel the same. This is because there are so many different abilities and enemy types. Additionally, the environment plays a significant role as well. Many battlegrounds contain interesting things to interact with or break, which can significantly alter the course of the battle.
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