Strategy gameshave always been for a niche audience since they were exclusively onPC, however, as years went on and as technology got better strategy games made their way onto consoles allowing them to be more accessible for a wider range of players.Turn-based gamesare a part of this world, however, they are much easier to manage and play for players who are veterans. For others, there’s a steep learning curve.
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Since the world of turn-based RPGs has made its way on new consoles like theXbox Series X/S,they look better and play better, resulting in a larger player base. New players can get exposed to these types of games that they otherwise would have ignored.Since more people now own theXbox Series X/S,it’s a good time to visit some of thebest turn-based games the console has to offer.
5Wasteland 3
This squad-based-turn-based RPG game has it all for new and old players.Wasteland 3is really a fleshed-out game, featuring characters, weapons, and armor that can be highly customizable. All of these players can unlock by grinding away. On top of thatWasteland 3is a multiplayer game, so players can strategize much better when others are present since the A.I. isn’t the game’s strongest suit.
The turn-based combat can be appealing if players play it right because it’s difficult to learn first, but rewarding when executed properly. Because it’s not real-time fighting, players can create a strategy while fighting and overcome the enemies with the time they are given to think about their next move.
Players who aren’t familiar with the turn-based combat of these games should pick upWasteland 3since it can be highly rewarding and even more so with a friend as an opponent.
4Gear Tactics
TheGears of Warserieshas helped to maketheXboxbrand what it is today, and because of thatGears of Waris still an influential series to the console. WhenGears Tacticswas announced many players were confused as to why thisGearsgame was going toward a turn-based style and away from a third-person shooter play style.
However, what players got in the end, was a really deepand comprehensive storywith some rich gameplay mechanics that reminded fans whyGears of Waris still an important series. Since it was originally planned to bea board game, some of the mechanics can seem straight out of a table-top game.
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What makesGears Tacticssuch an appealing game for mainstream players is that, unlike most turn-based games, it gives players the freedom to explore without being on the grid. What separatesGears Tacticsfrom the rest of theGears of Warfranchise is that it offers customizations and a skill tree which makes gameplay even more exciting and diverse.
3South Park: The Fractured But Whole
For aSouth Parkgame, this game has surprising depth.South Park: The Fractured But Wholehas a lot of the same features that many heavier RPG games have in a neat little package. Being relatively easy to play, players will have no time picking up the combat and leveling up quickly.
SinceSouth Park: The Fractured But Wholehas many secretsfor players to discover, the gameplay experience feels like a joy rather than a grind. The turn-based combat is quite simple and really enjoyable because it leans intoSouth Parkhumor which keeps it light-hearted and accessible.
Combat gets progressively harder, but so will players as they get more attack types. Rewards are also plentiful by the third act, and any missing upgrades can be accessed easier towards the end of the game.
2XCOM 2
This long-running turn-based RPG game has alegacy behind itthat has jumped from genre to genre but has stayed true to its strategy element, andXCOM 2continues that.XCOM 2has both turn-based RPG elements and traditional strategy mechanics with the player controlling specific characters for the turn-based side and management of resources for the strategy side.
The best part aboutXCOM 2being on console is how easy it plays while still being decently challenging. With this alone, it’s easy to see why so many consider it one of the best strategy gameson the consoles.
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XCOM 2has a ton of customizations for players who want that and since there are five separate classes, and it gets deeper within each class, players will be spending time going through each class to make them better. The game alternates between combat and resource management, which provides players with a nice diverse gameplay experience.
1South Park The Stick of Truth
Considered probably thebestSouth Parkgame to date,The Stick of Truthhas changed where the game series is heading with a turn-based RPG play style. Much likeFractured But Whole, The Stick of Truthhas a very easy learning curve that gets harder over time, but the combat gets more rewarding.
The Stick of Truthisa shorter gamethan most RPGs which doesn’t give players enough time to learn the best of the combat. However, there is a wide variety of side missions that are given by the colorful cast ofSouth Park,so it’s always a good idea to check those out before going on.
The Stick of Truthis also a great game for new players to the strategy genre to dip their toes into because of how forgiving the game is.
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