Stopping the forces of Evil, one turn at a time
21. Divinity Original Sin 2
Divinity Original Sin 2 gameplay
The sequel to the hit award-winning Kickstarter RPG, Divinity Original Sin 2 brings even more to the series. More options, more races you can play as, more decisions to make, just remember, everything you do will have consequences.
Freedom is one of the biggest aspects to Divinity Original Sin 2. Not only do you have 6 different playable races you can be, you can also choose who gets to be in your party, explore the world at your leisure, and more. Plus, you can team up with friends and play the game together via co-op, which means every playthrough will be incredibly different from the one before it. If you want to play an RPG where your goal is to be a god...this is it.
Your party shall follow you to the end.
Many special challenges await you
20. Lords Of Xulima
Lords Of Xulima gameplay
The world has fallen into great chaos, and only the gods that reside on Xulima can restore order. Become the Herald to the Gods, find them, and help bring peace back to the world.
Lords of Xulima prides itself on being not just an old-school style RPG, but one that "doesn't hold your hand." You're free to travel where you want, and even build your party how you want. But your choices do matter, and you must have a strategic mind in order to save your world. This is turn-based RPG at its deepest and most refined. Your party has over 100 skills it can learn, and you build them up or tear them down to fit your needs. Build your own path as you try and save the world.
There's lots of combat options for you!
A large land, and many secrets hidden within it.
19. Avernum: Escape From the Pit
Avernum: Escape From the Pit Gameplay
The land above is ruled by a cruel king, and the land below is a land of outcasts. The latter is where you now reside. In a nation beneath the surface, you must choose your path. Live in your new home, or take back what you lost, the choice is yours.
In Avernum: Escape From the Pit, there's a massive world for you to explore. In fact, you could say there are two, the one above ground, and the one below it. The story that unfolds is entirely based on how you decide to proceed. You can live in the underground and help forge and protect a better world. Or, you can unite the people below the surface and try and take your original home back from the emperor that dares to claim it. Or, you can try all three, it's entirely up to you. But whatever story you take, commit to it, and see just where it takes you.
A classic visual style awaits you!
Be prepared for battle, you never know who might be waiting to attack you.
18. For The King
For The King Gameplay
The king is dead, and the lands you call home are under siege! You and your fellow citizens must rise up to fight evil. But the question really is, will you survive what's coming?
For The King is unique as your companions in the game aren't full-on warriors, archers, magicians and the like. Instead, they're just regular people who answer the call to try and save the kingdom. How you control them in this turn-based RPG is also rather special, you can choose to stay together to ensure you have everyone covered, or, you can split them up to complete your objective and get done faster. As their leader, your choices affect what happens to them. So no matter what happenes, never forget who and what you fight for.
A land of fantasy holds many dangers, but also, opportunities.
Choose your party wisely, but also, have fun with who you have in your party!
17. Disgaea
Disgaea Gameplay
The Disgaea franchise is one of the most beloved strategy-RPG titles in history. And now, you can play the original one with updates that benefit the series even more!
In Disgaea, you play as the Demon Prince Laharl, who has awakened to find his father dead and the underworld in true chaos. You must collect your allies and work together to retake the throne for yourself. Disgaea gives you numerous options on how to play the game, including being able to go to level 9999 and beyond! Add to that 40 unique character classes, the ability to upgrade items, puzzles to solve, and more, and this is one title you don't want to miss playing again.
Experience classic JRPG gameplay with some twists!
Lineup your party for some truly epic attacks!
16. Azure Saga: Pathfinder
Azure Saga: Pathfinder Gameplay
A quest to save a young man's father, a journey that'll take him to far away worlds. Not everything is as it seems in Azure Saga: Pathfinder.
Proving that modern RPGs can feel like the classics, but maintain the modern style, Azure Saga: Pathfinder is a perfect mix of strategy-RPG and modern style. Everything in the game is hand-drawn, from the characters, to the sprites, to the world, everything is done by hand to make it special. The combat is pure turn-based RPG, but with twists like doing Union Attacks and more. You'll want to make sure you know what your teammates can do before you bring them into your party. The world is deep, and the characters you meet will be many, just remember, the world is much bigger than you think it is.
You'll start off in a fantasy/medieval world, but you're from the stars, and when things start to merge, the story opens up in ways you'll never expect.
A hand-drawn artstyles makes Azure Saga really stand out.
With United Skills, you can unleash even more powerful attacks on foes!
15. Balrum
A dark presence lurks within the woods of your home, and to save everyone, you must rise up and journey to stop it. Free yourself, be strong, and don't let the darkness take everyone.
Balrum is the perfect example of a "classic" style RPG. From the isometric camera style, to the graphics, to the gameplay, if you're looking for something that feels like the strategy RPGs of old, Balrum is it. But don't let that fool you, the world in Balrum is massive, and you'll be able to explore it at your whim to see what's truly out there. Then, you can level up your characters in many different way to ensure they're ready for what's coming. You can even tame animals to become companions, how cool is that?
Build what you need to survive in the woods.
The world is bigger than it seems, go forth and adventure into it to see what lies beyond.
14. The Banner Saga
A quest to find a new home begins! But with each choice you make, you lead your entire civilization towards haven, or ruin. Choose wisely.
The Banner Saga was beloved from the moment it came out, and it's not hard to see why. This is the definition of an "epic" RPG, meaning that the story, the characters, the gameplay are all so refined that it's hard not to be in awe of it. Every choice you make matters. Who you bring into combat, how you fight, where you go, all of it matters, and all of it will affect the people under your care. You'll need to be smart, you'll need to be careful, and you'll need to think as a leader, and not a player. For if you don't, the people under your care will die. Add that to the beautifully hand-drawn art of the game, and it's clear why The Banner Saga is so special.
You are in charge of the entire caravan, your choices decide how things go for them.
There will be many trials on your journey, are you prepared for what may come?
13. Vigilantes
Vigilantes Gameplay
A city full of crime, a man who has had enough. It's time to take back your city the only way you know how, by any means necessary.
Vigilantes doesn't put you in a super futuristic city, or in a fantasy world. No, it puts you in a darker version of the real world where crime organizations are everywhere, and violence has gotten out of hand. You are set to try and take it all back. It won't be easy, and there will be consequences for everything that you do. But, if you win, if there is such a thing, your city will be better. Vigilantes has you fighting on multiple levels, on the streets, with surveillance, alone, with allies, it's very in-depth, and the battle system is very advanced, so you can't just go charging into fights, or you will lose. Be smart about what you do, think about how your opponents will fight, then put them down.
Allies will come to you if you're able to make them. After all, you can't save the city alone.
Combat is 360 around you, you must be careful, else you'll pay the price.
12. Age Of Wonders III
Age Of Wonders III gameplay
Are you ready to rule your empire? Choose your play style, then set off on a journey that'll have you fighting others while maintaining your homeland!
Age of Wonders III builds upon everything the original titles did, and then amps it up to the next level! With six different leadership styles, you can play many different ways and have unique experiences every time. Grow your empire by getting new settlements, ensure its safety by allying yourself with others, and do whatever it takes to make your kingdom prosper. Your victory comes as your kingdom grows and your enemies fall, just make sure it doesn't happen the other way around.
Know how to control your empires to make use of their abilities.
Defense can be just as good as offense if done right.
11. Wasteland 2 (Director's Cut)
Wasteland 2 gameplay
The original Wasteland helped set a trend for RPGs that still resonates to this day. And now, with the ultimate version of the sequel, you'll have even more to do.
Wasteland 2 (Director's Cut) puts you in charge of a Ranger Squad who's trying to survive the apocalyptic world they reside in, and it's up to you to arm them and keep them alive no matter what comes your way. Build your team the way you want, play the way you want, explore where you want. There's over 80 hours of gameplay waiting for you, and you don't want to miss a thing. Plus, with the Director's Cut version, you'll get to experience overhauled graphics, get access to the soundtrack to the game, and even get to play the original Wasteland! Now that's a deal.
There are many people who try to survive in the Wasteland, not all will be friendly.
Strategy in battle will help you succeed!
10. Expeditions: Viking
Expeditions: Viking gameplay
Take control of one of history's greatest people: Vikings, and lead them to glory in the name of the Gods! Travel to far off lands to secure your name in history!
As the Chieftain of a tribe of Vikings, you'll be in charge of not just helping your people, but guiding them into a new world. For your current home cannot offer you enough to survive, so you must set sail for a new one! How you create your chieftain will help define what you do. Your stat choices will affect what you can and can't learn. As you set sail and try to make a new home, you'll be faced with many choices, including whether to fight someone, or try and trade with them. This historically accurate feature is very welcome, and it's one you'll likely appreciate before the game ends.
Lead your Viking brothers and sisters into fierce battles!
Whether on land or sea, Vikings can battle anywhere.
9. Shadowrun: Dragonfall
Shadowrun: Dragonfall gameplay
A standalone expansion has now became a fully-fledged title! Are you ready to experience the Dragonfall?
Shadowrun: Dragonfall takes place in a world that is a fusion of fantasy and sci-fi. For here, dragons, elves, trolls and more are just as common as cyborgs, androids, and more. You are part of a group called Shadowrunners, who find themselves part of a deadly conspiracy that is set to change the world forever. But once you realize this, you will do everything to stop it.
Every member of your team, every setting in this world, and every person you meet has a story to tell. Shadowrun: Dragonfall is very much like a novel, and you have to work hard to make it to the end of the story. There's a reason why this expansion became a standalone, as it stood shoulder to shoulder with the main game and arguably exceeded it. So you won't want to miss this.
This now standalone expansion will take you to some unique places!
Plenty of dangers in this new world. Both new and old.
8. Divinity Original Sin
Divinity Original Sin gameplay
The Kickstarter hit that set the RPG world on fire, Divinity: Original Sin is everything you'd expect in a turn-based RPG and more. Play alone, or play with friends, just know your decisions matter here.
Divinity: Original Sin has you playing as a character who tracks down those who abuse magic, but you soon find yourself in the middle of something much bigger, and you won't be able to fight it alone. One of the joys of Divinity: Original Sin is how you interact with your team. You can actually discuss choices with them and get their input, or ignore them complete and see where things go. Plus, there's a ton of freedom here, including who to put in your party, where to go, and more. If you love your RPGs open to you, this is one you'll want to play.
A large quest will take you across a massive world. See just how far it all goes!
The world has many dangers, you must be ready for any circumstance!
7. Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles gameplay
Who says JRPGs can't be set in historical wars? Well, Valkyria Chronicles does that, and it does it better than you might think.
For in this strategy-RPG, you take the role of leader of "Squad 7", a group who is dedicated to fending off the advances of the Empire in a world that resembles the 1930's at the beginning of World War II. But don't think this is just a historical RPG, for there are fantasy elements here, including a special race of beings that are set to tip the balance in the war between these two nations. The sheer scale of Valkyria Chronicles is what has made it so beloved, including being able to customize a whopping 100 characters! Plus, the game looks beautiful and plays really well.
A unique type of turn-based combat awaits you in this war.
Did we mention you can control tanks? Because you can.
6. Chroma Squad
Chroma Squad gameplay
It's time to make your childhood dream a reality! Suit up, and make your TV studio a success with your hit show/game Chroma Squad!
This very unique turn-base RPG is a tribute to Power Rangers, Super Sentai, and all the TV shows that features "teenagers with attitude" suiting up to save the world. This time though, it's about five stuntmen who are starting a TV studio and having a show called Chroma Squad. You'll actually help make the studio itself a success, and then as you film the TV show, you'll go into turn-based battles that'll test your skills as a combatant and a director. You'll want to make the best show out there, so don't be afraid to go the extra mile to get it done.
Between the play style, the ability to build up your team in show and out, there's no doubt that Chroma Squad is one of the most unique titles ever made.
If you're ready, start the cameras!
Use whatever means you can to make your show even bigger!
5. Blackguards 2
Blackguards 2 gameplay
A woman desperate to reclaim the throne. A plan to make it all happen, but one that will lead down a dark path. This is what awaits you in Blackguards 2.
The sequel to the hit strategy-RPG, Blackguards 2 puts you in the shoes of Cassia, a noblewoman who is imprisoned and is desperate to get out and take the Shark Throne for herself. But to do so, she must raise an army, and that won't be easy. Oh, and she needs to break out of prison too. Blackguards 2 is unique in both tone, setting, and main character. For while the "exiled noble seeks to retake the throne" story has been done before, this is something else. There's very little that is "noble" about the journey she's going to take, and the people she's going to ally with. Plus, you can have up to 20 people in your party, that's a lot of control.
It won't be easy to get what you believe is yours.
Build up your loyal subjects so that you can take on all threats.
4. Battle Brothers
Battle Brothers gameplay
Most RPGs put you in the role of a "destined" person seeking a noble goal. But in Battle Brothers, glory and survival is the only goal, and you'll need to work hard to make that happen.
For here, you'll take the role of a mercenary group leader, and guide your men from contract to contract in a fantasy world that is as gritty as it is gruesome. You make all the choices for your group. Who gets to go into battle, who gets hired, who gets upgraded, it's all on you. Travel a massive world in order to find new contracts and battles, and then work hard to ensure you win. Another thing that makes Battle Brothers unique is permadeath. Everyone can die in your party, so if you're not careful, you're going to be fighting alone.
Build up your mercenary crew so they can take on any house!
Be mindful of the battlefield.
3. Invisible Inc.
Invisible Inc. gameplay
A group of agents set to take on the world's most high tech corporations. What could possibly go wrong?
In Invisible Inc. you'll pick your team of high-tech agents and set them on missions where you will have to work together in order to succeed. Right off the bat, Invisible Inc. gives you freedom in virtually avenue. From the agents you can pick, to the world that is procedurally generated, to the 5 different modes that you can choose from, there's a lot here. And again, this is a game of teamwork, managing the agents in a way to where all can succeed. For if you're not careful, one of your agents will die.
Use your skills and techniques to get everywhere you need to go.
You know the mission, get in, get out.
2. Might and Magic Heroes VII
Might and Magic Heroes VII gameplay
The queen has fallen, and challengers to the throne are arising. Lead your people to defend the kingdom and restore balance to the land.
In the land of Ashan, the queen has been murdered, and now, those who would seek to take her throne are coming. You play as Duke Ivan, who rallies the people together and must fight off the threats coming by any means necessary. Might and Magic Heroes VII has you spinning a lot of different plates, but it works in its favor. For example, you will be fighting armies, but you must build up your kingdom so that you have that capability. Plus, you have soldiers with hundreds of different abilities to level up, so build your armies wisely. All of this is to save your kingdom from those who have tried to destroy it from within. Will you avenge the queen?
The kingdom is under attack! Protect it with all you have!
Build your your defenses, armies, and more to ensure your kingdom never falls.
1. Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon gameplay
Whoever said going on a journey was easy has never been on a journey. And Darkest Dungeon will show you exactly what I mean by that.
Darkest Dungeon is a strategy-RPG where half the battle is not just keeping your party alive, but keeping them healthy, and sane. For the stresses of the journey you go on will affect them, and affect how they view you. You'll need to train them to be strong, as you'll be fighting monsters of every shape and size. But you'll also need to be kind to them, know when not to use them for a mission or battle, and give them time to heal. This unique take on strategy and RPG tactics is what makes Darkest Dungeon so special, and why it's on the top of the list.
These are just a few of the terrors you'll face.
Use the Estate to take care of your party, or else.
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