The Best Strategy turn-based Games for Mac OS

Update, : Farlanders added at rank #30.
1

Worms W.M.D (2016)

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95
Review score
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Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS PC Windows

'Worms W.M.D' is a classic physics-based game featuring teams of pink invertebrates battling it out with an arsenal of ridiculous and comical weapons. This game brings back the original 2D engine and gameplay of the franchise, and introduces new elements such as random vehicle placements, turrets, buildings, and a crafting system.


Pros:
  • Fun gameplay with new features like mechs, tanks, mortars, and stationary machine guns
  • Entertaining and addictive
  • Lots of replay value
Cons:
  • Some in-game text and menus are hard to read on larger screens
  • Crafting tutorial is "hidden" in one stage of the campaign mode

  • turn-based
  • strategy
  • team
  • artillery
  • mech
  • crafting
  • online
  • tanks
  • local
  • multiplayer
  • classic
  • battle
  • ninja
  • tactical
  • physics

2

The Battle of Polytopia (2016)

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94
Review score
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IOS iPhone PC Windows Linux Mac OS Android Nintendo Switch

The Battle of Polytopia is a simplified 4X game that allows players to experience the Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate aspects of the genre in under an hour. Available for mobile devices, it's the pocket-sized 4X that anyone can play anywhere.

Buy

Pros:
  • Distillation of the 4X genre in a great turn-based action game
  • Mechanism for competitive play
  • Addresses limitations of chess
Cons:
  • Limited multiplayer and co-op options
  • Not ideal for players who want a longer game

  • turn-based
  • 4x
  • strategy
  • civilization
  • diplomacy
  • empire
  • multiplayer
  • building
  • economy
  • tactical
  • real-time

3

SteamWorld Heist (2015)

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96
Review score
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Nintendo 3DS PC Windows Mac OS Linux Playstation 4 vita Xbox One wii u IOS iPhone stadia Nintendo Switch

Experience the adventure of a lifetime as a steam-driven pirate crew in SteamWorld Heist. With its insane skill shots and turn-based strategy gameplay, this game lets you manually aim the guns of your robots and upgrade your recruits' unique abilities, weapons, and stylish hats. With a well-written story, engaging characters, and a challenging battle system, it combines the best of XCOM and Worms gameplay in a beautifully designed world of robot pirates. And with a soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe, this is a game you won't want to miss!


Pros:
  • Fun and challenging battle system
  • Numerous items, weapons, and equipment to collect
  • Engaging characters and well-written story
  • Mixes XCOM and Worms gameplay perfectly
  • Packed with content and replayability
Cons:
  • Lack of ability trees for customization
  • Inability to customize preferred characters
  • Linear progression with no choice in bonuses

  • turn-based
  • robots
  • strategy
  • steampunk
  • tactical
  • cover
  • pirates

4

The Banner Saga 2 (2016)

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95
Review score
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PC Windows Mac OS Xbox One Playstation 4 IOS iPhone Android Nintendo Switch

The Banner Saga 2 is a gripping Norse-inspired fantasy adventure that engages you with its exceptional narrative and captivating art direction. The game features a turn-based combat system that challenges your strategic thinking, new creatures and obstacles, and battles resolved through primary objectives rather than max-murdering the other side. Make difficult decisions that can lead to starvation, mutiny or death, while defying traditional conventions and rejecting typical rules of morality. The sequel is a must-play, with vastly improved combat, deep and rewarding narrative, and an immersive visual and sound design.

Buy

Pros:
  • Engaging narrative
  • Captivating art direction
  • Improved combat system
  • New creatures and obstacles
  • Battles resolved through primary objectives
Cons:
  • Difficult for new players who did not play the first game
  • Console controls are awkward and obtuse
  • Environmental art can make combat harder to navigate
  • Not very action-packed
  • Characters can die without notice

  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • battle
  • strategy
  • rpg
  • combat
  • narrative
  • story
  • grid
  • fantasy
  • hand-drawn

5

Total War: WARHAMMER II (2017)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Linux Mac OS

Total War: WARHAMMER II is an epic strategy game where you choose from 4 unique factions to save or destroy a fantasy world. With turn-based open-world campaign and tactical real-time battles, you can immerse yourself in a deep campaign or challenge players worldwide in multiplayer. With hundreds of hours of gameplay and each playthrough being different, you can level up Legendary Lords and Heroes, build alliances or declare total war, and control thousands-strong legions of soldiers with great military strategies, magic, and ferocious creatures.


Pros:
  • Expansive map and factions
  • Addition of new heroes and abilities
  • Introduces magic and abilities to the battles
  • Exciting to play and win
Cons:
  • No economy, diplomacy, religion, spies, trading or dynastic marriages
  • Battles are simpler than in Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms

  • strategy
  • battle
  • real-time
  • tactical
  • fantasy
  • turn-based
  • war
  • resource
  • naval
  • empire
  • dinosaurs
  • economy
  • tabletop
  • historical
  • grand

6

Terraformers (2022)

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93
Review score
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Mac OS PC Windows Linux

Transform Mars into a habitable planet in Terraformers. With challenging strategizing and resource management, explore the planet and expand population, all while watching the stunning new natural wonders build up before your eyes. Take on different scenarios and bonuses and create a thriving utopia. Get lost in the addictive puzzle-like game with unique replayability and rewarding graphics and UI.


Pros:
  • Focus on strategy
  • Various difficulty levels
  • Unique victory conditions
  • Nice graphics and UI
  • Rich soundtrack
Cons:
  • Only one way to lose the game
  • Some bugs present
  • Game can become repetitive

  • turn-based
  • strategy
  • city-building
  • 4x
  • board-game
  • resource-management
  • base-building
  • pve
  • space
  • sci-fi
  • building
  • futuristic
  • card
  • simulation
  • economy

7

XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)

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93
Review score
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PC Windows vita Xbox One Android Linux Mac OS Xbox 360 Playstation 3

The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!


  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • aliens
  • strategy
  • squad
  • cover
  • combat
  • battle
  • war

8

Sid Meier's Civilization VI (2016)

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88
Review score
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PC Windows Xbox One Playstation 4 Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone Mac OS Linux

Lead your civilization to greatness in Sid Meier's Civilization® VI by expanding your cities and engaging in espionage. With endless customization options and challenging diplomatic relationships, you will enjoy an engaging and rewarding experience. The game is packed with content, has brilliant visuals and a fantastic musical score, making it an utterly compelling and deeply satisfying experience for players of all ages.


Pros:
  • Attention-grabbing gameplay
  • Endless possibilities and variables to account for, including many DLCs
  • Fun to play with friends
  • Good for all ages
Cons:
  • Aesthetic choices may not appeal to all
  • Agenda system can be annoying
  • Workers expire after improvements
  • Might be a letdown for fans of Civ V

  • strategy
  • empire
  • turn-based
  • military
  • tile
  • 4x
  • war
  • city-building
  • tactical
  • historical
  • economy
  • resource
  • card
  • combat

9

Templar Battleforce (2015)

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93
Review score
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IOS iPhone PC Windows Linux Mac OS Android

In Templar Battleforce, command a team of Templars as they protect human colonies from waves of aliens. With extensive customization options and a sci-fi storyline, each battle requires strategic planning and management of each Templar's skills and attributes. The game has no microtransactions or ads, and the story narrative provides tips and clues in an interactive manner. The cons are the lack of voiceovers, faults in storytelling, and overwhelming management options for newcomers. Overall, Templar Battleforce is a fun, immersive, and customizable tactical RPG game worth playing.


Pros:
  • Extensive customization options for Templars
  • interesting sci-fi storyline
  • no microtransactions or ads
  • immersive gameplay
  • strategic planning and management required
Cons:
  • Lack of voiceovers
  • overwhelming management options for newcomers
  • AI could be stronger
  • soundtrack could be improved

  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • rpg
  • perma-death
  • strategy
  • mech
  • character
  • customization
  • aliens
  • sci-fi
  • rogue-like

10

The Banner Saga (2014)

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87
Review score
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Linux Playstation 4 Android Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One Nintendo Switch IOS iPhone

Live through an epic role-playing Viking saga where your strategic choices directly affect your personal journey. Make allies as you travel with your caravan across this stunning yet harsh landscape. Carefully choose those who will help fight a new threat that jeopardizes an entire civilization.


  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • rpg
  • strategy
  • battle
  • combat
  • mythology
  • grid
  • narrative
  • fantasy

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