The Best Strategy turn-based Games for Linux

Update : Total War: Pharaoh added at rank #8.
1

Worms W.M.D (2016)

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95
Review score
Logo of Worms W.M.D Screenshot of Worms W.M.D Screenshot of Worms W.M.D Screenshot of Worms W.M.D

Xbox One 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.


What we like:
  • Fun gameplay with new features like mechs, tanks, mortars, and stationary machine guns
  • Entertaining and addictive
  • Lots of replay value
What could be improved:
  • 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

What we like:
  • Distillation of the 4X genre in a great turn-based action game
  • Mechanism for competitive play
  • Addresses limitations of chess
What could be improved:
  • 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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IOS iPhone Linux Mac OS PC Windows

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!


What we like:
  • 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
What could be improved:
  • 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

Total War: WARHAMMER II (2017)

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87
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.


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

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

5

XCOM 2 (2016)

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87
Review score
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PC Windows Linux Mac OS Xbox One Playstation 4

XCOM 2 puts you in a fight for the survival of humanity against an alien force. Your job is to lead a squad of soldiers to liberate Earth. The game has an exciting blend of tactical, strategy, and RPG elements that will keep you glued to your screen.


What we like:
  • Fantastic turn-based tactics and strategy game
  • Highly engaging gameplay for all players
  • Great customization options for soldiers
  • Strict time pressure in most missions
  • Revamped soldier classes offer more game-changing abilities
What could be improved:
  • Long load times in and out of missions
  • Storyline is straightforward

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

6

XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)

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

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy game that puts you in charge of saving the Earth from a global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technology, and planning combat strategies. With over 70 missions worldwide and customizable soldiers, this game provides an immersive experience that appeals to players who enjoy turn-based strategy games.


What we like:
  • Engaging and strategic turn-based combat system
  • Variety of classes and abilities to customize soldiers and build squad
  • Impressive graphics and sound design
  • Strategic depth and replayability
  • Long War mod adds even more gameplay
What could be improved:
  • Long War mod can be frustrating with high difficulty

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

7

Sid Meier's Civilization VI (2016)

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90
Review score
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PC Windows Android 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.


What we like:
  • Attention-grabbing gameplay
  • Endless possibilities and variables to account for, including many DLCs
  • Fun to play with friends
  • Good for all ages
What could be improved:
  • 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
  • 4x
  • tile
  • war
  • tactical
  • city-building
  • historical
  • economy
  • resource
  • card

8

Total War: Pharaoh (2023)

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75
Review score
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PC Windows Mac OS Linux

In Total War: PHARAOH, the newest entry in the award-winning grand strategy series, immerse yourself in ancient Egypt at the zenith of its power and experience the dramatic events that threaten its destruction.

Buy

  • strategy
  • battle
  • real-time
  • historical
  • tactical
  • war
  • turn-based
  • empire
  • grand-strategy
  • military
  • economy
  • naval

9

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

10

Total War: Attila (2015)

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87
Review score
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Linux Mac OS PC Windows

Against a darkening background of famine, disease and war, a new power is rising in the great steppes of the East. With a million horsemen at his back, the ultimate warrior king approaches, and his sights are set on Rome… The next instalment in the multi award-winning PC series that combines turn-based strategy with real-time tactics,...


  • strategy
  • battle
  • real-time
  • historical
  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • war
  • empire
  • military
  • naval
  • economy
  • grand-strategy

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