The Best Tactical turn-based Games for Linux

Update : Backpack Hero added at rank #36.
1

Wildermyth (2019)

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97
Review score
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Mac OS Linux PC Windows

Wildermyth is a wonderful homage to classic tabletop games that combines witty writing, evocative art and engrossing battles. You will lead a band of peasants against otherworldly horrors, move them around a swirling parchment map and watch them grow in abilities and traits as they battle monsters. Enjoy the story beat vignettes set to string music that tell tales of personal history and emotions.


What we like:
  • Witty writing
  • Evocative art
  • Engrossing battles
  • Characters grow in abilities & traits as they battle monsters
  • Story beats with vignettes set to string music
  • Cooperative multiplayer option
What could be improved:
  • Straightforward battle system may not be complex enough for experienced players

  • tactical
  • rpg
  • tabletop
  • turn-based
  • story
  • procedural
  • fantasy
  • battle
  • rogue-like
  • dungeon
  • combat
  • grid
  • dragon

2

Chroma Squad (2015)

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93
Review score
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IOS iPhone Linux Mac OS PC Windows Xbox One

In Chroma Squad, you become the leader of a group of five stunt actors who create their own Power Rangers-inspired TV show. Customize your studio, craft weapons, upgrade equipment, and fight in turn-based battles. Enjoy a branching storyline, skill trees, and a chiptune soundtrack.


What we like:
  • Simple mechanics
  • Charming pixel art style
  • Great soundtrack, Management sim elements
  • Entertaining story
What could be improved:
  • Random crafting system
  • Repetitive boss fights
  • Luck-based mecha battles
  • Lack of tutorial, Underwhelming difficulty for experienced strategy game players

  • tactical
  • turn-based
  • rpg
  • battle
  • squad
  • mech
  • strategy
  • crafting
  • combat
  • boss
  • superhero
  • isometric
  • management
  • fight
  • pixel

3

Worms W.M.D (2016)

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95
Review score
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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

4

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

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

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

7

Frozen Synapse (2011)

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89
Review score
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PC Windows Linux Mac OS

Frozen Synapse is a thrilling PC, Mac, Linux and tablet (iOS/Android) strategy game. It brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre bang up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad. Classic gameplay with a modern interface!


  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • strategy
  • simultaneous
  • asynchronous
  • cyberpunk
  • cover
  • multiplayer

8

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

9

Templar Battleforce (2015)

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93
Review score
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PC Windows IOS iPhone Android Mac OS Linux

Step into a Leviathan mech and command the Templar Knights in a thrilling battle against Xenos in Templar Battleforce! With extensive character progression, varied maps, and strategic turn-based combat, you'll be hooked. Recruit specialists, invent strategies, and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in this immersive tactical RPG!


What we like:
  • Addictive turn-based strategy
  • Extensive character progression
  • Inspiring squad customization
  • Rich and varied maps
  • Well-explained combat mechanics
What could be improved:
  • Steep learning curve
  • Repetitive music
  • Lack of game modes

  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • mech
  • rpg
  • strategy
  • corridor-to-corridor
  • capturing
  • perma-death
  • squad

10

The Hand of Merlin (2022)

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76
Review score
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PC Windows Nintendo Switch Xbox One Playstation 5 Playstation 4 Linux Mac OS

The Hand of Merlin is a turn-based rogue-lite RPG in which Arthurian legend meets with sci-fi horror. Recruit mortal heroes to explore lands rife with otherworldly evil, make narrative bending choices in unique interactive encounters, and search for the lost fragments of your soul across the multiverse!


  • turn-based
  • tactical
  • rogue-like
  • medieval
  • rpg
  • perma-death
  • soundtrack
  • strategy
  • sci-fi

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