Best turn-based strategy games for PC: what to pick for your time

If you're looking for turn-based strategy games for PC, the good news is that they all share one thing: nobody rushes you. You think, you move, and the game waits. What changes a lot is how long a session lasts, how harshly mistakes are punished and how much brainpower they ask for. That's why the games below are sorted by the time you have, not by score.

Tactics in minutes, without luck

If you want to think hard but only have a little time, these two fit into a break. In both, you can see what the enemy is about to do before it acts.

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  Into the BreachTurn-based strategy · Tactics · RogueliteWhen you want to think seriously but in little time: a mission lasts minutes and you can stop on any turn.When to play it and when not to
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  Shogun ShowdownRoguelike · Turn-based tactics · SamuraiWhen you have a free hour and want a complete tactical run, with very brisk fights for a turn-based game.When to play it and when not to

Into the Breach is played on 8x8 boards where you know exactly what each enemy will do; your job is to push, block and redirect attacks with your mechs. A mission lasts minutes and you can stop at any turn. That said, every turn means working out consequences: if you don't want to think at all today, leave it for another day.

Shogun Showdown is similar in spirit, but fights take place on a single row of tiles: you decide whether to move, turn around or chain up to three prepared attacks. The fights are quick for a turn-based game. The first few attempts are very hard, so it isn't for anyone who hates dying and starting again from scratch.

Both have Spanish text and full controller support, according to Steam.

Light tactics with humour

If you want something friendlier that doesn't make you suffer, there are two options with plenty of personality.

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  SteamWorld HeistTurn-based tactics · Robots · HumourWhen you fancy turn-based tactics without endless battles: each mission usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.When to play it and when not to
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  Chroma SquadTurn-based tactics · Management · ParodyWhen you're in the mood for a light, parody-flavoured tactics campaign that wraps up in around 15-18 hours.When to play it and when not to

SteamWorld Heist is 2D turn-based tactics with steam-powered robots. Instead of hit percentages, you aim every shot yourself (and you can bounce bullets). Missions usually last 10 to 20 minutes. It's single-player only.

Chroma Squad puts you in charge of a team that makes its own Power Rangers-style TV show: between episodes you hire staff and upgrade the studio, and in each one you fight turn-based battles on a grid. It takes around 15-18 hours to finish, but if you want demanding tactics, you won't find them here: the fights repeat and even the last bosses fall easily.

Deep tactics, with consequences

When you have an hour or two and a clear head, these two give it back with tension.

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  XCOM 2Turn-based tactics · Strategy · Sci-fiWhen you feel like thinking and have an hour or two: each mission is a small tactical drama.When to play it and when not to
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  The Last SpellTurn-based tactics · Roguelite · DefenceWhen you have a free afternoon: a single night can run past 40 minutes and each map takes around ten hours.When to play it and when not to

XCOM 2 has you leading the resistance against an alien invasion. Battles are turn-based and your soldiers can die permanently, with a layer of base management between missions. Missing a shot at 95% is part of the experience: if luck frustrates you, pick something else.

The Last Spell mixes turn-based tactics with city defence: by day you rebuild the refuge and by night your heroes hold back hordes while the mages chant the final spell. A single night can run past 40 minutes, and the game itself warns you that you will fail a lot. It's for people who enjoy squeezing out every action point.

For a whole afternoon

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  Sid Meier's Civilization VI4X strategy · Turn-based · HistoricalWhen you have a whole afternoon and want to plan for the long term. Turn-based, at your own pace, no pressure.When to play it and when not to

Civilization VI is turn-based strategy on a grand scale: you guide a civilisation from the Stone Age to the space age, with expansion, diplomacy, science, culture and war. It goes at your pace with no pressure, but a full game stretches over many hours, so it isn't for a spare moment. It has Spanish voices and text, and multiplayer too if you want to play against other people.

How to choose for your day

• You've little time: Into the Breach or Shogun Showdown. For more ideas along those lines, see what to play if you only have 30 minutes.
• You want to think without suffering: SteamWorld Heist or Chroma Squad.
• You want tension and hard decisions: XCOM 2 or The Last Spell.
• You've a free afternoon: Civilization VI.

One tip: in these games, losing a mission isn't failure, it's information. If you can't decide which one suits you today, tell the recommender how much time and energy you have.