Best Tactical games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated tactical games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free tactical games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Police Stories
A fresh take on top-down shooters with an emphasis on tactics that forces you to make split second decisions. Neutralize criminals, rescue civilians and defuse bombs in Single Player mode or Co-op. And remember - shooting first is not an option!
Deadly Days
Deadly Days is a unique strategic rogue-lite in the zombie apocalypse. Manage and protect a group of survivors and help them to stop the catastrophe. Discover and use a large number of wild and crazy objects, even wilder and crazier survivors, special abilities, and deadly weapons.
Crying Suns
Crying Suns is a tactical rogue-lite that puts you in the role of a space fleet commander as you explore a mysteriously fallen empire. In this story rich experience inspired by Dune and Foundation, each successful run will uncover the truth about the Empire... and yourself as well.
Rebel Cops
Lead a ragtag squad of cops in rebellion against their town's new criminal power and see how long you can hold out in this unforgiving turn-based spin-off game from This Is the Police. You'll be desperately short on supplies, and a single shot can cost a cop their life.
Siege of Centauri
Defend against thousands of enemies in this explosive tower defense game. Deploy upgradable towers and unleash powerful orbital abilities as you try to protect Earth's first colony world from destruction.
Rec Center Tycoon - Management Simulator
Design, build and manage a recreation center! Host fitness classes, build swimming pools, arcade & entertainment areas, build event rooms to host parties & much more. With endless customisation, Rec Center Tycoon goes much more in-depth than your average business management simulator.
Fantasy General II
The fantasy wargaming classic is back! Lead powerful heroes and mighty armies into battle in this critically acclaimed turn-based strategy milestone. Level up and train your units and guide them through a gripping story campaign to decide the fate of a world on the brink of destruction.
The Lord of the Rings: Adventure Card Game - Definitive Edition
Build a deck of iconic heroes and challenge the forces of Sauron in this thrilling tactical card game. Travel through famous locations, complete story-driven quests and forge a new legend of Middle-earth on your own or with a friend in cooperative mode.
Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone – or with friends – against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you
Death Crown
Death Crown is a minimalist real time strategy game in a 1bit style, where you will be play Death herself, commanding her legions of death, and punishing humanity's Kingdom for its overconfidence.
Shortest Trip to Earth
Shortest Trip to Earth is a roguelike spaceship simulator focused on exploration, ship management and tactical battles. Embark on a perilous journey across the universe with nuclear missiles, armed crew and a cat.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.
Automachef
Welcome to Automachef, a resource management puzzler where you design kitchens, program machinery and watch your genius come to life! It’s time to engineer tomorrow’s kitchen, today!
Supremacy 1914: World War 1
Take over the control of one of the mighty nations during the times of World War 1 in the biggest WW1 strategy game of all time. Conquer provinces, forge alliances and build up your economy in real-time on persistent maps. Build experimental weapons of World War 1 and become the one true superpower!
Galaxy Squad
Galaxy squad is a hardcore turn-based tactical roguelike, inspired by FTL and XCOM.
Field of Glory: Empires
Field of Glory: Empires is a grand strategy game in which you will have to move in an intricate and living tapestry of nations and tribes, each one with their distinctive culture.
Dungeon Of Dragon Knight
Dungeon of Dragon Knight is a retro dungeon crawler RPG in modern visual design. Pointed by a mysterious witch, your party will descend into a dungeon with traps and monsters in search of the evil Dragon Knight and his treasure weapon. Or, are you fooled by the witch?
Black Squad
Black Squad is a free-to-play military first-person-shooter. Players can master their skills and show off their strategies with a wide range of game maps, modes, and weapons to choose from. Join thousands of FPS players worldwide in one of the most played games on Steam!
Steel Division 2
Steel Division 2 is a historically-accurate WW2 real-time strategy game set on the Eastern Front. Features 1:1-scale turn-based army management and real-time tactical battles with thousands of men at your order.
Dota Underlords
Hire a crew and destroy your rivals in this new strategy battler set in the world of Dota. Introducing Season One: Explore White Spire and earn rewards on the Battle Pass. Pick from several different game modes, play on your own or with friends, and take advantage of crossplay on PC and mobile.
They Are Billions
They Are Billions is a Steampunk strategy game set on a post-apocalyptic planet. Build and defend colonies to survive against the billions of the infected that seek to annihilate the few remaining living humans. Can humanity survive after the zombie apocalypse?
Generals & Rulers
What will be the strategy game if you throw out all the grind from it, all the boring annoying actions and leave only strategy and tactics? It became interesting to us and as a result we received Generals & Rulers. Try it now!
Rise of Liberty
Rise of Liberty is a FPS single-player massive Revolutionary War battle simulator. Fire deafening cannons into the thick of the battle, stand in line formation and fire devastating volleys into the enemy. Gather your men for these monumental battles and defeat the enemy!Most played tactical games on Steam
Take a look at the top tactical games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 18th 2025.
1. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege is an elite, tactical team-based shooter where superior planning and execution triumph. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege is a fps, pvp and e-sports game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 1,385,109 reviews of which 1,163,286 were positive and 221,823 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played tactical game, thanks to its 71,967 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
1,163,286
221,823
71,967
players
2. Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone – or with friends – against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a open world, extraction shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Crytek. Released on August 27th 2019 has received 246,076 reviews of which 179,792 were positive and 66,284 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. While seeing 11,306 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among tactical games based on player count.
7.3
179,792
66,284
11,306
players
3. Squad
Squad is a tactical FPS that provides authentic combat experiences through teamwork, communication, and realistic combat. It bridges the gap between arcade shooter and military realism with 100-player battles, combined-arms warfare, and base building. Squad is a military, realistic and fps game developed and published by Offworld. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 206,309 reviews of which 171,341 were positive and 34,968 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 8,265 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among tactical games based on player count.
8.2
171,341
34,968
8,265
players
4. Ready or Not
Ready or Not is an intense, tactical, first-person shooter that depicts a modern-day world in which SWAT police units are called to defuse hostile and confronting situations. Ready or Not is a tactical, realistic and fps game developed by and published by Void Interactive. Released on December 13th 2023 has received 229,302 reviews of which 204,210 were positive and 25,092 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 8,225 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.8
204,210
25,092
8,225
players
5. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players! World of Warships is a free to play, naval combat and co-op game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 145,674 reviews of which 112,392 were positive and 33,282 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,281 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.6
112,392
33,282
4,281
players
6. Company of Heroes 2
Experience the ultimate WWII RTS platform with COH2 and its standalone expansions. This package includes the base game, which you can then upgrade by purchasing The Western Front Armies, Ardennes Assault and/or The British Forces. More info in the "About This Game" section below. Company of Heroes 2 is a strategy, world war ii and rts game developed by Relic Entertainment and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Relic Entertainment, Feral interactive (Mac) and Feral Interactive (Linux). Released on June 25th 2013 has received 109,353 reviews of which 86,351 were positive and 23,002 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,130 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.8
86,351
23,002
2,130
players
7. Insurgency: Sandstorm
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a team-based, tactical FPS based on lethal close quarters combat and objective-oriented multiplayer gameplay. Experience the intensity of modern combat where skill is rewarded, and teamwork wins the fight. Insurgency: Sandstorm is a fps, realistic and shooter game developed by New World Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on December 12th 2018 has received 125,538 reviews of which 106,737 were positive and 18,801 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,984 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.4
106,737
18,801
1,984
players
8. METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN
Ushering in a new era for the METAL GEAR franchise with cutting-edge technology powered by the Fox Engine, METAL GEAR SOLID V: The Phantom Pain, will provide players a first-rate gaming experience as they are offered tactical freedom to carry out open-world missions. METAL GEAR SOLID V: THE PHANTOM PAIN is a stealth, open world and action game developed and published by KONAMI. Released on September 01st 2015 has received 98,930 reviews of which 90,725 were positive and 8,205 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,745 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.0
90,725
8,205
1,745
players
9. Aliens: Dark Descent
Drop into the gripping journey of Aliens: Dark Descent, a squad-based, single-player action game in the iconic Alien franchise. Lead your soldiers in real-time to stop a new and terrifying kind of Xenomorph outbreak on Planet Lethe. Aliens: Dark Descent is a strategy, action and tactical game developed by Tindalos Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on June 19th 2023 has received 14,822 reviews of which 13,134 were positive and 1,688 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 798 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.7
13,134
1,688
798
players
10. Door Kickers 2: Task Force North
Command military Special Ops Teams in gripping tactical combat against a Middle East-based terrorist network. Sequel to RockPaperShotgun's "Best Tactics Game of 2014". Door Kickers 2: Task Force North is a tactical, top-down and real-time with pause game developed and published by KillHouse Games. Released on February 10th 2025 has received 10,488 reviews of which 10,037 were positive and 451 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 797 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.3
10,037
451
797
players
Best deals on tactical games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of tactical games available on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted tactical games.
1. Miasma Chronicles
From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes a beautifully crafted tactical adventure you won’t forget. Embark on a quest across a post-apocalyptic wasteland torn apart by a savage force known only as the ‘Miasma’. Miasma Chronicles is a tactical rpg, turn-based strategy and tactical game developed by The Bearded Ladies and published by 505 Games Official. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,241 reviews of which 1,782 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for tactical category.
7.7
1,782
459
-96%
33.50€
1.34€
2. Tales & Tactics
Roguelike Squad-based Autobattler in a Tabletop RPG setting. Draft your army, carefully equip and position your units, make important choices, and meet a colorful cast of characters as you make ready for the Grand Tournament. Tales & Tactics is a hex grid, auto battler and strategy game developed by Table 9 Studio and published by Yogscast Games and Gamersky Games. Released on August 15th 2024 has received 1,699 reviews of which 1,353 were positive and 346 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in tactical games.
7.7
1,353
346
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. Mordheim: City of the Damned
Mordheim: City of the Damned is the first video game adaptation of Games Workshop's cult classic tabletop game Mordheim. Set in the Warhammer World's decimated Empire city, Mordheim: City of the Damned is a turn-based tactical game where you lead warbands into bloody and lethal skirmishes. Mordheim: City of the Damned is a tactical, games workshop and rpg game developed by Rogue Factor and published by Nacon. Released on November 19th 2015 has received 8,006 reviews of which 5,626 were positive and 2,380 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in tactical games.
6.9
5,626
2,380
-94%
19.67€
1.18€
4. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics is a hardcore tactical stealth game set in Japan around the Edo period. A new Shogun seizes power over Japan and enforces nationwide peace. In his battle against conspiracy and rebellion, he recruits five specialists with extraordinary skills for assassination, sabotage and espionage. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a stealth, strategy and tactical game developed by Mimimi Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on December 06th 2016 has received 37,039 reviews of which 35,581 were positive and 1,458 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for tactical games.
9.4
35,581
1,458
-93%
39.43€
2.76€
5. Partisans 1941
Partisans 1941 is a real-time tactics game with stealth elements, set on the eastern front of WW II. As an army commander behind enemy lines you gather a group of Partisans to wage guerilla warfare against the German occupants. Partisans 1941 is a strategy, real time tactics and world war ii game developed by Alter Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 8,110 reviews of which 6,672 were positive and 1,438 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.0
6,672
1,438
-93%
29.57€
2.07€
6. XCOM: Enemy Unknown
The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available! XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a turn-based strategy, tactical and strategy game developed by Firaxis Games and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral Interactive (Linux) and 2K. Released on October 11th 2012 has received 56,136 reviews of which 52,466 were positive and 3,670 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for tactical games.
9.2
52,466
3,670
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
7. Jagged Alliance 3
The country of Grand Chien is thrown into chaos when the elected president goes missing and the paramilitary force known as “the Legion” seizes control. Hire mercs, meet interesting characters, and fight in tactically deep turn-based combat in this true successor to a beloved franchise. Jagged Alliance 3 is a strategy, turn-based tactics and tactical game developed by Haemimont Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on July 14th 2023 has received 12,724 reviews of which 11,380 were positive and 1,344 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.7
11,380
1,344
-92%
43.63€
3.49€
8. Hidden & Dangerous 2: Courage Under Fire
Hidden & Dangerous 2 is a first and third person tactical shooter that builds upon the tremendous success of Hidden & Dangerous. You lead a small squad of Allied soldiers deep behind enemy lines, to carry out secret missions during World War II. Hidden & Dangerous 2: Courage Under Fire is a action, strategy and fps game developed by Illusion Softworks and published by 2K. Released on December 20th 2017 has received 862 reviews of which 821 were positive and 41 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.9
821
41
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
9. King's Bounty: Warriors of the North
King’s Bounty: Warriors of the North is the next chapter in the cult RPG/adventure saga. King's Bounty: Warriors of the North is a rpg, strategy and turn-based strategy game developed and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on October 25th 2012 has received 1,835 reviews of which 1,475 were positive and 360 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for tactical games.
7.7
1,475
360
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
10. Blackguards
What happens when the only hope of a threatened world lies not with heroes in shining armor, but in the hands of a band of misfits and criminals? Blackguards, a new turn-based strategy RPG, explores this very question. You will discover over 180 unique hex-based battlegrounds within a dark and mature story of crime, drugs, and murder. Blackguards is a rpg, turn-based and strategy game developed and published by Daedalic Entertainment. Released on January 22nd 2014 has received 3,726 reviews of which 2,316 were positive and 1,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for tactical games.
6.1
2,316
1,410
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
Free tactical games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play tactical games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 18th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play tactical games.
1. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players! World of Warships is a free to play, naval combat and co-op game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 145,674 reviews of which 112,392 were positive and 33,282 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,281 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free tactical games on Steam.
7.6
112,392
33,282
4,281
players
2. War Planet Online: Global Conquest
Build your army, dominate your region and lead your alliance to conquer the globe! War Planet Online: Global Conquest is a strategy, massively multiplayer and building game developed and published by Gameloft. Released on December 19th 2017 has received 903 reviews of which 576 were positive and 327 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 173, this tactical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
6.2
576
327
173
players
3. Pixel Strike 3D
Pixel Strike 3D is a Multiplayer First-Person Shooter that features fast-paced gameplay and a wide variety of player customization. Battle friends and foes from all around the world in over 20 unique game modes, with over 70 available weapons. Pixel Strike 3D is a free to play, fps and tactical game developed and published by Vulcron. Released on May 29th 2020 has received 12,572 reviews of which 9,288 were positive and 3,284 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.3
9,288
3,284
78
players
4. Intravenous 2: Mercenarism
Playing as Gideon, a cold-hearted mercenary willing to kill for money without any moral principles, you'll have tactical freedom with a wide variety of weapons and special gadgets to complete your mission in the prologue of Intravenous 2. Intravenous 2: Mercenarism is a tactical, realistic and shooter game developed by Explosive Squat Games and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on January 19th 2024 has received 2,635 reviews of which 2,484 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
9.0
2,484
151
15
players
5. Chess Evolved Online
secretly the most overpowered game in existence Chess Evolved Online is a pvp, tactical and deckbuilding game developed and published by TheGrandestine. Released on February 22nd 2021 has received 717 reviews of which 661 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
8.6
661
56
14
players
6. Conqueror's Blade
Master the art of siege tactics in Conqueror's Blade, a tactical action MMO brought to you by Booming Tech. Create your hero, command medieval units, and ride out for epic online battles in a vast new world. Play for free today! Conqueror's Blade is a medieval, tactical and strategy game developed by Booming Tech and published by Poros Interactive. Released on May 30th 2019 has received 30,150 reviews of which 22,583 were positive and 7,567 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.4
22,583
7,567
4
players
7. Open Mod 2024.2
Open Mod is an entirely free to play, niche, tactical, extreme hardcore first person shooter with immersive aspects that may not have been seen before. Open Mod 2024.2 is a multiplayer, first-person and team-based game developed and published by Hyper Gamey. Released on June 26th 2023 has received 877 reviews of which 580 were positive and 297 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
6.4
580
297
2
players
8. Ancestors Legacy Free Peasant Edition
Ancestors Legacy Free Peasant Edition represents a part of the full product. Get a taste of medieval battles in this free version of the acclaimed historical RTS! 4 SP missions and 17 MP maps are now available to everyone. Challenge friends, AI, or take part in our League that will start in March! Ancestors Legacy Free Peasant Edition is a violent, strategy and gore game developed and published by Destructive Creations. Released on February 06th 2018 has received 752 reviews of which 585 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.4
585
167
1
players
9. Epicinium
Epicinium is a strategy game where nature is a finite resource. No need to wait for your move, thanks to fast, simultaneous turns. Your economy and troops are influenced by the environment and increasingly severe weather effects. Is it worth winning a war when you end up conquering dirt and ash? Epicinium is a turn-based strategy, pvp and military game developed and published by A Bunch of Hacks. Released on October 12th 2020 has received 302 reviews of which 265 were positive and 37 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
8.1
265
37