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
Dungeon Rats
A turn-based, party-based RPG set in the Age of Decadence world and focused on squad level tactical combat. Fight your way out of prison mine or die trying.
House of the Dying Sun
House of the Dying Sun is a tactical space shooter that puts you in the cockpit of the universe's most terrifying starfighter. Hunt the enemies of the Empire and bring ruin to their people.
Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI
Expand your empire, advance your culture and go head-to-head against history’s greatest leaders. Will your civilization stand the test of time?
Masquerada: Songs and Shadows
Masquerada is a single-player tactical RPG set in a Renaissance-inspired city of magic, where real-time combat can be paused to set up elemental combos powered by Venetian-styled masks. Come for gorgeous hand-drawn art; stay for the rich lore & a thoughtful, fully-voiced tale of intrigue & tragedy.
Space Rogue
Take on the role of a spaceship captain. Explore new worlds, and engage in intense ship-to-ship battles. Develop unique battle tactics, upgrade your ship, and recruit crew members as you fight for peace or piracy.
PRINCIPIA: Master of Science
Principia: Master of Science is a simulation game with the theme of European science in 17th century. Choose one of 12 real scientists from the era of Isaac Newton and proceed with your research. It is a time when even the term "Science" did not exist. Who can be the master of science?
Dungeon Rushers
A Heroic-Parody tactical RPG combining dungeon crawler’s gameplay and turn-based fights. Dive in an off-beat universe, manage your team and craft mighty gear to equip them! Build your own dungeon by hiding traps and monsters in your galleries, then challenge other players to clean it!
Rock 'N' Roll Defense
Rocked by an explosive soundtrack, choose your band, place your equipments and defend the Rock 'N' Roll from everyone and everything who try to pull it down, on a totally hardcore tower defense!
Bastard Bonds
Bastard Bonds is a mature, fast-paced tactical RPG with high-end pixel art and in-depth character customization.
Hearts of Iron IV
Victory is at your fingertips! Your ability to lead your nation is your supreme weapon, the strategy game Hearts of Iron IV lets you take command of any nation in World War II; the most engaging conflict in world history.
Total War: WARHAMMER
Addictive turn-based empire-building with colossal, real-time battles, all set in a world of legendary heroes, giant monsters, flying creatures and storms of magical power.
Flesh Eaters
Flesh Eaters is retro style single player RTS zombie survival game with resource gathering and crafting. Zombies are everywhere! You must gather resources to build barricades, upgrade weapons and armour and explore the city under the siege of the dead
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada is the RTS videogame adaptation of Games Workshop’s classic tabletop game, pitting the Chaos, Imperium, Eldar, and Orks against each other in visceral space-battles.
The Banner Saga 2
The award-winning adventure continues in Banner Saga 2! This epic, story-based, role-playing game continues its emotional journey across a breaking world. Bold leadership decisions, wise use of resources, and skillful battle tactics are vital to ensure your viking clans make it through alive.
Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a two-player game where players play as either the US or USSR during the Cold War. Using actual events from history, players must plan out their strategies in order to obtain world dominance. Play Twilight Struggle and change the course of history.
Mushroom Wars
Mushroom Wars is a dynamic real-time strategy game, where smart strategy meets furious action in epic PvP and PvE battles.
Domino Sky
Domino Sky is a physics based game where you place and topple domino pieces to solve puzzles. Free build mode also available.
IKEA VR Experience
Explore and interact with an IKEA Kitchen in Virtual Reality! Walk around freely, open drawers and put your vegetable peelings in the waste sorting station. You can even enjoy the visual impact of different material finishes and experience things from a child’s point of view.
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Sphere of Influence - Ascension
In the simulation game series "Nobunaga's Ambition", players aim to unify Japan in the troubled times of the Warring States era. In this release we include "Officer Play" for the first time in the series, allowing players to advance from retainer to Castle Lord and then on to Daimyo.
Polaris Sector
Can anyone build an empire in a place like this? Other factions are naturally suspicious of newcomers and may wage war at the first sign of unidentified craft. Here, a natural death is an uncommon luxury.
Star Realms
Star Realms is a hugely popular space combat deckbuilding game. Download and play today (note: base set is required to play online) to find out why Star Realms is the winner of SXSW 2014 Board Game of the Year, 7 Golden Geek Awards from BoardGameGeek, and 2 Dice Tower awards!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 19th 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 74,031 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
1,163,286
221,823
74,031
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 12,909 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
12,909
players
3. 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. While seeing 10,029 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among tactical games based on player count.
8.8
204,210
25,092
10,029
players
4. 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. With 9,653 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.2
171,341
34,968
9,653
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 145,891 reviews of which 112,550 were positive and 33,341 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,553 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.6
112,550
33,341
4,553
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 109,417 reviews of which 86,397 were positive and 23,020 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,516 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.8
86,397
23,020
2,516
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 125,687 reviews of which 106,855 were positive and 18,832 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 2,178 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.4
106,855
18,832
2,178
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 99,076 reviews of which 90,863 were positive and 8,213 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,021 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.0
90,863
8,213
2,021
players
9. 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 957 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.3
10,037
451
957
players
10. 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 56,186 reviews of which 52,518 were positive and 3,668 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 779 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.2
52,518
3,668
779
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 19th 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. 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. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in tactical games.
9.4
35,581
1,458
-93%
39.43€
2.76€
4. 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 #4 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.0
6,672
1,438
-93%
29.57€
2.07€
5. John Wick Hex
John Wick Hex is a fast-paced, action-oriented strategy game that makes you think and strike like John Wick, the professional hitman of the critically acclaimed film franchise. John Wick Hex is a strategy, action and real time tactics game developed by Bithell Games and published by Big Fan Games. Released on December 04th 2020 has received 712 reviews of which 447 were positive and 265 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for tactical games.
6.1
447
265
-93%
18.71€
1.31€
6. 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 12,751 reviews of which 11,408 were positive and 1,343 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.7
11,408
1,343
-92%
43.63€
3.49€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.9
821
41
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. Zero Hour
Zero Hour is a tactical FPS with online team-based game play that takes place in a variety of fictional locations interpreted in Bangladesh with Real-life scale & resource management. It brings a grounded, close quarter combat experience to the game. Zero Hour is a tactical, shooter and fps game developed and published by M7 Productions and Attrito. Released on September 09th 2024 has received 30,120 reviews of which 23,965 were positive and 6,155 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for tactical games.
7.8
23,965
6,155
-90%
18.99€
1.89€
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 1,841 reviews of which 1,479 were positive and 362 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
1,479
362
-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 3,731 reviews of which 2,319 were positive and 1,412 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
2,319
1,412
-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 19th 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 145,891 reviews of which 112,550 were positive and 33,341 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,553 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free tactical games on Steam.
7.6
112,550
33,341
4,553
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 187, this tactical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
6.2
576
327
187
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
85
players
4. 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 720 reviews of which 663 were positive and 57 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
8.6
663
57
17
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
9.0
2,484
151
10
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
6.4
580
297
3
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.4
22,583
7,567
1
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
8.1
265
37
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.4
585
167