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
Satellite Reign
Satellite Reign is a real-time, class-based strategy game, set in an open-world cyberpunk city. You command a group of 4 agents through rain-soaked, neon-lit streets, where the law is the will of mega-corporations.
Crookz - The Big Heist
Crookz - The Big Heist is a tactical strategy game set in the funky 1970’s with a slick and groovy atmosphere. Show off the art of thieving by plotting stylish heists and robberies; utilizing espionage and quick-thinking to avoid detection.
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition
Shadowrun: Hong Kong - Extended Edition is the capstone title in Harebrained Schemes' Shadowrun series - and now includes the all-new, 6+ hr Shadows of Hong Kong Bonus Campaign. Experience the most impressive Shadowrun RPG yet, hailed as one of the best cRPG / strategy games of 2015!
Pike and Shot : Campaigns
The ultimate wargame set in the age of Pike and Shot is back. You are now in full charge of your nation’s armies, throughout a long campaign in the struggle for dominance.
Microcosmum: survival of cells
Microcosmum: survival of cells. Join the wonderful and amazing world of microorganisms.
Axis Football 2015
Axis Football is a 3D American Football Simulation Game that features a unique aimed passing system. Play in a single match, season mode, or local multiplayer! Offers basic mod support for team rosters.
Card Hunter
Shuffle your cards and ready your dice - Card Hunter is a fresh new card gaming spin on classic tabletop RPGs. Battle your way through a massive campaign solo or with friends and compete with other players in ranked play and tournaments.
The Red Solstice
2280 A.D. The last few survivors of a ruined Earth seek a new home: Mars, a planet whose inhabitants didn't take too kindly to outsiders. The Red Solstice is a tense, tactical, squad-based action game. Fight to survive with up to 8 players in co-op, or lead your own squad in single-player mode.
Legends of Eisenwald
Legends of Eisenwald is an adventure game with tactical battles, RPG and strategy elements. Take the lead of a small feudal army and try to defend your right to survive in this ruthless medieval world.
Age of Fear: The Undead King
Play as either Sir Edward, a noble Knight defending the Human Kingdom, or Krill, a wicked Necromancer with an unearthly lust for power! The Age of Fear series is a deep and complex turn-based strategy (full of humour!) that fuses a tabletop wargame with RPG elements.
Medieval: Total War™ - Collection
MEDIEVAL: Total War™ - Collection Edition is the compilation of the critically-acclaimed Medieval: Total War and its official expansion pack - Viking Invasion.
NOBUNAGA'S AMBITION: Kakushin with Power Up Kit
An extension of the 12th release in the Nobunaga’s Ambition series, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle, has appeared at the Steam Store as Nobunaga’s Ambition: Iron Triangle w/Power-up Kit!
The Masterplan
Tactical squad-based heist game set in 1970s. The 2D top-down view gives you a great overview of what's happening at any given moment, allowing you to be a real criminal mastermind. Can you pull off the greatest heist in the history of mankind?
MASSIVE CHALICE
MASSIVE CHALICE is a tactical strategy game set on an epic timeline from Double Fine Productions. As the Immortal Ruler of the nation, you'll take command of its heroes, forge heroic marriages to strengthen your Bloodlines, and battle a mysterious enemy known as the Cadence in a 300 year war.
Fort Defense
All hands on deck! Pirate armada dead ahead! Take part in an uncompromising struggle repelling freebooters' assaults. Watch out, the enemy may catch the tide for ruining your fortress. Build towers, collect crystals, upgrade spells and believe in your victory!
Invisible, Inc.
Take control of Invisible's agents in the field and infiltrate the world's most dangerous corporations. Stealth, precision, and teamwork are essential in high-stakes, high-profit missions, where every move may cost an agent their life.
GemCraft - Chasing Shadows
An epic, challenging tower defense game with an emphasis on strategy and replayability. Summon gems of immense magical potency and harness their unique abilities against a seemingly endless horde of monsters. The archdemon seeks to swallow the world, and you must journey to stand against her.
Order of Battle: World War II
Order of Battle: World War II is a breath of fresh air for all strategy fans. It is a game that takes wargaming to a new level by upgrading every single game element and rebooting the genre for a new generation of players.
Defend Your Life: TD
Defend Your Life! Is tower defense set in human body where players are fighting against villain hordes of viruses and bacteria. Levels and units correspond to reality of human anatomy.
RUNNING WITH RIFLES
RUNNING WITH RIFLES is a top-down tactical shooter with open world RPG elements. In RWR, you join the ranks of an army as a common soldier, just like the thousands around you.
Age of Fear 2: The Chaos Lord GOLD
Play as either Bel'Kara, a seductive Succubus at odds with the Underworld, or Katzok, a brutal Orc Chieftan fighting for his clan's dominance. The Age of Fear series is a deep and complex turn-based strategy (full of humour!) that fuses a tabletop wargame with RPG elements.
Vietnam ‘65
It is 1965 and the US ground war in Vietnam is in full swing. As a US Army commander, wage a counter-insurgency (COIN) war to secure the Ia Drang valley, on the border with Cambodia.
Steel Armor: Blaze of War
Steel Armor: Blaze of War is realistic tank simulator with tactical elements. The game models Soviet T-62 tank and US M60A1 tank in detail. Each tank has interactive cockpit with crew. Player controls a tank, and commands a tank platoon and attached forces in 4 large scale dynamic campaigns.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 20th 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 77,678 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
1,163,286
221,823
77,678
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 18,358 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
18,358
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 12,441 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
12,441
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 10,233 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
10,233
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 9,084 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
9,084
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 3,147 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
3,147
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 2,352 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
2,352
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 1,947 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
1,947
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 986 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
986
players
10. 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 14,910 reviews of which 13,192 were positive and 1,718 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 957 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.6
13,192
1,718
957
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 20th 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 20th 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 9,084 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
9,084
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 243, this tactical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
6.2
576
327
243
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
83
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
10
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 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 #5 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
8.6
663
57
10
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
3
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
1
players
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