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
UFO: Aftermath
UFO: Aftermath is a 3D isometric, tactical strategy game with a rich and compelling sci fi story.
The Last Federation
From the creators of AI War: Fleet Command comes an all-new grand strategy title with turn-based tactical combat, set in a deep simulation of an entire solar system and its billions of inhabitants. You are the last of a murdered race, determined to unify or destroy the 8 others.
Wargame: Red Dragon
The new reference in RTS at its best! The Wargame series returns to duty, larger, richer and more spectacular than ever before. In Wargame Red Dragon, you are engaged in a large-scale conflict where Western forces clash against the Communist bloc.
Agarest: Generations of War Zero
From the void, the gods of darkness and light created Agarest, a most perfect and divine world. As the generations passed, paradise sadly fell to the ravages of time. War darkened the skies and Agarest soon became a torturous hell as the gods divided and immense armies clashed, desecrating the once beautiful land…
Faces of War
The second instalment in the series that would become known as Men of War. Through the eyes of Allied, German and Russian squad leaders, experience the most immersive World War II real-time strategy game where each battle is played out and won differently based on your tactical choices.
Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III is the long anticipated sequel to the award-winning strategy series. Delivering a unique mix of Empire Building, Role Playing and Warfare, Age of Wonders III offers the ultimate in turn-based fantasy strategy for veterans of the series and new players alike!
Call of Duty®: Ghosts
Outnumbered and outgunned, but not outmatched.Call of Duty®: Ghosts is an extraordinary step forward for one of the largest entertainment franchises of all-time. This new chapter in the Call of Duty® franchise features a new dynamic where players are on the side of a crippled nation fighting not for freedom, or liberty, but simply to...
Breach & Clear
Breach & Clear brings deep tactical strategy simulation to PC, Mac and Linux! Build your Special Operations team, plan and execute advanced missions, and own every angle.Choose your real-world squad -- US Army Rangers, Germany's KSK, Canada’s JTF2, UK SAS, and more -- and take on a variety of foes with different skill-sets and...
Panzer Corps Gold
The ultimate edition of Panzer Corps, containing hundreds of scenarios and all its expansions. Panzer Corps Gold is the culmination of the wargame that has enthralled millions of fans all around the globe, and now it’s your chance to fully experience a real classic.
Infested Planet
Command a team of 5 elite soldiers against an alien horde of 100,000. Surrounded on all sides, you must outmaneuver and outsmart the enemy.
OMG Zombies!
OMG! Alert! Alert! The City of Redfield has been hit by an outbreak of exploding zombies! For cool and unimportant reasons these suckers literally explode when shot, showering their zombie brethren with gore and causing chain reactions of showering zombie gibs with just a single bullet!
Etherlords II
The saga continues! Etherlords II takes you back to the world of Ether and into a whole new realm of fantastic possibilities. Lead your hero on an unforgettable journey through lands filled with unsurpassed beauty and danger to unlock the ultimate mystery.
Graviteam Tactics: Operation Star
Graviteam Tactics: Operation Star is a sequel to Achtung Panzer: Kharkov 1943. It’s an Eastern Front war game with solid graphics and sprawling battlefields that really emphasizes the scope of WWII tank combat.Want to step into the role of a commander in the very heart of Kharkov’s defense?
Dogs of War Online
Dogs Of War Online is a multiplayer tactical game, based on the classic board game "Confrontation". Build your own company of mercenaries from the wide range of units available and challenge thousands of players in intense battles.
Agarest: Generations of War
At the dawn of time, a terrible war raged between the forces of good and evil, ending in the destruction of the world of Agarest. After their victory, the Gods of Light unified the decaying bodies of the Gods of Darkness and created a new world.
Might & Magic X - Legacy
After a decade, a Might & Magic® RPG is back with both the unique core formula and a new set of improved and fine-tuned features. The best RPG of its class!In the wake of the spectacular events in Might & Magic® Heroes® VI, you will play in a party of four adventurers entangled in intrigue and political machinations unfolding in...
Insurgency
Take to the streets for intense close quarters combat, where a team's survival depends upon securing crucial strongholds and destroying enemy supply in this multiplayer and cooperative Source Engine based experience.
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.
The Banner Saga
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.
UFO: Afterlight
The story is situated on Mars. It starts where UFO: Aftermath left off and runs simultaneously with UFO: Aftershock. While the Laputans on Earth are fighting Wargots and Starghosts and finding out what caused the destruction of their home planet, a small colony on Mars is trying to survive and flourish.
Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense
Get ready for an epic journey to defend your kingdom against hordes of orcs, trolls, evil wizards and other nasty fiends using a vast arsenal of towers and spells at your command!Fight on forests, mountains and wastelands, customizing your defensive strategy with different tower upgrades and specializations!
Tales of Maj'Eyal
Tales of Maj’Eyal is a roguelike RPG, featuring tactical turn-based combat and advanced character building. Play as one of many unique races and classes in the lore-filled world of Eyal, exploring random dungeons, facing challenging battles, and developing characters with your own tailored mix of abilities and powers.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 72,721 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
1,163,286
221,823
72,721
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 13,527 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
13,527
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 10,639 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
10,639
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 10,477 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
10,477
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 4,548 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
4,548
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 2,586 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
2,586
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 2,322 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
2,322
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 2,073 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
2,073
players
9. 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. With 1,020 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.8
23,965
6,155
1,020
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 936 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
936
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 4,548 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
4,548
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 183, this tactical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
6.2
576
327
183
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
65
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
10
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
5
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
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