7 Best Grid-Based Tactical RPGs, Ranked

RPGs are known for being extremely versatile and offering players tons of options regarding how they want to play the game, how they want their characters to look, and what they want them to wear, as well as the weapons they’ll wield. Many tactical RPGs have non-linear storypaths, allowing players to choose what they want to do, whereas others stick to a more traditional approach.

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Some isometric RPGs are tactical, but not all tactical RPGs are isometric, which is where a lot of people get confused about the grid-based system. Here are some of the best grid-based tactical RPGs out there.

7

Hard West

An Interesting Take On The American Wild West

Welcome to the Wild West like you’ve never seen it before. When a tragic turn of events sets one man down a path of supernatural chaos and revenge, he must brutally hunt down all those who wronged him. Follow Warren on his descent into the darkest recesses of the human soul, and try to survive in a world full of hard choices and even harder consequences. Because in this world, death is a constant presence and the black pacts which you make with forces beyond human comprehension will forever haunt all those around you.

Fight and survive through 8 unique story-based scenarios, and try your hand at 40 individually designed turn-based combat missions. Journey deeper into the world of Hard West and meet a colorful cast of playable characters whose fates are intimately intertwined with yours. Together you will need to make divisive choices to uncover the ultimate plans of the ancient powers at play, as you unravel a deep narrative storyline featuring multiple endings depending on the choices you make during the game.

RPG

Tactical

Adventure

Indie Games

Strategy

Released

November 18, 2015

ESRB

m

• The game combines elements from the American Wild West and the supernatural
• Tons of options for players to plan their strategies

Hard West is set in a fictionalized version of the American Old West, showing many standard elements of the Western genre while adding some supernatural aspects that make the gameplay experience very interesting. Players can expect to see some coming Wild West topics, such as bank robberies and the famed gold rush that took place in the 19th century, with a few variations that will keep them guessing.

This title offers tons of options for players to plan out their strategies, which is why it’s safe to say that it can be considered one of the best grid-based strategy games out there.

6

Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope

Colorful And Entertaining Grid-Based Gameplay

Team up with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Rabbid Peach, Rabbid Luigi, and their friends on a galactic journey to defeat a malevolent entity and save your Spark companions. Explore planets throughout the galaxy as you uncover mysterious secrets and compelling quests!

Systems

Released

October 20, 2022

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence

• Two popular franchises merge
• Players can build their roster with considerable freedom

After so many decades, it would seem that any game involving Mario is a guaranteed success, and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is no exception. Throughout the game, players can build their roster, including characters such as Princess Peach, Luigi, Mario, and many of the Rabbid counterparts. This is one of those cases when two different franchises merge so well, that the result is a masterpiece.

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With a very colorful and entertaining grid-based system, this tactical title will provide players with tons of hours of fun.

5

Valkyria Chronicles

A Military Game That Is Inspired By World War 2 Europe

Set in a fictitious continent reminiscent of the 1930s, Valkyria Chronicles depicts Europa, divided and ruled by two super powers: the Empire and the Federation. The Empire has set its sights on invading the principality Gallia, which shares its borders with the two superpowers, in an attempt to secure an invaluable natural resource, Ragnite. Within this struggle a hero named Welkin, and his fellow soldiers of the Gallian Militia, ‘Squad 7’ are fighting back against the invasion and the Empire’s attempts to unify the continent under its power.

During the ensuing war, Squad 7 discovers that the Empire possesses a secret weapon, known as the “Valkyrur” – an ancient race with special powers thought to exist only in legends. With this new discovery, the fate of Gallia’s ability to defeat the Empire and save the lives of the Gallian citizens…

“CANVAS” graphics engine: A unique engine that produces breathtaking images that look like watercolor paintings in motion.

“BLiTZ” tactical battle system: Experience strategic maneuvering of units combined with conventional RPG gameplay, all layered on top of the moment to moment action afforded by real-time controls as players command each squad member and tank in battle.

Epic storyline: Players will immerse themselves in the epic struggle for freedom, as the fate of the world lies in the hands of Welkin and the members of the 7th platoon.

Customization: Over 100 customizable characters allow players to create a variety of platoons to suit each battle’s needs.

Beautifully rendered battlefields: Players explore 30 different environments, using unique terrain features to gain advantages in battle.

RPG

Tactical

Third-Person Shooter

Released

October 31, 2008

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Animated Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco, Violence

• Set in Europa, a fictional version of real-life Europe
• Two major factions in the game

Like other titles on this list, Valkyria Chronicles is not strictly an RPG, but rather a JRPG. And while many argue that there isn’t a great difference between one and the other, they do have certain elements that can clearly differentiate them.

This particular title came out in 2008 and is set in Europa, a fictional region that is loosely based on real-life Europe during the events of World War 2. Throughout the game, players will have to plan out their military strategies carefully to ensure their victory on the battlefield and crown themselves as the superior force of the region. The game mechanics present in Valkyria Chronicles make it one of the best grid-based JRPGs out there.

4

Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together

A Great Title That Helped Kickstart A Franchise

Rise up soldiers and prepare for battle!

After generations of war between the various ethnic groups, King Dogare brought peace to the land of Valeria. When the king dies, Valeria is split into three different groups, each claiming the throne.

You take the role of a young boy as he embarks on a quest to save the land from turmoil and assume the throne. Will you be able to save the world from chaos in Tactics Ogre?

Released

October 6, 1995

ESRB

T For Teen // Mild Animated Violence, Mild Language

• The game is set in the nation of Valeria
• Different classes for players to use

The Tactics Ogre franchise has been around for almost three decades at the time of writing this article, and, along with the older Ogre Battle, it all began with this title—Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. This title will have players take on the role of Denim Powell, who’s caught in the middle of a war in the once-peaceful nation of Valeria.

The combat mechanics present in Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together are excellent, and, along with the different classes available in the game, the experience players can have with this title is outstanding.

3

Crypt Of The NecroDancer

A Rhythmical Experience That’s Great Fun

Crypt of the NecroDancer is an award winning hardcore roguelike rhythm game. Move on the beat to navigate an ever changing dungeon while battling dancing skeletons, zombies, dragons, and more. Groove to the epic Danny Baranowsky soundtrack, or select songs from your own MP3 collection!

Gather diamonds to unlock permanent upgrades and better equipment to traverse deeper into the NecroDancer’s lair. The deeper you go, the more treacherous enemies you’ll face. Reach great heights as you disco down through the depths of the crypt. Whether you aim to get the highest scores or complete runs in the fastest times, you can compete against a robust community of players in a range of permanent and daily challenges across all characters.

Descend into the crypt as 15 playable characters with unique play styles and challenges! Jam out to over 40 original songs in Danny Baranowsky’s award winning soundtrack, or set your own beats with songs from your own MP3 collection. Play with keyboard, controller, or even a USB dance pad!

Released

April 23, 2015

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Blood

• Rhythm-based game mechanics
• The better players stick to the rhythm, the better the outcome

Crypt of the NecroDancer is one of those games that, while it didn’t innovate in its concept, manages to deliver a very niche experience that some players love and others not so much. Throughout the game, players will have to move their characters and attack based on the rhythm of the song that’s playing in the background.

The better players stick to the rhythm, the more efficient their attacks will be and the easier defeating enemies will feel. This title is one of the most reliant on a grid-based system, as it’s essential for the rhythm mechanics present in the game.

Great Combat System And Outstanding Animations

XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year.

Earth has changed. Twenty years have passed since world leaders offered an unconditional surrender to alien forces. XCOM, the planet’s last line of defense, was left decimated and scattered. Now, in XCOM 2, the aliens rule Earth, building shining cities that promise a brilliant future for humanity on the surface, while concealing a sinister agenda and eliminating all who dissent from their new order.

Only those who live at the edges of the world have a margin of freedom. Here, a force gathers once again to stand up for humanity. Always on the run, and facing impossible odds, the remnant XCOM forces must find a way to ignite a global resistance, and eliminate the alien threat once and for all.

Released

February 5, 2016

ESRB

T For Teen due to Blood, Use of Tobacco, Violence

• The XCOM franchise is almost 3 decades old
• The animations for combat are well-crafted

XCOM is one of the oldest franchises in its genre, as the first game came out back in 1994. For XCOM 2 to be released, there had to be a 22-year gap, being released in 2016. Like other titles in its franchise, XCOM 2 relies heavily on a grid system for combat and has excellent animations that make the experience very immersive.

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1

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Compelling Narrative And A Complex Grid-Based Combat System

War is coming to the continent of Fódlan. Here, order is maintained by the Church of Seiros, which hosts the prestigious Officer’s Academy within its headquarters. You are invited to teach one of its three mighty houses, each comprised of students brimming with personality and represented by a royal from one of three territories. As their professor, you must lead your students in their academic lives and in turn-based, tactical RPG battles wrought with strategic, new twists to overcome. Which house, and which path, will you choose?

Systems

Released

July 26, 2019

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence

• Players can choose their characters’ classes
• Excellent grid-based combat system

Fire Emblem: Three Houses presents players with a very interesting narrative that focuses on Byleth (who can be male or female depending on players’ preferences), a once-mercenary-turned-professor, who is tasked with instructing students at a prestigious Military Academy.

Not only does this game allow players to change their characters’ classes and outfits, but it also features a very intricate and complete grid-based combat system that is always entertaining. Granted, there are also some features that many players agree should not be in the next installment, but all in all, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a great addition to its universe.

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