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
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.
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.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 May 02nd 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 1,389,850 reviews of which 1,166,753 were positive and 223,097 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 64,153 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.4
1,166,753
223,097
64,153
players
2. 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 207,162 reviews of which 172,119 were positive and 35,043 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 12,352 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among tactical games based on player count.
8.2
172,119
35,043
12,352
players
3. 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 246,431 reviews of which 180,027 were positive and 66,404 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. While seeing 10,475 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among tactical games based on player count.
7.3
180,027
66,404
10,475
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 232,241 reviews of which 206,958 were positive and 25,283 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,506 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.8
206,958
25,283
5,506
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 action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 146,077 reviews of which 112,696 were positive and 33,381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,297 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.6
112,696
33,381
4,297
players
6. 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 126,030 reviews of which 107,156 were positive and 18,874 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 2,155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.4
107,156
18,874
2,155
players
7. 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 109,491 reviews of which 86,449 were positive and 23,042 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,135 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.8
86,449
23,042
2,135
players
8. Gray Zone Warfare
Gray Zone Warfare challenges you with the first open-world extraction shooter emphasizing realism. Deploy with a Private Military Company, survive high-stakes PvEvP or PvE MMO battles against human operators and AI enemies, unravel Lamang island’s mysteries, and thrive through hard-earned progress. Gray Zone Warfare is a early access, online co-op and tactical game developed and published by MADFINGER Games and a.s.. Released on April 30th 2024 has received 56,087 reviews of which 37,583 were positive and 18,504 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 1,565 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played tactical games.
6.6
37,583
18,504
1,565
players
9. 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 99,216 reviews of which 90,994 were positive and 8,222 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,557 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.0
90,994
8,222
1,557
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 10,630 reviews of which 10,176 were positive and 454 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 693 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.3
10,176
454
693
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 May 02nd 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 2,256 reviews of which 1,796 were positive and 460 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
1,796
460
-96%
33.50€
1.34€
2. 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 8,014 reviews of which 5,634 were positive and 2,380 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in tactical games.
6.9
5,634
2,380
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. 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 1,707 reviews of which 1,360 were positive and 347 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in tactical games.
7.7
1,360
347
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
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 37,114 reviews of which 35,652 were positive and 1,462 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
35,652
1,462
-93%
38.29€
2.68€
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 8,137 reviews of which 6,692 were positive and 1,445 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
6,692
1,445
-93%
28.86€
2.02€
6. 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 714 reviews of which 448 were positive and 266 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for tactical games.
6.1
448
266
-93%
18.71€
1.31€
7. 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 56,237 reviews of which 52,569 were positive and 3,668 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 #7 position in the best deals for tactical games.
9.2
52,569
3,668
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
8. 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 12,792 reviews of which 11,441 were positive and 1,351 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.7
11,441
1,351
-92%
43.63€
3.49€
9. Fae Tactics
In Fae Tactics, follow a young magic user named Peony on her journey across a vibrant world full of mystery and danger. Summon allies, cast spells, and befriend a motley crew of characters as you dive into the growing conflicts between man and magical beings known as fae. Fae Tactics is a rpg, strategy and turn-based tactics game developed by Endlessfluff Games and published by Humble Games. Released on July 31st 2020 has received 1,556 reviews of which 1,330 were positive and 226 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.2
1,330
226
-92%
18.75€
1.50€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.9
821
41
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
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 May 02nd 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 action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 146,077 reviews of which 112,696 were positive and 33,381 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,297 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free tactical games on Steam.
7.6
112,696
33,381
4,297
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 907 reviews of which 579 were positive and 328 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 178, this tactical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
6.2
579
328
178
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 12,579 reviews of which 9,294 were positive and 3,285 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
9,294
3,285
70
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 721 reviews of which 664 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
664
57
16
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 2,643 reviews of which 2,491 were positive and 152 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
2,491
152
9
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 30,146 reviews of which 22,580 were positive and 7,566 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
22,580
7,566
6
players
7. 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 #7 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.4
585
167
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. 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 883 reviews of which 585 were positive and 298 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
6.4
585
298