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
Silent Storm Gold Edition
Silent Storm from leading Russian developer Nival is a true 3D tactical turn-based Role-Playing-Game set against the backdrop of WWII. As the conflict rages on the frontlines, you’ll be leading a small multinational squad behind enemy lines to gather information and wreak havoc on your enemies while trying to thwart a mysterious new...
Gorky 17
November 2008. NATO intelligence services report that, for reasons unknown, the Russian military has destroyed GORKY 17, one of the old Soviet "Secret Cities". A year later NATO takes over a former Russian secret base built on Polish soil. Diggers discover a laboratory complex in the completely demolished town.
Ironclad Tactics
Ironclad Tactics is a fast-paced, card-based tactics game set in an alternate history Civil War - with steam-powered military robots!
Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war.
Aarklash: Legacy
In Aarklash: Legacy take command of a mercenary squad in search of truth and guide it through countless battles.Welcome to Aarklash, a land of chaos where incessant battles between the forces of Light, Destiny and Darkness have lasted since the beginning of time.
Total War: ROME II - Emperor Edition
Emperor Edition is the definitive edition of ROME II, featuring an improved politics system, overhauled building chains, rebalanced battles and improved visuals in both campaign and battleEmperor Edition contains all free feature updates since its release in 2013, which includes bug fixes, balancing, Twitch.
America's Army: Proving Grounds
America’s Army: Proving Grounds is the official game of the U.S. Army and part of the highly acclaimed America’s Army game series. This free military game focuses on small unit tactical maneuvers and puts you to the test in a wide variety of new America’s Army maps and AA fan favorites.
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified
The year is 1962 and the Cold War has the nation gripped by fear. A top-secret government unit called The Bureau begins investigating a series of mysterious attacks by an enemy more powerful than communism.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist
The United States has a military presence in two-thirds of countries around the world, and some of them have had enough. A group of terrorists calling themselves The Engineers initiate a terror ultimatum called the Blacklist - a deadly countdown of escalating attacks on U.S. interests.
Skulls of the Shogun
Enter the Samurai Afterlife and join forces with vibrant ghost-samurai warriors, magical animal monks, and mustachioed samurai generals. It's fast-paced turn-based strategy inspired by Advance Wars, and supercharged with fighting-game flare!
Shadowrun Returns
The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun has gained a huge cult following since its creation nearly 25 years ago. Now, creator Jordan Weisman returns to the world of Shadowrun, modernizing this classic game setting as a single player, turn-based tactical RPG.
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.
Prime World: Defenders
Fight off hordes of monstrous mutants created from a strange cataclysmic event in the new tower defense game, Prime World: Defenders. Join a group of exile treasure hunters who have ventured into the capital of an ancient empire, vast with mystery and danger.
Expeditions: Conquistador
Conquer the New world: In the 16th Century, Spanish explorers and soldiers reached the shores of America. The search for gold, fame, and adventure drove these travelers into a treacherous wilderness where they faced hunger, disease, and dangerous predators. In their wake, the Aztec Empires lay in ruins.
Wargame: Airland Battle
2 SIDES, 12 NATIONS, 750 UNITS: THE STRATEGY GAME REFERENCE IS BACK! Richer, more beautiful and more accessible, Wargame AirLand Battle is the sequel to the explosive real-time strategy game Wargame European Escalation! 1985.
Anomaly 2
Anomaly 2 is a sequel to the critically acclaimed Anomaly Warzone Earth. Maintaining the core elements of the original, Anomaly 2 adds plenty of new features: unit morphing, over million tactical combinations, post-apo world and tower defense vs tower offense multiplayer mode.
Receiver
Receiver was created for the 7-day FPS challenge to explore gun handling mechanics, randomized levels, and unordered storytelling. Armed only with a handgun and an audio cassette player, you must uncover the secrets of the Mindkill in a building complex infested with automated turrets and hovering shock drones.
Eador. Masters of the Broken World
Eador is a universe made of countless shards of land drifting in the Great Nothing. Each of the shards is a little world unto itself, with geography and denizens of its own. The power over the shards is bitterly contested by Masters, the immortal beings mortals believe to be gods.
Age of Empires II (Retired)
Age of Empires II has been re-imagined in high definition. With the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, this product will not be updated further.
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 takes the bulls-eye precision of its predecessor to new and exciting heights!
Omerta - City of Gangsters
Omerta - City of Gangsters is a simulation game with tactical turn-based combat. Taking the role of a fresh-from-the-boat immigrant, with dreams of the big life, the player will work his way up the criminal hierarchy of 1920’s Atlantic City.
PlanetSide 2
PlanetSide 2 is an all-out planetary war, where thousands of players battle as one across enormous continents. Utilize infantry, ground and air vehicles, and teamwork to destroy your enemies in this revolutionary first-person shooter on a massive scale.
Hitman: Absolution™
The original assassin is back! Betrayed by the Agency and hunted by the police, Agent 47 finds himself pursuing redemption in a corrupt and twisted world.
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 June 16th 2025.
1. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X
Rainbow Six Siege X is the reference in tactical team shooters, where elite strategy and execution triumph. Enjoy free access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X is a fps, pvp and multiplayer game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 1,398,584 reviews of which 1,172,854 were positive and 225,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played tactical game, thanks to its 108,174 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.3
1,172,854
225,730
108,174
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 210,551 reviews of which 175,088 were positive and 35,463 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. While seeing 9,033 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among tactical games based on player count.
8.2
175,088
35,463
9,033
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 248,220 reviews of which 181,110 were positive and 67,110 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While seeing 7,231 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among tactical games based on player count.
7.2
181,110
67,110
7,231
players
4. Gray Zone Warfare
In Gray Zone Warfare, realism meets tactics in an open-world MMOFPS where every move matters. Deploy with a Private Military Company, survive intense PvEvP or PvE encounters against players and AI, unravel the secrets of Lamang Island, and thrive through hard-earned progression. 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 59,318 reviews of which 40,235 were positive and 19,083 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. With 6,305 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played tactical games.
6.7
40,235
19,083
6,305
players
5. 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 236,196 reviews of which 210,654 were positive and 25,542 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 5,190 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.8
210,654
25,542
5,190
players
6. 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 146,552 reviews of which 112,887 were positive and 33,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 4,236 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.6
112,887
33,665
4,236
players
7. 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 99,922 reviews of which 91,675 were positive and 8,247 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 2,735 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.0
91,675
8,247
2,735
players
8. 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 109,825 reviews of which 86,713 were positive and 23,112 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. With 2,038 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played tactical games.
7.8
86,713
23,112
2,038
players
9. 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 126,918 reviews of which 107,857 were positive and 19,061 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 1,932 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played tactical games.
8.4
107,857
19,061
1,932
players
10. Cyber Knights: Flashpoint
Cyberpunk mercenaries RPG! Turn-based squad tactics with unique heist-planning strategy. Build your crew wisely; their stories will become interwoven with your own. Pull off heists with powerful cyberware, faction connections, multiclassing, weapon modding, stealth, hacking, and more! Cyber Knights: Flashpoint is a turn-based combat, tactical and character customization game developed and published by Trese Brothers. Released on June 02nd 2025 has received 1,097 reviews of which 1,042 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 685 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played tactical games.
9.0
1,042
55
685
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted tactical games.
1. Starship Troopers: Terran Command
Lead the Mobile Infantry in this RTS game set in the Starship Troopers film universe. Balance your army composition with a diverse set of unit types, overcome line-of-sight and line-of-fire challenges through tactical positioning, and use special abilities to smash the Arachnid hordes! Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a strategy, rts and singleplayer game developed by The Artistocrats and published by Slitherine Ltd.. Released on June 16th 2022 has received 10,784 reviews of which 9,461 were positive and 1,323 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for tactical category.
8.5
9,461
1,323
-99%
28.99€
0.46€
2. 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 2,314 reviews of which 1,835 were positive and 479 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in tactical games.
7.7
1,835
479
-99%
34.99€
0.56€
3. Dark Deity
Step into the world of Terrazael and lead soon-to-be legendary heroes in a quest to restore a land fractured by broken oaths, reckless wars, and untamed magic. Fight back in turn-based battles, manage character relationships, collect dangerous artifacts, and hopefully restore the world... Dark Deity is a tactical, turn-based strategy and strategy rpg game developed by Sword & Axe LLC and published by indie.io. Released on June 15th 2021 has received 2,753 reviews of which 1,995 were positive and 758 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in tactical games.
7.0
1,995
758
-99%
22.99€
0.42€
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 37,237 reviews of which 35,767 were positive and 1,470 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for tactical games.
9.4
35,767
1,470
-98%
39.99€
1.14€
5. 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 56,414 reviews of which 52,717 were positive and 3,697 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for tactical games.
9.2
52,717
3,697
-98%
19.99€
0.47€
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 12,940 reviews of which 11,576 were positive and 1,364 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.7
11,576
1,364
-98%
44.99€
1.10€
7. Police Stories
A fresh take on top-down shooters with an emphasis on tactics that forces you to make split second decisions. Neutralize criminals, rescue civilians and defuse bombs in Single Player mode or Co-op. And remember - shooting first is not an option! Police Stories is a action, strategy and co-op game developed and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on September 19th 2019 has received 8,701 reviews of which 7,406 were positive and 1,295 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.3
7,406
1,295
-98%
19.99€
0.53€
8. 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 1,573 reviews of which 1,342 were positive and 231 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.2
1,342
231
-98%
19.99€
0.48€
9. 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 8,186 reviews of which 6,728 were positive and 1,458 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.0
6,728
1,458
-98%
29.99€
0.63€
10. Frozen Synapse
Brings the simultaneous turn-based strategy genre up-to-date and lets you give detailed, accurate orders to your squad. Frozen Synapse is a strategy, turn-based and tactical game developed and published by Mode 7. Released on May 26th 2011 has received 2,599 reviews of which 2,152 were positive and 447 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for tactical games.
8.0
2,152
447
-98%
22.99€
0.64€
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play tactical games.
1. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X
Rainbow Six Siege X is the reference in tactical team shooters, where elite strategy and execution triumph. Enjoy free access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege X is a fps, pvp and multiplayer game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft. Released on December 01st 2015 has received 1,398,584 reviews of which 1,172,854 were positive and 225,730 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 108,174 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free tactical games on Steam.
8.3
1,172,854
225,730
108,174
players
2. 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 146,552 reviews of which 112,887 were positive and 33,665 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 4,236, this tactical game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
7.6
112,887
33,665
4,236
players
3. Thunder Tier One
Thunder Tier One is a realistic top-down shooter where you join an elite special operations team tasked with stopping a dangerous terrorist organization wreaking havoc across the fictional Eastern European country of Salobia. Thunder Tier One is a free to play, online co-op and top-down shooter game developed and published by KRAFTON and Inc.. Released on December 07th 2021 has received 4,735 reviews of which 3,162 were positive and 1,573 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 175, this tactical game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free tactical games on Steam.
6.6
3,162
1,573
175
players
4. 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 911 reviews of which 579 were positive and 332 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 155 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free tactical games on Steam.
6.2
579
332
155
players
5. 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 12,603 reviews of which 9,310 were positive and 3,293 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
7.3
9,310
3,293
68
players
6. 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 724 reviews of which 666 were positive and 58 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
8.6
666
58
8
players
7. 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 2,659 reviews of which 2,507 were positive and 152 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
9.0
2,507
152
4
players
8. 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 30,134 reviews of which 22,576 were positive and 7,558 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
22,576
7,558
3
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
1
players
10. 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 890 reviews of which 589 were positive and 301 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free tactical games on Steam.
6.4
589
301
1
players