By Sebastian Jordan Tactics games have long been a favorite for players who enjoy strategic planning, deep thinking, and meticulous execution. These games often require players to think several moves ahead, consider numerous variables, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances on the battlefield. Whether you’re leading an army to victory or guiding a small group of heroes, complex tactics games offer a level of challenge and immersion that makes them stand out in the gaming world. Here are eight of the most complex tactics games, ranked according to their depth, difficulty, and strategic possibilities.
1. XCOM 2
XCOM 2 takes the top spot due to its combination of squad-based tactical combat and base management. Players control a group of resistance fighters attempting to overthrow an alien-controlled Earth. The game’s complexity comes from a variety of factors, including the need to manage resources, research new technologies, and make difficult decisions that affect the course of the war. The turn-based tactical combat is layered with numerous mechanics, such as flanking, cover, class abilities, and environmental interactions. Every move counts, and failure can be devastating, making every decision crucial to survival.
Why It’s Complex:
- Tactical combat with a wide range of variables
- Permanent character death, adding emotional weight to decisions
- Base management and resource allocation
- Difficulty spikes that require careful planning
2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses brings a deep and engaging tactical experience mixed with a compelling narrative. Players must manage a group of students at a military academy while also guiding them through tactical battles across a sprawling map. The game allows players to build relationships with characters, influence the story, and make decisions that affect the entire kingdom. The tactical combat is deeply layered, with unit placement, class interactions, and terrain offering countless opportunities for strategic play. With multiple routes, each offering unique challenges, the game’s replayability is massive.
Why It’s Complex:
- Branching storylines that lead to different outcomes
- Complex character relationships and unit classes
- Terrain, magic, and weapon effectiveness influencing combat
- A deep recruitment system with strategic consequences
3. Advance Wars: Dual Strike
Advance Wars: Dual Strike is a classic tactical game that offers one of the most satisfying and challenging turn-based combat systems. Set on a grid-based battlefield, players command different units, including infantry, tanks, and helicopters, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. What makes this game complex is the need to balance offensive tactics with resource management, as well as the ability to use the CO (Commanding Officer) abilities to turn the tide of battle. The game’s difficulty comes from its ability to put pressure on players by giving the enemy intelligent AI and overwhelming forces.
Why It’s Complex:
- Grid-based combat with a large variety of units
- CO powers that require strategic timing
- Resource management and unit positioning
- Challenging enemy AI that adapts to your strategy
4. Total War: Shogun 2
Total War: Shogun 2 combines large-scale real-time battles with turn-based strategic management, creating a game that requires both tactical prowess and long-term planning. Set during Japan’s Warring States period, players must control their chosen clan, managing diplomacy, resources, and military conquests. The complexity of the game comes from its blend of macro and micro-management. On the battlefield, players control thousands of troops, and every move can be the difference between victory and defeat. Off the battlefield, managing the economy, dealing with diplomacy, and balancing your military needs require a sharp strategic mind.
Why It’s Complex:
- Massive real-time battles with thousands of units
- In-depth diplomacy and political strategy
- Detailed management of resources and territories
- Tactical combat with terrain and unit formations
5. Jagged Alliance 2
Jagged Alliance 2 combines tactical combat with strategic management, making it one of the most challenging games in the genre. Players control a group of mercenaries hired to liberate a fictional country from a tyrannical ruler. The game stands out for its open-ended approach, where players can decide how they want to tackle objectives. The tactical battles are highly detailed, with a focus on accuracy, ammo management, and terrain use. The game’s difficulty arises from its unforgiving nature—one mistake could cost you a mercenary, and poor management of your resources could bring the entire mission crashing down.
Why It’s Complex:
- Open-ended missions with multiple ways to approach them
- Detailed combat mechanics, including line of sight and ballistics
- Resource management and mercenary relationships
- High difficulty and consequences for failure
6. The Banner Saga
The Banner Saga series combines tactical combat with a rich narrative set in a Norse-inspired world. Players lead a caravan of survivors through a war-torn landscape, making decisions that affect the characters and the world. The combat is turn-based and features a unique system where each character’s strength, armor, and health are crucial factors in battle. The game’s complexity comes from the resource management aspect, as players must make tough decisions on where to allocate their resources and who to trust in a world where betrayal is always a possibility.
Why It’s Complex:
- Tactical combat with a focus on positioning and resources
- Story-driven decisions that impact the future of the world
- Character permadeath, adding tension to battles
- Limited resources and tough moral choices
7. Wargroove
Wargroove, a spiritual successor to the Advance Wars series, brings a tactical grid-based experience with a fantasy twist. Players choose one of several commanders, each with unique abilities, and must lead their army to victory against AI or human opponents. The game stands out for its wide array of unit types, terrain features, and tactical options. What sets Wargroove apart from other tactics games is its map editor, allowing players to create and share their own campaigns. The game’s complexity comes from its balance of unit strengths, terrain advantages, and the tactical use of Commander powers.
Why It’s Complex:
- Tactical unit placement and terrain advantages
- Commander abilities that can alter the course of battle
- Wide variety of unit types with specific strengths and weaknesses
- Map creation and community sharing, adding endless replayability
8. Disco Elysium
While not traditionally classified as a tactics game, Disco Elysium includes tactical elements that require deep thought and careful decision-making. Players take on the role of a detective in a post-apocalyptic world, solving a murder case while navigating complex social and political dynamics. The game’s complexity lies in its RPG elements, where players must carefully balance skills, traits, and dialogue choices to succeed. Combat is minimal but when it occurs, it involves careful planning and resource management. The game’s intricate narrative and deep character development make every decision crucial.
Why It’s Complex:
- Complex character traits and skill management
- Deep narrative with branching paths and consequences
- Minimal combat with tactical social interaction
- Psychological elements that affect decisions
Conclusion
The world of tactics games is rich with strategic depth, offering a diverse range of experiences for players who crave challenge and complexity. From grid-based battles in XCOM 2 and Fire Emblem: Three Houses to the large-scale wars of Total War: Shogun 2, each of these games presents a different take on tactical decision-making. Whether you’re managing resources, leading an army, or navigating intricate narrative choices, these eight games stand out for their ability to push players to think critically and plan meticulously.