10 Games with the BEST Turn Based Combat

10 Games With the Best Turn-Based Combat

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re counting down our picks for some of our favorite games that feature outstanding turn-based combat.

“Octopath Traveler II” (2023)

“Octopath Traveler II” isn’t a massive departure from the previous game, but instead iterates and refines the experience as a whole, especially when it comes to the game’s turn-based battles. While on the surface the battles might seem quite traditional, they are actually much deeper than you might think. Breaking and Boosting and critical areas to the game’s meaty combat. Understanding your foes’ weaknesses means you can break them more easily, allowing for more damage overall. Plus, as the turn order pushes on, each party member builds up BP (boost points) that can be used to enhance attacks and abilities. It’s a deeply engrossing combat system that encourages thought and strategy.

“Honkai Star Rail” (2023)

Now, it might be easy to sweep a free-to-play turn-based RPG under the rug; however, “Honkai Star Rail” exceeds expectations around most corners, especially when considering its bombastic turn-based combat. Battles here are dictated by speed, first and foremost. Navigating which attacks, specials, and ultimates to use is of the utmost importance here. So far so typical for RPGs, right? Well, it’s the way in which “Honaki Star Rail” uses visual flair and flourishes to make every ability look super incredible. Oh, and don’t forget to counter-attack and retaliate to really dominate in battle.

“Pokemon” main series (1996-)

Could we really craft a list of games with the best turn-based combat without bringing up the juggernaut that is “Pokemon”? While it could be argued that the turn-based affair has been quite formulaic for the better part of two decades, there’s just no denying the beauty (and fun) in the game’s combat simplicity. From Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow to Emerald to HeartGold to X and Y, and even to Legends; Arceus, the main throughline in these games is the way in which battles encourage you to use the right Pokemon for the right situation. It’s a balancing, juggling act that remains fun and engaging because of, not in spite of, its overall simplicity. The various Pokemon’s stats, attributes, and elementals are key factors to consider during every battle.

“Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age” (2017)

In our eyes, “Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age” really builds upon the simple and refined nature of turn-based combat found way back in “Journey of the Cursed King” for the PS2. While, yes, there have been countless Dragon Quest games before and after that PS2 game, it’s “Echoes of an Elusive Age” that truly feels like the perfect turn-based combat system in the entirety of the series. Using your party’s various attacks, spells, and abilities while keeping in mind your opponent’s weaknesses are crucial here, especially when it comes to the game’s tougher baddies and bosses. It’s nothing truly revolutionary, but it’s the way in which this game polishes the turn-based battles to a perfect sheen that makes it so fun and engaging.

“Marvel’s Midnight Suns” (2022)

It’s a real shame that more people don’t discuss “Marvel’s Midnight Suns” when talking about the best Marvel games or even the best turn-based games. Well, we are here to remedy that since this game absolutely rocks. Utilizing a robust card-based system, “Midnight Suns” is all about developing your superheroes with strategic thinking, ensuring the cards you bring into battle are just right for the scenario unfolding. The name of the game here is crafting a perfect deck to draw from. Yes, attack and skill cards are important, but so are hero cards, which can oftentimes turn the tide of battle, especially if reinforcements are brought into the fray by the enemy. “Midnight Suns” feel like the perfect blend of strategy and RPG.

“Shadow Hearts: Covenant” (2004)

Ah “Shadow Hearts: Covenant,” you truly are one of the most unique and special RPGs out there. The second game in the cult-classic “Shadow Hearts” trilogy for the PS2, “Covenant” stands out as the best of the bunch, in part because of its eccentric cast of characters, alternate history narrative, and, in the case of this list, the excellent turn-based combat. You see, “Covenant” enhances the traditional turn order based combat by adding in the wholly unique Judgement Ring system. Each and every action during battle has you use the Judgement Ring to dictate how successful or unsuccessful each attack, ability, skill, or item usage is. Once the ring pops up, you must match up the dial on the various colored parts of the ring in order to boost your turn or perhaps mess it up altogether. It’s a great system that encourages you to act in real time which helps battles from becoming repetitive.

“Final Fantasy X” (2001/2013)

Now, we probably could have discussed a variety of “Final Fantasy” games in lieu of “X;” however, for our money, “X” really stands out when it comes to its engaging turn-based combat. “Final Fantasy X” utilizes a Conditional Turn-Based battle system often just known as the CTB system. Instead of a round-based system, your party (as well as the enemies) work off of agility in tandem with a host of other lesser factors. Basically, more agility equals more turns on the Act List. Once time pauses on one of your party member’s turns, you can then throw some strategy into the mix in order to plan the right attack, spells, or item to use. It’s a simple, yet fun battle system that encourages players to grow their party correctly while also allowing for some experimentation in builds. But, do keep in mind that random battles are still very much a part of this game, for better or for worse.

“Persona 5 Royal” (2019)

“Persona 5 Royal” might just be one of the most stylish and over-the-top (in the best possible way) JRPGs out there. This game just oozes and overflows with style, flair, and panache. However, this isn’t a game that is all style and no substance. Quite the contrary. From the deeply engrossing narrative to the life-sim/relationship-building elements to the turn-based battles, this massive JRPG is a true gem. As you might guess from the game’s title, battles in this game consist of your party utilizing their personal personas as they take on all manner of nefarious baddies. While the turn order is there, it’s the way in which “Royal” shakes up the formula with things like exploiting weaknesses, Baton Pass, Technical Hits, and Showtime Attacks and really up the ante tenfold. You can easily spend over a hundred hours in this game mastering the frenetic and stylized turn-based combat while growing your roster of quirky characters. For an equally similar experience if you get your fill of this game, don’t miss out on trying “Metaphor: ReFantazio.” It’s just as charming, stylish, and fun!

“Baldur’s Gate 3” (2023

I mean, could a list of games with the best turn-based combat not include “Baldur’s Gate 3?” That would be utterly silly, right? “Baldur’s Gate 3” is the ultimate “Dungeons & Dragons” video game out there. If you fancy a very specific way to get through the myriad of wacky and intense scenarios this game throws your way then you can bet your bottom dollar that Larian Studios allows you to do it. This high level of flexibility, of course, is here in the turn-based, strategic battles. It’s almost overwhelming how many options you have at your disposal in this game. While, yes, the roll of the dice is going to dictate your actions, you can navigate each battle with force, stealth, offense, defense, wit, magic, or any combination of these, and then some. Experimentation is key here as you build your characters and party.

“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” (2025)

“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is pure royalty when it comes to games with the best turn-based combat. There’s just no two ways about it. Drawing from and paying loving homage to JRPGs of days gone by, it’s incredibly clear how much passion Sandfall Interactive poured into this beautifully haunting and poignant masterpiece. Yes, the story is amazing. Yes, the cast of characters are wonderful. But, it’s the game’s highly engrossing turn-based combat that really takes the cake here. Perfectly blending real-time elements such as dodging, jumps, and parrying with strategic shooting, building AP for your wide suite of abilities, and juggling elementals helps make “Expedition 33” as robust as they come. Toss in Pictos, Luminas, and more, and you have a game that makes the most of every single battle you take part in.

So, do you agree with our picks for this list? What are some of your favorite games that feature turn-based combat? Be sure to let us know in the comments.