Best Tactics Games to Try in 2026

A welcoming moment for tactics newcomers

Tactics games are enjoying a strong resurgence, with more variety arriving for both experienced strategists and curious newcomers. Players who usually prefer fast first-person shooters, sports games or action RPGs may be surprised by how rewarding it feels to plan carefully, position a squad and watch each decision unfold.

For some players, the genre starts with accessible classics such as Worms or Hogs of War. Others may discover the appeal through Marvel’s Midnight Suns, which helped introduce a wider audience to turn-based combat in 2022. The current selection is even broader, making this an excellent time to explore beyond the usual reflex-driven genres.

A wealth of modern choices

Recent years have delivered an impressive range of tactics titles, including Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Blood Bowl 3, Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, Gears Tactics, Jagged Alliance 3, Wargroove, Mewgenics and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.

That list is only a starting point. The genre now stretches across fantasy, science fiction, comedy, military action and character-led adventures, so players can choose a setting that suits them before learning the deeper systems.

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Star Wars Zero Company puts the systems first

Star Wars Zero Company is a particularly strong recommendation for fans of the franchise. It does not discard the established tactics formula; instead, it refines familiar ideas and places them inside a more grounded Star Wars story.

You play as Hawks, a former soldier who now commands an independent mercenary outfit while carrying a substantial debt to the Hutts. Republic Intelligence offers a possible escape from that debt, but only if Hawks and the crew agree to work for them.

The story operates away from the main Skywalker saga and takes a grittier approach, closer in tone to Andor. Each recruit has an individual personality, unique abilities and full voice acting. Soldiers can be recruited, upgraded and improved with different systems, but permanent death gives every mission added weight: when a crew member dies, they are gone for good.

After the opening tutorial stages, the combination of character development, tactical choices and high-risk battles makes it difficult to stop playing. Players who enjoy squad management may also appreciate the broader arcade machine buying guide when planning a home games room around different genres.

Worms takes a beginner-friendly route

Scheduled for 2027, Worms Galactic Tactics offers a gentler entry into the genre. It is described as the series’ first move into true tactics, while retaining the familiar principle of being easy to understand but difficult to master.

The game centres on the Galactic Gauntlet, a tournament where players advance through increasingly challenging rounds against enemy worm squads. Battles take place across different environments, with destructible terrain, classic weapons and gadgets, and the series’ trademark humour intact.

Its blend of turn-based tactics and roguelite progression gives each run a different rhythm. The result is a three-dimensional Worms experience with more strategic depth and the potential for substantial replayability. Hands-on play at Gamescom earlier in the year left a strong impression, particularly because the core controls felt immediately enjoyable.

A squad of clone troopers in Star Wars Zero Company

Rainbow Six brings breach planning to turn-based combat

Ubisoft’s upcoming Rainbow Six Tactics offers a very different approach. While Worms Galactic Tactics is colourful and playful, this title uses a military setting and features operators recognisable to Rainbow Six Siege players.

Its defining feature is the breach planning phase. Before entering many encounters, players can map out several actions for the squad, much like preparing a sequence of moves in chess. Operators then carry out those instructions in real time, creating the possibility of clearing a room rapidly before enemies can respond.

The system rewards preparation and precise sequencing rather than rapid reactions. For players who enjoy the planning side of tactics games, that structure could provide a distinctive take on squad-based combat.

Where to start with tactics games

There are many more worthwhile tactics games available now, with independent developers continuing to expand the genre. Newcomers looking for an approachable starting point have three clear options: the character-driven Star Wars campaign of Zero Company, the accessible roguelite structure of Worms Galactic Tactics, or the carefully planned military breaches of Rainbow Six Tactics.

These games demonstrate how broad tactics design has become. Whether you prefer dramatic squad management, destructible battlefields or chess-like preparation, there is now a straightforward path into the genre.