r/TurnBasedTactical

28K archived posts · Nov 2017 – Sep 2026

Turn Based Tactical Genre

r/TurnBasedTactical

Turn Based Tactical genre - "If it doesn't look like chess more likely it isn't a turn based tactical game". They all have 4 game mechanics in common: unit organization (for example a grid, radius), positioning and movement of all units (be able to Back-stab, Flank and Bait units), turn based (or pausable to issue movement/position commands) and have a tactical battle/encounter layer with the elements above.

Created Nov 10, 2017 · restricted

7KMembers (last snapshot)

28KArchived posts

This Reddit is a backup of the main group. Any one is free to join https://www.facebook.com/groups/turn.based.tactical.games/

This group is about turn based tactical game GENRE that may also have a strategy layer. We are NOT about strategy games nor traditional turn based games (ex: Final Fantasy 1). Sadly many fans call our genre turn based strategy which also has games that don't have a tactical layer which isn't what we are about. We do include some sub-genres like Real Time With Pause (or Slowdown), Turn Based Rogue-likes, Tactical RPGs, Lite Wargames, Tactical Boardgames. We are about tactical decisions on a battle/encounter playing field.

Let's clear this out. They all have 4 game mechanics in common: unit organization (for example a grid, radius), positioning and movement of all units (be able to Back-stab and Flank), turn based (or pausable to issue commands) and have a tactical battle/encounter layer.

Of course there are many other mechanics but are more about what each player looks for: randomness vs deterministic, hex vs square, puzzle-like feeling vs no best solution, etc...

I like this definition: “Tactical turn-based combat is a form of combat found in games in which the combat is turn-based and emphasizes thoughtful placement and usage of the player’s units. Combat in this style is typically fought on a grid map that governs character placement and movement ranges. To succeed in battle, players must move their units into advantageous positions and use the combined power and skills of their units in order to defeat the enemy or achieve other objectives. Notable franchises that include this gameplay type include Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, Nintendo Wars (Advance Wars), X-Com and Jagged Alliance.” Or this simple version I once read: "if it doesn't look like chess more likely it isn't a turn based tactical game"

Lets talk about them. Tips, news, anything.

Other communities

Reddit Rebuilt is an independent, non-commercial archive and is not affiliated with Reddit, Inc. Content belongs to its original authors.