The tactics genre is having a moment. A big one. Polygon‘s latest rundown argues that there has literally never been a better time to jump into these turn-based strategy games, and the case made on the page is compelling.
The piece opens with a personal confession from the writer, who admits she spent years ignoring tactics games entirely. She played Worms and Hogs of War as a kid, but never got serious about the genre until Marvel’s Midnight Suns in 2022. That experience changed her mind, and she’s now celebrating the sheer volume of great titles currently on the market.
The Recent Run of Tactics Games
The past few years have been generous to the genre. The list of recent releases is long and impressive:
- Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
- Blood Bowl 3
- Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
- Gears Tactics
- Jagged Alliance 3
- Wargroove
- Mewgenics
- Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave
The writer singles out Star Wars Zero Company as a standout, calling it a no-brainer for fans of the franchise. The game puts players in control of Hawks, an ex-soldier leading a mercenary group deep in debt to the Hutts. Republic Intelligence offers a way out, but only if you work for them.
The story follows a grittier, Andor-style narrative that stays clear of the Skywalker saga. Every character has a distinct personality and ability, and you can recruit new soldiers who are fully voiced. The catch is that if anyone on your team dies, they’re gone forever. Once past the tutorial levels, the writer says it’s hard to put down.
Worms Galactic Tactics Arrives in 2027
For newcomers looking for something gentler, the writer points to Worms Galactic Tactics, due in 2027. It’s the first time the Worms series has truly entered the tactics genre, though it keeps the series’ classic appeal of being easy to pick up and hard to master.
The game sends players through the Galactic Gauntlet, a tournament where you face off against enemy worm squads across increasingly difficult rounds. The environments are destructible, classic weapons and gadgets return, and the humor stays intact. It’s Worms, but in 3D with added tactical depth.
The writer went hands-on at Gamescom earlier this year with the game and came away convinced. The roguelite structure means the campaign offers seemingly endless replay value.
Rainbow Six Tactics Adds a Breach Phase
Another demo shown at Gamescom caught the writer’s eye: Rainbow Six Tactics, coming from Ubisoft. It’s a military-themed tactics game that will feel familiar to fans of Rainbow Six Siege, with recognisable operators populating the roster.
The standout feature is the breach planning phase. Most encounters start with your squad breaching an area packed with enemies, and you can plan multiple steps ahead, much like playing chess. You command operators to perform several actions, then watch as they execute them in real time. Skilled players can clear entire rooms of enemies before the opposition has a chance to react.
The comparison table below lays out the two games the writer highlights, each offering a very different setting and tone.
| Game | Genre Focus |
|---|---|
| Star Wars Zero Company | Mercenary missions |
| Worms Galactic Tactics | Tournament, roguelite |
Plenty More to Play
The writer notes that plenty of other tactics games are worth checking out right now, and that indie developers have a strong presence in the current wave.
For anyone still sitting on the fence, the advice is simple: try one of these three.
Star Wars Zero Company, Worms Galactic Tactics, or Rainbow Six Tactics should be your first stop. Each offers a different entry point, whether you want a beloved IP, a roguelite twist, or a familiar military setting.
The writer’s own journey from dismissing tactics games to embracing them reads as a genuine change of heart. Her descriptions of the three highlighted titles are enthusiastic throughout, painting each game with warmth and specificity.
The conclusion is simple: the genre is thriving, and there’s never been a better moment to jump in. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a complete newcomer, there’s a tactics game waiting for you.
Source material: “There’s Literally Never Been a Better Time to Get Into Tactics Games,” Polygon.
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