Best Strategy Games With RPG Elements

Strategy games cover a wide variety of genres; from fantastic real-time strategy games like StarCraft 2 to the turn-based strategy of games such as XCOM 2, there's a diverse array of experiences on offer. While real-time strategy (RTS) games such as the aforementioned StarCraft rarely include RPG elements, it's relatively common for strategy games as a whole to incorporate RPG mechanics.

Strategy RPGs are another common sub-genre of strategy games, though they're not the only form of strategy game to incorporate elements of the RPG genre. Games such as Darkest Dungeon blend RPG mechanics with the structure of a roguelike dungeon-crawler, while sandbox RPGs such as Battle Brothers blend RPG character progression with strategic combat encounters.

7 For The King

A Roguelike RPG With Online Co-Op

For The King is a fast-paced RPG with a roguelike structure and strategic turn-based combat. The game features a reliance on RNG that can be frustrating, but it helps to keep the gameplay tense throughout the experience. In the game, players control a party of adventurers, chosen from a diverse range of character classes, completing quests and defeating a variety of enemies and bosses on their journey.

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Players explore a hex-based overworld, collecting new items and discovering new locations. Along the way, the player's party will level up and slowly acquire stronger equipment, providing players with rewarding RPG elements. Although the combat is somewhat reliant on RNG, players are given a resource — "Focus" — that allows them to counteract the randomness. This, along with the use of active items, makes combat much more strategic than it otherwise would be.

6 Griftlands

A Tactical Deck-Builder That Allows For Pacifism

This strategic deck-builder from Klei Entertainment (of Don't Starve fame and, more recently, Oxygen Not Included) tasks players with building and managing two distinct decks: one for battle, and one for negotiation. This results in a truly unique gameplay loop that allows Griftlands to stand out in a genre that's arguably over saturated.

Griftlands also stands out, however, for its RPG elements, which synergize with the game's negotiation mechanics. By allowing players to approach potential combat encounters passively, Griftlands opens itself up to multiple playstyles. This, along with the sturdy deck-building elements, makes for a tremendously engaging — and replayable — experience.

5 Spellforce: Conquest Of Eo

Turn-Based Strategy With A Focus On Hero Units

This unique blend of turn-based strategy and RPG elements tasks players with engaging in fast-paced, tactical combat encounters and controlling hero units throughout procedurally generated campaigns.

Players can expect to spend plenty of time exploring the world and engaging in resource management. However, SpellForce: Conquest Of Eo also features a variety of RPG elements in the form of multiple playable classes and a variety of skills and spells. SpellForce: Conquest Of Eo's multiple classes and engaging combat, as well as its procedural generation, also give it a great deal of replay value.

4 Wildermyth

Narrative-Driven RPG With Tactical Combat And A Strategic Layer

Wildermyth is a deeply accessible RPG with a vibrant papercraft visual style and a narrative-driven gameplay loop. Despite its focus on storytelling, however, Wildermyth is a remarkably strategic experience, tasking players with navigating an over-world map and engaging in turn-based battles.

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Wildermyth allows players to level up their party throughout each playthrough and offers up a variety of directions to progress. Its blend of storytelling, tactical combat, and a strategic over-world layer make Wildermyth a particularly unique game that caters to players that enjoy both genres in equal measure.

3 Kenshi

Party-Based RPG With Real-Time Strategy Combat

Kenshi is primarily a party-based RPG that focuses on open-world sandbox gameplay. The game features meaningful, slow-burning character progression and offers deep customization for each member of the party.

Kenshi also features real-time-with-pause combat that can be deeply strategic, especially as players become more familiar with the game's systems. Combat encounters get more strategic as the player's party grows, giving them more options in battle and adding a layer of tactics to the experience.

2 Battle Brothers

A Sandbox RPG With Deep Character Progression

Battle Brothers is a turn-based strategy RPG that puts players in a low-fantasy, open-world sandbox. In the game, players travel across an overworld map, managing a company of mercenaries and taking on challenging contracts in brutal turn-based battles.

Battle Brothers features deep and highly customizable RPG character progression, allowing players to pick and choose from a variety of stat upgrades and unique perks. Every decision made during character progression can have an impact on the player's success, and a balanced company is integral to surviving in the game's hostile world.

1 Darkest Dungeon

Gothic RPG Roguelike With Strategic Combat

This turn-based strategy game features a dark, Gothic, hand-drawn art-style that's tremendously unique, but Darkest Dungeon's unique art direction isn't its only selling point. Darkest Dungeon is a harsh and unforgiving roguelike dungeon-crawler with a strategic twist and a handful of RPG elements.

In the game, players are tasked with battling through a variety of dark and challenging dungeons with a rag-tag group of heroes. These heroes (and their equipment) can be leveled up throughout the game, but Darkest Dungeon features permanent death mechanics that make it harder than other games of its kind to deliver unforgettable adventures.

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