Summary
- Some turn-based games like Solasta have pause features, ideal for players with time constraints.
- Players can enjoy quick-paced combat in XCOM, missions requiring a set number of turns.
- Games like Sea of Stars offer short sessions, a classic JRPG experience with engaging turn-based combat.
Many gamers have quite busy lives, which means as much as they want to sit and play games all day, many obstacles get in the way of this happening. Thankfully, there are plenty of titles that are aware that they can't go on forever, allowing players to pause them whenever or have stories that don't take weeks to complete.
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There's a lot that players can sink their teeth into in these turn-based indie games, thanks to their complex gameplay mechanics.
Some players that enjoy turn-based strategy titles have felt that these games can take hours to play, especially with some of them having battles which can take hours to complete. Players that are looking for turn-based strategy games that they can play while only having a short amount of time to enjoy them should look no further than these games.
8 Solasta: Crown Of The Magister
An Epic RPG With Simple Turn-Based Combat
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
- Released
- May 27, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Violence, Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Language
- Developer(s)
- Tactical Adventures
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, macOS
While Solasta: Crown of the Magister may not be the shortest game, those that enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons but don't have the time to invest in it with friends are sure to enjoy this turn-based RPG title.
When encountering the various strategy battles of Solasta: Crown of the Magister, players are sure to find this RPG to be one of the simplest to understand, with each battle not taking as long as some others in the genre. Additionally, players are able to save and hop out of the game whenever they wish, including in combat, to allow them to pop out of the game to do other things.
7 Xcom: Enemy Unknown
A Personalized Sci-Fi Strategy Title
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
- Released
- October 9, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Firaxis Games, 2K Games, Feral Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based Strategy, Action, Tactical, Strategy
Turn-based strategy games cover all sorts of themes, with one of the most popular being sci-fi adventures. Players that wish to be fully in control of their strategy experience, while also not having to worry about whether they have enough time to play it is XCOM: Enemy Unknown.
The combat within XCOM is some of the best in the turn-based strategy genre, with players encountering various missions that expect them to complete them in a certain number of turns, otherwise the mission is over. While there may not be a clock ticking down, completing it in a number of turns means each mission can be enjoyed separately while also allowing the player to stop whenever they need to.
6 Fire Emblem Engage
Simple Grid Combat And A Great Story
Fire Emblem Engage
- Released
- January 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen due to Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, JRPG
- Platform(s)
- Switch
The Fire Emblem franchise is another great turn-based strategy RPG that has been going strong for countless years. These games are great not only for their story, but also for the incredible diversity of the missions to complete.
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Players need to make every turn and move count in these strategy games that will have them scratching their heads and weighing their options.
On the Nintendo Switch, players have been charmed once more with Fire Emblem Engage, which is perfect for any player that is running short of time to play a game. Firstly, due to it being on the Switch, a player can take the game with them if needed to spend a few moments playing. Secondly, like Xcom, since the battles are missions that must be completed in a certain number of turns, the length it takes can also be shorter.
5 The Banner Saga
Battles Go Quickly In This Viking Saga
The Banner Saga
- Released
- January 14, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Stoic Studio
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Strategy
Besides the remarkable replayability caused by the choices and therefore the story of The Banner Saga, one of the best features of this turn-based strategy title that makes it so great for a player that is running on little time is how quick-paced the combat is in this strategy title.
Even with the assortment of classes and characters the player encounters, the field of combat never feels so cluttered that it takes ages to get through it. Players may find that a lot of their time in turn-based strategy games is attempting a mission again. However, in The Banner Saga, whether a player wins or loses the story will continue onward, as everything has a consequence.
4 Wildermyth
Dungeons And Dragons Played Solo
Wildermyth
- Released
- June 15, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Fantasy Violence, Language, Alcohol Reference
- Developer(s)
- Worldwalker Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
As mentioned previously, with the likes of Solasta, Dungeons and Dragons is a commonly loved game that takes a lot of time to play. Thankfully, video games have made titles that are inspired by these tabletop games that can not only be enjoyed single-player, but also allow players to spend a shorter amount of time playing them.
Wildermyth is a great experience for any player looking for a short, turn-based strategy game, as there are multiple short campaigns to choose from that can even be stopped if the player doesn't have enough time to complete the campaign in one sitting. Not to mention that the turn-based battles within are also quite quick-paced to make for an easier time.
3 Octopath Traveler
Eight Adventures With Plenty Of Breaks
Octopath Traveler
- Released
- July 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
With eight heroes that each have their own unique story, it's no surprise that Octopath Traveler has won so many awards since its release. Players may be surprised to see this turn-based strategy title being mentioned if the story of it seems so long.
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Turn-based systems in games like Dragon Quest and Persona were once seen as outdated, but have since made a strong comeback in modern RPGs.
However, like many modern titles, Octopath Traveler is another that can be easily paused, saved and enjoyed at a later date if needed. As players progress through Octopath Traveler and discover the weaknesses of enemies, the combat of this turn-based title becomes even quicker, allowing the player to enjoy it when they only have a short amount of time to spend on games.
2 Into The Breach
A Simple Yet Effective Turn-Based Strategy Title
Into the Breach
- Released
- February 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Minimalistic combat as seen in Into the Breach is some of the best for players looking for a game they can enjoy while they have a quick 30 minutes or an hour to spare. In this turn-based strategy game that is available on both PC and mobile, players protect cities using powerful mechs.
Every new attempt to protect the city comes with its own randomly generated challenge to make each turn in this title feel different. Since Into the Breach can also be enjoyed on mobile, the game is both short and accessible no matter where a player is, allowing them to give it a go even when they only have a spare few minutes.
1 Balatro
A Strategic Deck-builder With Character
Balatro
- Released
- February 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Gambling Themes
- Developer(s)
- LocalThunk
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS
To some players' surprise, one of the best turn-based strategy games for those that only have a short amount of time to enjoy a title is a roguelite deck-building game by the name of Balatro. As a predominantly roguelite title, the game goes on for as long as the player can survive, though it is possible to win it.
Players that only have a few moments to enjoy a title can take their time at a couple of poker hands in this addictive gameplay loop. Though anyone interested in playing should be warned that they will likely find themselves so hooked they forget that they can only play Balatro for a few moments.
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