In the realm of mobile gaming, turn-based RPGs offer a splendid fusion of strategic depth and captivating storytelling, perfect for those who relish plotting their next move with care.
This article showcases the 17 best turn-based RPG games for Android and iOS, providing a diverse array of worlds to explore, characters to meet, and battles to win, all at the pace that suits you best. Prepare to embark on epic quests and adventures, right from your pocket. And I can also suggest you to explore the Best Multiplayer Turn-Based Games.
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions is a masterclass in turn-based strategy RPGs, deserving attention for its intricate plot and deep tactical gameplay.
Originally released in 1997 and remastered for mobile platforms, this game has stood the test of time, captivating audiences with its story of political intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for power in the kingdom of Ivalice. Players navigate through complex battles on grid-based maps, where strategic positioning and thoughtful unit management are key to victory.
What sets this game apart is its richly developed characters and the impact of choices on the game’s progression. The remastered version boasts updated graphics that enhance the original’s charming sprite-based characters and detailed environments, giving it a timeless appeal.
Its popularity remains high, thanks to a compelling narrative and gameplay that encourages strategic thinking. The quality of its graphics, coupled with the depth of its tactical elements, makes it a must-play for fans of the genre.
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Fire Emblem Heroes
Fire Emblem Heroes, launched in 2017, brings the beloved Fire Emblem series to mobile devices in a format that’s both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for veterans. The game features characters from across the Fire Emblem universe, allowing players to summon and build teams to take on turn-based battles across a variety of maps.
The main plot revolves around the conflict between the Emblian Empire and the Askran Kingdom, with players stepping into the role of a summoner.
What makes Fire Emblem Heroes remarkable is its successful adaptation of the Fire Emblem formula to a mobile format, offering short, engaging battles perfect for on-the-go gaming. The game’s graphics are a high point, with vibrant character designs and animations that stay true to the series’ aesthetic.
Its popularity is undeniable, with a large, active player base and frequent updates adding new characters and content. This enduring appeal, combined with the game’s strategic depth and visual quality, makes it a standout title in the mobile RPG space.
XCOM: Enemy Within
XCOM: Enemy Within, an expansion to the acclaimed XCOM: Enemy Unknown, was released in 2013 and stands as a paragon of turn-based strategy RPGs. It commands attention for its intricate blend of base building, squad management, and tactical combat.
Set in a near-future Earth under threat from extraterrestrial forces, players lead the clandestine organization XCOM to fend off an alien invasion, making crucial decisions that affect the outcome of the war and the survival of humanity.
The game is remarkable for its deep strategic layer, where players manage resources, research alien technology, and customize their operatives, coupled with intense, tactical turn-based battles that require foresight and adaptability. The graphics are a high point, providing detailed environments and character models that enhance the immersive experience.
Its enduring popularity can be attributed to the game’s challenging gameplay, compelling narrative, and the satisfaction derived from executing successful missions against high odds. The quality of its execution and its significant impact on the strategy genre underscore why XCOM: Enemy Within remains a must-play title years after its release.
Banner Saga
Banner Saga, released in 2014, is a turn-based RPG that stands out for its breathtaking hand-drawn visuals and a story that changes based on player decisions.
Set in a Viking-inspired fantasy world facing an apocalyptic threat, players lead a caravan of characters, making tough choices that affect the story and the survival of their people. The game’s combat is strategic, requiring careful consideration of character positions and abilities.
The remarkable aspect of Banner Saga is its narrative depth and the emotional weight of its decision-making, combined with its stunning art style that brings the world and its inhabitants to life.
The game has garnered a strong following for its unique blend of storytelling, strategy, and visual artistry, making it a standout experience in the turn-based RPG genre. Its popularity is a testament to the game’s quality and its ability to engage players in a deep, evolving story.
Knights of Pen & Paper +1
Knights of Pen & Paper +1, launched in 2012, is a turn-based RPG that commands attention for its original concept and charming presentation. This game invites players into a meta-world where they both play as characters in a classic RPG and as the players controlling those characters, sitting around a table guided by a game master.
The setting cleverly simulates a tabletop RPG experience, complete with dice rolls, character sheets, and the imaginative power of a pen-and-paper game.
What makes Knights of Pen & Paper +1 truly remarkable is its humorous take on traditional RPG tropes, blended with a deep and engaging turn-based combat system that rewards strategic thinking. The game’s pixel art graphics and nostalgic references make it a visual treat, offering a unique aesthetic that captures the heart of old-school gaming with a modern twist.
Despite its age, Knights of Pen & Paper +1 has maintained popularity for its innovative approach to the genre, combining the best elements of tabletop and video gaming. The quality of its gameplay, combined with its graphical charm and the novelty of its concept, makes it a standout title worth exploring for fans of turn-based RPGs seeking something refreshingly different.
The Quest
The Quest, initially released in 2006 and later remastered for modern platforms, is a turn-based RPG that harkens back to the classic era of grid-based dungeon crawlers. Players are thrust into the open world of the Kingdom of Monares, tasked with solving a mysterious disappearance that soon unravels into a deeper conspiracy.
What sets The Quest apart is its open-world exploration, allowing players to tackle challenges at their own pace, and its hand-drawn art that gives the game a distinctive, nostalgic look.
The gameplay involves classic elements of character customization, spell casting, and turn-based combat, appealing to both old-school RPG aficionados and newcomers.
The graphics, with their unique hand-drawn style, stand out in a sea of modern 3D games, offering a visually compelling reason to explore its expansive world. Its popularity among RPG fans is a testament to its engaging gameplay and artistic charm, making The Quest a timeless adventure that continues to attract players with its blend of traditional mechanics and distinctive aesthetic.
Darkest Dungeon
Released in 2016, Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based RPG that distinguishes itself with its dark, gothic atmosphere and the innovative management of heroes’ stress levels.
Players inherit a decrepit estate, from which they recruit and manage a roster of heroes to explore dungeons below. The game’s core idea revolves around not just fighting monsters but also battling the psychological stresses that come with adventuring.
Darkest Dungeon is lauded for its challenging gameplay that forces players to make difficult decisions regarding their team’s health, sanity, and composition. Its hand-drawn art style captures the bleak and oppressive mood perfectly, making every expedition feel like a genuine struggle for survival.
The game has garnered a strong following for its unforgiving difficulty, complex character management, and the unique emphasis on psychological stress as a gameplay mechanic. Its popularity is well-deserved, offering a deeply strategic and emotionally taxing experience that stands out in the crowded RPG genre for its originality and compelling execution.
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, released in 2018, offers a distinct turn-based strategy experience that diverges from traditional RPGs, centering on the card game made popular by The Witcher series of video games.
In Gwent, players collect cards featuring characters, spells, and abilities from the Witcher universe, then battle against opponents in strategic matches that require foresight, cunning, and a bit of luck. The game is set in the richly detailed world of The Witcher, adding layers of lore for fans of the series while remaining accessible to newcomers.
What sets Gwent apart is its emphasis on skill over chance. Unlike many card games where luck can heavily sway the outcome, Gwent challenges players to outthink their opponents with strategic card placement, deck building, and the timely use of special abilities. Its gameplay is both deep and rewarding, offering a multitude of strategies and styles.
The graphics in Gwent are notably high quality, with beautifully illustrated cards and immersive, animated battlefields that bring the duels to life. Its popularity has grown thanks to its association with The Witcher series, but also because of its strategic gameplay, which has attracted a dedicated community of players.
Gwent is a testament to how a card game spin-off can stand on its own as a compelling title in the turn-based strategy genre, offering a fresh and engaging experience that is both challenging and visually stunning.
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Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2, released in 2017, is an exemplary turn-based RPG known for its deep narrative, rich character development, and innovative gameplay.
Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, players embark on a quest for freedom and salvation, either alone or with up to three companions. The game is celebrated for its unparalleled freedom in character creation and progression, allowing players to interact with the world and its inhabitants in complex and meaningful ways.
The hallmark of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is its emphasis on player choice, with a narrative that adapts to the decisions made, leading to a truly personalized experience. The combat system is equally commendable, requiring tactical nous and the creative use of the environment to overcome challenges.
The graphics are stunning, with beautifully realized landscapes and detailed character models that enhance immersion. Its critical acclaim and popularity among RPG enthusiasts are well-deserved, making it one of the most celebrated games in its genre for its scope, depth, and engaging gameplay.
SteamWorld Heist
SteamWorld Heist, launched in 2015, is a turn-based strategy RPG that distinguishes itself with its unique setting and gameplay mechanics. Set in a steampunk universe inhabited by robots, players captain a crew of steam-powered pirates, embarking on a space adventure that involves boarding, looting, and battling enemy ships.
Unlike traditional turn-based games, SteamWorld Heist introduces precision shooting mechanics, where players manually aim their weapons during combat, adding a layer of skill and strategy.
What makes SteamWorld Heist noteworthy is its combination of strategy RPG elements with action-packed shooting, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game’s charming 2D graphics and distinct art style contribute to its appeal, creating a whimsical yet immersive world that’s engaging to explore.
Its popularity stems from its innovative gameplay, captivating setting, and the strategic depth of its combat system. SteamWorld Heist has received widespread acclaim for its originality, polished mechanics, and engaging narrative, making it a must-play for fans looking for something out of the ordinary in the turn-based strategy space.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, first released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and later adapted for mobile platforms, stands as a seminal work in the turn-based RPG genre. The game tells the epic tale of a hero and his companions on a quest to defeat an evil sorcerer who has cursed the kingdom.
What makes Dragon Quest VIII particularly compelling is its rich narrative, expansive world, and the depth of its character development, allowing players to form a deep emotional connection with the game’s characters.
The gameplay blends traditional turn-based combat with exploration and puzzle-solving, set in a beautifully crafted world. The game’s graphics were groundbreaking at its initial release, with vibrant, cel-shaded animations that have aged gracefully, maintaining their charm in the mobile adaptation.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and impact, offering a blend of engaging storylines, challenging combat, and immersive gameplay experiences. Dragon Quest VIII remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its storytelling, game design, and the role it has played in defining the JRPG genre.
Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Battle Chasers: Nightwar, released in 2017, revitalizes the turn-based RPG genre with its engaging gameplay, deep narrative, and stunning visuals.
Inspired by the Battle Chasers comic book series, the game features a group of heroes venturing into a mysterious land filled with ancient evils and powerful magic. The story captivates with its blend of fantasy elements and a plot that unravels mysteries at every turn.
Noteworthy for its strategic combat system, Battle Chasers: Nightwar requires players to think ahead and utilize each character’s unique abilities effectively. The game also features crafting, dungeon exploring with procedurally generated layouts, and a robust fishing minigame, adding layers of content that enrich the overall experience.
The graphics are particularly impressive, with beautifully detailed environments and character animations that bring the world to life. Its popularity among fans and critics alike speaks to its quality as a modern classic in the RPG genre, offering a satisfying and visually spectacular adventure.
Ticket to Earth
Ticket to Earth, launched in 2017, offers a unique twist on the turn-based RPG genre by combining tactical grid-based combat with puzzle-solving elements.
Set on a distant planet facing social collapse, the game tells the story of a group of heroes fighting for justice and survival in a world teeming with corruption and danger. The narrative is engaging, with a strong focus on character development and plot twists that keep players invested in the outcome.
The gameplay is innovative, requiring players to navigate grids and match tiles to power up their characters’ abilities during combat. This mechanic adds a strategic layer to battles, making each encounter both a test of wits and tactical skill.
The graphics are vibrant and stylized, capturing the game’s futuristic setting and diverse cast of characters with flair. Ticket to Earth has gained recognition for its original gameplay and compelling story, marking it as a standout title for players looking for an RPG with a fresh gameplay mechanic and a story that challenges conventional genre tropes.
Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times
Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times, released in 2017, plunges players into the dark and tumultuous world of Warhammer Fantasy. The game is a strategic turn-based RPG that combines dungeon crawling with intricate tactical combat.
Set against the backdrop of the End Times, a period of cataclysmic destruction in the Warhammer world, players lead a band of heroes on perilous quests through dungeons filled with enemies, traps, and treasure.
What makes Warhammer Quest 2 noteworthy is its faithful adaptation of the Warhammer universe into a mobile format, offering detailed environments and challenging gameplay that requires strategic planning and skillful management of resources and character abilities.
The game’s graphics are impressive, with detailed character models and atmospheric dungeon designs that enhance the immersive experience of exploring the Warhammer world. Its popularity among Warhammer fans and RPG enthusiasts alike is well-deserved, thanks to its engaging gameplay, rich lore, and high-quality visuals.
Warhammer Quest 2 stands out as a compelling adventure for anyone interested in strategic RPGs and the dark fantasy of the Warhammer universe.
Disgaea 1 Complete
Disgaea 1 Complete, released in 2018, is a remastered version of the original Disgaea game, a classic that has defined a unique niche within the turn-based strategy RPG genre. Set in the Netherworld, a realm of demons and chaos, the story revolves around Laharl, the prince of the Netherworld, who embarks on a quest to reclaim his throne after a long slumber.
The game is celebrated for its over-the-top characters, humor, and complex tactical battles that allow for almost limitless character leveling and customization.
The remaster enhances the original with beautifully updated graphics that bring its characters and worlds to life with vibrant colors and improved animations. Disgaea 1 Complete’s gameplay is deep and engaging, offering hundreds of hours of content through its main story and side quests.
Its popularity persists due to its unique blend of humor, strategic depth, and the sheer scale of customization options available to players. This game is a must-play for fans of the genre looking for a mix of comedy, strategy, and the opportunity to dive into a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet offers serious depth.
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire, released in 2019, is a groundbreaking game that combines elements of turn-based strategy RPGs with deck-building mechanics to create a wholly unique gaming experience. Players ascend the Spire, a structure filled with increasingly difficult enemies and bosses, by crafting and refining a deck of cards that represent attacks, defenses, and skills.
The game is remarkable for its innovative gameplay that encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, with each run through the Spire offering a new set of challenges and rewards based on the cards and relics you collect.
The graphics in Slay the Spire are stylized and minimalist, perfectly complementing the game’s mechanics by keeping the focus on strategy and decision-making. Its popularity has soared among gamers who appreciate its challenging gameplay, endless replayability, and the satisfaction of building powerful card combinations.
Slay the Spire has not only gained a dedicated following but has also influenced the development of other games in the genre, marking it as a modern classic that has redefined expectations for turn-based strategy and deck-building games.
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Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler, released in 2018, is a turn-based RPG that pays homage to classic RPGs while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics. Set in the enchanting land of Orsterra, the game follows the interwoven stories of eight travelers, each with their own unique backgrounds, motivations, and skills.
What distinguishes Octopath Traveler is its ‘Path Action’ system, which allows each character to interact with the game’s world in unique ways, and its striking ‘HD-2D’ graphical style that blends 16-bit-style character sprites and textures with polygonal environments and high-definition effects.
The gameplay of Octopath Traveler is deep and engaging, offering players the freedom to explore the world and tackle challenges in multiple ways, depending on the composition of their party and their approach to problem-solving. The game’s graphics are a visual feast, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Octopath Traveler has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling, gameplay, and visual design, becoming a beloved title among fans of the genre for its charm, strategic depth, and the compelling narratives of its diverse cast of characters.
