The turn-based combat genre offers a treasure trove of strategy and tactical depth, but often the most popular games overshadow some hidden gems. If you’re looking for fresh experiences that challenge your strategic mind, here are five turn-based combat games that might have slipped under your radar:

1. Deep Sky Derelicts

Deep Sky Derelicts is a unique blend of turn-based combat, deck-building, and roguelike elements set in a gritty sci-fi universe. Players take control of a team of scavengers exploring derelict ships in space, battling enemies using a card-based system that adds unpredictability to every encounter. With its distinct comic-book-style art and a compelling atmosphere, this game offers a fresh take on tactical combat.

2. Nitro Kid

Nitro Kid merges turn-based strategy with retro aesthetics, creating a unique cyberpunk experience. Set in a neon-soaked city, the game puts you in control of martial artists who must battle enemies using grid-based tactics. The combination of roguelike mechanics and a synthwave soundtrack makes it a standout for players who enjoy both tactical gameplay and a nostalgic 80s vibe.

3. Paths & Danger

This indie title offers a more traditional turn-based strategy experience, focusing on medieval combat and narrative-driven gameplay. Paths & Danger challenges players to lead a group of adventurers through perilous quests, emphasizing tactical planning and decision-making. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two playthroughs are the same, offering a fresh challenge with each new game.

4. Urtuk: The Desolation

Urtuk: The Desolation takes place in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world where survival is paramount. The game features brutal, turn-based combat where every decision can mean the difference between life and death. With its unique hand-drawn visuals and deep tactical mechanics, Urtuk offers a challenging and rewarding experience for fans of the genre looking for something darker and more intense.

5. Dead Age 2

Blending survival horror with turn-based combat, Dead Age 2 thrusts players into a zombie apocalypse where managing a group of survivors is just as important as battling the undead. The game combines resource management, decision-making, and strategic combat in a way that keeps you constantly on edge. Its non-linear story and multiple endings ensure that each playthrough offers something new, making it a perfect choice for fans of both turn-based strategy and survival games.

These five games showcase the diversity and depth that the turn-based combat genre has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to sci-fi, medieval settings, or apocalyptic worlds, there’s something here for every strategy enthusiast. So, if you’re ready to dive into some lesser-known titles that deliver strategic thrills, these games are well worth your time.