Best Turn-Based Games With Online Co-Op

Turn-based combat is frequently used in strategy and tactics games. RPGs, especially, often include turn-based combat systems, likely due to them having roots in turn-based tabletop RPGs. However, due to their slow and methodical nature, turn-based games are often single-player experiences.

This topic aims to give a broad and varied selection of turn-based games that can be played in both solo and online co-op. Although there are a handful of turn-based RPGs here, there should be something for everyone.

Updated November 22, 2024, by Harry Ted Sprinks: Turn-based games are wildly popular on Steam and can cover a variety of genres. Strategy and tactics games, RPGs, and the sub-genres within them all frequently feature turn-based combat. Due to the slower-paced nature of turn-based games, however, they rarely feature co-op. However, some games, such as For The King (which is arguably better than its 2023 sequel) and the sandbox RPG, Wartales, allow players to explore and fight turn-based battles as a team. The combination of turn-based gameplay and online co-op provides a unique experience that allows players to work together in a low-stress environment.

12 Wargroove

A Modern Adaptation Of Advance Wars

This wonderfully retro turn-based tactics game features colorful pixel art and tactical gameplay reminiscent of Advance Wars. The game features a variety of factions and a level editor, as well as competitive and cooperative online multiplayer.

Wargroove is a fairly straightforward game that’s quick and easy to learn, but there’s plenty of strategy to be had in both its PvP and PvE modes. The game’s extensive level editor even allows players to create their own campaigns, which can be shared with friends and enjoyed together.

11 Gloomhaven

A Turn-Based, Co-Op RPG

This turn-based, tactical dungeon-crawler is an adaptation of the wildly popular tabletop game of the same name. This adaptation is faithful to its source material, successfully bringing the fluid card-based combat and RPG mechanics of the board game to a digital audience.

Best of all, Gloomhaven‘s digital version can be enjoyed in online co-op with up to four players. Although Gloomhaven can be played solo, it’s arguably much more fun when played with friends, and the game features an abundance of story missions that should keep players busy for a good while.

10 Wasteland 3

Explore A Frozen Colorado

This sequel to 2014’s Wasteland 2 sees players adventuring through a post-apocalyptic, frozen Colorado, controlling a party of rangers as they take on dangerous missions, make and break allegiances, and work towards one of the game’s various endings.

Wasteland 3 is a joy to play solo, but the game’s online co-op is well-integrated, with its only downside being the small handful of known bugs that can sometimes interrupt play sessions. Co-op is also a fun way to shake up the experience for returning players, and a great way to introduce friends to turn-based RPGs.

9 For The King

A Simple, Low-Poly Strategy Game

This simplistic game features a vibrant, colorful, low-poly art style, a solid soundtrack, and gameplay that feels like a tabletop game. Although this game does have a sequel, For The King 2 received mixed reviews, making the original a much safer bet at the time of writing.

For The King sees players taking turns moving their characters around an overworld map, taking on quests and visiting unique locations on the way. Players can expect to battle it out in a variety of turn-based combat encounters, mini-dungeons, and climactic boss fights. For The King is a solid experience with a lot of customization options, allowing players to tailor the game to their needs. For The King’s only downside is its party size of three, meaning duos will have to choose who gets control of the extra character, and groups larger than three won’t be able to play together.

8 Jagged Alliance 3

Squad-Based, Mercenary Tactics

Jagged Alliance 3 is a turn-based, co-operative RPG with deeply tactical combat. The game features a military theme and tasks players with managing a band of mercenaries in and out of combat. The game can be played solo or in online co-op with up to two players.

Jagged Alliance 3 features a large variety of mercenaries for players to hire and equip, each featuring their own personalities that make them feel unique. Furthermore, Jagged Alliance 3 features an abundance of loot and perks for players to customize their mercenaries with.

7 Inkbound

A Unique Experience From The Team Behind Monster Train

This turn-based tactics roguelike features a charming cartoon art style, powerful item synergies to discover, and a unique take on turn-based combat and online co-op. Despite having left Early Access, Inkbound is still receiving support from its developers.

In Inkbound, players explore the world in real-time, and can even take turns simultaneously in combat, allowing players to control the pace of the game to fit their group’s playstyle. This approach also means that easier combat encounters can take no time at all for skilled players, while players can slow down and deliberate over strategic choices in the more challenging scenarios.

6 Across The Obelisk

A Deck-Building Roguelite For Up To Four Players

This turn-based deck-building roguelite is clearly designed to be played in online co-op. Throughout the game, players make joint decisions in the game’s overworld and take turns in traditional turn-based combat across a variety of encounters.

Across The Obelisk plays similarly to games such as Slay The Spire, but its multitude of characters and party size of four, as well as its inclusion of online co-op, help it to stand out from Mega Crit’s indie hit. Across The Obelisk can be played with up to three other players, features a lot of variety, and has light RPG mechanics that add some much-needed depth to the game, boosting its replay value even further.

5 Wartales

Managing A Mercenary Company In A Dark, Gritty World

This turn-based tactics sandbox tasks players with leading and managing a mercenary company in a dark medieval universe. Wartales plays very similarly to other sandbox mercenary RPGs such as Battle Brothers, but its 3D visuals and online co-op help it to stand out.

Wartales is perfectly fun when played alone, but the game’s online co-op mode allows players to adventure with friends. Players can explore the world of Wartales with up to three others, allowing them to share resources with one another.

4 Pit People

A Tongue-In-Cheek Adventure

This 2D turn-based adventure game was developed by The Behemoth, the team behind such arcade indie classics as Castle Crashers and Battleblock Theater. The game features Behemoth’s classic cartoon art style and humor and is arguably one of Behemoth’s most underrated games.

Pit People doesn’t take itself seriously at all, nor is it a particularly challenging game. Instead, it’s a unique and adventurous journey with some talented voice work, polished mechanics, and a solid turn-based combat system.

3 Divinity: Original Sin 2

An RPG Where Teamwork Matters

This incredibly deep and complex RPG features a great narrative told throughout a long campaign, fleshed-out characters, and well-crafted environments. The variety of locations in Divinity: Original Sin 2, and the environments within, are not only impressive to look at but integral to the gameplay.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 features a variety of elemental and environmental effects that work in tandem with each other, forcing players to pay close attention to their surroundings in combat to make the most out of their elemental attacks. This focus on elements and environment won’t be for every RPG fan, let alone every player, and the game’s long-winded tutorial area makes the game a slow-burner at first. However, Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers plenty of opportunities for cooperative teamwork and synergy.

2 Wildermyth

An Organic Roleplaying Experience

This procedurally generated, story-driven RPG features a charming 2D, hand-drawn aesthetic and a tabletop-RPG-style combat system that’s as easy to learn as it is strategic. Wildermyth has players fighting off a variety of villainous creatures in a bid to defend the surrounding land, either in single-player or in online co-op.

Players will build characters that each have their own interpersonal relationships with the party, allowing for a lot of organic storytelling and emergent gameplay. Thanks to its online co-op, Wildermyth is arguably one of the best roleplaying experiences in video games.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

A Fantasy Epic

This deep and complex RPG from developers Larian Studios (the team behind Divinity: Original Sin 2) is packed with content. The game features a long and well-written narrative that features endless variations and branching paths that make each playthrough of the game extremely unique.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has enough content to keep one player satisfied for a long time, but the addition of online co-op allows Baldur’s Gate 3 to evoke similar feelings to that of a tabletop RPG, allowing players to adventure through the world and experience the game’s rich story together.