Best Free-To-Play Games With Turn-Based Combat, Ranked

While many gamers out there prefer fast-paced, high-octane action titles nowadays, others might opt for games within the genre of turn-based combat. Operating on an alternating turn-by-turn basis, they can offer a slower, more methodical experience while still being highly engaging like more action-oriented titles.

Related

8 JRPGs That Reinvented Turn-Based Combat

Turn-based combat is a cornerstone of JRPGs, but many games, such as Grandia and Super Mario RPG, have found a way to completely transform the format.

However, some players may be reluctant to pay the often hefty full-price for a game, especially if they aren’t familiar with a core gameplay element like the combat system. But, with the rising popularity of the live-service model in the industry, there is no shortage of new games out there to try that are completely free-to-play.

8

RISK: Global Domination

How About A Good Old Board Game?

Systems

Released

December 3, 2015

Developer(s)

SMG Studio

Publisher(s)

SMG Studio

Based on the classic board game with the same title, RISK: Global Domination offers the familiar turn-based strategy combat experience wrapped up in an online free-to-play package. Global Domination follows the same gameplay and rules as the traditional board game, where players control their army and must beat their opponents by conquering countries across a real-world map.

The gameplay formula for RISK is relatively simple but can offer some complex challenges along the way in both singleplayer and multiplayer modes. Containing a variety of campaigns with variations in the map layout, from simplified versions to even having maps based centuries in the future. It has a fresh, more modernized take but still remains true to its roots, offering both casual and competitive experiences — depending on the player’s preference.

7

Franzen

An Indie Steampunk JRPG Oozing With Character

• Released: September 14, 2023
• Platform(s): PC
• Developer: Scumhead
• Publisher: Scumhead
• Genre: JRPG

Released on Steam & Itch.io back in September 2023, Franzen is a small, indie-developed JRPG that is considered a sort of “hidden-gem” among its fan base. From its interesting lore to its unique steampunk aesthetic, this retro-style JRPG is dripping with unique character.

Taking place 18 years after a catastrophic event, Franzen’s dystopian world is now filled with evil creatures called “Daemon” that the player must face along the way. It’s very reminiscent of the early Final Fantasy titles, from its 16-bit graphics to its [active time battle] system.

Overall, the game is both nostalgic and charming. With a story that only lasts a few hours, it’s a perfect game to relax and play through in an afternoon.

6

Shining Force Classics

Sega’s Classic JRPG Trilogy On The Go

• Release: July 23, 2010
• Platform(s): Mobile (iOS, Android)
• Developer: Sega
• Publisher: Sega
• Genre: Retro 3D Dungeon Crawler

For those looking for something more “retro,” Shining Force Classics takes the beloved JRPG trilogy from the Sega Genesis and brings it over as a free-to-play mobile game.

The bundle itself includes two different styles of game, with the first being a 3D Dungeon-Crawler, and the other two being Top-Down RPGs (both having turn-based combat systems). While these three classic titles belong to the same broader universe, they all follow different storylines and characters, so each experience offers something unique. Perhaps the best part about Shining Force Classics is that the developers have kept faithful to the originals with only minor improvements added — like a better save system, leaderboards, and controller support.

Despite being over 30 years old now, the trilogy holds up incredibly well today and is definitely a must-play for the 16-bit-era fans out there.

5

Magic: The Gathering Arena

No More Lugging Around Playmats & Binders Of Cards

Released

September 27, 2018

Developer(s)

Wizards of the Coast, Wizards Digital Games Studios

Publisher(s)

Wizards of the Coast

Magic: The Gathering Arena is essentially the virtual version of the long-running physical card game, which can be an expensive hobby with all the deck options available. Luckily, MTG Arena offers the same card-collecting experience and turn-based combat system in a free-to-play format.

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Everything You Need to Know About Magic the Gathering Arena Mobile

An Early Access mobile version of Magic: The Gathering Arena already launched on Android and could be coming to iOS later this year.

A great aspect of Arena is that it offers different “formats” for gameplay, which can range in card options, deck size, and overall difficulty, so it can appeal to both new and veteran players alike. Not to mention its free-to-play status on both PC and mobile platforms makes it a great way for card game fans to get their Magic fix easily.

4

Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium

Perfect For The “Gun-Girl” Enthusiast

Strategy

RPG

Tactical RPG

Systems

Released

December 3, 2024

The long-awaited sequel to the original, Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium finally saw its worldwide release this past December after being exclusive to the Chinese Region for the past year. Following the events of the first game, the player takes on the role of “The Commander,” again tasked with leading a group of human-like militaristic robots known as Tactical Dolls (or “T-Dolls” for short)

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Girls’ Frontline 2 Is Good, But It Can’t Hold A Candle To XCOM

Girls’ Frontline 2 takes a lot of queues from the XCOM series, but there are so many twists in the formula that it really does feel like its own game, which is a good thing. The cover system works differently, each character has unique skills, and overall, the game is just easier (in the beginning, at least). Don’t expect a hardcore tactical experience from GFL2, but don’t dismiss it as just another XCOM clone either. 

The game features a plethora of story missions, challenges, and special events, each containing mostly PvE with optional PvP elements. The combat system focuses heavily on buffs, debuffs, and especially status effects that vary by character, making team synergy a very important part of getting through its many levels. While the theme may not be every gamers “thing,” so to speak, Girls’ Frontline 2 is a very enjoyable free-to-play game overall that even includes some surprisingly deep lore.

3

Limbus Company

A Bleak & Unique Dark-Fantasy Indie

Action

Adventure

Strategy

Systems

Released

February 26, 2023

Limbus Company’s bleak atmosphere and deep story was a bit of a surprise hit when it came out in early 2023, generating a massive playerbase that’s still growing today. The player is given the title of Executive Manager of Limbus Company, a group of sinners traversing the various districts of its dark-fantasy world known as “the City,” battling mercenaries and monstrous enemies.

Further than just its unique atmosphere and colorful cast of characters, Limbus Company’s combat system is perhaps its biggest selling point. It functions in a different way than the average turn-based system, where each sinner has their own set of skills laid out during battle — dragging across the line of skills will connect them to form a chain of powerful attacks. It makes the battle system more freeing and engaging overall, giving the player lots of options for different attack chains.

Limbus Company is a thoughtful and well-crafted game, and for those who love dark-fantasy titles, it’s free-to-play on both Steam and mobile (with cross-platform support to boot).

2

Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket

Everyone’s Favorite Creature-Collector

Systems

Released

October 30, 2024

Developer(s)

DeNA, Creatures Inc.

Adding to the long list of titles in the franchise, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket recently came to Android & iOS this past October, offering the wildly popular card game in a more approachable and accessible format.

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Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is Already a Massive Hit

Pokemon TCG Pocket hits a huge number of downloads within days, letting players worldwide open packs and chase ultra-rare cards for their collection.

The Pokemon series hardly needs an introduction at this point with how popular it’s become, and it’s only grown bigger now with TCG Pocket’s huge release. This iteration for the mobile platform provides the usual Pokemon card game experience, with a few minor changes to streamline its mechanics a bit. For example, the maximum deck size has been brought down from the usual 60 cards to 20, making each battle move much more quickly, and the overall gameplay is a bit more welcoming to newer players.

1

Honkai: Star Rail

Battle Against Alien-Like Creatures Aboard A Space Train

Systems

Released

April 26, 2023

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Honkai: Star Rail is the most recent installment in the Honkai series, featuring a colorful, eye-catching art style and having perhaps one of the most unique settings on this list. Players are put in control of up to four characters as they battle across various locations in space, starting off on the Astral Express, a large space train that has been overrun with Alien-like creatures.

Created by the same studio behind Zenless Zone Zero and Genshin Impact, Star Rail operates with similar concepts, but it instead offers explosive turn-based combat. Each character has their own strengths in combat, making team-building important while also making the game feel fresh and fun with each encounter. With its engaging story also being constantly expanded upon with free content releases, Honkai: Star Rail is a fantastic free-to-play option for those looking for a well-rounded turn-based game.

More

8 Open-World Games With The Best Turn-Based Combat, Ranked

The combination of turn-based combat and open-world environments is a special blend of strategy and exploration. Here are the best in the genre.