Turn-Based Tactics Fans Are Finally Eating Good Again

Star Wars Zero Company launches this week, with Rainbow 6 Tactics and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave on the horizon—turn-based strategy fans have never had it better.

Remember when turn-based tactics games were a rare treat? For years, XCOM has been on hiatus, and AAA titles in the genre were few and far between. But suddenly, the drought is over, and we're being spoiled rotten.

It all kicks off this week with the launch of Star Wars Zero Company. Think classic XCOM gameplay meets Clone Wars-era Star Wars storytelling. Within minutes of starting it, I got that same rush I felt the first time I played XCOM. It's a match made in heaven.

Usually, I savor tactical games like this because I know it'll be years before the next one comes along. The last XCOM-like I played was Classified: France '44, which dropped over two years ago. I loved it so much I considered replaying it just to get my fix. But no more!

As part of Gamescom Opening Night Live, Ubisoft dropped a bombshell: Rainbow 6 Tactics. This single-player tactical experience ditches the FPS action for a turn-based twist on Rainbow Six Siege. Scout with drones, breach walls, and take down enemies with precision—all in a destructible environment that'll feel right at home for Siege veterans.

And the best part? Rainbow 6 Tactics is coming to Xbox, PS5, and PC in 2027, so everyone can join the fun. But what if you don't have those platforms? Don't worry—Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave has your back. It's an RPG, sure, but it's packed with turn-based strategy goodness. Intelligent Systems is the king of the genre, and our hands-on preview shows it's absolutely loaded with content. Four protagonists, each with their own story—this could keep you busy for weeks or even months, just in time for Rainbow 6 Tactics to drop.

Patiently waiting for the next XCOM or Fire Emblem used to feel like a futile exercise. But now, the future of 'sort-of-but-not-really-chess' games looks brighter than ever. If you're as excited as I am, make sure to show up and buy these games so the genre can thrive. And hey, maybe we can convince Take-Two to greenlight XCOM 3. Pretty please?

What do you think? Are you ready to dive into this golden age of turn-based tactics?