The 5 best turn-based mobile games for iOS

By , on October 1, 2018
Last modified 5 years, 6 months ago

I think, deep down, everyone has the ability to enjoy a good turn-based game whatever their great love is. It's just about finding the best of the bunch and the right game to suit your needs.

While strategy games may revel in making you think before you shoot, it gives you a larger appreciation for the slower side of combat and management. In most cases if you charge into a room, guns a'blazing, you probably won't survive to see another sunrise… in-game.

It's all about what you choose to do in that particular moment and living with the consequences of your actions. Your decisions might lead you to victory, or they might have unforeseen effects you're not quite prepared for. That's the beauty of it.

The Banner Sagadownload on iOS

Alright, I know I mentioned The Banner Saga only a week or so ago in my strategy list, but it's hard to talk about turn-based games without pointing another finger over here. Everything about the game comes down to decision-making, one way or another.

You've got different characters to play as and upgrade, personal decisions to make across travel and conversation, and plenty of chances to change direction through your performance in combat. Oh, YES.

My first dance with the game I didn't really heed that warning and I lost a pretty crucial character straight off the bat. A couple of years later I'm still mad at myself for not taking the time to properly plan out my battles. Sure, I could've restarted the game, but I ain't a coward.

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XCOM: Enemy Withindownload on iOS

As a standalone to the much-loved XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Enemy Within basically gives you the familiar flavour of XCOM with a few added bits and bobs. Enjoy new enemies, maps, soldiers, abilities, missions, and more.

Defend your headquarters from an alien invasion using the correct mixture of face-melting tactics and a little bit of resource management. Supplies aren't endless, y'know? To get a leg-up on the competition you can make genetic modifications to your soldiers and stick them in mechanised cybersuits.

The multiplayer mode has had a bit of a tidy, letting you build up your perfect squad, before taking part in intense 1v1, turn-based combat. If you're looking for an awesome game with as much substance as style, you're well sorted here.

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The Battle of Polytopiadownload on iOS

The Battle of Polytopia is a striking, top-down, turn-based strategy game with one very simple goal: rule the world. Are you ready? Do you have your fingers twiddling and your maniacal laugh a'bubbling? I'm joking, of course. You're the good guy in this situation.

Choose which tribe is your favourite and take down the evil enemy A.I.s in your journey across the world. You'll unlock new skills, discover different lands, build epic cities, and explore a variety of environments.

That sounds straight forward, but it's a bit trickier than that. The more cities you have, the more they'll cost and the higher your chance of attack. But, ooo, it's good fun.

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Warbitsdownload on iOS

Command a variety of troops in this colourful war game to repel an invading enemy. As you sit and think there are several factors you need to consider, including whatever mode you fancy playing and your troops' differing strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you want to play against people online, in Campaign mode, Challenge mode, or against others in tag matches, you've got plenty of missions to play through to show your worth. If you've not yet had the chance you play it, you really won't regret it.

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Warhammer Quest 2download on iOS

Warhammer Quest 2 is a turn-based dungeon crawler which requires cunning and serious strategy as you face a number of curious baddies. You can't just wave your sword about like a fly swatter and hope for the best. No, that's a pretty effective way to die prematurely.

Take on giant spiders, horrific beasts, and all sorts of freaky enemies as you work through the dungeons and hunt for wealth and fame. You can also barter in markets if you've had enough of deep, dark pits for the day, level up your fighter, and take on new quests.

With a similar feel to the original Warhammer Quest, you'll have a ball as you battle your enemies with arrows, swords, ice and fire magic, magical staffs, flaming hammers, and whatever else you can get your hands on.

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