5 strategy mobile games for iOS that play as good as they look

By , on September 17, 2018
Last modified 2 years, 3 months ago

Updated 30th November 2021. Original post by Emily Sowden, updated by Himanshu Cheeta

When it comes to strategy games, there is a huge variety on the app stores.; it becomes very difficult to choose a specific title. There is a myth that the majority of strategy games do not have good visuals. But it is not true because even strategy games can have astounding graphics. Fortunately, this article will feature the top 5 games with the best visuals and gameplay experience.

Strategy games generally tend to involve the player completely, and so it needs focus and concentration because you have to brainstorm ideas to progress. They are quite helpful for improving the strategizing part of your mind. Sometimes it might be a bit challenging to complete a level or progress, but that's what makes it fun to play.

So here is a list of the best five strategy games that you can enjoy on iOS without having to wade through a sea of titles on the App Store.

1. Bad North: Jotunn Edition

Bad North is a very clever mix of RTS, tower defense, and roguelike elements, all merged together to form a much more exciting game to play. As the player, you will have to protect your island inhabitants from enemies through strategic planning to engage the appropriate troops for battle. The game has excellent visuals and graphics backed by a smooth gameplay experience, which becomes more enjoyable as you play. The islands in the game are systematically generated, which keeps the game interesting..

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2. Invisible, Inc.

Most people might have already played or heard of Don't Starve and Oxygen Not Included, both which were developed by Klei. Invisible, Inc. is another of the brilliant titles made by Klei, where players will participate in a turn-based strategy arena with stealth being a major part while completing missions and commissions.

The graphics are excellent and will remind you of a very similar but famous title, Cyberpunk but don't mistake it for having a similar gameplay style. Every move you make will be important, so you need to be accurate with your decisions.

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3. Crying Suns

Crying Suns takes place in the emptiness of outer space. This game is a tactical rogue-lite where you play as a space fleet commander and explore an unknowingly fallen empire. Even the game's story is very intriguing, with fantastic battle layouts and other in-game aspects, making it an excellent strategy game to play and enjoy.

This game tests your sense of exploration by including a new dark tactical gameplay style that will keep you busy.

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4. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

The Final Fantasy franchise has been a part of the gaming community for a long time now with various titles under their roof, and it's no different with Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions. This game will feature the enemies present in the original title alongside some new and fresh additions.

Being from a legendary franchise, the gameplay experience and visuals are outstanding, but the controls might bother some players as they are a bit on the smaller side. But if you are ok with smaller buttons and want to experience some good Final Fantasy action, you are in the right place.

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5. XCOM: Enemy Within

XCOM was originally made for PCs and proved to be one of the best and most refined squad-based strategy games out there. Players can experience intense turn-based battles executed in an excellent 3D engine. Most of it is identical to the game’s PC version, and all the elements will be very familiar if you have played it there. A smaller screen might have some effect on gameplay, but it's not a deal-breaker.

The mobile version XCOM: Enemy Within does not compromise anything. Missions, resources, equipment, and storyline are best if we compare them to other games. It is a game worth playing on iOS.

Download from the App Store.

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