Top 12 Tactical RPGs of the Last Decade – The Perfect Recipe for Sleep Deprivation

Greetings, fellow sleep-deprived gamers! Today, we’ll be diving into the wonderful world of tactical RPGs that have captivated and enslaved us over the past decade. We’ve got a delectable smorgasbord of games that have turned our brains into tactical mush and our social lives into myths. So, grab your +5 Armor of Comfiness and your Potion of Caffeine, and let’s explore the top 12 tactical RPGs that have been the bane of productivity for the past 10 years!

1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019)

The Fire Emblem series has been a staple in the tactical RPG genre, and Three Houses has only solidified its reputation. With an engaging story, countless hours of gameplay, and the ever-present fear of accidentally losing a favorite character, you’ll wonder where your life went as you strategize your way to victory. Remember, friends don’t let friends play on Classic mode without tissues.

2. Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)

Have you ever wanted to play a game where you can talk to animals, set puddles on fire, and argue with your friends over which of you is the worst tactician? Well, look no further! Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers a rich and immersive world, with endless possibilities for character customization and enough humor to make even the grumpiest troll chuckle.

3. XCOM 2 (2016)

The stakes have never been higher, and neither has your blood pressure! XCOM 2 is a masterclass in turn-based strategy, pitting humanity against an insidious alien threat. With randomly generated maps and permadeath, you’ll quickly learn to fear the dreaded phrase “95% chance to hit.” Trust us, it never ends well.

4. Into the Breach (2018)

This pocket-sized gem from the creators of FTL is like chess on steroids, but with mechs, time travel, and giant bugs. Into the Breach is deceptively simple and fiendishly addictive, making it the perfect game for those late-night “just one more turn” binges.

5. The Banner Saga Trilogy (2014-2018)

Combining stunning hand-drawn visuals, deep tactical combat, and a heart-wrenching story, The Banner Saga trilogy is the ultimate Viking fantasy. Just be prepared for the emotional roller coaster, because these games will make you care about your characters and then promptly stomp on your heart like a drunken berserker.

6. Darkest Dungeon (2016)

If you like your tactical RPGs with a side of eldritch horror and a generous helping of stress-induced madness, Darkest Dungeon is the game for you. With its gritty art style and unforgiving mechanics, this dungeon crawler will have you questioning your sanity… and your ability to keep your heroes alive.

7. Shadowrun: Dragonfall (2014)

Cyberpunk meets high fantasy in this enthralling tactical RPG. Shadowrun: Dragonfall’s rich world, intriguing story, and challenging gameplay will have you hooked faster than a decker can say “matrix run.” Plus, who doesn’t want to play as a gun-toting, magic-wielding troll with a cybernetic arm?

8. Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle (2017)

With its quirky humor, colorful visuals, and surprisingly deep tactical gameplay, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle will make you wonder why these two franchises didn’t join forces sooner. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until a Rabbid Luigi inadvertently blows up your entire team.

9. Gears Tactics (2020)

Take cover! The Gears of War franchise enters the tactical RPG arena with Gears Tactics, bringing its signature brutal combat and chainsaw-wielding action to the turn-based battlefield. The game combines intense firefights with strategic planning, ensuring your brain gets a workout while your heart races in anticipation. Just don’t forget to duck!

10. Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark (2019)

A love letter to the classic tactical RPGs of yore, Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark boasts a deep class system, engaging story, and challenging combat that will make you feel like you’re playing an upgraded version of your favorite game from the ’90s. Nostalgia never looked so good!

11. Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden (2018)

What do you get when you cross post-apocalyptic Earth, anthropomorphic animals, and tactical RPG gameplay? The answer is Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden. This unique game combines real-time stealth with turn-based combat, creating an immersive and tense experience that will have you carefully planning every move. Plus, you get to play as a wisecracking mutant duck. What’s not to love?

12. WarGroove (2019)

Do you miss the days of Advance Wars? WarGroove is here to fill the void with its charming pixel art, robust map editor, and challenging tactical gameplay. Unleash your inner warlord and command adorable armies to conquer the world, all while tapping your foot to an infectious soundtrack. The only thing cuter than the art style is the satisfaction of crushing your enemies beneath your pixelated boot.

There you have it, folks – our top 12 tactical RPGs of the last decade! Whether you’re a seasoned tactician or a newcomer to the genre, these games offer countless hours of brain-teasing, heart-pounding, and sleep-depriving fun. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some enemies to vanquish and worlds to save. Just one more turn, we promise…