Turn-based strategy games have a slower pace than real-time strategy games, but that's part of their appeal. You can take your time to think and react to other player's moves.
If you want to enjoy some fun turn-based strategy games, we've got you sorted with a round-up of browser-based and downloadable titles. These are the best free turn-based strategy games that you can play right now.
1. Freeciv
Founded in 1996, the Freeciv project is one of the oldest and most well-regarded free turn-based strategy games ever released. It's an incredibly rich game that evolves constantly thanks to being open-source. You can download the game, or play it online at Freeciv-web.
The project began the same year Civilization II released, so it's little surprise that Freeciv largely replicates the style of that game. It retains the older 2D graphics (though there is a 3D WebGL version) and many features, such as the simplified combat system. This will be advantageous to some; the direction of the Civilization series since Civilization II isn't universally loved.
Are you a Civilization fan? Then here's how to play Civilization on your smartphone.
2. Freeorion
Taking inspiration from Freeciv, Freeorion is a project that attempts to replicate the glory of the original Masters of Orion. After the introduction of the universally panned third entry into the series, the franchise wobbled. It's understandable that a free project would begin.
Freeorion hasn't been around nearly as long as Freeciv, but it's still an excellent choice if you like turn-based space strategy games. The style is very reminiscent of the first two Orion games, except with a crisp, high-resolution interface.
3. MegaMek
This downloadable game is a recreation of the classic BattleTech board game. In MegaMek, you command a number of huge, hulking warrior machines in battle against an opposing force of the same. You have a number of lasers and missiles at your disposal.
MegaMek includes an AI opponent for offline play, and it's reasonably competent, but the real fun of MegaMek is the online multiplayer.
BattleTech is fun to play, but like most complex board games, it can get bogged down under the weight of its own rules. With the computer handling the complexity in MegaMek, you’re free to play the game and pay attention to your battalion of machines.
4. Battle for Wesnoth
Battle for Wesnoth is a free turn-based strategy game with a high fantasy campaign that spans many centuries, set across the land and sea. It features quests like reclaiming a throne or uncovering magical jewels. Once you're done with the game's missions, you can download lots of community-created campaigns.
There's also an excellent online mode, where you can choose between seven factions and battle friends and strangers in over 50 maps. You can even create your own map and take it online.
5. Colonist
If you like turn-based strategy games, you've likely played the board game Settlers of Catan. Colonist is a free web alternative to that built in HTML5, so it will work on your desktop, smartphone, and tablet. You could even play this board game over Zoom!
In the game, you control a colonist and your aim is to build a civilization and expand your territory. Build settlements, gain points, and avoid attacks from enemies. You can either play solo against the computer, or battle it out against others online.
6. Geopolitics
Geopolitics is your classic real-time strategy game that's all about conquering the world. You begin with control of a capital which generates gold. You then need to use this gold to buy an army and occupy nearby provinces to expand your power.
Geopolitics isn't groundbreaking, but it's simple, fun, and has a nice charm thanks to its pixel art. As an added bonus, it runs entirely in your browser and requires no download.
7. Remnants of the Precursors
Remnants of the Precursors is another free real-time strategy game that clones the features of the 1993 classic Master of Orion. This is a downloadable game that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
In Remnants of the Precursors, you choose your alien race and then lead it to galaxy domination. You do this through developing technology, exploring space, and colonizing where you can. Come for the fun animal/space hybrid artwork, stay for the deep strategy.
8. RISK: Global Domination
The Risk board game has been around in various forms since 1957. RISK: Global Domination is a free-to-play version that you can grab from Steam. In case you don't know, in Risk you need to control all the territories on the map and take down the other players as you do so.
This version features multiple modes, like single player and online multiplayer, over 40 maps, numerous scenarios, and various difficulty settings to adjust to your play style. It also links in with the excellent board game app for Android and iPhone.
9. Tactical Monsters Rumble Arena
If you're after a more lighthearted turn-based strategy game, then Tactical Monsters Rumble Arena is for you. It pits monsters like Medusa, Frankenstein, and Bigfoot against one another in matches that last between three and five minutes.
There's an adventure mode that you can work through to unlock more monsters, which you can then unlock moves and skills for. There's also a fun endless survival mode if you want to put your wits to the test.
10. Age of Conquest IV
Age of Conquest lets you control armies across the world and throughout history, like the Roman Empire, Chinese Dynasties, the Incas, and more. You must expand your nation while controlling diplomacy, finances, and resources.
When you get bored with the single-player campaign, you can hop online to challenge friends and foes alike. There's also a great map editor so that you can build your own campaigns or download other people's to create hours of endless fun.
More Free Strategy Games Worth Playing
There are lots of turn-based strategy games to buy, but why pay a dime when these free ones will keep you entertained for hours on end. Plus, some of these you can play in your browser, meaning you don't need to wait around for a download to complete.