Best Strategy Games for Nintendo Switch

In this article, 123 Review highlights the best titles that challenge your strategic thinking and planning skills. Whether you’re a fan of classic franchises or looking for new experiences, we’ve got you covered with top picks that offer engaging gameplay, compelling storylines, and hours of strategic fun. Dive into our curated list and find your next favorite game to conquer on the Nintendo Switch.

Top 10 Strategy Games for Nintendo Switch in 2024

Brief Overview of Each Game

1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses – A critically acclaimed tactical RPG that immerses players in the rich, complex world of Fódlan. Players take on the role of a professor who must lead one of three noble houses in turn-based battles, making strategic decisions that influence the game’s multiple story paths.
2. Civilization VI – This turn-based strategy game allows players to build and expand their empire from the ground up. Players must balance diplomacy, culture, military might, and scientific advancements to lead their civilization to victory across various eras.
3. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle – An unexpected but delightful crossover that combines the charm of the Mario franchise with the humor of the Rabbids. This tactical RPG features unique combat mechanics, team synergies, and a whimsical storyline.
4. XCOM 2 Collection – Known for its challenging gameplay and deep strategic elements, XCOM 2 puts players in charge of a resistance force fighting against an alien occupation. The collection includes all DLC, adding even more content to this tactical masterpiece.
5. Into the Breach – A turn-based strategy game that stands out for its tight design and challenging gameplay. Players control squads of mechs fighting off an alien threat, with each battle requiring careful planning and strategic thinking.
6. Banner Saga Trilogy – A beautiful, Viking-themed tactical RPG that combines turn-based combat with a compelling narrative. Players’ choices significantly impact the story, creating a deeply personal gaming experience.
7. Wargroove – Inspired by classic tactical games, Wargroove features pixel art graphics, a robust campaign, and a map editor. Players command various units and commanders in strategic battles across diverse landscapes.
8. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp – A highly anticipated remake of the beloved tactical war games. This version features updated graphics and new content while retaining the original’s tactical depth and charm.
9. Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny – Known for its over-the-top mechanics and humor, Disgaea 6 offers extreme character customization, strategic combat, and a quirky storyline that keeps players engaged for hours.
10. Bad North – A minimalist real-time tactics game where players must defend their island home from Viking invaders. The game features permadeath, procedurally generated levels, and a simple yet engaging gameplay loop.

Key Features and Gameplay Mechanics

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Multiple story paths, permadeath mechanics, and relationship building create a rich, replayable experience.
• Civilization VI: Deep strategy involving diplomacy, warfare, and cultural development, with a focus on building and expanding an empire.
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Unique character abilities, cover-based combat, and humor blend to create an enjoyable tactical experience.
• XCOM 2 Collection: High-stakes missions, base management, and extensive mod support make for a deeply engaging strategy game.
• Into the Breach: Procedurally generated levels, limited resources, and strategic depth ensure each battle is a unique challenge.
• Banner Saga Trilogy: Turn-based combat, meaningful choices, and hand-drawn animation create an immersive Viking saga.
• Wargroove: Custom campaigns, diverse commanders, and cross-platform play offer endless replayability.
• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: Tactical depth, charming visuals, and multiplayer modes bring the classic game to modern audiences.
• Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny: Extreme level scaling, quirky humor, and strategic combat offer a unique tactical RPG experience.
• Bad North: Simplified controls, island defense, and permadeath create a minimalist yet challenging strategy game.

Comparison with Other Platforms

The Nintendo Switch offers a unique platform for these strategy games, providing several advantages over other systems:

• Exclusive Content: Many games on the Switch include exclusive content or DLC not available on other platforms.
• Portability: The Switch’s hybrid design allows for gaming on-the-go, a feature not available with other consoles.
• Control Schemes: Games are often adapted to utilize the Joy-Con and touchscreen capabilities, offering unique gameplay experiences.
• Graphical Considerations: While the graphics may be slightly less detailed compared to PC or other consoles, the core gameplay experience remains intact and enjoyable.

User Ratings and Reviews

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Highly rated for its deep narrative and replayability, with many praising its complex characters and storylines.
• Civilization VI: Praised for its addictive gameplay and strategic complexity, keeping players engaged for hours.
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Commended for its innovative mechanics, charming visuals, and humor.
• XCOM 2 Collection: Acclaimed for its challenging gameplay, deep strategic options, and replay value.
• Into the Breach: Lauded for its tight design, challenging puzzles, and replayability.
• Banner Saga Trilogy: Celebrated for its narrative depth, stunning art, and tactical combat.
• Wargroove: Applauded for its creative tools, engaging combat, and nostalgic feel.
• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: Nostalgic value and improved graphics make this a must-play for fans of the original.
• Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny: Known for its unique mechanics, humor, and endless customization options.
• Bad North: Recognized for its simplicity, strategic depth, and minimalist aesthetic.

Price and Availability

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: $59.99, widely available.
• Civilization VI: $29.99, often on sale during digital store promotions.
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: $39.99, available in bundles with additional content.
• XCOM 2 Collection: $49.99, includes all DLC for an expansive experience.
• Into the Breach: $14.99, frequently discounted during sales.
• Banner Saga Trilogy: $24.99, occasionally on sale.
• Wargroove: $19.99, with regular updates and community support.
• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: $59.99, available for preorder.
• Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny: $59.99, includes bonus content.
• Bad North: $14.99, often featured in indie game sales.

Tactical RPGs You Can’t Miss

Overview of Tactical RPG Mechanics

Tactical RPGs combine elements of traditional role-playing games with strategic, turn-based combat. Key mechanics include:

• Turn-Based Combat: Players take turns moving units on a grid-based battlefield, planning each move for maximum strategic advantage.
• Character Development: Deep storylines and character interactions allow for emotional investment and multiple story paths.
• Resource Management: Players must manage limited resources, including units, equipment, and skills, to succeed in battles.
• Customization: Characters can be customized with different classes, skills, and equipment to suit various playstyles.

Best Tactical RPG Titles for Switch

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses
• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
• XCOM 2 Collection
• Banner Saga Trilogy
• Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny

Character Customization Options

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Players can change character classes, acquire new skills, and build relationships that influence the story.
• Disgaea 6: Offers extreme customization with infinite leveling, various character classes, and unique equipment options.
• XCOM 2: Features soldier classes, skill trees, and customizable gear to create a diverse squad.
• Banner Saga: Allows players to adjust character stats, abilities, and equip different items to enhance performance in combat.

Combat Systems Explained

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Utilizes a rock-paper-scissors weapon triangle, terrain advantages, and strategic positioning to win battles.
• XCOM 2: Emphasizes cover systems, percentage-based hit chances, and squad tactics to overcome alien threats.
• Mario + Rabbids: Combines turn-based tactics with real-time movement, utilizing team synergies and unique character abilities.
• Disgaea 6: Features over-the-top abilities, combo attacks, and environmental interactions for dynamic battles.

Storyline and Narrative Depth

• Fire Emblem: Three Houses: Offers rich, branching narratives with multiple endings based on player choices and relationships.
• Banner Saga: Presents an epic Viking saga with player-driven decisions that significantly impact the story and outcomes.
• XCOM 2: Engages players with a gripping alien invasion story and high-stakes missions.
• Disgaea 6: Delivers a humorous and eccentric storyline with memorable characters and unexpected twists.

Real-Time Strategy Games to Play

Unique Aspects of RTS on Switch

Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games on the Nintendo Switch offer unique experiences compared to other platforms:

• Adapted Controls: Games are designed to utilize the Joy-Con and touchscreen for precise control in handheld mode.
• Portability: The Switch’s portability allows players to enjoy RTS games on-the-go, making it easy to play anywhere.
• Multiplayer Options: Many RTS games on the Switch feature local and online multiplayer modes, adding to the replayability and social experience.

Best RTS Titles Available

• Bad North
• Northgard
• Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe

Multiplayer Options

• Bad North: Offers local co-op play, allowing players to strategize and defend islands together.
• Northgard: Includes online multiplayer modes where players can compete or cooperate in building their Viking settlements.
• Tiny Metal: Features competitive online play, where players can test their strategic skills against others.
• Pikmin 3 Deluxe: Provides co-op story mode and bingo battles, enhancing the multiplayer experience.

Control Schemes Adapted for Switch

• Touchscreen: Provides precise control in handheld mode, ideal for real-time strategy gameplay.
• Joy-Con: Adapted for smooth real-time control, making it easy to manage units and resources.
• Pro Controller: Offers a traditional gameplay experience, perfect for extended play sessions.

Strategy Tips for Success

• Resource Management: Focus on efficient resource gathering and unit production to maintain a strong economy.
• Unit Placement: Strategically place units to maximize their effectiveness and protect key areas.
• Terrain Utilization: Use the environment to your advantage, such as high ground for better visibility and defense.
• Adaptability: Be ready to change tactics based on opponent behavior and game developments.

Puzzle Strategy Games

Definition and Gameplay Elements

Puzzle strategy games combine elements of strategic planning with puzzle-solving. Key features include:

• Level-Based Challenges: Players must solve puzzles to progress through levels, often with increasing difficulty.
• Critical Thinking: Requires strategic planning and problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles.
• Integration of Strategy and Puzzles: Combines traditional puzzle elements with strategic gameplay mechanics.

Top Puzzle Strategy Games for Switch

• Into the Breach
• Tetris 99
• Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
• Lumines Remastered

Examples of Integration in Gameplay

• Into the Breach: Tactical puzzles with mech battles where players must strategize each move to prevent damage.
• Tetris 99: Competitive puzzle gameplay with strategic targeting of opponents to knock them out.
• Captain Toad: Puzzle levels where players must navigate and interact with the environment strategically.
• Lumines: Block-matching puzzles combined with rhythmic elements to create a unique strategic challenge.

Challenging Levels and Mode Variations

• Into the Breach: Features varied mission objectives and procedurally generated maps, keeping gameplay fresh.
• Tetris 99: Offers a battle royale mode with increasing difficulty as players compete to be the last one standing.
• Captain Toad: Presents diverse levels with hidden treasures and puzzles to solve, providing a rewarding experience.
• Lumines: Includes different skins and modes to increase challenge and keep gameplay engaging.

Community Ratings and Feedback

• Into the Breach: Highly praised for its challenging gameplay, tight design, and replayability.
• Tetris 99: Loved for its competitive nature, addictive gameplay, and strategic depth.
• Captain Toad: Appreciated for its charm, clever level design, and enjoyable puzzles.
• Lumines: Celebrated for its engaging gameplay, music integration, and challenging puzzles.

Upcoming Strategy Games for Nintendo Switch

Anticipated Release Dates

• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: Expected Fall 2024.
• Metal Slug Tactics: Expected Winter 2024.
• Triangle Strategy: Anticipated Early 2025.

Developer Insights

• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: Developed by WayForward, aiming to stay true to the original while adding new features and updated graphics.
• Metal Slug Tactics: Dotemu’s take on the classic arcade franchise, bringing tactical depth and strategic combat to the beloved series.
• Triangle Strategy: Square Enix focuses on delivering a narrative-driven tactical RPG with choice-driven story and deep combat mechanics.

Gameplay Trailers and Demonstrations

• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: Showcases updated graphics, new features, and improved gameplay mechanics.
• Metal Slug Tactics: Highlights tactical battles, familiar characters, and strategic elements.
• Triangle Strategy: Demonstrates choice-driven story, complex characters, and engaging combat mechanics.

Pre-order Options and Bonuses

• Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp: Offers early access to additional missions and exclusive content.
• Metal Slug Tactics: Includes pre-order bonuses such as exclusive skins and weapons.
• Triangle Strategy: Features bonus items and soundtrack for early purchasers.

Expectations from the Gaming Community

The gaming community has high hopes for these upcoming titles, expecting:

• Faithful Remakes: Fans of the original Advance Wars are excited for a faithful remake with modern enhancements.
• Innovative Gameplay: Players look forward to new tactical depth and strategic options in Metal Slug Tactics.
• Engaging Narratives: Anticipation for deep, choice-driven storytelling and immersive gameplay in Triangle Strategy.
• Multiplayer and Customization: Excitement for new multiplayer modes and extensive customization options to enhance replayability.

These upcoming strategy games promise to deliver rich, engaging experiences for Nintendo Switch players, continuing to solidify the console’s reputation as a great platform for strategy gaming.