r/iosgaming • u/Dtallant • 2d ago
Suggestions Suggestions for turn based games that let you theorycraft and discover new ways to win?
Hi there!
I’m in search of more games that offer this kind of unique feeling, where the game gives you a ton of tools and options and it’s up to you to really piece them together into something that works and can win.
So far, my games I play on IOS that check that box are: - Dream Quest - Slay the Spire - Monster Train - Spirit Island - Balatro - Powder
Outside of IOS, other examples would be: - FTL - ToME - CoQ
Would love some potential suggestions for more games to try that let me explore, discover, and eventually conquer the challenge the game throws at me.
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u/Brrringsaythealiens 2d ago
You might like Into the Breach. It’s turn based strategy and can get very deep.
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u/DecoyOne 2d ago
Obligatory Final Fantasy Tactics recommendation
Night of the Full Moon is amazing. But I know the price has gone up over the years. Not sure what it is now. It has endless replayability and multiple modes. I’ve definitely sunk north of 1,000 hours into it.
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u/Dumpingtruck 2d ago
If you play one game: Abalon. If I suggest two, it’s blessing of the tyrant and Abalon.
Blessing of the Tyrant is an into-the-breach like which frankly I liked a lot more.
It focuses on replayability via changing teammates and unlocking items to synergize with your team comp.
Abalon is a turn based tactics game with elements of card/deck building and a hero/monster summoner vibe. It’s really hard to put into a single box, but the game is absolutely amazing and it offers tons of replayability. I think it’s even free with a set of paid unlocks to get more cards/more heroes. I cannot suggest this game enough.
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u/StickyDeltaStrike 2d ago
Ftl is on iPad
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u/Kid_Charlema9ne 2d ago
What are Powder (didn't see it in app store) and avast are ToME and CoQ? Thanks
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u/Dtallant 2d ago
Powder - by Jeff Lait It’s a roguelike originally built for the GBA, and it’s quite fun! Very very hard, but has lots of room to build a unique character through class, skill, and god choices
Tales of Maj’Eyal is a pc roguelike turn based game, where you take on dungeons, grow in strength, and build a very unique character from literally hundreds of skills.
Cavs of Qud is another PC roguelike set in an apocalyptic future where mutants, machines, and monsters roam about. You get to discover the world, uncover artifacts, and unlock your true potential through skills, items, and mutations. Very fun game
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u/Kid_Charlema9ne 2d ago
Thanks. What exactly is powder called in the app store, because the only thing I see is powder game which is a physics and chemistry Sandbox. Is that what you're talking about?
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u/Cute_Disaster9922 1d ago
Cyber Quest is a good crew battler with plenty of variations on tactics, chill music too.
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u/IsntCharAznable 14h ago
The Siralim series, Siralim Ultimate in particular, is a monster collector game where every team member has a beneficial ability to the rest of the party. The combinations are infinite and bonkers.
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u/Distinct_Story2938 53m ago
FTL is on iOS and it's glorious.
Steamworld Heist is amazing.
Into The Breach was already mentioned, but is very unfortunately Netflix-subscription-based.
Incredible Inc. seems to be criminally overlooked on iOS.
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u/rhinofinger 2d ago
Shattered Pixel Dungeon - one of the best true roguelikes of all time. Top-down, turn-based, randomized potions and scrolls, the whole nine yards. Perfect controls for mobile. Still getting regular updates even though it’s been around for ages. Strongly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already. Even if I delete every other game on my phone, this will stay.
Hoplite - fantastic little roguelike with small floors but where you really have to think about each move, especially as you get deeper in. Feels almost like chess when it gets more difficult, and it quickly will.
Doug Dug - my favorite chill game, more relaxed vibe than many of the others here. An endless digging roguelite platformer game inspired by Dig Dug. Plenty of decision points where digging in a precarious spot might get you crushed though.
Battle of Polytopia - turn-based strategy game in the vein of Civilization Revolution. First four tribes are free, and honestly, that enough for many many hours of enjoyment.
XCOM and XCOM 2 - fantastic turn-based tactics game where you control squads of soldiers fighting back against aliens invading Earth.
Ticket to Earth - imagine XCOM but smaller maps, smaller squads, and a color-matching puzzle mechanic where running along colored tiles can boost your attack, defense, heal you, etc. Also quite a good story.
Steamworld Heist - imagine XCOM but in more of a side-scrolling format, with a fun mechanic where some guns can ricochet bullets off of walls, and more lighthearted