As a fan of both strategy games and RPGs, I’ve also (unsurprisingly) taken a liking to games that combine these genres. Some of my all-time favorites are strategy RPGs, perhaps most of all the Heroes of Might & Magic series and HoMM 3 in particular.
The classic Japanese tactical RPGs have a different art style and gameplay altogether but are no less engaging. Among them, the most iconic game is likely Final Fantasy Tactics. I believe I first played it on the PlayStation Portable (or more accurately, the extended War of the Lions version).
This game and genre are well-suited to the handheld format, but will also work well on PC – and I mean that literally as most games like Final Fantasy Tactics will run on a 20-year-old laptop.
Top PC games like Final Fantasy Tactics
In any event, if you’re looking for games like Final Fantasy Tactics for PC, you’re in luck. There are quite a few options, both with near-identical gameplay and those that offer their own unique spin on the genre.
1. Tactics Ogre Reborn
The Ogre Battle series has a history going back all the way to 1993 when Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen was released for the SNES. In other words, it predates Final Fantasy Tactics, which is considered a spiritual successor to Ogre Battle from the same creator Yasumi Matsuno.
Tactics Ogre Reborn is a remaster of a remaster. It’s based on Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together from 2010 (PSP) – itself a remaster of the SNES original with the same name and released to ride on the success of FF Tactics: War of the Lions. If you loved FF Tactics, you will almost certainly enjoy this game as well.
Links: Steam page, Official site
2. Triangle Strategy
This is a new game from Square Enix, created in the same overall style as the classics using gorgeous 3D pixel art. In spite of its art style, however, it is a game filled with intense political machinations, not least via its unique Scales of Conviction decision system.
Combat is very much in line with the tactical RPG genre, meaning that it’s very similar to Final Fantasy Tactics but not identical. The non-generic characters all have different stats and skills, which you will be able to customize in various ways as the game moves along and you gain experience.
Links: Steam, Official site
3. Disgaea 5 Complete
The first Disgaea game (Disgaea: Hour of Darkness) was released 20 years ago, in 2003, for the PS2, and much later on PC. These days though, you can play most of the series in a native Windows PC environment. The various entries in the series all have a similarly easy-going story that sets the stage for the games’ strong focus on tactical battles. Disgaea arguably has the most in-depth tactical system of all Japanese tactical RPGs, with countless stats and approaches with which to experiment.
Whether you start out with Disgaea 5 or another game in the series is probably less important, but the 5th installment is one of the more popular and comes in a Complete version that includes all DLC. The same goes for Disgaea 4 and 6. If you take a liking to these games, Disgaea 7 is slated for release later in 2023.
Even though Disgaea 5 is quite recent, the system requirements are modest and it will run well using any entry-level graphics card.
Links: Steam, Official site
4. Soul Nomad & the World Eaters
Much like the Disgaea series, Soul Nomad was originally developed by Nippon Ichi Software for the PlayStation 2 – and then much later ported to PC. It may not be the most graphically polished and up-to-date game in the tactical RPG genre, as it is basically a straight-up PS2 port. It’s nevertheless something of a hidden gem that Final Fantasy Tactics fans are likely to enjoy.
The story is not as light-hearted as what you would expect from a Disgaea game, but rather more deep and immersive. Combat, on the other hand, is not as intricate but still offers enough complexity for fans of the genre.
Links: Steam
5. Fae Tactics
Fae Tactics is a pixel-style indie game developed by Endlessfluff and published by Humble Games. Its name correctly implies that it features turn-based tactical combat that will help scratch that itch left by finishing Final Fantasy Tactics.
Fae Tactics doesn’t have a job system like FF Tactics and parties are limited to six characters. But you will still have plenty of opportunities to approach the non-linear battles in different ways. Characters have customizable abilities and you can recruit additional creatures to aid in battles.
Links: Steam, Official site
6. Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark
FF Tactics fans will find themselves right at home with the indie gem Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark. Gameplay-wise, you might even call it a clone. Although it makes some changes to the formula, some of these are for the better. For example, it’s possible to reset stat growth and customize character appearance. Fell Seal also has an injury system that you may or may not like, but it does encourage you to be protective of your units. Seeing as the game is fully 2D, you can easily play this game on a laptop with integrated graphics.
Links: Steam, Official site
7. Agarest: Generations of War
Agarest: Generations of War (also known as Record of Agarest War) arrived first on the PlayStation 3 but has since found its way to mobile and more recently PC. It is perhaps an acquired taste as it involves quite a bit of grinding and progress is relatively slow. As a genre enthusiast, I would still play this game on PC if I hadn’t already finished it on Android.
There is plenty to like here in the form of myriad creatures and a huge range of character abilities – and much like Final Fantasy Tactics, the combat is turn-based and grid-based.
8. The Banner Saga
The Banner Saga is a tactical RPG developed by Stoic and released in 2014. It is definitely not a Final Fantasy Tactics clone, but it shares some of the same features. Banner Saga uses a unique art style inspired by Viking mythology and a branching narrative that is influenced by the player’s choices. The game’s challenging tactical battles and deep character progression system nevertheless make it a worthy addition to any tactical RPG fan’s library.
9. Into the Breach
Into the Breach is an indie turn-based tactics game from 2018 that also clearly deviates from the FF Tactics formula but may still be highly enjoyable to tactics fans. It features a unique sci-fi setting and a focus on mech battles, with a deep and challenging combat system that requires careful planning and foresight. If you’re looking for tactical RPGs with a unique setting and gameplay mechanics, Into the Breach is worthy of consideration.
Expanding your tactical RPG library
While the strategy RPG niche in the style of Final Fantasy Tactics is kept very much alive by major publishers like Square Enix and NIS, it is also exciting that indie developers are active in the genre. Traditionally, most of these games have been restricted to consoles but today, PC gamers also get to be part of these launches from day one.
What makes Final Fantasy Tactics special?
Final Fantasy Tactics was the first game in the Final Fantasy series to feature a grid-based battle system, which added an entirely new layer of strategy to the franchise. The game’s deep and engrossing story, combined with its unique mechanics and beautiful art style, has made it an enduring classic.
The game’s narrative, set in the fictional world of Ivalice, follows the story of Ramza Beoulve, a young noble who becomes embroiled in a complex political struggle. The plot is filled with twists, betrayals, and moral dilemmas, forcing the player to make difficult choices that affect the outcome of the story. This level of narrative depth is rare in tactical RPGs, and it’s part of what makes Final Fantasy Tactics stand out in the genre.
Another aspect that sets Final Fantasy Tactics apart is its job system, which allows characters to change their class and learn new abilities. This system provides endless possibilities for character customization and party composition, encouraging the player to experiment with different combinations to find the most effective strategies. The game’s difficulty also requires careful planning and tactics, making each victory feel rewarding and well-earned.
