Today, I have the honor of presenting a list of 10 Upcoming Turn-Based RPGs. But wait, before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh great, another list of RPGs,” let me assure you that this list is different. How you may ask? Well, let’s say that if you’re a fan of turn-based RPGs, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re not, well, you’re in for an even bigger treat because the irony dripping from this list will surely leave you entertained (and maybe even a little bit perplexed).
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of upcoming turn-based RPGs, where the battle system is slow, the graphics are retro, and the storylines are a little bit out there (joke. Stories are also great). Get ready to be impressed and bemused because this will be a wild ride.
So buckle up, dear reader, because we’re about to embark on a journey of pure RPG goodness. From quirky indie titles to highly anticipated blockbusters, there’s something for everyone on this list. So get ready to add some new games to your must-play list because these upcoming turn-based RPGs are not to be missed.
1. Sea of Stars
- Release Date: August 29, 2023
Oh, well, look at that, Sea of Stars is just what we all needed, another classic RPG with turn-based combat, storytelling, and exploration. And don’t forget, it’s modernized!
And let’s not forget the groundbreaking features, like pressing a button in sync with animations for more damage output. Wow, that’s never been done before. And of course, who could resist the multi-character combo attacks and strategic “locks” system? That’s sure to make you feel like a tactical genius.
And the world, oh the world! You can swim, climb, vault, jump off, and hoist up ledges, all in a navigation system based on platformer expertise. What’s better than getting lost in a 2D pixel-art world that breaks free from the classic grid system?
But don’t worry, Sea of Stars isn’t just about combat and exploration. There are dozens of original characters and story arcs to take you on a captivating journey. And if you’re feeling bored, you can always go fishing or cook a meal. So, get ready for an RPG experience that respects retro classics while rethinking some areas to offer a smooth and modernized experience.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release Date: August 31, 2023
Are you ready for a journey of fellowship, betrayal, sacrifice, survival, and ultimate power? Because we’ve got just the game for you! Gather your party and get ready to return to the Forgotten Realms, where mysterious abilities are awakening inside you thanks to a delightful Mind Flayer parasite in your brain.
You’ll have the choice to resist the corruption and use your newfound darkness against itself, or you can give in and become the ultimate evil – fun, right? And let’s not forget the vast selection of races and classes, or you can always play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. And of course, you can choose to play alone and pick your companions carefully or as a party of up to four in multiplayer.
Did we mention that Baldur’s Gate 3 is from the creators of Divinity: Original Sin 2? It’s a next-generation RPG set in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, with unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. Plus, the grand, cinematic narrative will bring you closer to your characters than ever before.
So what are you waiting for? Sneak, dip, shove, climb, and jump your way through the vast and diverse world of the Forgotten Realms, and let your choices and the dice roll determine your story’s outcome.
3. Jagged Alliance 3
- Release Date: TBA (Expected in 2023)
Are you ready to take on the challenge of fixing a country in chaos? Then step right up and join the fun in Jagged Alliance 3! In this thrilling Strategy RPG, you’ll have the chance to play as a group of mercenaries hired to do what the elected officials couldn’t: save a nation in turmoil! Grand Chien is a picturesque country full of rich resources and deep political divides. And to make matters worse, the president has gone missing, and a group of paramilitary forces has taken control of the countryside.
Choose from a huge cast of mercenaries, each with their own unique personalities, quirks, and backstories. Explore Grand Chien, meet new people, earn money, and grow your team as you ultimately make decisions that will decide the country’s fate! Engage in tactical turn-based combat, loot and salvage weapons and equipment, and customize your mercenaries with special perks as they level up. And of course, decide the fate of Grand Chien in an open RPG structure – no pressure!
But wait, there’s more! You can also control territory, train the locals, command multiple parties, and defend against enemy forces in an alive, active world. And if that’s not enough, you can even experience the campaign with friends in online co-op mode. So come on, what are you waiting for? Sign up now and help fix a country in chaos. It’ll be a blast!
4. SKALD: Against the Black Priory
- Release Date: TBA (2023)
Oh, congratulations! You’ve washed up on the shores of Idra, a charming and welcoming place filled with the sweet scent of rotting seaweed and the delightful cries of gulls. You’ll need to be a master of survival to make it in this desolate land and uncover the secrets of the Black Priory, which is conveniently located just a short journey from your arrival point.
Luckily for you, Skald: Against the Black Priory is here to provide a retro-style RPG experience with all the outdated graphics and mechanics you never knew you needed. Journey through a grim-dark world of cosmic horror, tragic heroes, and violent deaths, all rendered in the authentic 8-bit aesthetic of the legendary Commodore 64.
But don’t let the charming graphics fool you – this game is packed with modern features such as auto-resolve, quest logs, and modern inventory systems to make your journey through the pixelated terror much smoother. Choose from various character classes, backgrounds, feats, spells, and equipment as you explore the world and tackle turn-based combat with your party.
So go forth, oh brave adventurer, and lead your ragtag group of broken heroes to glory or doom, depending on your choices. With Skald: Against the Black Priory, you’ll have everything you need to make your journey to the Black Priory and beyond unforgettable.
5. Miasma Chronicles
- Release Date: May 23, 2023
Ah, the not-so-distant future where everything is just peachy! Welcome to America, where the Miasma, a friendly and loving force, has created a utopian society. Join Elvis, a young man with a strange glove, on his quest across the stunningly beautiful wasteland to discover the truth behind the Miasma.
Experience real-time exploration and tactical, turn-based combat with RPG elements that will make you feel like you’re really there. Meet some of the most bizarre and fascinating characters you’ve ever encountered while upgrading your weapons and abilities to ensure you can handle anything that comes your way.
And if that’s not enough, delve deep into a fantasy story that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the Miasma. From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, comes a game so beautiful, you’ll forget about the chaos and destruction that brought about this perfect world.
6. Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader
- Release Date: TBA
Who wouldn’t want to explore the Koronus Expanse, a treacherous and barely charted area of space filled with prodigious opportunities for profit and exploration? And, of course, what better way to traverse these incredible distances than in a giant voidship – because small ones are so last season.
And let’s not forget the Lord-Captain, for whom every decision and every act sends ripples throughout the entire sector, changing the in-game world and those who inhabit it. Such power, such responsibility – it’s good that the God-Emperor is on our side.
And what’s a Lord-Captain without a crew? Holy warriors, twisted psykers, and perfidious xenos – the more, the merrier! And if they follow us into the darkness between the stars, who are we to deny them the opportunity to change their destinies forever?
And, of course, let’s not forget the fully-fledged turn-based combat system, because nothing says “fun” like slaughtering enemies of Mankind. But don’t worry, you can use cover, the environment, and careful positioning to overpower your foes. And if that’s not enough, use your companions’ powerful abilities to turn the tide of battle. With so many possibilities, who needs a plot anyway?
7. Capes
- Release Date: TBA (2023)
Oh, what a wonderful world we live in! Twenty years ago, the supervillains won, and now we get to live in their glorious dystopian city where developing superpowers is a heinous crime. But fear not, my dear citizens, for a new hope has arisen. Capes, a turn-based superhero strategy game, has arrived to save the day and take back what’s rightfully ours.
Explore the side missions and unlock new heroes because fighting supervillains is just a hobby for our protagonists. And who needs random numbers or cover when you have exciting, heroic turn-based combat to test your strategic skills? It’s not like the supervillains have actual powers or anything.
Level up your heroes and use skill points to unlock new abilities and powerful upgrades. And don’t forget to complete hero-specific challenges during missions to earn bonus skill points, because what’s a superhero game without optional missions and deeper insight into our beloved heroes’ lives?
So, what are you waiting for? Join the fight, take back the city, and show those supervillains who’s boss because nothing says rebellion, like playing a game about fighting against a dystopian society where developing superpowers is illegal.
8. For the King 2
- Release Date: TBA (2023)
Who wouldn’t want to risk everything and stand alongside fellow renegades to resist the oppressive reign of the fanatical Queensguard? And all for the memory of King Bronner, who’s been dead for ages. It’s not like there’s anything better to do in this realm, right?
Ah, the road ahead is hard, but fear not! You can always split up from your friends and claim all the spoils of battle for yourself. Who needs allies, right? And with local and online co-op, the choice is yours… to potentially ruin your friendships and alliances.
How exciting! You can build your motley crew from a selection of plucky upstarts. From common farmhands to brave blacksmiths and even village alchemists, each comes with their own unique stats, abilities, and special traits to carefully consider before sending them to their doom on perilous adventures.
Combat in the realm of Fahrul is infamously unforgiving, but don’t worry, all you need is a shrewd plan to outmaneuver foes in the new grid-based battle system. That’s right, strategy and foresight, not brute force and recklessness. Good luck with that!
And last but not least, the world of Fahrul is always changing, thanks to the procedurally generated maps, quests, and events. Who needs stability and predictability when you can constantly be kept on your toes? The more you play, the more special items and events you unlock for future campaigns. So, get ready to be transported deep into the wonders of Fahrul, with a beautiful updated art style and a brand-new original soundtrack. It’s the adventure of a lifetime, or at least until the next sequel!
9. The Thaumaturge
- Release Date: TBA (2023)
An RPG set in a world filled with mysterious powers and morally ambiguous choices. And this time, it’s isometric! How innovative. But wait, there are more – turn-based combat and character development features because we’ve never seen that before. And let’s not forget the investigation mechanics. Yawn.
But fear not, dear player, for The Thaumaturge, takes it to the next level by adding in Salutors – because everything’s better with strange ethereal beings, am I right? And only Thaumaturges can see and manipulate them. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh, and did I mention the setting? Early 20th century Warsaw, under the Russian tsardom. A buzzing metropolis filled with diverse characters and conflicting interests. How exciting to see a city of great hopes, dreams… and dark desires.
But don’t worry, you’ll have the power to influence and manipulate the temperaments of others with your Salutors. Because nothing says fun like bending people’s will to your liking, right? And let’s not forget the unique turn-based combat, where you can defeat your foes with human attacks or psychic strikes. How thrilling.
So come, shape your story, develop your character, and tame the power of Salutors. Explore the world that’s inevitably gone, meet historical figures, and learn about their involvement in the story. And all in beautiful detail, thanks to Unreal Engine 5.
10. Darkest Dungeon 2
- Release Date: May 8, 2023
Well, well, if it isn’t Darkest Dungeon II – the ultimate roguelike road trip of the damned! Hop on your stagecoach, gather a group of heroes, and set off on a quest to save the world from impending doom. Just don’t get too attached to your companions because the greatest dangers you’ll face may come from within your own party – talk about a fun little twist!
But fear not, brave adventurer, for the tried and true turn-based combat from the first game is back and better than ever. And with the all-new Token System, every decision you make will have a real impact on the outcome of your journey. And if you do happen to meet an untimely end, don’t fret – you’ll be rewarded with resources to help you on your next run.
And let’s not forget the unforgettable heroes you’ll meet along the way. Discover their tragic origin stories, unlock new skills and items, and watch as they bond with or get on each other’s nerves, leading to some much-needed combat synergies or complete dysfunction.
All this, plus an evolved signature art style, bone-crunching sound effects, and an all-new expansive score by Stuart Chatwood, Darkest Dungeon II is sure to be a feast for both the eyes and the ears. So gather your courage and set off into the chaos of a world undone – what could possibly go wrong?
