The tactical fantasy RPG franchise Fire Emblem has enjoyed a huge and devoted player base since the first game was released way back in 1990.
Now counting 21 games, with the latest, Warrior: Three Hopes released just recently in 2022, the Japanese turn-based game franchise certainly has a lot to offer.
The Fire Emblem franchise is rich in compelling stories, and the vast world always leaves more to discover, drawing players in time and time again.
Those who are looking for brand new worlds to explore have plenty of other exciting titles to check out, though! Start with these games like Fire Emblem.
Fire Emblem Game Features
 Release Date: | April 20, 1990 |
 Developer: | Intelligent Systems Koei Tecmo |
 Publisher: | Nintendo |
 Platforms: | Family Computer, Super Famicom, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch |
 Genre: | Tactical role-playing |
 Setting: | Fantasy World |
 Game Modes: | MultiPlayer |
1. Dark Deity
Dark Deity is one of the newer tactical role-playing games that were heavily inspired by the Fire Emblem franchise. Released in 2021 in early access, Dark Deity is set in the Delian Kingdom, whose king has declared war.
The player controls military units that can be moved around the battlefield, requiring smart tactical decisions about weapons upgrades, on a quest of restoring the peace. The game isn’t all about war though, as players will also have to manage relationships among characters.
Those gamers for whom the permadeath aspect of Fire Emblem is important may be a little disappointed by the fact that defeated characters remain in play with heavy stat losses, but if graphics and art that feel like the classic incarnations of Fire Emblem matter most to you, you’ll absolutely love Dark Deity, which has an immersive story and challenging gameplay.
Dark Deity is an inexpensive singleplayer game that was actually funded on Kickstarter, and in addition to Nintendo Switch, it’s also available for Windows. This tactical RPG is, overall, a lot of fun, but if you get bored of the base game, the DLCs can expand your world.
- Developer: Sword & Axe LLC
- Publisher: Freedom Games
- Release Date: June 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
2. Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Shadowrun: Hong Kong is an exciting tactical role-playing game set in a rundown futuristic version of Hong Kong with a rather cyberpunk feel to it. While this is by no means a new game, Shadowrun: Hong Kong hasn’t lost its edge.
The player assumes the role of an orphan who has just served a brutal sentence in a corporate prison and will have to figure out who they can trust.
Shadowrun: Hong Kong features an immersive plot and challenging tactical decisions, while the art truly makes the dystopian story come to life. Other strong points include an amazing soundtrack and interesting side quests.
The turn-based game calls on players to make all their team’s moves before the enemy, AI-controlled, team strikes back.
- Developer: Harebrained Schemes
- Publisher: Harebrained Schemes
- Release Date: 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S
3. Valkyria Chronicles 4
The fourth main game in the famous Valkyria series developed by Sega, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a gorgeous tactical RPG that looks and feels very much like its predecessors.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 introduces challenging new game mechanics as well as a brand new soldier class, though, and this genre-defying RPG is set in an alternate history version of World War 2.
Get ready for a turn-based strategy game with lots of action and a rather crowded battlefield on a vast open map, as well as a surprisingly refreshing plot line.
- Developer: Sega, Media.Vision
- Publisher: Sega
- Release Date: March 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia
4. Heroes of Might & Magic III HD Edition
Originally released in 1999, Heroes of Might & Magic III is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to fight their way through seven unique campaigns, each told from a different perspective.
Heroes of Might & Magic III is set in the fictional continent of Antagarich, where the kingdom falls into despair after the disappearance of the king and the assassination of the queen’s father.
Heroes of Might & Magic III relies on an interesting system that combines reconnaissance with combat and allows the player to control a vast number of unique units, each of which are inspired by mythology and legend.
Finishing all the objectives successfully allows players to win, but they better watch out, as Heroes of Might & Magic III has a subterranean as well as above-ground layer.
Heroes of Might & Magic III’s HD edition is the updated version of the original game, released in 2015. While the gameplay feels modern, this version doesn’t require a beefy computer.
- Developer: New World Computing, Loki Software, DotEmu
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: January 2015
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android
5. Final Fantasy Tactics
Fire Emblem fans who want to explore the games that inspired it really can’t miss out on the now classic tactical RPG Final Fantasy Tactics, set in the mystical medieval kingdom of Ivalice.
Players follow Ramza Beoulve, who has the task of recruiting and customizing soldiers (which includes a multitude of different classes) and battling on three-dimensional maps.
Because the battles in Final Fantasy Tactics , which was initially released in1997, are turn-based, players have to make smart tactical decisions and consider the opponent’s possible moves ahead of time.
At the same time, it’s important to level your characters up so they can gain additional job points.
The latest version of Final Fantasy Tactics, which was released in 2007, still remains very playable — so if you have not checked out this classic yet, you’d be encouraged to experience what all the hype was about for yourself.
- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square, Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release Date: June 1997
- Platform: PlayStation
6. Pathfinder: Kingmaker
While some Fire Emblem fans are bound to revel in the more classic games that made the tactical RPG genre what it is today, not everyone is so enthusiastic about playing older games.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a real-time, rather than turn-based, tactical RPG set in the Stolen Lands released in 2020. Players take on the role of a newly-appointed Baron or Baroness who has to defend the vast stolen lands and seek to dominate the wider world of Golarion.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker has interesting mechanics, wherein players customize their character at the start and pick up new party members along the way. Its focus on expansion and world building makes Pathfinder: Kingmaker more than just a tactical game.
If you’d like to try Pathfinder: Kingmaker for yourself, prepare to settle in for the long haul, because completing the singleplayer game will take you at least 80 hours.
- Developer: Owlcat Games
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Release Date: August 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
7. Child of Light
If you’re up for something a little different that still retains elements reminiscent of Fire Emblem, take a look at Child of Light.
This platforming RPG, which was originally released in 2014, follows Aurora, a girl who comes back to life in the magical kingdom of Lemuria after dying of a strange illness. She now needs to capture the sun, moon, and stars, all of which have been abducted by the Queen of the Night, to find her way back home.
In addition to this protagonist, Child of Light has two other playable characters — which can even be controlled at the same time.
The artwork in Child of Light is captivating, but the interesting battle system is what will ultimately entice players to keep coming back for more. Those who have had quite enough of going it solo will also be thrilled to discover that Child of Light has a multiplayer mode!
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: April 2014
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna, Stadia
8. Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3, a sequel to the original Wasteland, is a turn-based RPG with an isometric perspective. Set in the freezing and barren wastelands of a post-apocalyptic Colorado, players assume the role of two two survivors, former Rangers who will have to contend with the local warlord, called the Patriarch.
They initially set off to deal with the Patriarch’s out-of-control heirs, but once they are contacted by the NPC Angela Deth, who will be familiar to gamers who have already tried the other Wasteland games, they instead try to instigate a rebellion.
This post-apocalyptic RPG calls in players to make choices that will permanently alter the plot line. Most excitingly, gamers who’d like to play with a friend can work their way through Wasteland 3’s main campaign in multiplayer mode.
- Developer: inXile Entertainment
- Publisher: Deep Silver
- Release Date: August 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, Xbox One
9. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition
Divinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition, the 2017 sequel to the original Divinity: Original Sin, is an exciting tactical role-playing game that features a singleplayer mode as well as making it possible with a party of up to four players.
This fantasy RPG is set on the fictional world of Rivellon, where all the cratures have a Source energy that can be harvested and controlled.
Players take on the role of a Sourceror, who is imprisoned and rescued by a mysterious voice. Played from a third-person perspectives, characters are highly-customizable and may recruit three NPC companions to help them on their quests.
ivinity: Original Sin 2 – Definitive Edition employs complex battle tactics, especially in multiplayer mode, and has amazing graphics.
Those who aren’t interested in co-op mode can also enter the game’s arena map, where they’ll be able to duel.
- Developer: Larian Studios
- Publisher: Larian Studios, Bandai Namco, Entertainment
- Release Date: September 2017
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
10. Expeditions: Rome
Expeditions: Rome, which is the third in the Expeditions franchise, is a compelling modern tactical RPG set in the Roman Republic. Players assume the role of a legate whose father was brutally murdered by political foes.
To win, they will to scout, collect (or loot) resources, strengthen their armies, and conquer new lands in this singleplayer game, which was released in 2022.
Its expansive world is one of Expeditions: Rome’s biggest strengths, and the game’s intricate turn-based combat system relies on smart strategic thinking.
Two different battle modes are available, and every campaign area sets off a new chapter in the game. The decisions you make will impact the rest of the plot, so be careful!
Expeditions: Rome was praised for its exciting gameplay, with plenty of dynamic roleplay elements, but the graphics are immersive, too, and players encounter more than a few historical figures, including Julius Cesar and Cato.
- Developer: Logic Artists
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Release Date: January 2022
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
11. Octopath Traveler
If you loved any of the Fire Emblem games, you might also enjoy Octopath Traveler, a massive 16-bit-like (HD 2D) RPG with a fantasy theme.
Players accompany eight heroes as the journey through Osterra, a medieval fantasy world. Although it was released in 2018, Octopath Traveler has retro vibes that will send you right back in time.
Gamers will be called on to act the roles of all eight characters, using a complex weapons system in a turn-based environment. Use your collected boost points to make multiple moves per turn wisely, because you can only store a limited amount.
This gorgeous 16-bit world offers plenty to explore, including deserts, snowy mountains, and dungeons, so Octopath Traveler is best saved for a long weekend during which you’ll have time to play from dawn to dusk.
You won’t manage to complete the game even then, so if you love a good gaming marathon, you’ll settle right into this singleplayer game.
- Developer: Square Enix Business Division 11, Acquire
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: July 2018
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Stadia
12. Wildermyth
Wildermyth’s dreamy art, randomized characters, and massive story arcs make this 2021 tactical RPG well worth a look if you enjoyed the Fire Emblem franchise.
This party-based game allows players to follow their characters over time, as they evolve from simple folk to seasoned heroes. Like the characters, the gameplay evolves over time as players acquire more skills and experience, as well as weapons.
This RPG allows players to befriend NPC characters to to start feuds, and the way in which these relationships impact the game’s progression over time is one of the most interesting features of Wildermyth.
Because character development is procedurally-generated, each run will offer brand new challenges, making sure that you won’t be getting bored any time soon.
- Developer: Worldwalker Games
- Publisher: Worldwalker Games
- Release Date: June 2021
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
13. Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition
Fans of retro gaming can, of course, dive right into the original Baldur’s Gate, which dates back all the way to 1998.
If you’re excited to explore what the tactical RPG genre has to offer but you don’t want to go back quite that far, however, you can take a look at the reimagined version, Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition, which came out in 2012.
The game, which features stunningly dreamy albeit ominous artwork, is a real throwback to the original. Players create a character that will set out on a quest to discover what’s behind the iron crisis plaguing Baldur’s Gate, trying to avert a war. New NPCs join the player’s journey along the way in this Dungeons & Dragons themed RPG.
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition, the updated version of the original, has a multiplayer mode that will allow players to experience the adventure together, and the gameplay has seen some worthwhile upgrades, too.
- Developer: Overhaul Games
- Publisher: Atari, Inc., Beamdog, Skybound Games
- Release Date: November 2012
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android
14. Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark
Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark is another exciting tactical and turn-based RPG with a very retro feel to it — but fret not, it was just released in 2019 and players gain the benefit of modern dynamics.
You really can’t go wrong with Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark if you enjoyed Fire Emblem; this Kickstarter-funded game is familiar without feeling tired, and is just a whole lot of fun to explore.
Players follow Kyrie, a captain of the Arbiters sworn to protect the land of Teora. Starting with a quest to solve a murder, Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark soon begins to take interesting twists and turns.
True, the combat is an essential part of the game, but Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark is so immersive that you’ll soon forget that you are playing a game at all. The extensive customization options make you feel even more at home in the world of Fell Seal: Arbiters Mark.
- Developer: 6 Eyes Studio
- Publisher: Fulqrum Publishing
- Release Date: April 2019
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux/Steam OS (via Steam)
15. XCOM: Chimera Squad
XCOM: Chimera Squad calls on the player to take charge of a mixed human and alien special forces squad in City 31, where aliens and humans coexist… but not quite peacefully.
You’ll have the job of maintaining the hard-won status quo. As well as being a turn-based tactical RPG, players will need to manage their resources and strategy between turns.
Each of the members of the player’s squad have a mix of unique abilities, and while you players can control each of them, they aren’t all suited for the same combat situations. Choose wisely, upgrade your squad members as you go, and try to keep your fictional city from descending into chaos.
Although the base game is challenging enough, hardcore gamers can opt for an ironman mode where they control just the one save slot. Die, and you won’t respawn. If this thrilling Firaxis game has a downside, it’s that XCOM: Chimera Squad only has a singleplayer mode.
- Developer: Firaxis Games
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Release Date: April 2020
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
16. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Branching out a little, anyone who enjoys turn-based strategic games most certainly has to check out the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise.
The latest installment, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, follows the familiar structure of allowing players to take the helm of one of many historical empires, like the Roman Empire, Aztecs, Egyptians, or Byzantine Empire. From there, you build up your civilization by expanding, making new technological discoveries, and conquering your enemies’ lands.
Civilization VI features many new exciting gameplay features like city districts, which force players to make tactical decisions about their urban development.
If you have ever played an older version of Civilization before, you will still master the mechanics soon enough — and you’ll come face to face with the same foes you remember from years back, though they definitely look a bit different. If there’s any game you’ll never get bored of, it’s probably this one.
- Developer: Firaxis Games
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Release Date: October 2016
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android
17. Battle Brothers
Battle Brothers is a glorious 16-bit tactical turn-based RPG that calls on players to lead a squad of mercenaries in a medieval fantasy world.
As the boss, the player gets to choose what missions to accept and whom to hire for their missions, choosing from over 12 different possible companions, each with unique skills.
Battle Brothers has an interesting progression and a combat system you’ll get used to easily, but the procedurally-generated open world is one of the best parts of this game, which can go on forever.
Gamers who love unpredictable and non-linear gameplay will enjoy the turn-based singleplayer game, in which you’ll have to calculate your odds of winning before making your move.
Besides combat that allows players to earn XP as well as loot, gamers need to navigate their companion choices carefully to progress. That’s easier said than done, because the world of Battle Brothers can jeopardize your progress by triggering random and terrifying world events, too.
- Developer: Overhype Studios
- Publisher: Overhype Studios
- Release Date: March 2017
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
A Final Word
Fire Emblem may still be going strong until this day, but the tactical RPG inspired plenty of other great titles in the same genre since its inception in 1990. It all started with Shadow Dragon and the Blade of the Night, but gamers have absolutely no shortage of other options.
The picks on this list will appeal to different gamers, depending on the things they loved most about Fire Emblem. Our top choices are, however, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, Dark Deity, and Wasteland 3 — unless you really want to go back to basics, in which case Final Fantasy Tactics is the name of the game.
