Turn-Based

Turn-based online games are a genre of games where players take turns to make moves or actions, typically in a strategic or tactical manner. These games can be played online, either in real-time against other players or asynchronously (with players taking their turns at different times). The slow-paced nature of turn-based gameplay emphasizes careful planning, strategy, and decision-making.

Key Features of Turn-Based Online Games:

1. Strategic Gameplay: Since players take turns, these games often require careful planning and thinking ahead. Players must consider their opponent's moves, anticipate strategies, and make well-thought-out decisions.
2. Asynchronous or Real-Time Turns: Some turn-based games allow players to take turns at their convenience (asynchronous play), while others require real-time turns (synchronous play), where both players take turns in real-time.
3. Player Interaction: Many turn-based online games allow players to interact with each other in some way, whether through direct competition, cooperation, or trading resources.
4. Tactical Combat or Puzzle Solving: Many of these games involve tactical combat (such as in board games or card games), where players must outsmart their opponents with the best moves, or puzzle-solving, where they need to figure out optimal solutions in a set number of moves.
5. Multiplayer or Single-Player: While many turn-based games are multiplayer, some also have single-player modes where players face off against AI-controlled opponents.
6. Slow-Paced: The turn-based mechanic generally leads to a slower pace compared to real-time games. This slower pace allows for more thoughtful gameplay, which can appeal to players who enjoy a more deliberate gaming experience.

Popular Turn-Based Online Games:

1. Chess (e.g., Chess.com, Lichess): Chess is one of the most famous turn-based games. Players take turns moving pieces on the chessboard, aiming to checkmate their opponent's king. Online platforms like com and Lichess offer multiplayer turn-based matches and tournaments.
2. Hearthstone: A turn-based collectible card game (CCG) where players take turns playing cards with various abilities and powers. Hearthstone has a rich strategic element and is played online against other players.
3. XCOM 2: A tactical, turn-based strategy game where players command a team of soldiers in combat against alien invaders. The game is played in a grid-like environment, where players and enemies take turns moving and attacking.
4. Civilization VI: A highly popular turn-based strategy game where players take turns leading a civilization from the ancient era into the future. Players build cities, form alliances, and engage in wars, all while managing resources and diplomacy.
5. Gears Tactics: A turn-based strategy game set in the Gears of War Players command a squad of soldiers in tactical combat, with each soldier taking individual turns to move and attack.
6. Fire Emblem Heroes: A turn-based tactical role-playing game (RPG) that lets players engage in battles with fantasy heroes on a grid-based map. It features both solo and multiplayer modes and is available on mobile devices.
7. Advance Wars: A series of turn-based strategy games where players control units on a battlefield, aiming to defeat their opponents through strategic movement and attacks. The series is known for its deep tactical gameplay.
8. The Banner Saga: A tactical RPG set in a Viking-inspired world, where players control a group of characters and engage in turn-based combat. Decisions made outside of battle also influence the story, making it a highly strategic experience.
9. Mobile Legends: Adventure: A turn-based game in the Mobile Legends universe where players collect heroes and strategize battles, upgrading units and skills as they progress.
10. Slay the Spire: A rogue-like deck-building game where players take turns battling enemies using cards that represent actions and abilities. As players progress, they build their deck and face increasingly difficult challenges.

Types of Turn-Based Online Games:

1. Turn-Based Strategy (TBS): Games where players control units or resources, making moves strategically in a grid or map-based environment. Examples include XCOM 2, Civilization VI, and Advance Wars.
2. Turn-Based RPGs: Role-playing games that use a turn-based combat system. Players take turns attacking, healing, or using abilities. Fire Emblem Heroes and The Banner Saga are examples of this type of game.
3. Turn-Based Card Games: Players use cards to perform actions, summon creatures, or cast spells, taking turns to outplay their opponents. Hearthstone, Magic: The Gathering Arena, and Gwent fall under this category.
4. Turn-Based Combat Games: These games focus on combat, with characters or units taking turns attacking and defending. This can include grid-based or action-based combat systems. Gears Tactics is a notable example.
5. Multiplayer Turn-Based: Games where players take turns against other players, often in a competitive setting. Chess, Hearthstone, and many mobile strategy games fall under this category.
6. Asynchronous Turn-Based: In these games, players don’t need to be online at the same time to play. Players take turns when they can, and the game notifies them when their turn is up. Words with Friends is a classic example.

Appeal of Turn-Based Online Games:

1. Strategic Depth: Turn-based games often offer deep strategic mechanics that require thoughtful planning and decision-making. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves and consider various factors to win.
2. Low Pressure: The slower pace of turn-based gameplay can be appealing for players who prefer a more relaxed, less intense gaming experience compared to fast-paced real-time games.
3. Accessible Gameplay: Turn-based games can be more accessible for new players because they allow more time to understand mechanics, plan moves, and think through strategies.
4. Variety of Genres: Turn-based gameplay spans a wide range of genres, from strategy and RPGs to card games and puzzles, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
5. Social and Competitive: Many turn-based online games feature multiplayer modes, which can be competitive (as in Hearthstone or Chess) or cooperative. Players enjoy the challenge of outsmarting each other in a strategic environment.
6. Replayability: Turn-based games, especially strategy and card games, tend to have high replayability, as players can try out new strategies, decks, or teams to keep the gameplay fresh.

Conclusion:

Turn-based online games are a great choice for players who enjoy strategic thinking, careful planning, and tactical gameplay. Whether you're into competitive card games like Hearthstone, strategic world-building like Civilization VI, or deep tactical combat in XCOM 2, there’s a wide variety of games that cater to different playstyles. With the combination of multiplayer or asynchronous options, these games offer endless possibilities for strategic engagement and fun.