The 10 Best Turn-Based PS5 Games

What are the best turn-based games for PS5?

Turn-based games can be a fun break from the fast-paced real-time strategy games that are most prevalent today.

These games force you to think fast and prepare ahead of time, since you’ll quite literally be trading blows with an AI partner.

While turn-based games are more prevalent on the PC, the PS5 has a few that you shouldn’t pass up.

The 10 Best Turn-Based PS5 Games

To create this list, we rounded up the highest-rated games on the PS5 that utilize a turn-based combat system.

We then compiled them into an easy-to-reference list so that you can quickly find your next favorite.

If you’re ready to start playing, here’s our list of the 10 best turn-based PS5 games:

10. Ghost Sync

Ghost Sync takes place in a world overrun with evil beings called savarians, and players follow a girl tasked with hunting them down.

However, once she meets a dog possessed by the spirit of a young man, an epic adventure kicks off in this turn-based JRPG.

In this game, players can summon sports and possess enemies in a turn-based battle system that comes complete with full animations.

The gameplay is incredibly engaging, and every battle feels unique, keeping you on your toes every time you play.

There are also many allies to meet throughout the game, as well as the ability to increase your rank by completing missions.

Players can also create their own weapons and unlock unique skills to use while in combat to make their characters more effective.

Although the story itself isn’t very fleshed out, it is as addicting as any of the best RPG board games, only in HD on your PS5.

9. Kaiju Wars

If you’ve ever wanted to play through a kaiju movie, this is your chance, so brush up on your Pacific Rim knowledge now!

Kaiju Wars is a 2D turn-based strategy game that allows you to construct cities that you must defend from devastating attacks from towering kaiju.

However, with every attack, the kaiju become more and more powerful, giving you a real over-the-top challenge that tests your skills.

Essentially, this game is cannon fodder vs giant monsters, and there are tons of things to unlock as you progress.

Fighting against towering monsters that constantly get stronger is something few other games have done, but Kaiju Wars does it perfectly.

It really makes you feel like you’re battling against a nearly unstoppable force, throwing wave after wave of defenses against them.

That said, the game isn’t impossible to win by any means; it just takes a bit of patience, strategy, and luck!

This game has received overwhelmingly positive reviews since it debuted, and on Steam, it maintains a very positive rating from players.

While it doesn’t have the 4k graphics of a modern AAA game, Kaiju Wars looks and plays amazingly on the PS5, and you definitely shouldn’t sleep on it.

8. Disciples: Liberation

 Liberation is the fourth installment of a series that has been going strong since 1999, and it is one of the best turn-based games on the PS5.

Set in Nevendaar, players take control of Avyanna as she tries to liberate the world, though every action has overarching consequences.

This helps increase the tension while also making players invest in the wider world around them.

There are also tons of locations to explore and numerous groups of people to interact with that really make this game feel alive.

The main goal is to assemble as many allies as possible while fighting against hordes of terrifying monsters.

Every battle keeps you on your toes, and you really have to pay attention to your strategy if you want to make progress.

While some of the gameplay feels repetitive, Liberation can hold its own against even the best RPG PS4 games with its storytelling and gameplay.

Liberation is remarkably open, and with so much to do and explore, there is a high level of replayability.

It is, overall, an enthralling experience that can easily keep you engaged for hours exploring everything it has to offer.

7. Circus Electrique

When citizens around London start turning into bloodthirsty killers, it’s time to send in the clowns. Literally.

Circus Electrique is all about the circus’s unique lineup of clowns, fire dancers, and strongmen coming together to save the city.

There are 15 playable circus performers in total, each with their own unique abilities that can give them an edge in combat.

This game has a little bit of everything, including RPG story elements, tactical combat, and circus management.

Oh, and the circus performers still have to actually put on shows in between battles with various Victorian ne’er-do-wells.

Because of all these mechanics, Circus Electrique does have a bit of a learning curve, and it takes a bit to understand how everything works together.

While the premise may seem a bit hokey, there is a lot to keep track of while playing, including strategies, statistics, and tactics.

It definitely takes some patience to play this game well, but it is wholly worth it for the unique experience.

The graphics are also noteworthy, and they look amazing on the PS5, helping bring the gameplay to life.

6. Phoenix Point

Intended to be the spiritual successor to X-COM, Phoenix Point is set on a future Earth that is under an alien invasion.

Players are given control of a single base, Phoenix Point, and must use tactics and strategy to overcome challenges to save humanity.

Along with battling against aliens, there are also other factions of humans vying for resources that players will have to deal with.

How you opt to overcome and deal with the problems around you will directly influence the ending of the game’s story.

What makes Phoenix Point stand out as a turn-based strategy game is that it covers the whole world.

Although global reach isn’t something players start out with, the way you choose to expand will impact relations with specific factions.

You really have to be thoughtful while playing this game, and its multiple endings give it a lot of replayability.

All of this combined makes it one of the most popular video games right now that you absolutely have to play.

5. The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet Of Chaos

This game is set in a medieval fantasy world, and it gives players control of a group of heroes on a mission to retrieve the last Galdeulfeurh statue.

Unfortunately, these heroes can hardly stand each other, and hilarity ensues as players try to get them to work together.

This makes for some hilarious interactions that make the whole game incredibly funny from start to finish.

During battles, each hero can be controlled directly, giving players the ability to use their unique skills.

While the game is filled with humor, it also has a lot of secrets to uncover as you explore your way through the dungeon.

The Amulet of Chaos stands out for both its comedic storytelling and its impressively sharp visuals.

It’s safe to say that this game looks very impressive on the PS5, and it has a lot of replayability since it is so engaging and fun.

Easily as entertaining as the best PS5 third-person games, The Amulet of Chaos is a must-play for absolutely everyone.

4. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

This game is heavy on RPG elements, and it is the first mainline entry in the Yakuza franchise to be turn-based.

Focusing on the new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who, after being imprisoned for 18 years, goes undercover to discover why his former boss betrayed him.

Similar to other games in the series, this game is filled with side quests and other fun activities for players to discover.

It also boasts a new game plus mode and the ability to continue exploring the map after completing the main story.

However, unlike traditional turn-based games, Yakuza allows players to use surrounding items to attack enemies.

This interactive environment makes the game incredibly engaging, and it makes every battle a bit more unique.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon still maintains everything that made the previous games great, but the turn-based battles add a new layer of depth.

3. Fuga: Melodies Of Steel

This tactical turn-based RPG is the fourth in the Little Trail Bronx series, and it’s a prequel to Tail Concerto and Solatorobo: Red the Hunter.

Taking place in a war-torn world populated by anthropomorphic cats and dogs, Melodies of Steel follows a group of children battling enemy soldiers.

Using a giant tank, players can help these young rebels take back their homeland and save their parents.

Not only is Melodies of Steel filled with engaging gameplay, but the story is also remarkably touching.

Numerous moments exist that highlight the relationship between characters as well as the horrific side effects of war.

The characters are also incredibly well-written, and the strength of their relationships with each other also features in combat.

Moreover, the whole game is rendered beautifully, with sharp graphics that help bring everything to life.

If you’re a fan of the best retro games of all time, you’ll love Fuga: Melodies of Steel, so make sure to play it when you can.

2. The Hand Of Merlin

The Hand of Merlin is a turn-based game with rogue and RPG elements, and it is absolutely filled with content.

In this game, players form a four-person team and venture through different worlds to save them from destruction.

Every member of the team has unique abilities that can be used in combat and improved as they gain levels.

There is also an element of permadeath, as if every member of your team dies, you will have to restart the game.

The map is full of locations to explore, all with a rich medieval setting that is very visually stunning.

Battles often take place against demonic foes and other humans, forcing players to utilize powerful attacks to stay alive.

Think of it as cosmic horror meets Arthurian legend, a strange blend, to be sure, but one that can keep you entertained for hours.

1. Ruined King: A League Of Legends Story

Taking our number one spot is an immersive turn-based RPG that is set up as a spin-off of League of Legends.

In this game, players explore the pirate city of Bilgewater, as well as the cursed Shadow Isles where the Black Mist resides.

The main goal is to uncover the secrets of the Black Mist while leading a team of six against numerous types of enemies.

Played from a top-down perspective, in combat, the world changes to a turn-based battlefield where you take turns trading blows with opponents.

Using the Initiative Bar, players can use their abilities, with each having their own time options.

You will have to plan attacks carefully since more powerful ones will take more time to execute.

Aside from the brilliant combat mechanics, the Ruined King offers a fantastic League of Legends story.

With the success of Arcane, which won an Emmy for animation, this is the perfect game to experience the world if you’ve never played League before. 

Summary

These are the 10 best turn-based PS5 games on the console right now, and they all provide an excellent gameplay experience.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these titles, as they each have a little something for everyone to enjoy.

If you haven’t yet checked out any of these games, make sure to add them to your must-play list because you don’t want to miss them.

Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best turn-based games for PS5:

1. Ruined King: A League Of Legends Story
2. The Hand Of Merlin
3. Fuga: Melodies Of Steel
4. Yakuza: Like A Dragon
5. The Dungeon Of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet Of Chaos
6. Phoenix Point
7. Circus Electrique
8. Disciples: Liberation
9. Kaiju Wars
10. Ghost Sync

What are your favorite turn-based PS5 games? Leave a comment below.