We already published the list of best GBA games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GBA turn-based strategy games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GBA definitely has a great library of turn-based strategy games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GBA and turn-based strategy games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#10. Defender of the Crown
- Release Data: Crawfish Interactive/Zoo Digital Publishing, 2002
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
This port brings a classic Amiga Commodore game to the Game Boy Advance, offering a bit of gaming history on the handheld.
In addition to defending your territory against incoming armies, you’ll amass your troops, rescue maidens, and even meet with the legendary Robin Hood!
Any fan of medieval warfare and castle sieges will surely enjoy this retro gem.
#9. Shining Force: Resurrection of the Dark Dragon
- Release Data: Amusement Vision/THQ, 2004
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This remake of the classic Sega Genesis game offers new playable characters, more difficulty options, new battles, and much more!
The game blends genres together, creating an adventure experience full of strategy and depth.
Also, the turn-based combat system offers tons of different enemy classes, unit-types, and battle layouts.
#8. Rebelstar: Tactical Command
- Release Data: Codo Games/Namco, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
This unique turn-based game is reminiscent of games like X-Com, where you and a squad of soldiers must engage in tough battles with alien invaders.
Each map has specific objectives that must be accomplished, so you’ll have to pay attention to unit specialties if you want to survive.
Basically a good game.
#7. Yggdra Union: We’ll Never Fight Alone
- Release Data: Sting, 2006
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » General
This fantasy epic ties together turn-based battles with an interesting card system resulting in a wholly unique portable adventure.
Playing as Princess Yggdra, you’ll fight through a series of large-scale military battles, ordering your troops and forming “unions” of soldiers.
As the game gets harder, you’ll have to think before acting, because one wrong move can put your army in danger.
#6. Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
- Release Data: Quest/Atlus, 2002
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
In this grid-based tactics game, players must make choices both on the battlefield and in the story.
There are various enemy and allied units to command, including humans, dragons, beasts, and much more.
There are five different endings for the story, and since the game takes over 20 hours to complete, this ensures you’ll have plenty of reasons to keep playing.
#5. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2005
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This sequel to Fire Emblem introduces new gameplay elements while retaining the excellent storytelling and easy-to-learn combat.
Players must be exceptionally cautious when ordering their army, as any unit that dies will be permanently dead for the rest of the game.
Besides the lengthy single-player campaign, players can face off in competitive multiplayer battles in the Link Arena.
#4. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
- Release Data: Square Enix, 2003
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This imaginative adventure combines an interesting plot with tried-and-true tactical gameplay to produce a Final Fantasy experience unlike any other.
To progress the story, you’ll have to complete missions with Marche and his party, which unlocks new locations on the overworld map.
The fun art style and engaging gameplay make this Final Fantasy Tactics title a must-own.
#3. Fire Emblem
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This epic fantasy adventure is easily one of the best strategy games of all time, providing a deceptively difficult challenge with an engrossing story.
The bright colors and easy-to-understand battle system makes the game simple at first, but the introduction of a perma-death feature provides ample challenge.
If you’re interested in strategy games, this is a great choice.
#2. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
This sequel to the original Advance Wars provides a similar tactical experience with a fresh graphical style and some added features.
Like before, players will command their army units in turn-based battles, learning the strengths and weaknesses of each unique unit.
Also, the campaign plays out in a non-linear fashion, allowing players to choose missions at their own pace.
#1. Advance Wars
- Release Data: Intelligent Systems/Nintendo, 2001
- Genre: Strategy » Turn-Based » Tactics
By offering a slew of amazing game modes and rich gameplay that was unseen outside of Japan before then, this landmark strategy title made a big impact on the Game Boy Advance.
In addition to the tutorial and main campaign, players can also dive into challenge maps, competitive multiplayer modes, or make their own battle arenas with the map editor.
Browse GBA Games By Genre
See also: Best GBC Games & Best GameCube Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GBA turn-based strategy game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
