[AnimeGamer]

4 Best Turn-Based Esports Games 2025

Gaming is a sport that is nearly 40 years old, and over the years it has seen multiple iterations from the golden days of platforms to the dominance of FPS games. Of all those eras one era stands heads and shoulders above the rest, and that is the turn-based era which was responsible for the advancement of gaming and inclusion in the mainstream media. Hence it would also make sense that games that follow the turn-based systems would also be included in the massive array of esports games. To that end, we have compiled a list of the best of the best turn-based esports games out there.


Table of Contents

1. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
   
2. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
   
3. Shadowverse
   
4. Battle Spirits Saga
   

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Figure 1-1. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

To start the list we have arguably the very first and longest-running turn-based esports game ever. It is none other than Pokémon or Pokémon VGC to be exact. As with the release of every new generation, the esports meta has changed and evolved. Such as the release of the recent generation 9 games Scarlet and Violet. This is due to the introduction of new Pokémon, moves, abilities, and the rejuvenation of old Pokémon. It also ensures that the esports meta never becomes stale and keeps changing to ensure that no one tactic remains supreme above the rest. Scarlet and Violet also introduced a new gimmick to the games that allows any Pokémon to change its type, which might seem uninspired to many casual players. But in actuality is the greatest shift to the VGC meta since the physical special split of generation 4. All of this factors into why the Pokémon Company with Nintendo is pushing the VGC to new heights as now they will hold yearly world championship tournaments where the best will compete for the title of Pokémon Master. They will also have a cash prize of 10,000 dollars and above. So what are you waiting for the mystical world of Pokemon awaits. It is also a Nintendo platform exclusive.

Figure 1-2. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet World Championships

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Figure 2-1. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Next, we have one of the best-rated card games on the market right now. Developed and published by Konami, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is by far one of the best games Konami has released in recent years. It treats new players with a level of care and respect rarely seen in multiplayer games. It acknowledges the fact that the series is a bit difficult to understand and henceforth does its best to remove hurdles new players might face. All of this is accomplished via a detailed tutorial that also instills the tactical thinking mindset into players and gives them tips to take full advantage of the turn-based mechanics. While all of this might seem counterproductive to developers the resources spent might not give a return on investment. A single look at the rising player count of the game and its esports is enough to silence any such claims. Speaking of said esports Konami in 2023 hosted the World Championships where they not only showed their continued support for the growth of the game but also gave prizes to the winners. Said prizes included limited edition cards in-game and real life. Alongside detailed illustrations from the creator of the series himself. So if you wish to join the rising tide of Yu-Gi-Oh! now is the best time to do so.

Figure 2-2. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel WCS

Shadowverse

Figure 3-1. Shadowverse

Last, on the list we have Cygame's most well-developed and crafted game ever, it is none other than Shadowverse. The game has managed to claw its way to the top via the hard work of it is developers and the countless updates that have evolved the game from a simple card collector to something much more. The game now features beautifully drawn art in the cards that are not static allowing them to shift and change with the different effects in play. It also helps players more clearly understand the upgrade mechanic of the cards. Cygames has also invested heavily in creating a whole new world for the game to take place in and also sends out major story content updates which keep them from getting stale and repetitive. All of these factors are why the game has such a dedicated esports scene where players from all over the world gather for two major events. Them being the Rage Shadowverse and Shadowverse World Championships, events that gather the best of the best to duke it out for the title of the best player. Both events also have major cash prizes with the biggest being $2,293,296. So what are you waiting for games like this are once-in-a-lifetime occurrences.

Figure 3-2. Shadowverse Rage Championships

Battle Spirits Saga

Figure 4-1. Battle Spirits Saga Official Site

Next up we have Battle Spirits Saga. If you are new to gaming, you might not have heard of this turn-based old-school classic co-developed by Bandai Namco and Sunrise. It was first released in Japan in 2008 and then to the rest of the world the following year. As of today, Battle Spirits is available to play on Windows. 

Core to every collectible card game, Battle Spirits is played by two players, taking turns one after the other. Although a 4 player option is also available, duo matches are more popular. As of now, there are over 1900+ different unique cards spread across 5 different types: Spirit, Magic, Nexus, Brave, and Ultimate. 

To make things further strategic, there are colours denoting different capabilities of each card type. For instance, green cards are good at generating cores while blue cards have the power to demolish the opponent’s deck.

Figure 4-2. Battle Spirits Saga World Championship Logo

This rich yet satisfying gameplay has led organizers hold many prized tournaments for this collectible card game. One such recently held tournament is the Battle Spirits Saga World Championship that featured a mouth-watering $250K cash prize.